Spectators traveled from neighboring towns to secure viewing spots outside the airport gates rather than visiting the crowded beaches.
Kimberly Rinyu, 49, of West Babylon, said she would be there all weekend, preferring to watch the precision takeoffs and landings up close.
Gabrielle Maccarino, 32, of Massapequa, noted she had never seen anything like it and found the aircraft surprisingly large up close.
Crew chief Cody Farrell, a Mastic Beach native, said it was an honor and privilege to return to Long Island for the exhibition.
His mother Kathleen Farrell expressed pride in his journey from considering the Navy to becoming part of the Blue Angels.
Navy Lt.
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Chris Houben, known as Blue Angel No. 3, said the weekend felt special from the moment he stepped out of the jet.
