Blue Wahoos Host Powerful Gala With Blue Angels/Marine Corps Ball In 250th Anniversary Year

The fireworks display had just finished and members of the U.S. Marine Corps in full uniform gathered near second base at Blue Wahoos Stadium for a keepsake photo.

It created a poignant moment Nov. 17 at the annual Blue Angels/Marine Corps Ball which occurred at the stadium in this 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps formation.

With pilots and crew members of the Blue Angels, the Navy’s famous Flight Demonstration Squadron headquartered at Naval Air Station-Pensacola, along with Marine Corps officers stationed at the base, it was a local celebration of two of the powerful branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The military personnel were joined by wives and girlfriends in a gala event at the Hancock Whitney Club level of the ballpark. The fireworks were a final touch in the celebratory evening with most of the military members on the field watching the show. Many in the group then ran the bases, savoring the opportunity.

“It really did strike me. In the nine years I have worked at the stadium I can confidently say I have not seen a group of adults that joyful to be experiencing the field,” said Shannon Hannah, the Blue Wahoos events manager, who helped set up and coordinate the commemorative occasion.

“And we did not have anything special happening out there,” she said. “We didn’t have batting practice set up, we didn’t have anything extra. But they simply just enjoyed the experience of being on the field, racing each other around the bases, they were laughing, having a great time. It was just wonderful to see them experience such joy.”

The powerful evening began with an invocation, a moment of silence, then a video address from the 39^th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith.

The gala included a full-course buffet provided by the Blue Wahoos’ food and beverage team from RS-3, led by general manger Eric Kroll, executive chef Travis Wilson, sous chef Carl Sackman and their team.

The field, the setting combined to offer a special venue on a milestone anniversary year. There were tributes and proclamations. Keeping with the tradition, a large cake with the Marine Corps logo was part of the festivities. The oldest member of the Marine Corps stationed in Pensacola cut the first piece of cake to present to the youngest member stationed here.

There was music, dancing and good-natured jabs provided by officers taking the microphone. The was also a commemorative video of the U.S. Marine Corps and their connection with the U.S. Navy. The Navy was officially formed on Oct. 13, 1775. The Marine Corps followed on Nov. 10, 1775.

The Blue Angels were officially created on April 24, 1946 as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squad, following the end of World War II. All of this special history was showcased during the recent gala at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

“I was just so honored to be in the presence of that room, among these military men and women, all in military uniforms,” Hannah said. ”Many of them have experienced such things in their life to protect us. It makes me feel so grateful and what an honor that they came to celebrate such a special occasion with such a special group at our stadium.”