Marine aircraft, tanks, weapon systems, robots and literally tons more on display next to Blue Angels launch pad

SEATTLE, July 17, 2014--The Marines and the Navy are in full force at The Museum of Flight's biggest-ever Need For Speed Festival during the last week of Seafair, July 30-Aug. 3. The Navy Blue Angels return to their traditional Seattle launch pad next to the Museum, while the Marines take over the parking lot with a sprawling display of their current combat machines ranging from an Abrams tank to a MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor helicopter.

During the Aug. 2-3 weekend, the Festival offers all of the Marine Corps exhibits, live outdoor music, food by McCormick and Schmick's, a beer garden and the best seats in town for the Blue Angels' thunderous takeoffs. Inside of the Museum, legendary SR-71 Blackbird pilot Brian Shul returns with his popular presentations at 2 p.m. Aug. 1-3. All events are free with admission to the Museum. The Museum will be extending its hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30-Aug. 3.

The Marines will also display their Harrier and F/A-18 fighters, and a Cobra helicopter. Large displays inside and outside of the Museum will feature the latest equipment in the Marines' arsenal, vehicles and support equipment. The exhibits are part of the official Marine Week Seattle program.

Image: MV-22 Osprey. Marine photo.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Schedule
PRACTICE - Thursday, July 31: 10 a.m. to Noon, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
PERFORMANCES - Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

See more information about Need For Speed Festival online.
See more information about Marine Week Seattle online.

Museum of Flight News Releases
Access this and all other Museum of Flight news releases online at:
www.museumofflight.org/press/archives

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The independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually. The Museum's collection includes more than 160 historically significant air- and spacecraft, the original manufacturing facility of The Boeing Co., and the world's only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museum's aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 100,000 individuals are served annually by the Museum's on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $16 for active military, $11 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. McCormick & Schmick's Wings Café is on site. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org

Mike Bush
Director of Marketing
and Public Relations
253.307.3225

Ted Huetter
Public Relations
and Promotions Manager
206.455.5360