site.btaPresident Radev and Blue Angels Pilot Discuss Role of Fighter Aviation in National Security and Pride

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) pilot Frank Weisser discussed the role of fighter aviation not only as a tool of national security, but also in fostering national pride through demonstration flights, the President's press secretariat said on Saturday. 

The two noted that such activities are particularly important for young people, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and develop their potential. They agreed that fighter aviation is not only a vocation, but also instils patriotism and a sense of contribution to one's country.

Weisser, a veteran of the Blue Angels, motivates people by sharing his experience as a pilot and the values promoted by fighter aviation. He is the pilot of the F/A-18 Super Hornet featured in Top Gun: Maverick, in which Tom Cruise occupied the rear cockpit during aerial filming, the press secretariat said.

Radev, a former Air Force commander, invited Cmdr. Weisser to return to Bulgaria and meet with young people.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the US Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach, with the goal of inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country, according to the squadron's website. Since its inception, the team has flown for more than 500 million spectators worldwide.