The unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931.
The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron was formed in 1946 by the United States Navy.
The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season.
To prevent blood from pooling in their legs, Blue Angel pilots have developed a method for tensing their muscles to prevent blood from pooling in their lower extremities, possibly rendering them unconscious. ==History== ===Overview=== The Blue Angels were originally formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.
The team was first introduced as the Blue Angels during an air show in July 1946. The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft were navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering.
The current shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the first demonstration aircraft were transitioned from the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft were an all-yellow scheme with blue markings during the 1949 show season. The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt.
The first four pilots and those after them, were and are some of the best and most experienced aviators in the Navy. 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.
The Blue Angels performed their first public flight demonstration from their first training base and team headquarters at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, on 15 and 16 June 1946, with three F6F-5 Hellcats (a fourth F6F-5 was held in reserve).
During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 19–21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels.
Ross "Robby" Robinson—29 September 1946: killed during a performance when a wingtip broke off his F8F-1 Bearcat, sending him into an unrecoverable spin. Lt.
By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 1–4 on the tail sections. In May 1947, flight leader Lt.
A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows. In January 1948, Lt.
The current shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the first demonstration aircraft were transitioned from the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft were an all-yellow scheme with blue markings during the 1949 show season. The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt.
The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft. The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949. The Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952.
The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats. In 1949, the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites.
Team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949, announced 14 July 1949. ===1950–1959=== The Blues Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950.
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.
Team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949, announced 14 July 1949. ===1950–1959=== The Blues Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950.
Once aboard the aircraft carrier 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.
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
All four were Blue Angels during the war they later died in. ===Korean War=== Commander John Magda—8 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 leading a low-level strike mission against North Korean and Chinese communist positions at Tanchon which earned him the Navy Cross during the Korean War.
Commander John Magda; he was killed in action on 8 March 1951. On 25 October 1951, the Blues were ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas.
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
All four were Blue Angels during the war they later died in. ===Korean War=== Commander John Magda—8 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 leading a low-level strike mission against North Korean and Chinese communist positions at Tanchon which earned him the Navy Cross during the Korean War.
The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft. The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949. The Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952.
In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee.
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
Bud Wood—7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando.
with the Air Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953).
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
After summer, the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar. In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team.
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
In December, the team left its home base for its first winter training facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position, and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953 Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956 Edward B.
It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster. In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger.
Holley - 1957 to 1958 Zebulon V.
The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season. ===1960–1969=== In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million people. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites.
Holley - 1957 to 1958 Zebulon V.
Robert Nicholls Glasgow—14 October 1958: died during an orientation flight just days after reporting for duty as the new Blue Angels leader. Lt.
Dewenter—2 August 1958: landed wheels up at Buffalo Niagara International Airport after experiencing engine troubles during a show in Clarence, New York.
Knott - 1959 to 1961 Kenneth R.
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 test flight. Lt.
Knott - 1959 to 1961 Kenneth R.
Wallace - 1962 to 1963 Robert F.
Wallace - 1962 to 1963 Robert F.
The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season. ===1960–1969=== In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million people. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites.
Aumack - 1964 to 1966 William V.
Neale—15 March 1964: killed during an attempted emergency landing at Apalach Airport near Apalachicola, Florida.
The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season. ===1960–1969=== In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million people. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites.
Aumack - 1964 to 1966 William V.
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 during a practice Half Cuban Eight maneuver and spun into the ground. 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. In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites. In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation.
Wheat - 1967 to 1969 Harley H.
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 during a practice Half Cuban Eight maneuver and spun into the ground. Capt.
Ronald Thompson—18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation loop. Lt.
Hunter—19 July 1967: Blue Angels (1957–1959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by antiaircraft fire in North Vietnam and crashed in his F-8E Crusader during the Vietnam war.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously for actions on 16 July 1967.
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. In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites. In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation.
Bill Worley (Opposing Solo)—14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a practice double Immelmann. Lt.
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.
Wheat - 1967 to 1969 Harley H.
That year they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics. ===1970–1979=== In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S.
That year, they went on their first South American tour. In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show, 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 two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971.
Hall - 1970 to 1971 Don Bently - 1972 Marvin F.
Ernie Christensen—30 August 1970: belly-landed his F-4J Phantom at The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after he inadvertently left the landing gear in the up position.
That year, they went on their first South American tour. In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show, 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 two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971.
Hall - 1970 to 1971 Don Bently - 1972 Marvin F.
Harley Hall—4 June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during practice over NAS Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and crashed in Narragansett Bay. Capt.
Hall—27 January 1973: Blue Angels (1970–1971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot were shot down by antiaircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the last day of the Vietnam War, and they both were officially listed as prisoners of war.
That year, they went on their first South American tour. In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show, 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 two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971.
Hall - 1970 to 1971 Don Bently - 1972 Marvin F.
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. Lt.
Tolbert—6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a Corsair II (A-7B) during a mission in North Vietnam and was hit by antiaircraft fire, crashed, and died during his second tour in the Vietnam war.
Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Tehran, 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.
"Skip" Umstead - 1973 Anthony A.
Less – Oct 1973 to Jan 1976 Keith S.
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.
Don Bentley—8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California. Lt.
Hall—27 January 1973: Blue Angels (1970–1971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot were shot down by antiaircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the last day of the Vietnam War, and they both were officially listed as prisoners of war.
The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting. In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to the new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II.
The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort. 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.
Less – Oct 1973 to Jan 1976 Keith S.
Jones – 1976 to 1978 William E.
Nile Kraft (Opposing Solo)—22 February 1977: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during practice. Lt.
Jones – 1976 to 1978 William E.
Newman - 1978 to 1979 Hugh D.
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.
Newman - 1978 to 1979 Hugh D.
Wisely – Dec 1979 to 1982 David Carroll – 1982 to 1983 Larry Pearson – 1983 to 1985 Gilman E.
Jim Ross (Lead Solo)—April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fire during a show at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico.
In 1980, Hall was presumed to have died while captured. ==In the media== The Blue Angels was a dramatic television series, starring Dennis Cross and Don Gordon, inspired by the team's exploits and filmed with the cooperation of the Navy.
Wisely – Dec 1979 to 1982 David Carroll – 1982 to 1983 Larry Pearson – 1983 to 1985 Gilman E.
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, just after a dirty loop. Lt.
Wisely – Dec 1979 to 1982 David Carroll – 1982 to 1983 Larry Pearson – 1983 to 1985 Gilman E.
Wisely – Dec 1979 to 1982 David Carroll – 1982 to 1983 Larry Pearson – 1983 to 1985 Gilman E.
Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988 Gregory Wooldridge – 1990 to 1992, 1996 Robert E.
Mike Gershon (Lead Solo)—13 July 1985: his Skyhawk collided with Lt.
The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively. ==Aircraft== The team flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet from 1986 until the end of 2020, which had served in the fleet and is constantly maintained and updated to be a combat-ready fighter aircraft.
"Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel. ===1980–1989=== In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected.
He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No.3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
Dave Anderson (Lead solo)—12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California. Marine Corps Maj.
Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988 Gregory Wooldridge – 1990 to 1992, 1996 Robert E.
Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988 Gregory Wooldridge – 1990 to 1992, 1996 Robert E.
Pat Moneymaker—23 January 1990: their Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision during a practice at El Centro.
Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988 Gregory Wooldridge – 1990 to 1992, 1996 Robert E.
Stumpf – 1993 to 1994 Donnie Cochran – Nov 1994 to May 1996 George B.
Stumpf – 1993 to 1994 Donnie Cochran – Nov 1994 to May 1996 George B.
He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No.3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No.3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988 Gregory Wooldridge – 1990 to 1992, 1996 Robert E.
Stumpf – 1993 to 1994 Donnie Cochran – Nov 1994 to May 1996 George B.
Dom – Nov 1996 to Oct 1998 Patrick Driscoll – Oct 1998 to 2000 Robert Field – 2000 to Sept 2002 Russell J.
Dom – Nov 1996 to Oct 1998 Patrick Driscoll – Oct 1998 to 2000 Robert Field – 2000 to Sept 2002 Russell J.
Truman (CVN-75). On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots.
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. ===2000–2009=== In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999.
Kevin Colling—28 October 1999: flying in the back seat and front seat of a Hornet, both were killed after striking the ground during circle and arrival maneuvers in Valdosta, Georgia. Lt.
He is from Fargo, N.D., and graduated from Concordia College, MN, with a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree with majors in Physics, Mathematics, and Business in 2000.
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. ===2000–2009=== In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999.
Dom – Nov 1996 to Oct 1998 Patrick Driscoll – Oct 1998 to 2000 Robert Field – 2000 to Sept 2002 Russell J.
Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team. The Flight Leader (No.
Dom – Nov 1996 to Oct 1998 Patrick Driscoll – Oct 1998 to 2000 Robert Field – 2000 to Sept 2002 Russell J.
Bartlett – Sept 2002 to Sept 2004 Stephen R.
Kesselring became a naval aviator in 2003, and has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours, and has 812 carrier-arrested landings.
Bartlett – Sept 2002 to Sept 2004 Stephen R.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
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.
Wilcox, Thomas Dunne Books/St.Martins Press, 2004, robertkwilcox.com ==External links== Blue Angels, official U.S.
"My incredible flight aboard the Blue Angels" By Charles Atkeison Blue Angels Timeline (1946–1980) accessed 10 November 2005. "Grumman and the Blue Angels" article by William C.
Barto at the Grumman Memorial Park official website—accessed 15 October 2005. "First Blue: The story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels" by Robert K.
The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to wear and do not wear g-suits. In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
Gretchen Doane. 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.6 jet and crashed due to G-force-induced Loss Of Consciousness (G-LOC) during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina. The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration at the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming show, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles.
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. Capt.
On 30 October 2008, a spokesman for the team announced that the team would complete its last three performances of the year with five jets instead of six.
On 6 November 2008, both officers were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort. 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.
Gretchen Doane. 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.6 jet and crashed due to G-force-induced Loss Of Consciousness (G-LOC) during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina. The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration at the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming show, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles.
Marine Corps. In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. ===2010–2019=== On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels were performing at 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.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
Frank Weisser— In 2010 in Traverse City, WI had a bird strike in his right engine which powers hydraulics.
Marine Corps. In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. ===2010–2019=== On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels were performing at 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.
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 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, would be stepping down.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable differences in performance from inside the cockpit. 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.
In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, stating that "community and public outreach is a crucial Departmental activity", announced that the Blue Angels (along with the U.S.
Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air shows starting in 2014, although the number of flyovers will continue to be severely reduced. On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1–7 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season; there were only three air shows in 2013. In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt.
Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air shows starting in 2014, although the number of flyovers will continue to be severely reduced. On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1–7 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season; there were only three air shows in 2013. In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt.
Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons.
In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to begin an engineering proposal for converting the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be completed by September 2017. The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons.
In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to begin an engineering proposal for converting the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be completed by September 2017. The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours.
Jeff "Kooch" 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 Smyrna, Tennessee.
Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. ===Other incidents=== 1958–2004 Lt.
In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to begin an engineering proposal for converting the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be completed by September 2017. The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours.
Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006 Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008 Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011 David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011 Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012 Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015 Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017 Eric D.
Doyle - 2017 to 2019 Brian C.
Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. ===Other incidents=== 1958–2004 Lt.
7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" shows. The Blue Angels use a United States Marine Corps Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, nicknamed "Fat Albert", for their logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and to carry support personnel between shows. In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use.
Andre Webb on the 2018 team.
He joined the Blue Angels in September 2019, and took command of the squadron on 10 November for the 2020–2021 seasons.
In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to begin an engineering proposal for converting the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be completed by September 2017. The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours.
Doyle - 2017 to 2019 Brian C.
Kesselring - 2019 to present ==Notable members== Below are some of the more notable members of the Blue Angels squadron: Capt Roy "Butch" Voris, World War fighter ace and first Flight Leader Charles "Chuck" Brady Jr., Astronaut and physician Donnie Cochran, First African-American Blue Angels aviator and commander Edward L.
The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively. ==Aircraft== The team flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet from 1986 until the end of 2020, which had served in the fleet and is constantly maintained and updated to be a combat-ready fighter aircraft.
As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. ==Team members== , there have been 272 demonstration pilots in the Blue Angels since their inception. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units.
He joined the Blue Angels in September 2019, and took command of the squadron on 10 November for the 2020–2021 seasons.
Their first show of the 2021 season will be in Lakeland, FL at the Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo on 17 April.
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