KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Eight years into his Navy career, Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Michael Hearn is flying high on the crew supporting the famed Blue Angels.
Up for orders after recruiting duty, Hearn — who didn’t think he would be selected — followed his dreams, applied to the Blue Angels, and was selected for the 2015 show season. He’s been there for about a year and a half now on a three-year tour.
“We come from the fleet, and we go back to the fleet,” Hearn said. “It’s one of the things we are most proud of.”
Hearn’s team maintains the paint scheme and stickers for the aircraft used in the flight demonstration team's shows.
“It’s the epitome of team work and family,” Hearn said of the Blue Angels. “You preach that the military is a huge family, but this place lives it, every day. Day in and day out. We have each other’s back.”
The Blue Angels are accepting applications.
“Don’t be afraid to at least try,” Hearn said. “Chase your dreams. Don’t ever let anybody tell you no … I honestly never thought I would make the team, but I wouldn’t have known unless I put an application in.”
The Blue Angels' next performance is at the Air Power Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, this weekend.. There complete schedule is available at https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/show/
Email: tibbetts.meredith@stripes.com Twitter: @mjtibbs
