The U.S. Department of Defense announced yesterday that the Blue Angels will demonstrate the spectacular power and precision of their F/A-18 Hornet jets at the August 30, 31 and September 1 Cleveland event. The complete 2008 Blue Angels schedule was released at the annual International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas , Nevada .

The six "Blues" demonstration pilots will thrill air show fans with a one hour choreographed presentation that includes the graceful aerobatics of the four plane Diamond Formation, exciting high energy opposing maneuvers by the two solo pilots and a JATO demonstration by the Blue Angles C-130 Hercules support aircraft affectionately known as "Fat Albert".

Cleveland 's 2008 edition of the annual aerial extravaganza will also recognize NASA's 50th Anniversary. "2008 will be a special year," said Air Show Executive Director Chuck Newcomb, "NASA has powered us into the 21 st century with technological innovations and scientific discoveries in Aeronautics, Exploration Systems, Science and Space Operations. The Air Show will celebrate NASA's past and promising future with unique exhibits and aircraft."

The 2008 show will include high energy civilian aerobatic performers and WWII aircraft with pyrotechnics. Plus Shockwave, the world's fastest triple engine jet truck, will race down the runway twice a day. Further military presence will include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and military tactical demonstrations. The excitement will be on the ground as well with a display of almost 50 aircraft, educational exhibits, tanks, simulators, aviation souvenirs and more.

Advance General Admission tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets are $2 more at the gate. For more information, please visit www.clevelandairshow.com or call (216) 781-0747. The Cleveland National Air Show presented by Discount Drug Mart is produced by Cleveland National Air Show, Inc. a not-for profit Ohio Corporation. High-resolution photos of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels can be found at: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/