The roar of jet engines over Chicago today didn't herald an alien invasion or a Cold War throwback, it was just the U.S. Navy Blue Angels tuning up for the weekend's Air and Water Show, according to NBC Chicago. These practice runs are setting the stage for Saturday and Sunday's high-flying free spectacle, which will showcase both military precision and aerobatic prowess along the lakefront.
Organizers project the crowd to exceed the million mark, as is tradition with what’s dubbed as America's largest air and water show. The program, running from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, will feature the Blue Angels which, as stated by the Chicago Sun-Times, "began their practices over the lake Thursday, screeching and flying for all to see — and hear."
A full lineup awaits the audience with aerial displays from both Navy and Marine Corps pilots showing off their skills in F/A-18 Hornets and F-35 jets, as well as Army and Air Force contributions with parachutists, cargo planes, and coastal rescue demonstrations. This weekend's star attractions, despite, and maybe because of the schedule shuffle due to the Democratic National Convention, also include newcomers like aerobatic expert RJ Gritter and the Trojan Phlyers team, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
