The legendary Blue Angels, this year helping to celebrate the100th anniversary of U.S. Navy aviation, were a highlight at therecent 2011 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport inYpsilanti. Sponsoring this year was the 124,000-member GenisysCredit Union in Auburn Hills. Above, the Angels fly their F/A-18Hornets over the crowd in “Four Ships” formation. The Navy pilots and their Blue Angel fighter jetsare based in Pensacola, Fla., during the show season and El Centro,Calif., during the training months.

Among the other aircraft on display was this World War II-eratrainer, a Vaultee SNV-1 Valiant.

Fueling up before the flight is a manual process for this pilotbefore he takes his craft to the skies.

This two-winger needed walked out to therunway before it put on a show for the crowd.

Getting up close to the aircraft was a popular thing to do forGenisys CU's guests at the air show.

Lisa Tyrrell, Ypsilanti branch manager for Genisys CU, isinterviewed during the show. Her CEO, Jackie Buchanan, said, “Itwas a great way for families to spend the day and learn about thehistory of our country and Navy aviation.”

A stirring sight was seeing the Yankee Air Museum's B-17 FlyingFortress, the “Yankee Lady”, take to the skies. The Flying Fortressplayed a pivotal part in the U.S. Army Air Force's role in thedefeat of Nazi Germany.