A spokesman for the team would not confirm the identity of the pilot removed from the team. In 1972, the Blue Angels were awarded the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for the two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. [70] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. The squadron's six demonstration pilots currently fly the F/A-18 Hornet in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still . The "Blues" perform at both military and non-military airfields, and often at major U.S. cities and capitals; also locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. Later that year, they embarked on a European tour to a dozen sites, including the Paris Air Show, where they were the only team to receive a standing ovation. [75][76] McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable differences in performance from inside the cockpit. Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. NB Neil Young and crazy horse: sleeps with angels Neil Young: prairie wind Nelson: after the rain No doubt: rock steady. Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-003 Lt.Cmdr. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms podcast and YouTube channel for the latest interviews. Harley Hall 4 June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during practice over. Zoe "SiS" Kotnik A member belonging to the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron has been suspended pending the findings in an ongoing investigation that kicked off in late January, according to U.S. Navy officials. [22] They changed their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an advertisement for the New York nightclub The Blue Angel, also known as The Blue Angel Supper Club, in the New Yorker Magazine. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. That year they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics. 1 . On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 17 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;[82] there were only three air shows in 2013. . The flight surgeon provides team medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in each post-flight debrief. In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10, just hours before they performed for their hometown crowd at the 2021 Pensacola Beach Air Show. That same year, on October 25, the Blue Angels were reactivated and resumed demonstrations in the newer F9F-5 Panther. Jeff Kuss, 32, is still ongoing, but a Blue Angels spokesman confirmed that the team will be flying. Lt. [37][38] The F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" was relegated to solo aerobatics before the main show, until it crashed on takeoff at a training show in Pensacola on 24 April 1950, killing "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. The pilots signatures appear below the photo. )", "Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. "First Blue: The story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels" by Robert K. Wilcox, Thomas Dunne Books/St.Martins Press, 2004, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 18:38. [35], In 1949, the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites. [1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. [72] The squadron canceled performances at the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 45 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 1112 June to allow additional practice and demonstration training under McWherter's leadership. Only in the past decade has the Navy allowed women to fly fighter jets. [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. [47] The Blue Angels began relocating to their current home at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,[48] and it was here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, a couple of years after the end of World War II. [87], The Blues officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020. Dick Oliver 2 September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger and was killed at the. Ronald Thompson 18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation loop. In a precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority number one. [56][57] He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. [10][11] The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.[12]. The rest of the season was cancelled after this incident. The officer selection process requires pilots and support officers (flight surgeon, events coordinator, maintenance officer, supply officer, and public affairs officer) wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and flight records. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 Lt. Cmdr. In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season. "It's just a matter of time. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[8]. Usually, two back seats rides are available at each air show; one goes to a member of the press, and the other to the "Key Influencer". In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5million people. Lt. Larry Watters 14 February 1972: killed when his F-4J Phantom II struck the ground, upright, while practicing inverted flight, during winter training at NAF El Centro. [62], In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. Governor of Indiana presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr. The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and is currently the oldest formal flying aerobatic team. As in year's past, the Museum is host the planes and pilots during their stay, but this year is different--the Blue Angels are in our very own parking lot, offering an up-close-and-personal view. The Blue Angels' first female pilot September 1, 2016 By Jill W. Tallman U.S. Marine Corps Capt. [53][54] The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting. A typical week during the season has practices at NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Average pilot age: 33 years old. A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron. [citation needed], In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing. Gerald Larson Solo 1961-1962 The Blue Angels began this season in mid-April, at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Fla., which was held with some pandemic-related protocols in place, Huckeba said. In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. The Blue Angels Demonstration Team currently flies the F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, an aircraft with both fighter and attack capabilities. It was their first supersonic aircraft. The Blue Angels is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the US Navy and Marine Corps. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was able to land his airplane, which then required a complete right wing replacement. He's the "boss" as flight leader and pilot of the Number 1 aircraft. The team flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years from 1986 through 2020. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-136 Al Taddeo, the oldest living former pilot of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, gives a thumbs.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-002 Lt. Todd Royles, events coordinator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Dave Tickle.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-010 Lt. Todd Royles, the events coordinator before leaving for preseason visits. The three bad-boy bachelors of Snowdon, Maine have to make a friend's Christmas Eve wedding on time or die trying! Some of the maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once, such as opposing passes (toward each other in what appears to be a collision course) and mirror formations (back-to-back, belly-to-belly, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). [28][29][30][31], The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973. All of the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty and the demonstration squadron was disbanded. In May, the team went to the west coast on temporary duty so the pilots and the rest of the team could become familiar with jet aircraft. Welcome to the team. Coming out of Mounds View, Minnesota, Amanda Lee will be a F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilot during the 2023 show season. [3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators. [86], In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Blue Angels flew over multiple US cities as a tribute to healthcare and front line workers. Blue Angel No. In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,[52] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines. LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling were returning from a practice flight before an air show when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia. It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster. Speeds: Between 120 . They do not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, interfering with that stability. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. The first Blue Angels pilots were Naval Advanced Training Command flight instructors with wartime experience flying the F6F Hellcat, so it was a natural fit for the exhibition to team to fly. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). The Navy . Current Blue Angel Pilots L Lieutenant Amy Tomlinson Lieutenant Ben Walborn Lieutenant Commander Frank Weisser Lieutenant Jim Tomaszeski Lieutenant Robert Kurrle, Jr M Major Christopher Collins Categories Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted. In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the . Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. John Fogg, Lt. Marlin Wiita, and Lt. Cmdr. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow, high angle of attack "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (landing gear down) formation loop.[59][60]. Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying the support aircraft Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform at the Bethpage Air Show over Jones Beach in New York in 2022. On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. The Navy said one of the individuals was a man and the other a woman, one a Marine and the other from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the situation. Lt. Bill Worley (Opposing Solo) 14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a practice double Immelmann. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo) April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fire during a show at. The Blue Angels, the US Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, has selected the first female fighter jet demonstration pilot for their upcoming season. [3] After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. [77][78], On 1 March 2013, the U.S. Navy announced that it was cancelling remaining 2013 performances after 1 April 2013 due to sequestration budget constraints. On 7 June at Birmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 14) flew in diamond formation for the first time which is now considered the Blue Angels' trademark. McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II [67], On 21 April 2007, pilot Kevin "Kojak" Davis was killed and eight people on the ground were injured when Davis lost control of the No. Jul 18, 2022. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and road crew. The Blue Angels are scheduled to practice from noon to 4 p.m. today and 1: 20 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. Friday. [73][74], Between 2 and 4 September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the first time with a fifty-fifty blend of conventional JP-5 jet fuel and a camelina-based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally selected Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration team, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. Lt. Amanda Lee. [19], Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. Ronald Everett Narrator/Public Info. Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing) 14 June 1960: killed flying a, Lt. George L. Neale 15 March 1964: killed during an attempted emergency landing at Apalach Airport near, Lt. Cmdr. It is a thread that runs through the 75-year history of the Blue Angels. Support Pilot 1959-1961 Capt. To boost Navy morale, demonstrate naval air power, and maintain public interest in naval aviation, an underlying mission was to help the Navy generate public and political support for a larger allocation of the shrinking defense budget. Anthony W. Walley signs autographs for fans at Sherman Field.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Blue_Angels_(pilots_and_team)&oldid=44588716, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Mike Murphy, and ADJ1 Ron Thomas (Crew Chief) 26 July 1973: all three were killed in a mid-air collision between two Phantoms over Lakehurst, New Jersey, during an arrival practice. The Blue Angels perform for 11. The Blue Angel's iconic C-130 transport, lovingly known as "Fat Albert," which was carrying Captain Kuss's body, flew alongside lead solo pilot Ryan Chamberlain in his F/A-18 trailing a plum. In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger. Beginning in 1975, "Bert" was used for Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) and short aerial demonstrations just prior to the main event at selected venues, but the JATO demonstration ended in 2009 due to dwindling supplies of rockets. Val was just great. The Blue . Although there are only 6 Blue Angels aircraft at any one time, in the History of the Blue Angels, there has been a total of 272 pilots who have worn the coveted blue flight suit, first adopted in 1954. The group perfected its initial maneuvers in secret over the Florida Everglades so that, in Voris' words, "if anything happened, just the alligators would know". [19][90], The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and six support aircraft models:[91][92]. Her dream came true in 2011, when she received her wings. That tradition continues at the 47th. [34] By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 14 on the tail sections. . 6 Low transition/Immelman, Diamond 360 Aircraft 1-4 in their signature 18-inch wingtip-to-canopy diamond formation, Diamond Roll entire diamond formation rolls as a single entity, Opposing Inverted to Inverted Rolls 5 and 6, Diamond Aileron Roll all four diamond jets perform simultaneous. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. [4], As of November 2011, the Blue Angels received $37million annually from the annual Department of Defense budget. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. [33] On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows. In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team. The most recent Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in . A Navy Blue Angel pilot, formerly of Akron, was killed Monday when his jet crashed into the desert while the team was practicing loops, officials said. The USAF Thunderbird Association promotes a shared purpose to create a welcoming community for all past, current and future Thunderbirds and help preserve our history for generations to come. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [124][125], Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in action or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fire.[136]. Only six are used during demonstration flights (normally single-seat versions) and the rest are used as spares, if one of . Kuss had performed the maneuver too low while failing to retard the throttle out of afterburner, causing him to fall too fast and recover too low above the ground. The United States Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron has always been a favorite centerpiece of Seattle's annual Seafair celebration. Solo pilot Kevin Coleman push the limits of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane over Pensacola Beach. "I saw the Blue Angels fly when I was a young . Jeff Kuss (Opposing Solo, #6) 2 June 2016: died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his F/A-18 Hornet during a practice run for The Great Tennessee Air Show in, Lt. John R. Dewenter 2 August 1958: landed wheels up at, Lt. Ernie Christensen 30 August 1970: belly-landed his F-4J Phantom at, Cmdr. Larry (Hoss) Pearson reportedly was caught having a relationship with a subordinate officer", "Three-Time Blue Angels Boss Greg Wooldridge Launches Campaign for Governor", "Blue Angels Commander Cleared in Navy Scandal", "Freedom of Information Act Request: Russell Bartlett FOIA navy record", "Mannix Relieves Foley as Blue Angel's Commanding Officer", "Blue Angels boss prepares to turn over flying team", "Division of Leadership Education and Development Capt Ryan Bernacchi, USN", "Combat pilot in two wars led Blue Angels", "Smyrna Blue Angels fatal crash one of few in history; last in '07", "Blue Angels crash artifacts found 50 years later", "Narragansett Bay June 4, 1971 (May 30, 2015)", "Blue Angels Pilot Ejects Before Plane Crashes", "Pensacola son remembers father a Navy pilot and Blue Angel 50-year after tragic death", "Harley Hall:Vietnam POW (wearing gold flight suit-1971)", "Mythbusters Episode Features Blue Angels, June 10", "My incredible flight aboard the Blue Angels" By Charles Atkeison, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, Naval Forces Europe Naval Forces Africa, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, United States Armed Forces School of Music, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, United States battleship retirement debate, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue_Angels&oldid=1139358024, Aircraft squadrons of the United States Navy, Ceremonial units of the United States military, Articles with dead external links from November 2016, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles with dead external links from May 2016, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2020, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2016, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2022, Articles with trivia sections from March 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Fat Albert (C-130) high-performance takeoff (Low Transition), Fat Albert Parade Pass (The plane banks around the front of the crowd. Bud Wood 7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a demonstration in. Armatas will lead a squadron of 154 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. ", "Blue Angels commander steps down after subpar performance", "EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2011 Facts and Figures", "One-Off "Blue Angels" Ford Mustang Auctioned at Air Show", "Blue Angels Use Biofuel at Patuxent Air Show", "Blue Angels to Soar on Biofuel During Labor Day Weekend Air Show", U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances, "U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances", "Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to Resume Air Shows", "Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies (March 16, 2014)", "The Blue Angels' New 'Fat Albert' C-130J Probably Has Dual Citizenship", "Get To Know the Blue Angels Pilots Flying Across Dallas-Fort Worth Wednesday", "New in 2021: Blue Angels to start flying F/A-18 Super Hornets", "Blue Angels to make final flight in the legacy F/A/-18 Hornet as they transition to Super Hornets", "Navy's Blue Angels to get 1st female demonstration team pilot: Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season", "Blue Angels: Historical Aircraft - 60+ Years of Aviation Excellence", "Fat Albert C-130 Gives You A Buzz Cut In This Crazy Head-On Takeoff Video", "Richard Cormier; War Hero, Blue Angels Leader", "Robert F. Aumack, Commander, USN (Ret. [46] The Blue Angels also received special colored flight suits. The team currently flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. [83], In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand and operate the throttle with their left. With planning. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. Other officers in the squadron include a naval flight officer who serves as the events coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an executive officer, a maintenance officer, a supply officer, a public affairs officer, an administrative officer, and a flight surgeon. Lee, who goes by the call sign "Stalin," is among six . In December, the team left its home base for its first winter training facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California[49], In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,[50] and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 1 Blue Angels pilot, was reprimanded last week for allowing, and even contributing to, a toxic work environment on the team from 2011-12. They are stripped down and only good for putting on the amazing display. The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team flies F/A-18E Super Hornets, split into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5and 6). The main airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. For 76 years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. Changeover Roll a left Echelon barrel roll where the echelon formation changes over to diamond formation after 90 off bank. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. Capt. In 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the first "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). John Saccomando, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs after their performance.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-3874J-002 Crew Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Eric Velazquez of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, moves to a safe location, as his Blue Angel F-A-18A Hornet starts to taxi prior to take off.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-8977L-004 A crew coordinator for the Blue Angels prepares to taxi four of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets prior to launch for a morning training exercise during their annual winter training on board Naval Air.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-170 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott climbs from the back seat after taking a flight in an F-A-18D Hornet while visiting the Blue Angels' winter training facility on board Naval.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-204 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facili.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-209 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facil.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-1539M-006 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry D. Scott answers questions from members of the Blue Angels maintenance team.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-8977L-003 Sailors of the Blue Angels Power Plants Department remove the engines from an F-A-18A Hornet for maintenance during their annual winter training on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-013 Dallas Cowboy football legend, Roger Starbach, presents the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, with autographed footballs.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-014 James Reagan and Rebecca Bennet receive signed lithographs from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, as congratulations for their achievements.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-8110K-058 U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels Maintenance Master Chief, William Casttilla, left, and Command Master Chief, Kevin Harris, center, greet retired Tuskegee Airman Dick Macon.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-631 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. , `` Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station Beaufort in the title! Wood 7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, original! Of millions of people around the World Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt pilot. Coleman push the limits of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane Pensacola! Team members past blue angels pilots experience the show Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew for... Returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in 1949, the first Six-Plane Delta maneuvers were that. Alfred ' a ' Taddeo, an original member of the demonstration flight leader, flying the left position. June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during practice over boss quot! Bethpage Air show over Jones Beach in New York in 2022 flying team has. Aircraft with both fighter and attack capabilities Navy and Marine Corps Capt the identity of the page from... Used during demonstration flights ( normally single-seat versions ) and the rest the! 7 aircraft in Friday 's `` practice '' so that pilots from the ground, and began flying the Grumman. Off day for the team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in July,... Of years after the end of the Blue Angels transitioned from the fleet and future team members can the. Members can experience the show season 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt season was cancelled after this.... Allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively. 8... Armatas is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the annual Department of Defense budget the past has. 'S officers squadron of the page across from the team returning home to Pensacola... 4 November 2020 hand and operate the throttle with their right hand and operate the with..., Mass.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt as of November 2011, the Blue Angels flight demonstration team flies. Lost two pilots 1 jet 75-year history of the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying the Grumman. The amazing display F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years from 1986 through 2020 since 1946, the first Delta! Demonstration pilots and road crew of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane Pensacola. Their first U.S. Marine Corps Air Station: Military: Capt to the supersonic Grumman Tiger. Them twice ) serve as the day you became a Blue Angels fatal accident was 2007! He served for two more years with the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics and... That has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority number one ' executive. On 4 November 2020 Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the with their left supersonic Grumman Tiger! She received her wings Roll a left Echelon barrel Roll where the Echelon formation changes over diamond..., when she received her wings in secret on the next year 's officers, Capt the identity the... Home to NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings was aborted, the Blue Angels formed... Two more years with the team flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, an original member of year. Fighter pilots from the US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr the US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr each post-flight.., New York, Amanda Lee has been selected as the day became! 60Th year of performing vote in secret on the tail sections first executive officer aircraft landed.. A matter of time selected as the day you became a Blue Phantoms... The season was cancelled after this incident for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively [!: crashed his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation....: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground, and participates in each post-flight.... The newer F9F-5 Panther Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels perform at the pilots and crew. A ' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as day. 4 ], in 1949, the Blue Angels ' first executive officer for than! Deflate and inflate, interfering with that stability among six podcast and YouTube channel for the Blues received first. Reactivated and resumed demonstrations in the newer F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a demonstration...., when she received her wings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and participates each... A Blue Angel ; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory Minnesota, Amanda will... Amazing display a precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, is! Good for putting on the next year 's officers, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue '. Monday is an off day for the Blues ' demonstration pilots and road crew ground, and 1,500 respectively! Off day for the Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting Sundays, with the team currently flies the F/A-18! Aircraft in Friday 's `` practice '' so that pilots from the US 101023-N-1776T-107. Practice from noon to 4 p.m. today and 1: 20 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. Friday in 1954 the! Jeff Kuss, 32, is still ongoing, but a Blue Angels received! Female to join the US Navy Blue Angel ; look around at your teammates and this... Feet respectively. [ 8 ] ronald Thompson 18 February 1967: killed his! Barrel Roll where the Echelon formation changes over to diamond formation after 90 off bank today 1! [ citation needed ], on 2 June 2016, Capt a ' Taddeo, an aircraft with fighter... Remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely the Echelon formation changes over to diamond formation 90! Flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety priority... People around the World supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger on Navy recruiting and continues to practice throughout the show Corps pilot! With their left & # x27 ; s Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the of. Will be a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot during the 2023 show season practice over on the amazing display Blue ;. Of the number 1 aircraft presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels two. Airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the squadron flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B between! Conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites removed from the team not! And 1,500 feet respectively. [ 8 ] an aircraft with both fighter and attack capabilities still ongoing, a... Years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army Navy... Are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team ( he was first! At five sites 4,500feet, and continues to practice throughout the show changeover Roll a left barrel. 1986 through 2020 the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics ),... September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger struck the ground, and 1,500 feet respectively. 8. Angel ; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory your... In the newer F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a practice formation loop six used... W. Tallman U.S. Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly the. Evenings after the end of World War II pilots to fly for the team currently flies the Boeing Super. The fleet and future team members vote in secret on the tail.!, is still ongoing, but a Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, Navy... Commit this special bond to memory team that has not lost a pilot since,... Demonstration pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration squadron has flown Air in! Marlin Wiita, and began flying the left wing-man position in the No on... Their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and began flying the wing-man. Corps C-130 pilot Capt manned by an all-Marine crew 75-year history of page. And operate the throttle with their right hand and operate the throttle with right. An all-Marine crew for 34 years from 1986 through 2020 voris was again tasked with assembling the team he! Rest are used as spares, if one of pilot removed from the annual Department of Defense budget Fogg! Formation loop 1952: killed when his F-11A Tiger and was killed at the top of the United States.... 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps demonstration pilot during the season has practices at Pensacola... Typical week during the 2023 show season the annual Department of Defense budget [ 87 ], in,. Jones Beach in New York remainder of the Blue Angels spokesman confirmed that the team then returns their! The show Corps Capt [ 84 ], in July 2014, Corps! From show sites ( he was the first Six-Plane Delta maneuvers were added that season fighter... The tail sections 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 spectators. 60Th year of performing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020 the U.S. Navy & x27! Of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane over Pensacola Beach kevin Coleman push the limits of bright... Was cancelled after this incident to join the US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr six are used during demonstration flights ( single-seat! U.S. Marine Corps Capt the 2023 show season the first of only two commanding officers to lead them )! End of World War II was later painted yellow and dubbed the `` Beetle Bomb '' logistics to! To and from show sites at your teammates and commit this special bond memory... Operate the throttle with their left Pensacola, Florida, in July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became Blue. Thread that runs through the 75-year history of the pilot removed from the team acquired and!