The Blue Angels, https://pilotgamzix.com/ formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy.[1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic workforce in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The group, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The Blue Angels sometimes perform aerial displays in at the very least 60 reveals yearly at 30 locations throughout the United States and two exhibits at one location in Canada.[2] The "Blues" still make use of many of the identical practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. An estimated eleven million spectators view the squadron throughout air exhibits from March by November annually. Members of the Blue Angels workforce additionally go to more than 50,000 individuals in schools, hospitals, and community capabilities at air present cities.[3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.[4]

As of November 2011[update], the Blue Angels acquired $37 million yearly from the annual Department of Defense budget.[5][6]

Mission[edit]

The mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and group outreach.[7]

Air reveals[edit]

The "Blues" perform at both army and non-military airfields, and often at major U.S. cities and capitals; additionally locations in Canada are often included within the air show schedule.

During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member staff flies F/A-18 Hornets,[8] break up into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1 by means of 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). A lot of the present alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and people carried out by the Solos. The Diamond, in tight formation and normally at decrease speeds (400 mph), performs maneuvers similar to formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to a different. The Solos showcase the high performance capabilities of their individual aircraft through the execution of excessive-pace passes, gradual passes, fast rolls, gradual rolls, and really tight turns. The best speed flown during an air present is seven-hundred mph (slightly below Mach 1) and the bottom velocity, is 126 mph (one hundred ten knots) during Section High Alpha with the brand new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the old "Legacy" Hornet). Among the maneuvers embody each solo aircraft performing without delay, such as opposing passes (towards one another in what seems to be a collision course) and mirror formations (again-to-again, belly-to-stomach, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). The Solos be a part of the Diamond Formation near the end of the show for quite a few maneuvers in the Delta Formation.

The parameters of every show must be tailored in accordance with native weather circumstances at showtime: in clear weather the excessive show is carried out; in overcast circumstances a low present is carried out, and in limited visibility (weather allowing) the flat show is introduced. The high present requires a minimum of an 8,000-foot (2,four hundred m) ceiling and visibility of no less than 3 nautical miles (6 km) from the show's middle level. The minimal ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 toes respectively.[9]

Aircraft[edit]

The crew flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years from 1986 by means of 2020. The workforce at present flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use. Modifications to every F/A-18E/F embrace elimination of the weapons and replacement with a tank that comprises smoke-oil utilized in demonstrations and outfitting the control stick with a spring system for extra exact aircraft management input. Control sticks are tensioned with forty pounds (18 kg) of drive to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. Each modified F/A-18 stays within the fleet and might be returned to combat obligation aboard an aircraft service inside 72 hours.[10] As transformed aircraft had been delivered, they had been used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020.[11][12] The team's Super Hornets turned operational by the start of 2021, their 75th anniversary yr.[13]

The present's narrator flies Blue Angels No. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to show websites. The Blues use these jets for backups, and to offer demonstration rides to VIP (civilians). Usually, two back seats rides can be found at every air present; one goes to a member of the press, and the opposite to the "Key Influencer".[9] The No. Four slot pilot often flies the No. 7 aircraft in Friday's "apply" in order that pilots from the fleet and future staff members can expertise the show.

In 2020 the United States Marine Corps Blue Angels purchased a surplus Royal Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, Registration ZH885, nicknamed "Fat Albert", for their logistics, carrying spare components, tools, and to carry help personnel between show re-registering as 170000.

Team members[edit]

As of the 2020 season[replace], there have been 272 demonstration pilots in the Blue Angels since their inception.[14][15]

All group members, each officer and enlisted, pilots and workers officers, come from the ranks of normal Navy and United States Marine Corps models. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Pilots serve two to a few years,[3] and position assignments are made in line with group needs, pilot experience ranges, and profession considerations for members. Other officers within the squadron include a naval flight officer who serves as the events coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an govt officer, a maintenance officer, a provide officer, a public affairs officer, an administrative officer, and a flight surgeon. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and carry out all maintenance, administrative, and help capabilities. They serve three to four years within the squadron.[3] After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.

The officer selection course of requires pilots and support officers (flight surgeon, occasions coordinator, upkeep officer, provide officer, and public affairs officer) wishing to change into Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a private statement, letters of suggestion, and flight records. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimal of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.[17]

Applicants "rush" the workforce at a number of airshows, paid out of their own funds, and sit in on workforce briefs, submit-present actions, and social occasions. It is critical that new officers fit the prevailing culture and team dynamics. The appliance and evaluation course of runs from March by means of early July, culminating with in depth finalist interviews and workforce deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the next yr's officers. Selections must be unanimous. There have been feminine and minority workers officers as Blue Angel members,[18] together with minority Blue Angel pilot Lt. Andre Webb on the 2018 crew. Flight surgeons serve a two-year term. The flight surgeon gives staff medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in each submit-flight debrief. The primary female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team.[19]

The Flight Leader (No. 1) is the commanding officer and always holds the rank of commander, and could also be promoted to captain mid-tour if authorised by the choice board. Pilots of numbers 2-7 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. The No. 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then usually flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. The No. 3 pilot moves to the No. 4 (slot) position for their second year. Blue Angel No. 4 serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective they're afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as their standing as a second-yr demonstration pilot. The first girl named to the Blue Angels as F/A-18 demonstration pilot was Lt. Amanda Lee, who's a member of the 2023 staff.[20]

Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a local of Skaneateles, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous personal, unit and repair awards. [21]

Training and weekly routine[edit]

Annual winter training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, the place new and returning pilots hone expertise realized in the fleet. During winter coaching, the pilots fly two observe periods per day, six days per week, to fly the a hundred and twenty training missions needed to carry out the demonstration safely. The separation between the formation of aircraft and their maneuver altitude is progressively decreased over the course of about two months in January and February. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to observe throughout the show season. Despite all their winter coaching, the Blue Angels group work effortlessly to make an impact within the communities they go to as nicely. A typical week throughout the season has practices at NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The crew then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. The staff flies a "apply" airshow on the present site on Friday. This present is attended by invited company however is commonly open to most of the people. The primary airshows are performed on Saturdays and Sundays, with the group returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and street crew. Extensive aircraft maintenance is carried out on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance group members.

Pilots maneuver the flight persist with their proper hand and function the throttle with their left. They do not put on G-fits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, rising the chance of unintentional motion. To compensate for the lack of G-suits, Blue Angel pilots have developed a method for tensing their muscles to forestall blood from pooling in their lower extremities, possibly rendering them unconscious.[22]

History[edit]

Overview[edit]

The Blue Angels had been originally formed in April 1946 because the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.[23] They modified their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an commercial for the brand new York nightclub The Blue Angel, also known because the Blue Angel Supper Club, in the new Yorker Magazine.[24][25] The workforce was first launched as the Blue Angels throughout an air present in July 1946.[26]

The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (almost black) with gold lettering. The current shades of blue and yellow have been adopted when the primary demonstration aircraft have been transitioned from the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft wore an all-yellow scheme with blue markings through the 1949 present season.[27]

The unique Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team adjustments aircraft.[1]

The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-pushed aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949.[28]

The Blue Angels demonstration groups began sporting leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952. In 1953, they began sporting gold colored flight suits for the primary present of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron.[29][30][31][32]

The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973.[33]

1946-1949[edit]

The Blue Angels have been established as a Navy flight exhibition group on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate higher public help of naval aviation. To spice up Navy morale, reveal 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 protection budget. Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally chosen Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration crew, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. Voris chosen three fellow instructors to hitch him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Lt. Mel Cassidy, and Lt. Cmdr. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War within the Pacific), and they spent numerous hours creating the present. The group perfected its initial maneuvers in secret over the Florida Everglades so that, in Voris' phrases, "if anything occurred, simply the alligators would know". The primary four pilots and people after them, have been and are a few of the best and most skilled aviators in the Navy.[34]

The group's first demonstration with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft took place earlier than Navy officials on 10 May 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels carried out their first air show at what is now JaxEx (previously Craig Municipal Airport, one in all 6 airports within the Jacksonville, FL space developed for army training), on June 15, 1946. [35]The exhibition workforce flew three Gruman F6F Hellcat Fighter planes. (a fourth F6F-5 was held in reserve). On 15 June, Voris led the three Hellcats (numbered 1-3), specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, via their inaugural 15-minute-lengthy efficiency.[1] The workforce employed a North American SNJ Texan, painted and configured to simulate a Japanese Zero, to simulate aerial combat. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". This aircraft is claimed to have been inspired by one of many Spike Jones' Murdering the Classics collection of musical satires, set to the tune (partly) of the William Tell Overture as a thoroughbred horse race scene, with "Beetle Bomb" being the "trailing horse" within the lyrics.

The workforce thrilled spectators with low-flying maneuvers performed in tight formations, and (in response to Voris) by "protecting something in front of the crowds at all times. My goal was to beat the Army Air Corps. If we did that, we'd get all the opposite facet points. I felt that if we weren't the perfect, it could be my naval profession." The Blue Angels' first public demonstration also netted the crew its first trophy, which sits on display at the team's present house at NAS Pensacola. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 19-21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels.[36] The name had originated by a suggestion by Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, after he had read concerning the Blue Angel nightclub in The new Yorker journal. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats have been changed by the lighter, sooner, and extra powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August.[36] By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 1-four on the tail sections.

In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Bob Clarke changed Butch Voris because the leader of the crew. The crew with an additional fifth pilot, relocated to Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. On 7 June at Birmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 1-4) flew in diamond formation for the primary time which is now thought-about the Blue Angels' trademark. A fifth Bearcat was additionally added that 12 months. A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air reveals.

In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. Raleigh " Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels staff which was flying four Bearcats and a yellow painted SNJ with USN markings dubbed "Beetle Bomb"; the SNJ represented a Japanese Zero for the air present dogfights with the Bearcats. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats.[37]

In 1949, the group acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show websites. The team's SNJ was additionally changed by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air fight routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. In May, the staff went to the west coast on momentary duty so the pilots and the rest of the crew may change into aware of jet aircraft.[34] On 13 July, the crew acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration exhibits.[38] On 20 August, the crew debuted the panther jets below Team Leader Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes[36] throughout an air present at Beaumont, Texas and added a sixth pilot.[39][40] The F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" was relegated to solo aerobatics before the principle present, until it crashed on takeoff at a training show in Pensacola on 24 April 1950, killing "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. Team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949, announced 14 July 1949.[41]

1950-1959[edit]

The Blue Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950. On 25 June, the Korean War began, and all Blue Angels pilots[42] volunteered for fight obligation. The squadron (resulting from a scarcity of pilots, and no out there planes) and its members have been ordered to "combat-prepared status" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July.[34] The Blue Angels were disbanded,[36] and its pilots were reassigned to a service. Once aboard the aircraft provider USS Princeton on 9 November, the group formed the core of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens", beneath the command of World War II fighter ace and 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, Lt. Commander John Magda; he was killed in motion on 8 March 1951.[43]

On 25 October 1951, the Blues had been ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was once more tasked with assembling the workforce (he was the primary of solely two commanding officers to lead them twice). In May 1952, the Blue Angels started performing once more with F9F-5 Panthers[44] at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee.[34] In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando. In August, "Blues" leader LCDR Ray Hawkins turned the first naval aviator to outlive an ejection at supersonic speeds when a new F9F-6 he was piloting grew to become uncontrollable on a cross-country flight.[45][46][47] After summer time, the staff began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar.

In 1954, the primary Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration group.[48] The Blue Angels also obtained particular colored flight fits.[36] In May, the Blue Angels carried out at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with the Air Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953).[49] The Blue Angels began relocating to their current dwelling at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,[50] and it was right here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. In December, the workforce left its dwelling base for its first winter coaching facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California[51]

In September 1956, the staff added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,[52] and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster.[53]

In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger.[54] The first demonstration was flying the brief-nosed model on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, after which the long-nosed versions. The demonstration staff (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the primary air present that season.

In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season.[citation wanted]

1960-1969[edit]

In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated within the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million individuals.

In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. Later that yr, they embarked on a European tour to a dozen websites, including the Paris Air Show, where they have been the only staff to receive a standing ovation.

In 1967, the Blues toured Europe once more, at six websites.

In 1968, the C-fifty four Skymaster transport aircraft was changed with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation. The Blues transitioned to the 2-seat McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in 1969, practically always keeping the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. The Phantom was the one aircraft to be flown by each the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). That yr in addition they upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics.

1970-1979[edit]

In 1970, the Blues acquired their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. That yr, they went on their first South American tour.

In 1971, the crew which wore the gold flight suits for the primary show,[55] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines.

In 1972, the Blue Angels were awarded the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for the 2-yr period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. Another European tour followed in 1973, together with air exhibits in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.[56][57] The Blues mission was extra on Navy recruiting.

In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to the brand new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II. Navy Commander Anthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". A everlasting flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the group.[56][57] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to additional improve the recruiting effort.

Beginning in 1975, "Bert" was used for Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) and brief aerial demonstrations simply previous to the primary occasion at chosen venues, however the JATO demonstration ended in 2009 because of dwindling provides of rockets.[58] "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and 5 enlisted personnel.

1980-1989[edit]

In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the primary African-American Naval Aviator to be chosen.[59][60] He served for 2 more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position within the No. Three A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996.[61]

On eight November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling what would be their aircraft by means of their 75th anniversary yr, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to carry out a gradual, high angle of assault "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (touchdown gear down) formation loop.[62][63]

1990-1999[edit]

Today is a really special and memorable day in your military profession that may stay with you throughout your lifetime. You've gotten survived the final word test of your friends and have confirmed to be utterly deserving to wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The prestige of sporting the Blue Angels uniform carries with it an extraordinary honor - one that reflects not solely on you as a person, but on your teammates and the whole squadron. To the crowds on the air exhibits and to the public at hospitals and colleges nationwide, you are a logo of the Navy and Marine Corps' most interesting. You bring satisfaction, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of at this time's youth. Remember at present as the day you turned a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to reminiscence. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those that put on the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Welcome to the crew.

The Blue Angels Creed, written by JO1 Cathy Konn 1991-1993[64]

In 1992, the Blue Angels deployed for a month-lengthy European tour, their first in 19 years, conducting exhibits in Sweden, Finland, Russia (first overseas flight demonstration group to perform there), Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

In 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the primary "Blue Jet" touchdown on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft provider, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

On eight October 1999, the Blue Angels misplaced two pilots. LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling had been returning from a observe flight earlier than an air present when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia.[65]

2000-2009[edit]

In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and related to the lack of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet weren't required to put on and do not put on g-fits.[quotation wanted]

In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th yr of performing.[66] On 30 October 2008, a spokesman for the staff announced that the team would full its final three performances of the year with 5 jets instead of six. The change was because one pilot and another officer in the organization had been faraway from responsibility for partaking in an "inappropriate relationship". The Navy stated one of many individuals was a man and the opposite a girl, one a Marine and the opposite from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the situation.[67] At the subsequent performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. A spokesman for the staff would not affirm the identity of the pilot removed from the staff.[68] On 6 November 2008, each officers were found responsible at an admiral's mast on unspecified costs however the resulting punishment was not disclosed.[69] The names of the two members involved have been later released on the Pensacola News Journal web site/discussion board as pilot No. 4 USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane.[70]

On 21 April 2007, pilot Kevin "Kojak" Davis was killed and eight people on the ground were injured when Davis misplaced management of the No. 6 jet and crashed as a consequence of G-force-induced lack of consciousness (G-LOC) during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina.[71]

The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration on the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming present, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles. This demonstration not only was the final JATO performance of the squadron, but in addition the ultimate JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps.[72]

In 2009, the Blue Angels have been inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.[73]

2010-2019[edit]

On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels were performing on the Lynchburg Regional Airshow in Lynchburg, Virginia, when the Diamond formation flew the Barrel Roll Break maneuver at an altitude lower than the required minimum.[74] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. The next day, the Blue Angels announced that they have been initiating a safety stand-down, canceling their upcoming Naval Academy Airshow and returning to their dwelling base in Pensacola, Florida, for additional coaching and airshow apply.[75] On 26 May, the Blue Angels introduced they wouldn't be flying their traditional fly-over of the Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony and that they had been canceling their 28-29 May 2011 performances at the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow in Millville, New Jersey.

On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels announced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, could be stepping down. He was replaced by Captain Greg McWherter, the staff's previous commanding officer.[76] The squadron canceled performances at the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 4-5 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 11-12 June to allow extra observe and demonstration training under McWherter's management.[76]

On 29 July 2011, a new Blue Angels Mustang GT was auctioned off for $400,000 at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show) annual summer time gathering of aviation fanatics from 25 to 31 July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 present planes.[77][78]

Between 2 and four September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the primary time with a fifty-fifty mix of standard JP-5 jet gas and a camelina-based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.[79] McWherter flew an F/A-18 take a look at flight on 17 August and said there have been no noticeable differences in efficiency from inside the cockpit.[80][81]

On 1 March 2013, the U.S. Navy introduced that it was cancelling remaining 2013 performances after 1 April 2013 as a consequence of sequestration finances constraints.[82][83] In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, stating that "community and public outreach is an important Departmental activity", introduced that the Blue Angels (along with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air reveals starting in 2014, though the variety of flyovers will continue to be severely decreased.[84]

On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1-7 wore gold flight fits to have a good time the crew's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;[85] there have been solely three air reveals in 2013.

In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, grew to become the first feminine pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying the assist aircraft Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons.[86]

In July 2015, Cmdr. Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first government officer.[87]

On 2 June 2016, Capt. Jeff Kuss, an Opposing Solo, died just after takeoff whereas performing the Split-S maneuver in his Hornet during a apply run for The great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Navy's investigation found that Capt. Kuss had carried out the maneuver too low while failing to retard the throttle out of afterburner, inflicting him to fall too fast and recuperate too low above the bottom. Capt. Kuss ejected, however his parachute was immediately engulfed in flames, inflicting him to fall to his dying. Kuss' body was recovered simply yards away from the crash site. The cause of loss of life was blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as further causes of the crash. In an odd twist, Captain Kuss' fatal crash happened hours after the Blue Angels' fellow pilots in the United States Air Force Thunderbirds suffered a crash of their own, following the United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier that day. Capt. Jeff Kuss was changed by Cmdr. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons.[quotation needed]

In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to begin an engineering proposal for changing the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be accomplished by September 2017.[88]

The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours. The Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J (BUNO 170000).[89]

2020-present[edit]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the United_States, the Blue Angels flew over a number of US cities as a tribute to healthcare and front line staff.[90]

The Blues formally transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on four November 2020.[91][92]

In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was introduced as the primary woman to function a demonstration pilot within the Blue Angels.[20][93]

Aircraft timeline[edit]

The "Blues" have flown ten totally different demonstration aircraft and six assist aircraft models:[53][94]

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat: June - August 1946Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat: August 1946 - 1949Grumman F9F-2 Panther: 1949 - June 1950 (first jet); F9F-5 Panther: 1951 - Winter 1954/55Grumman F9F-8 Cougar: Winter 1954/55 - mid-season 1957 (swept-wing)Grumman F11F-1 (F-11) Tiger: mid-season 1957 - 1968 (first supersonic jet)McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II: 1969 - December 1974Douglas A-4F Skyhawk: December 1974 - November 1986McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (F/A-18B as #7): November 1986 - 2010[95]Boeing F/A-18A/C (B/D as #7) Hornet: 2010-2020[96][97]Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (F/A-18F as #7): 2020-[98]
JRB Expeditor (Beech 18): 1949-?Douglas R4D-6 Skytrain: 1949-1955Curtiss R5C Commando: 1953Douglas R5D Skymaster: 1956-1968Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation: 1969-1973Lockheed C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert": 1970-2019 (JATO usage was stopped in 2009)[99]Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules "Fat Albert": 2020-present
North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (used to simulate a Japanese A6M Zero aircraft in demonstrations in the course of the late 1940s)Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (Used in the course of the 1950s as a VIP transport aircraft for the group)Vought F7U Cutlass (two of the unusual F7Us were obtained in late 1952 and flown as a aspect demonstration through the 1953 season but they weren't part of their regular formations which at the time used the F9F Panther. Pilots and ground crew discovered it unsatisfactory and a plan to make use of it as the staff's major aircraft was canceled). Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet


Air show routine[edit]

The 2022 Blue Angels High Show Routine:

- Fat Albert (C-130) - high-efficiency takeoff (Low Transition)- Fat Albert - Parade Pass (The airplane banks across the entrance of the group.)- Fat Albert - Flat Pass- Fat Albert - Head on Pass- Fat Albert - Short-Field Assault Landing- FA-18 Engine Start-Up and Taxi Out- Diamond Takeoff - either a low transition with flip, a loop on takeoff, a Half Cuban Eight takeoff, or a Half Squirrel Cage- Solos Take Off - No. 5 Dirty Roll on Takeoff; No. 6 Low transition/Immelman- Diamond 360 - Aircraft 1-four in their signature 18-inch wingtip-to-canopy diamond formation- Opposing Knife Edge Pass - 5 and 6- Diamond Roll - total diamond formation rolls as a single entity- Opposing Inverted to Inverted Rolls - 5 and 6- Diamond Aileron Roll - all 4 diamond jets carry out simultaneous aileron rolls- Fortus - Solos flying in service touchdown configuration with No. 5 inverted, establishing a "mirror picture" impact- Diamond Dirty Loop - the diamond flies a loop with all 4 jets in carrier landing configuration- Minimum Radius Turn - highest G maneuver (No. 5 flies a "horizontal loop" pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius.)- Double Farvel - diamond formation flat pass with No. 1 and No. 4 inverted- Opposing Minimum Radius Turn- Echelon Parade- Opposing Horizontal Rolls- Changeover Roll - a left Echelon barrel roll the place the echelon formation modifications over to diamond formation after 90° off bank.- Sneak Pass - the fastest speed of the present, slightly below Mach 1 (about seven hundred mph at sea degree)- Line-Abreast Loop - essentially the most troublesome formation maneuver to do effectively (No. 5 joins the diamond as the 5 jets fly a loop in a straight line.)- Opposing Four Point Hesitation Roll- Vertical Break- Opposing Vertical Pitch- Barrel Roll Break- Tuck Over Roll- Low Break Cross- Section High-Alpha Pass: (tail sitting), the present's slowest maneuver[100][101]- Diamond Burner 270- Delta Roll- Fleur de Lis- Solos Pass to Rejoin, Diamond flies a loop- Loop Break Cross - Delta Break (After the break the aircraft separate in six totally different instructions, carry out half Cuban Eights then cross in the center of the performance area.)- Delta Breakout- Delta Pitch Up Carrier Break to Land
Commanding officers[edit]

Notable Commanding Officers embody;

Roy Marlin Voris - 1946, 1952- John J. Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War[102]Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953[103]- Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956[104]Edward B. Holley - 1957 to 1958Zebulon V. Knott - 1959 to 1961[105]Kenneth R. Wallace - 1962 to 1963[106]Robert F. Aumack - 1964 to 1966[107]William V. Wheat - 1967 to 1969[108]Harley H. Hall - 1970 to 1971Don Bently - 1972Marvin F. "Skip" Umstead - 1973[109]Anthony A. Less - Oct 1973 to Jan 1976Keith S. Jones - 1976 to 1978[110]William E. Newman - 1978 to 1979[111]Hugh D. Wisely - Dec 1979 to 1982[112]David Carroll - 1982 to 1983Larry Pearson - 1983 to 1985[113]Gilman E. Rud - Nov 1985 to Nov 1988[114]Gregory Wooldridge - 1990 to 1992, 1996[115]- Robert E. Stumpf - 1993 to 1994[116]Donnie Cochran - Nov 1994 to May 1996George B. Dom - Nov 1996 to Oct 1998[117]Patrick Driscoll - Oct 1998 to 2000[118]
- Robert Field - 2000 to Sept 2002- Russell J. Bartlett - Sept 2002 to Sept 2004[119]- Stephen R. Foley - Sept 2004 to Nov 2006[120]- Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008[121]- Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011[122]- David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011- Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012- Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015[123]- Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017[124]- Eric D. Doyle - 2017 to 2019- Brian C. Kesselring - 2019 to 2022- Alexander P. Armatas - 2022 to present
Notable members[edit]

Below are a few of the extra notable members of the Blue Angels squadron:

Capt Roy "Butch" Voris, World War II fighter ace and first Flight LeaderCharles "Chuck" Brady Jr., Astronaut and physicianDonnie Cochran, First African-American Blue Angels aviator and commanderEdward L. Feightner, World War II fighter ace and Lead SoloArthur Ray Hawkins, World War II flying aceBob Hoover, World War II fighter pilot and flight instructor, honorary Blue Angel memberAnthony A. Less, First Commanding Officer of Blue Angels squadron, numerous other commands together with Naval Air Forces Atlantic FleetRobert L. Rasmussen, aviation artistRaleigh Rhodes, World War II and Korean War fighter pilot and third Flight Leader of the Blue Angels[125]Patrick M. Walsh, Left Wingman and Slot Pilot who later commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet and grew to become Vice Chief of Naval Operations and a White House FellowKatie Higgins Cook First feminine Blue Angels pilotAmanda Lee First feminine Blue Angels demonstration pilot
Team accidents and deaths[edit]

A complete of 20 Blue Angels pilots and one crew member have died whereas assigned to the flight team.[126][127] Four other pilots died in fight motion after their service with the Blue Angels.[126]

Deaths[edit]

- Lt. Ross "Robby" Robinson - 29 September 1946: killed throughout a efficiency when a wingtip broke off his F8F-1 Bearcat, sending him into an unrecoverable spin.- Lt. Bud Wood - 7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with one other Panther jet during a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas.[128] The crew resumed performances two weeks later.- Cmdr. Robert Nicholls Glasgow - 14 October 1958: died during an orientation flight simply days after reporting for duty as the new Blue Angels chief.[129]- Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing) - 14 June 1960: killed flying a Grumman F-11A Tiger that crashed into the water near Fort Morgan, Alabama during a check flight.[128]- Lt. George L. Neale - 15 March 1964: killed throughout an tried emergency touchdown at Apalach Airport close to Apalachicola, Florida. Lt. Neale's F-11A Tiger had skilled mechanical difficulties during a flight from West Palm Beach, to Naval Air Station Pensacola, inflicting him to try the emergency touchdown. Failing to achieve the airport, he ejected from the aircraft on ultimate approach, however his parachute did not have ample time to fully deploy.[130]- Lt. Cmdr. Dick Oliver - 2 September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger and was killed at the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto.- Lt Frank Gallagher - 1 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger stalled throughout a observe Half Cuban Eight maneuver and spun into the bottom.- Capt. Ronald Thompson - 18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground throughout a practice formation loop.- Lt. Bill Worley (Opposing Solo) - 14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a practice double Immelmann.- Lt. Larry Watters - 14 February 1972: killed when his F-4J Phantom II struck the bottom, upright, whereas working towards inverted flight, during winter coaching at NAF El Centro.- Lt. Cmdr. Skip Umstead (Team Leader), Capt. 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 follow. The remainder of the season was cancelled after this incident.- Lt. Nile Kraft (Opposing Solo) - 22 February 1977: killed when his Skyhawk struck the bottom throughout follow.- Lt. Michael Curtin - 8 November 1978: one of the solo Skyhawks struck the ground after low roll during arrival maneuvers at Naval Air Station Miramar, and Curtin was killed.- Lt. Cmdr. Stu Powrie (Lead Solo) - 22 February 1982: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, simply after a soiled loop.- Lt. Cmdr. Mike Gershon (Opposing Solo #6) - 13 July 1985: his Skyhawk collided with Lt. Andy Caputi (Lead Solo #5) throughout a show at Niagara Falls, Gershon was killed and Caputi ejected and parachuted to security.[131]- Lt. Cmdr. Kieron O'Connor and Lt. Kevin Colling - 28 October 1999: flying within the back seat and entrance seat of a Hornet, each had been killed after striking the bottom throughout circle and arrival maneuvers in Valdosta, Georgia.[132]- Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis - 21 April 2007: crashed his Hornet near the end of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort airshow in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was killed.[133]- Capt. Jeff Kuss (Opposing Solo, #6) - 2 June 2016: died just after takeoff whereas performing the Split-S maneuver in his F/A-18 Hornet throughout a practice run for The great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Other incidents[edit]

- Lt. John R. Dewenter - 2 August 1958: landed wheels up at Buffalo Niagara International Airport after experiencing engine troubles during a show in Clarence, New York. The Grumman F-11 Tiger landed on Runway 23, however exited airport property, coming to rest within the intersection of Genesee Street and Dick Road, almost hitting a filling station. Lt. Dewenter was uninjured, however the airplane was a total loss.- Lt. Ernie Christensen - 30 August 1970: stomach-landed his F-4J Phantom on the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after he inadvertently left the landing gear in the up place.[134] He ejected safely, whereas the aircraft slid off the runway.- Cmdr. Harley Hall - four June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during follow over NAS Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and crashed in Narragansett Bay.[135]- Capt. John Fogg, Lt. Marlin Wiita, and Lt. Cmdr. Don Bentley - 8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California.- Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo) - April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fireplace during a show at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico. Lt. Ross stayed with the airplane and landed, leaving the top of the runway and rolling into the woods after a complete hydraulic failure upon landing.- Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead Solo) - 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out throughout follow close to El Centro, California.- Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. Pat Moneymaker - 23 January 1990: their Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision throughout a follow at El Centro. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was in a position to land his airplane, which then required a complete proper wing alternative.[136]- Lt. Ted Steelman - 1 December 2004: ejected from his F/A-18 approximately one mile off Perdido Key after his aircraft struck the water, suffering catastrophic engine and structural damage. He suffered minor injuries.[137]
Combat casualties[edit]

Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in motion or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fireplace.[138]

Korean War[edit]

- Commander John Magda - eight March 1951: Blue Angels (1949, 1950; Commander/Flight Leader 1950): Magda was killed after his F9F-2B Panther was hit by anti aircraft fire while main a low-stage strike mission against North Korean and Chinese communist positions at Tanchon which earned him the Navy Cross during the Korean War.[139] He additionally was a fighter ace in World War II.
Vietnam War[edit]

- Commander Herbert P. Hunter - 19 July 1967: Blue Angels (1957-1959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by anti-aircraft hearth in North Vietnam and crashed in his F-8E Crusader through the Vietnam battle.[140][141] He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously for actions on sixteen July 1967. He additionally was a Korean War veteran.- Captain Clarence O. Tolbert - 6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a Corsair II (A-7B) throughout a mission in North Vietnam and was hit by anti-aircraft fireplace, crashed, and died throughout his second tour in the Vietnam warfare. He was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.[142]- Captain Harley H. Hall - 27 January 1973: Blue Angels (1970-1971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot have been shot down by anti-aircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the last day of the Vietnam War, and they each had been formally listed as prisoners of struggle. In 1980, Hall was presumed to have died whereas captured.[143][144][145] His remains were identified on 6 September 1994.[146]
In the media[edit]

The Blue Angels was a dramatic television sequence, starring Dennis Cross and Don Gordon, impressed by the crew's exploits and filmed with the cooperation of the Navy. It aired in syndication from 26 September 1960 to 3 July 1961.[147]Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience is a 1975 documentary film, written by Dune author Frank Herbert, that includes the crew in observe and performance during their F-4J Phantom era; most of the aerial images strategies pioneered in Threshold were later used in the film Top Gun.[148]To Fly!, a brief IMAX movie featured at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum since its 1976 opening features footage from a camera on a Blue Angels A4 Skyhawk tail as the pilot performs in a show.[149]- In 2005, the discovery Channel aired a documentary miniseries, Blue Angels: A Year in the Life, focusing on the intricate day-to-day particulars of that year's training and performance schedule.[150][151]- In 2009, MythBusters enlisted the aid of Blue Angels to help take a look at the myth that a sonic boom could shatter glass.[152]Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds is a four-disc SkyTrax DVD set 2012 Topics Entertainment, Inc. It options highlights from airshows carried out within the United States shot from inside and outdoors the cockpit including interviews of squadron aviators, plus aerial combat footage taken throughout Desert Storm, histories of the 2 flying squadrons from 1947 via 2008 including on-screen notes on changes in Congressional budgeting and analysis program funding, photograph gallery slideshow, and two "forward-wanting" sequences Into the twenty first Century detailing developments of the F/A-18 Hornet's C and E and F fashions (10 min.) and footage of the F-22 with commentary (20 min.).
See additionally[edit]

List of United States Navy aircraft squadronsUnited States Air Force ThunderbirdsUnited States Marine Corps Aviation
References[edit]

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