The excitement for the Blue Angels built on Wednesday, May 13, as maintenance crews had to move the fleet of C-5s, to make room for the weekend air show.

The arrival of Fat Albert!

The first glimpse of the Blue Angels' very first air show at Westover: The delta formation -- streaking in over Springfield, lines up for approach to Runway 5.

I particularly enjoy opportunities like this -- photographing one of the world's premier aerobatic teams in their element as the pilots get their first views of the airfield. They would spend these moments and Thursday and Friday getting familiar with the entire airfield.

The boss, beginning his pull-up, begins the tactical pitch-up.

Truly impressive!