LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana — The U.S. Navy’s fabled Blue Angels will headline the Chennault International Airshow in 2021.

The jet team will be the centerpiece of the event, which will take place June 5-6, 2021, at Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles.

Airshow Executive Director Mary Jo Bayles of DeQuincy made the announcement upon returning from the annual International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas.

“We’re thrilled for our next show in 2021,” Bayles said. “Mark your calendars early for it.”

It’s a return visit to Lake Charles for the Blue Angels after being away for decades — and they’ll be flying in new aircraft for their appearance.

Speaking from Chennault International Airport, where he is executive director, Melton said, “We are extremely excited and honored to have the Navy’s aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform. The efforts to bring this team of aviation professionals back to Southwest Louisiana has been in the works for years — and that effort has finally paid off.”

Melton added: “We hope that with the Blue Angels’ performance, we’ll also be able to attract other aerial demonstrations that have not come to Chennault in the past.”

Bayles said the Blue Angels will do more than fly their breathtaking precision routines.

“When they visit, they go out in the public and they visit schools,” she said. “”The first thing they asked about was what they can do in the community. They’ve heard so much about the hospitality in Southwest Louisiana. They’re excited to be coming — and so are we.”

The Airshow has been held biennially — in odd-numbered years — since the longtime local traditional was revived in 2013. There is no show in 2020.

“June 2021 will come fast, as preparation for that airshow began July 2019,” Melton said. “These airshows are a great community event and well worth the time and energy by a great team of volunteers who help plan and execute this dynamic event.”