Blue Angels will perform at Seafair this August

The Blue Angels will be coming to Seattle this year, despite a recent tragedy, and one of the pilots is a man from Kirkland.

The Kirkland pilot, Lt. Commander Craig Olson, 37, will replace Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Davis, 32, who died in an April 21st crash while the Blue Angels were performing in South Carolina. It was the first crash for the group since 1999. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

After the accident, the Blue Angels' schedule was up in the air. However Seafair officials announced Sunday afternoon that they will perform here as scheduled.

"The Blue Angels have been a major part of the Seafair family, and we deeply appreciate that the Blues are carrying on with their mission in spite of the recent personal loss of a team member and friend," Seafair President & CEO Beth Knox said.

Unlike most other airshows, all of the stunts in the Seattle show are performed over water, rather than over land.

"Our airshow by nature is very safe," said Dan Wartelle, a Seafair spokesman.

Olson has been practicing with the team for the past few weeks. He was a pilot with the team from 2003 to 2005. A Juanita High School graduate, he also narrated a show in Seattle in 2003.

The Seattle shows are Aug. 3-5, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. each day. In addition, there will be two practice sessions on Thursday, Aug. 2.