Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) presented the U.S. Navy Blue Angels with Presidential Challenge Coins he had received from President Donald Trump.
Red, White, and Blues Week
The presentation was part of Pensacola's Red, White, and Blues Week, when the Blue Angels perform their famed exhibition flight show on the beach, usually held the week after Independence Day.
"The Blue Angels represent the very best of America," said Rep. Patronis in a press release. "As the home of Naval Aviation, Northwest Florida is proud to be the birthplace of this legendary team. It was an honor to bring a piece of the Panhandle to the White House, and it is a privilege to present these Presidential Challenge Coins to the heroes who continue to inspire millions of Americans."
Support for the Blue Angels
Rep. Patronis has introduced the Special Operating Authority for Rehearsal (SOAR) Act, a bill that allows the Blue Angels to continue performing during a government shutdown.
That bill came as a result of the November shutdown that prevented the Angels from performing their Homecoming Airshow, which the Florida congressman blamed on Senate Democrats refusing to vote in favor of a continuing resolution (CR).
"Their political games aren't just stalling Washington; they're hurting real people here at home. The Blue Angels represent excellence, service, and unity, but Democrats in the Senate have chosen division and dysfunction," Patronis said in November. "This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, a milestone that should be celebrated with pride, not spoiled by far-left, partisan hackery."
He continued, "While far-left lunatics refuse to fund the government, it's our servicemembers, military families, and local economies who are being punished. It's time for Democrats to stop holding America hostage and reopen the government so that Congress can do our jobs and American families can put food on their tables."
Nevertheless, Patronis had also managed to secure $12 million for critical hangar repairs at the Naval Air Station Pensacola.
