Medevak,

Congratulations on retiring from the Army. The Blue Angles support aircraft is a C-130T Hercules, affectionately known as Fat Albert. It carries spare parts and other gear so that the F-18s can put on a show. As part of the show, Fat Albert, demonstrates a short, field, 45 degree take off, assisted with 8 JATO rockets, quite impressive for a large aircraft. Since a Lazy Bee can perform a similar maneuver (with out rockets) and is not quite as slick looking as the F-18, Fat Albert seemed more appropriate. No offense was intended. Check out Fat Albert at the official Blue Angles website http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/index.htm