Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets visit Boston

Thursday 11/17/11 - Boston, MA

        The US Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets made a visit to Boston, in preparation for next year's Navy Week and July 4th Celebration. 2 of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron's 8 fighter jets, Blue Angel #1 and #7, took to the sky over Boston for a test run to familiarize themselves with the local landscape. Their performance during next year's July 4th celebration will coincide with the War of 1812 ceremony during the program.

         Shortly after 12:30pm, the 2 fighter jets took off from Logan's runway 22R/4L heading out over Castle Island. After banking left around the Boston Harbor Island, the Blue Angels made a pass by the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and out over the Constitution, before banking left and passing over Boston and continuing south over Quincy. Although the Navy's press release stated that they would be making several passes over the city, the Blue Angels only made the one pass before disappearing towards the horizon.

         

        For over 65 years, the Blue Angels have put together an elite team of 16 Officers that range from Commanding Officer, tactical jet pilot, maintenance, public affairs, administrations, and aviation medicine. 

       The Commanding Officer, or "Boss", flies the #1 jet and is required to have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have previously been in command of a tactical flight squadron. Blue Angels #2-7 are flown by Navy and Marine Corps tactical jet pilots with an aircraft carrier qualification and a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours. The #8 jet is flown by the Events Coordinator who is a Naval Flight Officer of Weapons System Officer. #8 must also meet the same criteria as #2-7. 

        Aside from the Boeing F/A-18 Hornets, the Navy Blue Angels also utilize a Lockheed-Martin C-130 cargo ship, also known as "Fat Albert". The all-Marine flight crew is responsible for transporting road-crew personnel, supplies, and equipment to and from each show during their Air Show season.

*Information contained in this article taken from the Blue Angel's website. Fore more information, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil

Boston 3 Alarm fire 5-4-11

At approximately 5:30am Wednesday morning, the Boston Fire Department responded to 95 Commercial Wharf, Sarrouf Law LLP, for a working building fire. Boston Fire Ladder 1 and Engine 8 was first to respond and Capt. Mullane, L-1, immediately ordered a second alarm for heavy fire showing from the rear of the building.
The building was built on pylons in Boton Harbor, requiring the Boston Fire Marine Unit fire boat to respond. Divers also entered the water to fight the fire from below. At one point, almost 75 firefighters were on scene working the fireground. Due to the location and construction of the building, fighting the fire was difficult at times for firefighters, who continued to fight pockets of fire well into the morning. Initial damage estimates came in around $3,000,000 and the building is a total loss. 5 Firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, however all injuries are non-life threatening.

Information for this post provided by @BostonFire on twitter. www.twitter.com/BostonFire