I've been to airshows where there were fighter jets flying around. It is impressive when they go zinging by at near supersonic speed even when they are quite a distance from the stands. They come streaking in, all the noise trailing behind; then as they pass, the sound slams into you. It is quite an experience.
When I look at those pics, there are two things that I note. First is how close the F-18 is during its high-speed pass. That would make it all the more impressive for a spectator. Second is that (because it is the stealth pass) there are many people who don't know it's coming and are turned the other way. I'm not sure I can adequately imagine how it would be to have a near-supersonic F-18 sneak up on you from behind at that range.
Also, if you look at the shockwave pics, the shockwave off the bottom of the plane is what is causing the white shockwave in the water. Very cool.
