South San Antonio High School students get autographs from members of the Blue Angels, the famed flight demonstration team from the U.S. Navy. Courtesy photo

Special to the Southside Reporter

A boisterous group of seniors at South San Antonio High School welcomed members of the Blue Angels, as the U.S. Navy pilots and crew paid a visit to encourage the students to continue to their education.

Lt. Mark Swinger and mechanic Ryan Donner were joined by two other members of the famed flight demonstration team in town to perform an early November show at Lackland Air Force Base.

Swinger, who flies a F-18 fighter jet in the diamond formation with the Blue Angels, told students how the U.S. Navy has allowed him to see the world.

The two Navy members took questions from the students, ranging from “have you ever flown at the speed of sound,” to “how long is a typical day for the Blue Angels?”

After the presentation, the Blue Angels signed autographs and took photographs with students and teachers alike.