Cmdr. Capt. During winter training, the pilots fly two practice sessions per day, six days a week, to fly the 120 training missions needed to perform the demonstration safely. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. The Blues use these jets for backups, and to give demonstration rides to VIP (civilians). [8] The No. [56][57] He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the . The team with an additional fifth pilot, relocated to Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. First held in 1981, the event has become . Max McCoy, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-641 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Dick Oliver 2 September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger and was killed at the. U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot number-7, Lieutenant Griffin. Current Blue Angel Pilots Edit List of Current Pilots Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. Jeff Kuss, 32, is still ongoing, but a Blue Angels spokesman confirmed that the team will be flying. May God Bless . In July 1963 the team performs its 1000 demonstration in California. Modifications to each F/A-18E/F include removal of the weapons and replacement with a tank that contains smoke-oil used in demonstrations and outfitting the control stick with a spring system for more precise aircraft control input. Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia.Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. U.S. Navy Blue Angels | History : Team Photos Navy.com USMC.com Home Team Show Info History Media FAQ Join the Team History Links The Blue Angels Story Significant Events Team Photos. Kevin Mannix, commanding officer of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, introduces the team during the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show Beach Blast.jpg, US Navy 071031-N-8102J-019 Brian Schneider, catcher for the Washington Nationals baseball team, receives preflight instructions from the crew chief, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. The squadron selected two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer, and a flight surgeon to replace outgoing team members. 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. [26], The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. Lt. Cmdr. Who are the current Blue Angels pilots? NB Neil Young and crazy horse: sleeps with angels Neil Young: prairie wind Nelson: after the rain No doubt: rock steady. The Blue Angels Foundation (BAF) is the charitable arm of the Blue Angels Association (BAA). In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . The squadron (due to a shortage of pilots, and no available planes) and its members were ordered to "combat-ready status" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July. During their The Blue Angels have performed at military and civilian air shows across the country since 1946. 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. Welcome to the team. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. Only in the past decade has the Navy allowed women to fly fighter jets. Two pilots died in the 1950s and six in the 1960s and four more died in combat missions in Korea and Southeast Asia before the squadron's most tragic span. [53][54] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort. The pilots are all trained for combat from previous experience, but while serving their two-year orders, only have to duck if they hear "Fore!" on the golf course. March 16, 2014", "US Navy Blue Angels 1st Air Show in 2014 on March 15 at El Centro California", "Harley Hall:Vietnam POW (wearing BA gold flight suit-1971)", "History of the Blue Angels/Significant Events in Blue Angels History, 1970s", "Seventy Years Strong: The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels", "Flight Teams, 1950 (Flight Leader John Magda, second from right)", "A Blue Angel's First Combat Flight at Midway", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", 2 Blue Angels found guilty, await punishment, "A (Potentially) Disgraced Angel (updated)", "Blue Angels Lynchburg Va. 2011 was this the problem formation? Capt. Dan Martin signs an F-14 Tomcat toy, for a child.jpg, US Navy 031017-N-6213R-030 Ground crews stand by as the United States Navy's precision flight demonstration team Blue Angels perform.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-361 During Naval Air Station Lemoore's annual air show, pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, give a final salute ending their show.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-378 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show on board Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-379 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040327-N-7559C-001 The Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team Blue Angels, CDR Russ Boss Bartlett, of Nantucket, Mass., talks to his crew chief.jpg, US Navy 040514-N-0295M-045 Draftsman 2nd Class Jeffrey Ballge photographs one of the Blue Angel's six F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 040606-N-7559C-001 Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Mario Delacruz, from El Paso, Texas, wipes brake dust from the tire rim of a Blue Angels F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 041024-N-8253M-010 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, march down the ramp following their performance at the 2004 N'Awlins Air Show.jpg, US Navy 041106-N-4779D-045 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, salutes the pilot of his F-A-18A Hornet as he prepare for takeoff.jpg, US Navy 041107-N-8683B-110 Lt. Cmdr. The Blues transitioned to the two-seat McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in 1969, nearly always keeping the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. Officer 1960-1962 Capt. Free shipping for many products! In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers[42] at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. Robert Nicholls Glasgow 14 October 1958: died during an orientation flight just days after reporting for duty as the new Blue Angels leader. The No. Theodore J. Steelman, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, awaits the cue to exit his F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 050507-N-0295M-052 The pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, line up at parade rest prior to the start of their demonstration.jpg, US Navy 050916-N-0295M-186 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, performs a post engine run-up inspection on the top surfaces of one of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 060514-N-8374E-002 Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Desiree Phillips, assigned to Maintenance Control on the Blue Angels enlisted team, autographs memorabilia for enthusiastic young fans.jpg, US Navy 060514-N-8374E-003 Members of the Blue Angels enlisted team autograph memorabilia for enthusiastic young fans.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-001 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-002 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-003 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060813-F-7049H-045 Crew chiefs with the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron stand at attention as the Blue Angels prepare to disembark on their aerial performance.jpg, US Navy 060909-N-2218T-132 Blue Angel pilot Lt. Cdr. [9] As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. She is a real go-getter. ", "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. Fresno-born Lt. Larry Watters, 29,. The team's first demonstration with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft took place before Navy officials on 10 May 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval. 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. LAKELAND - For the past 75 years, the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron has been bringing skilled maneuvers to thousands of onlookers. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Less, former commander of the Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Force and a past Blue Angels' team leader. Lt. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 060429-N-4657D-025 Lt. Anthony Walley, the number two pilot for the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron signs autographs.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-001 Lt. Cmdr. Capt. [62], In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. Dear Davis Family & Blue Angels Team, Our heart aches with all of you suffering the loss of a wonderful Pilot, and friend to our son, Ryan Courtade (MC2(AW/NAC}, team photographer. The Phantom was the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. Once aboard the aircraft carrier USSPrinceton on 9 November, the group formed the core of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens", under the command of World War II fighter ace and 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, Lt. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. A permanent flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the team. Raleigh " Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels team 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 show dogfights with the Bearcats. He was replaced by Captain Greg McWherter, the team's previous commanding officer. "To be able to come back and be able to link. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 1921 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels. In August, "Blues" leader LCDR Ray Hawkins became the first naval aviator to survive an ejection at supersonic speeds when a new F9F-6 he was piloting became uncontrollable on a cross-country flight. This page was last edited on 2 October 2010, at 13:33. The Navy . [71] On 26 May, the Blue Angels announced they would not be flying their traditional fly-over of the Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony and that they were canceling their 2829 May 2011 performances at the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow in Millville, New Jersey. The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. Katie Higgins' dream as a little girl was to follow in her family's footsteps and become a pilot. 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. [58], On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling what would be their aircraft through their 75th anniversary year, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. [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]. Annual winter training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, where new and returning pilots hone skills learned in the fleet. "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. Richard Thorndike Support Pilot 1960-1962 Capt. 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 various personal, unit and service awards. As of now, she's assigned to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. Greg McWherter, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, is interviewed by a TV.jpg, US Navy 100321-A-4584J-010 Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, center right, and Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, pose with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team,.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-274 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulates Cmdr.