July 31st, 2003

Up with the Blues

Each year as tens of thousands gather in Seattle for the Seafair Air Show, I recall fondly the afternoon I flew with the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels. This photograph shows post-flight newspaper reporter Steve Berentson flanked by a maintenance crewman and Lt. Bruce Davey, who piloted the twin-seat A4 Skyhawk in which I was a passenger. The August 1977 photo was taken by NAS Whidbey Public Affairs Officer Jim Kennedy. The flight, one of several “media rides” for the Blue Angels that weekend, was an unforgettable experience. In searching my records for the date of this career highlight, I discovered a manila folder marked “Blue Angels.” It contains black and white glossy prints and a color binder … elements of a press kit from the 1964-65 demonstration team. I had forgotten the day my Dad came home from his job with U.S. Congressman Jack Westland to hand me this package of promotional material … exciting stuff that was guaranteed to inspire a 12-year-old boy’s fantasies. Little did I know that 13 years later I would be given the chance to fly with these guys! (See NAS Whidbey Memories in Activities section)

Steve Berentson

About Photographer Steve Berentson

A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

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Photos are available for use as prints and online use. Please contact me for pricing.

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$12 for 5 X 7 inch archival print, mailing included.

All Photos are © Steve Berentson. All rights reserved.

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PRINTS
$12 for 5 X 7 inch archival print, mailing included.

PHOTO LICENSING
Photos are available for use as prints and online use. Please contact me for pricing.

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A casual journal spotlighting
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