Wings of Blue hits the West Valley

Today I had the pleasure of hanging out with the Wings Of Blue that were out in full force in Buckeye AZ. The Wings of Blue, is the parachuting unit at the United States Air Force Academy, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The team operates as the 98th Flying Training Squadron,306th Flying Training Group, Air Education and Training Command.

Over the last several decades, the Wings of Blue has been one of the outstanding parachute units in the United States. Since 1967, cadets have dominated national intercollegiate parachuting, winning 21 national championships. They perform about 50 demonstrations each year, and have shown off their skills at the Copper Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and the Pro Bowl and most Air Force Falcons Football games. The team travels locally, nationally, and internationally to perform in air shows and competitions. Their stated mission is to: “Develop airmen through flight in its purest form–STAND IN THE DOOR!”

I had the opportunity to talk to Msgt Stokes about the team. There is a total 0f 46 members of the Wings in Blue, 20 cadet jumpers and 26 staff personal. The staff members also included the pilots and a photographer/videographer. The Wings of Blue are going to be in Buckeye for the next couple days training during the cadets holiday from the Air Force Academy. They are training for a competition in Eloy AZ at the end of December.  Phxspotters would like to thank Capt. Andrew Judkins OIC, Msgt Stokes (Superintendent), MSGT James Harker (Photographer/videographer).

Tags: Air Force Academy • Jason Bong • Sky diving • Twin otter • Wings of Blue