The Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore continued as the first of two scheduled air shows was conducted Oct. 6.

Aerobatic displays kept audiences captivated while observing from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. Feature performances included P-8A Poseidon flybys from the U.S. Navy; the United States Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, "Black Daggers;” public safety helicopter demonstrations; U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue demonstrations in MH-65 helicopters; Canadian F-18 demonstrations from the Royal Canadian Air Force and various other aircraft executing aerobatic maneuvers.

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore guests traveled far and wide to observe the air show from Fort McHenry.

One such guest was former U.S. Navy Sailor Mike Wolf, from Hanover, Pennsylvania, who served on the Des Moines-class heavy cruiser USS Newport News (CA-148) from 1969-1971.

“I thought the air show today was amazing,” said Wolf. “It will inspire the young children here today to join the military and it will definitely leave an impression.” Wolf has attended all of the previous Baltimore Fleet Week air shows with his son, Jeremy.

“It would have been great to have had the opportunity to attend events like the air show when I was younger,” said Wolf. “I only learned about the air shows six or seven years ago and now I bring my son to all of them.”

The many children in attendance were especially impressed.

“I wish I could pick a favorite airplane but they’re all so cool,” said Colton, 7. “It’s too hard to pick and I think they’re all my favorite.”

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, were unable to perform due to inclement weather conditions but are slated to fly Sunday, Oct. 7.

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore, which takes place from Oct. 3-9, is Baltimore’s celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Maryland and the city of Baltimore to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.

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