BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Two members of U.S. Navy Blue Angels made a pit stop in Owensboro for a “winter visit” as they plan for the Owensboro Air Show in 2024.

Lieutenant Connor O’Donnell and Lieutenatnt Commander Brian Vaught will perform in the show which is scheduled to take place Sept. 13-15, 2024.

Vaught said, “We’re here to get our eyes on the area. Every air show is different, there are hazards, towers, bridges, terrains. Safety is our number one concern.”

This will be the first time Blue Angel Pilots have performed in the Owensboro Air Show since 2012. The pilots will showcase maneuvers that are taught to all Navy and Marine Corps pilots, and will be pull off those maneuvers in different planes. The pilots will perform the stunts at approximately 700 miles per hour, which is just under the speed of sound.

Vaught said, “It’s what the Department of Defense trains you to do. We just showcase that to the American public. It’s a lot of fun. This is the F-18 super hornet, and we’ll bring several of those back to the show and then the C-130J.”

The mayor of Owensboro paid tribute to the pilots’ training and service.

Mayor Tom Watson said, “Everyone is kinda wrapped up with the planes. I’m more wrapped up with these dudes.”

Vaught claims that although the show is about showcasing military skills and safety procedures, he’s also using his career to inspire young kids.

Vaught said, “If we inspired one child to do something great with their life, then we accomplished our goal.”