Blue Angels award Challenge Coins

The five Challenge Coins with their respective certificates awaiting their recipients at Miramar.

On July 17, 2017, the Blue Angels awarded their Challenge Coins to the pilots of the SL Patrouille de France who flew with them on this year's Independence Day Air Show, at Agrippa (see here). The coins were awarded in a simple but meaningful ceremony at NAS Miramar, the "beach home" of the Blue Angels. Attending the ceremony, were also other Patrouille de France pilots and the Bull Rock Hornets crew that provided SAR support during the ID4 event at CinSal Airport.

SL Armée de l'Air Patrouille de France Blue Angels Challenge Coin awardees:

- Col. Rhea Thor
- Lcl. Paterne Lefavre
- Cdt. Mara Klaber
- Cdt. Myrisse Loon
- Cne. Patoulou Resident

At that occasion, Colonel Rhea Thor presented the Bl;ue Angels with evocative 2017 American Tour medals, the tour emulated by the SL Armée de l'Air Patrouille de France on their visit to Agrippa and the participation on the USA Independence Day celebrations. Each Blue Angel pilot that flew on ID4 got an individual medal and two larger medals were awarded for display at Miramar and Eagles Nest.

Following the ceremony, the SL Patrouille de France had a practice at Miramar with no less than seven aircraft. Blue Angels pilots CAPT. Asra kron and LCDR. Jenny Kaz took the back seat with Athos 1 and 2 and went along for the ride. NAS Miramar is at the PAFsl disposal for open air practices over the Aldabra Sea and hopefully we will see them in our skies often after the vacations season.

CAPT. Kron and LCDR. Kaz did the honors at Miramar.

From left, Lcl. Lefavre, Col. Thor and Cdt. Klaber front and center.

Coins awarded. The Blues salute the French pilots.

Seven Alphajets at Miramar for take off! A rare sight.

First PAFsl practice at Miramar. To be repeated!

The 2017 American Tour large medal on permanent display at NAFEN.

Note: Cdt. Myrisse Loon and Cne. Patoulou would receive their challenge coins later as they were not available to be at Miramar due to their real life commitments.

CAPT. Asra Kron
Angel 7