Volunteers prepare for Ypsi PRIDE Day
May. 13, 2010 · 7:09 a.m.
Each year, residents in and around the city of Ypsilanti carry on a tradition started by a group of community members enrolled in a city leadership program, a sort...read more
Bicycles zoom as flowers bloom
Apr. 30, 2010 · 2:11 p.m.
The weather has turned, the trees are budding and the flowers are popping out of the ground; time for a cruise through town. But don’t be so quick to hop in the...read more
Sheriff Clayton visits Ypsilanti Township
Apr. 29, 2010 · 12:59 p.m.
About 50 Ypsilanti Township residents gave the Washtenaw County Sheriff Office their input about law enforcement in the community Tuesday evening.
The information...read more
Local photographer raising funds for Ypsi Project exhibit
Apr. 20, 2010 · 2:20 a.m.
Ypsilanti has many faces, and Erica Hampton wants to share a few of them with you.
Over the past year, Hampton created the The Ypsi Project, a series of portraits...read more
Savoy taking shape as live music venue
Apr. 17, 2010 · 2:38 p.m.
Ypsilanti's newest concert venue is preparing for its grand opening weekend April 23, more than a month after its soft opening March 13.
Formerly Club Divine,...read more
Photo by Christine Laughren
The Blue Angels flew into town Thursday morning for the Thunder Over Michigan Air show this weekend at Willow Run Airport. Cmdr. Greg McWherter, above, said meeting people at air shows is the best part of his job.
Air show begins today, continues tomorrow at Willow Run Airport
Jul. 17, 2009 · 10:40 a.m.
In a little less than two hours the pilots traveled from Florida - where 100-degree temperatures dominate the humid climate - to the moderate and sunny skies of Ypsilanti.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flew into Willow Run Airport Thursday to ready for Thunder Over Michigan, a two-day air show that starts today, runs through Saturday and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Standing relaxed after the short flight from Florida, Cmdr. of the Blue Angels Greg McWherter, also known as “The Boss,” said his job as flight leader for the Blue Angels is a demanding one to say the least.
He explained, maneuvers performed by the Blue Angels are unique and challenging compared to other flying around the fleet due to the standards and the precision of the flying.
“Our standards are extremely hard and the flying is certainly demanding,” McWherter said, with his fleet of Boeing F/A – 18 Hornets, looming over his shoulder. “There will be times you will see us flying within 18 inches of each other.”
That proximity can happen at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour according to McWherter who, as commanding officer, also oversees the care, feeding and welfare of 130 Navy and Marine Corps.
The best part about being “The Boss,” a title given to all commanding officers of the Blue Angels is meeting and talking with people at air shows McWherter said.
“If you like what you do, it’s really easy to talk about and if you are excited about the Navy and the Marine Corps like I am its really easy to get other people excited about it,” McWherter said. “There’s nothing better than going to the crowd line after the show and seeing the faces.
“And its not just kids, it’s young and old alike, men, woman, no mater what your demographics there are very few frowning faces at an air show.”
But it’s not just the Blue Angels that are going to bring smiles to the faces of Thunder Over Michigan attendees. The F-16C Fighting Falcon, the C-130 Hercules aircraft will also make an appearance at the show.
“We’ve got some great civilian and other military acts that are going to be flying here, it’s going to be a wonderful weekend,” McWherter said.
Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect that the event runs from Friday through to Sunday.
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