Most people looked to the air on the Fourth of July to watch exploding rockets, missles, roman candles, torches, flares and other pyrotechnics while some people in Eau Claire, WI watched something even more spectacular.

The Blue Angels.

And leading the Blue Angels at the Chippewa Valley Air Show last weekend was Maj. Mark Hamilton, formerly of Becker.

 

Hamilton, a naval aviator with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 has been part of the 2015 Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron since last August. Hamilton, 37, is a 2000 graduate of Purdue University and a 1996 graduate of Becker High School.

 

At last weekend’s show in Wisconsin, Hamilton and six other Blue Angel pilots flew their jets in unison at times just 18 inches apart from each other, as the crowds “oohed” and “ahhed” just like they would during a nighttime fireworks show.

 

Hamilton and his fellow pilots start winter training in January for two to three times per day, six days a week. That training lasts about 2.5 months before show season begins. 

 

The pilots begin training at least 12 to 18 feet apart and inch closer together with each practice session. Hamilton said all of the pilots have tactical experience and the Angel’s performances include tactical maneuvers that are done closer to the ground than typical for the sake of public viewing. 

 

“You figure out where your comfort is and don’t go past it,” Hamilton said.

 

Taxpayers front $38 million each year to support the Blue Angels.

 

Last Saturday’s show began at 8:30 a.m. with the Blue Angels soaring the skies at around 3 p.m.

 

130 people comprise the Blue Angels team which includes the pilots, an events coordinator, maintenance crews and flight surgeons.

 

“The mission of the Blue Angels is to inspire excellence and then showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Marine Corps and Navy,” said Hamilton. “We do it to show the American public what their armed forces are doing.”

 

Mark has been in the Marine Corps for 15 years, 13 of those years he’s been flying the C-130 Hercules aircraft, affectionately known as "Fat Albert." the pilot of Fat Albert must be aircraft commander qualified with at least 1,200 flight hours. 

 

Demonstration pilots, the events coordinator, maintenance officer and flight surgeon serve two years with the squadron. The other officers typically serve three years with the team. Blue Angels officers return to the fleet after their tours of duty. 

 

Hamilton is married (Janet) and the Hamiltons have two children (ages 10 and eight). They currently live in Florida.

 

Mark’s mother, Judy, and father, John, live in Clear Lake. John and Judy have three other sons and two daughters.