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THE BLUE ANGELS

Star-Spangled 200 Air Show Announced for June, 2012

MIDDLE RIVER, MD (December 1) - Today Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz joined Maryland Transportation Deputy Secretary Darrell Mobley, and Major General James Adkins to welcome the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Maryland and to announce the Star-Spangled Air Show. The air show will take place June 16-17, 2012 during Star-Spangled Sailabration, Maryland's international maritime and air festival that kicks off the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in Maryland.

"We are pleased to host the Blue Angels as we continue our celebration of The Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "With the raising of that banner, Maryland - this center state - became the centerpiece of our nation's hopes. And so now, 200 years later, Maryland is the centerpiece of our nation's commemoration of the War of 1812. We hope that all Marylanders and visitors to our State will join us in celebrating our revolutionary history."

The Blue Angels, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, will be performing in Baltimore for the first time during the Star-Spangled Air Show, a two-day event featuring multiple acts flying above the waters of Fort McHenry. The Blue Angels are in Baltimore to conduct familiarization flights of the local area in advance of their performance.

"Baltimore County communities and citizens played a critical role in the War of 1812 and we are delighted to host the Blue Angels next June as they headline the air show," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. The Blue Angels will be based at Martin State Airport where a community-wide festival will also be held.

"Just like the defense of Baltimore in 1814 was a collaborative effort with the regular army, militia, sailors, citizens, and merchants, so will be the celebration 200 years later," said Major General James A. Adkins.

Star-Spangled Sailabration is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Baltimore and the region and contribute to the economy through increased hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and spending at shops and retail outlets. The June events are also expected to attract significant national and international media coverage.

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About Star-Spangled Sailabration (June 13-19, 2012)

Star-Spangled Sailabration is the national launch of the War of 1812 bicentennial. An international maritime and air festival in the Baltimore region and the Chesapeake Bay, this week-long event will feature dozens of tall ships and naval war ships, unveiling of public art, the premiere of a new symphonic work, and the Star-Spangled Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. To learn more: visit www.starspangled200.com

About Star-Spangled 200, Inc.

Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the fundraising goals of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and is charged with helping to ensure the realization of successful programs, events, and community investment during the three-year commemoration period. For more information: visit www.starspangled200.com

About the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

Established by Governor Martin O'Malley, the commission is staffed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism Film and the Arts. The bicentennial period runs from June 2012 through February 2015. It commemorates Maryland's unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal battle that led to an American victory and the birth of "The Star-Spangled Banner." For more information: visit www.starspangled200.org

About the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

The Blue Angels' mission is to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. For more information: visit www.blueangels.navy.mil

About Martin State Airport

Martin State Airport is located in Middle River, Maryland, about 11 miles east of downtown Baltimore. Serving as the State's primary general aviation reliever airport, Martin State is operated by the Maryland Aviation Administration on behalf of the Maryland Department of Transportation. Today, there are over 250 aircraft based at MTN, including those from the Maryland Air National Guard. For more information: visit www.martinstateairport.com