The Blue-Green Angels

By Matt Sloustcher, GreenPepper

Watching The Blue Angels soar over the San Francisco skyline this weekend was an amazing sight, one that I look forward to annually. This year, however, there was a new sound in the air. Since practice sessions began on Thursday, greenies have been grumbling about wasted jet fuel and the general environmental degradation caused by the event. I witnessed most of this online, but others mentioned it as we stood on my roof watching the sky. It should come as no surprise; in this new era of social responsibility, everything is being called out. There was tremendous fallout last week when the President and first lady took separate jets across the Atlantic to lobby on behalf of Chicago’s Olympic bid, for example.

On gut reaction alone, my feeling is that the tradition should live on. In addition to pure entertainment value, arguments can be made that the show boosts the Navy’s recruiting potential and inspires people to think about public service. But I wonder, shouldn’t the Navy use this opportunity to educate people on the efforts it is taking to clean up its act? For example, the Navy is pouring millions into researching alternative fuels and other forms of energy, but the Website makes no mention. If I had my way, the Navy would showcase its current efforts and make a pledge that they will work to make the event carbon neutral within a decade. That’s leadership.

Comments

[Michael Blankenship]

Insightful post. Glad to hear you enjoyed the show. As a former member of the Blue Angels (2000 - 2004), we regularly heard the grumblings of the environmentalists and anti-military groups in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their opinions are respected, but they do pale in comparison to the throngs of fans and pro-military supporters who come out to view the annual Blue Angels performances and other Fleet Week festivities.

The three principle complaints:
1. Jet noise -- There is not much that can be done about the jet noise. The city picks the location for the air show, and there aren't many other locations in San Francisco that can accommodate 500,000 people safely other than along the waterfront.
2. Bad for the environment -- Most complaints about the impact on the environment stem from the smoke produced by the jets during a flight demonstration. The Blue Angels use an environmentally safe and friendly paraffin wax smoke oil that has no impact on the environment.
3. Waste of fuel -- The operating costs for the Blue Angels comes out of the Navy's recruiting budget. The Blue Angels are the Navy's primary advertising and recruiting tool. That said, the $15 million spent each year to conduct 70+ air shows around the country is a lot less than many companies spend on advertising. The expense of Blue Angels air shows helps recruit young men and women into the military so the freedoms many Americans take for granted continue to be safeguarded.

All that said, you are correct about the Navy is actively researching methods of alternative fuel--not only for its aviation programs but for its surface and submarine assets, too. A simple search on Navy.mil returns more than 300 results (http://bit.ly/3VrHgW) of ongoing efforts and accolades garnered by the U.S. Navy in alternative fuel research. Alternative fuel tests are currently underway for the Navy F/A-18 Hornet (the primary fighter/attack jet used by the Navy and flown by the Blue Angels)at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. I'm sure as those tests near completion and the use of alternative fuels become more prominent throughout the Navy, I'm sure you will see and hear more about those programs. The challenge is that in many instances with new programs, the Navy takes a cautious approach in ensuring new programs are safe and the results are substantial before loudly promoting them, and then has to navigate the bureaucratic red tape for the proverbial political thumb's up.

All said, I thank you and everyone else who enjoy and support the Blue Angels and the U.S. Navy. Ever consider donning the uniform? You'd make a great a Public Affairs Officer.

[Matt S]

Thanks, Mike, appreciate the thoughtful response - how great to have a firsthand perspective here! I think the Navy's cautious approach is a smart one, but I can't help but think there's a way to communicate current efforts without being overly optimistic. And, taking risks is the nature of the beast with greentech! I hadn't thought of donning a uniform, but the Navy's tremendous efforts in this area are compelling.