The wow' factor

By Staff
April 21, 2004
Wings over Meridian 2004 was a stunning display of the types of air power that helps keep America free and we offer grateful appreciation today to all parties that brought the show to town. It was a day for Naval Air Station Meridian to shine, and shine it did.
Weather conditions were near perfect. Through interviews and plane rides, local media were able to share with their readers and viewers an up close and personal look at the skilled pilots who fly in the Navy's precision demonstration team known as the Blue Angels. Indeed, all of the participants from vintage World War II aircraft to the variety of aircraft to Army parachutists to the ground personnel whose services are so valuable performed flawlessly.
We salute Capt. Jeff Dickman, NAS Meridian's commanding officer, and his staff. They were determined to bring the Blue Angels to Meridian an appearance that had been scheduled shortly after the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 had to be postponed and worked tirelessly to make this show happen.
The open-mouthed awe evident in so many photographs of the event is ample illustration that it was a huge success. If the Blue Angels' appearance helps entice young people to join the military to serve their country, then so much the better.
As the next dreaded round of military base closures approaches in 2005, we ask our readers to keep the images of Wings over Meridian 2004 clearly in their minds because we will be called upon soon to again show our personal support for NAS Meridian. This base is absolutely essential to the national defense.