Fleet Week

OAKLAND MAINTENANCE CENTER- Upon the closing of the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, the Blue Angels needed a place to stage their aircraft and support equipment. The closest government airport was the former Moffett Naval Air Station. This facility was located too far from the San Francisco waterfront, where the Blue Angels perform during the Fleet Week festivities.

In 1997, Mr. George Midwin from United Airlines conceived the idea of hosting the Blue Angels at the Oakland Maintenance Center, located at the Oakland Airport. In addition to a prime location for staging, the Oakland Maintenance Center provides superior security for the aircraft, equipment and crew.

Later in that year, the idea was put to a test and was successfully accomplished. Since then, a unique friendship has been established between the employees at United Airlines and the Blue Angels Demonstration Team.

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