The legendary Blue Angels, this year helping to celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S. Navy aviation, were a highlight at the recent 2011 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti. Sponsoring this year was the 124,000-member Genisys Credit Union in Auburn Hills. Above, the Angels fly their F/A-18 Hornets over the crowd in “Four Ships” formation. The Navy pilots and their Blue Angel fighter jets are 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-era trainer, a Vaultee SNV-1 Valiant.

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

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

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

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

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