MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Air & Water Show kicks off this weekend in Milwaukee and one pilot said he is excited to fly in his hometown show.
To be a part of a group like the Blue Angels takes precision and guts. It’s a job that comes with a lot of honor and tradition. For Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stangel, it’s special.
“This is pretty spectacular,” Stangel said.
Stangel flies the number six. He’s been in the U.S. Navy for 11 years and has been a pilot with the Blue Angels for the past year and a half.
He is originally from Madison and still has family there. He said being in Wisconsin for the Milwaukee Air & Water Show is a treat for him.
He said he got a chance to go visit his family and see people he hadn’t seen for many years while making this stop in Milwaukee.
“Being home is always special,” Stangel said. “You love coming home because it reminds you of the summers you spent here. It’s always a great time. I also get to share what I love about Wisconsin with my teammates who have never been here before.”
Blue Angels structural mechanic Cody Farrell said this is his first trip to Milwaukee. He is exceed to be a part of the team and watch his teammates perform in a city like this.
“I really love the city, the people are amazing, the food is amazing, the scenery is definitely incredible.” Farrell said. “I will be back here in the future.”
This week has been a lot of prep work for the pilots and the entire team. They have gone through many practice flights and their routines. The hometown pilot said the solos may steal the show, but a lot of incredible maneuvers should be expected this weekend.
“The six ship demonstration plus the C130 you are going to see this weekend is going to be phenomenal,” Stangel said.
While at the Air & Water Show, make sure to look for that number six on the tail; a fellow Wisconsinite is buzzing by after putting in countless years to be part of the Blue Angels.