I happened to be passing through SF a week ago while the Blue Angles were
doing their thing. There is no airshow like that anywhere else! The Blues
manage to buzz around the downtown buildings several times during the show,
and even go beat up several other bay area communities. I know of no other
military shows that are done directly over the heads of the observers. Even
though most of the fancy maneuvers are done over the bay, there are
hundreds, perhaps thousands, of boats out there.

The show is so popular that there are virtually no parking spots in the
city. We were forced to crawl through the streets and crane our necks the
best way possible. Mine hurt for a week!

There were only a few ships tied up this year, a sure sign that our Prez is
keeping them busy elsewhere. There were plenty of sailors in town, and they
all looked happy. I wish I has gotten that opportunity in my Navy days!

Getting on a ship for a tour was very difficult. You had to be in line for
a ticket early in the morning and then return later for your tour.

Before you die, be sure to make Fleet Week in San Francisco, it is a sight
you will never forget.

Vaughn