In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team flies F/A-18E Super Hornets, split into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5and 6). 4 serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective they are afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as their status as a second-year demonstration pilot. John Magda, was killed in action on March 8, 1951. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team. Lt. Coming out of Mounds View, Minnesota, Amanda Lee will be a F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilot during the 2023 show season. 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. [70] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. 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. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[8]. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F . In 2004, a Blue Angels pilot ejected safely when his F/A-18 hit the water near Pensacola. In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,[52] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines. The separation between the formation of aircraft and their maneuver altitude is gradually reduced over the course of about two months in January and February. Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. [72], 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 gathering of aviation enthusiasts from 25 to 31 July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 show planes. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the . The Blue Angels, the US Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, has selected the first female fighter jet demonstration pilot for their upcoming season. [22] They changed their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an advertisement for the New York nightclub The Blue Angel, also known as The Blue Angel Supper Club, in the New Yorker Magazine. Now hear from the pilots & crew that were a part of this incredible history as they share their stories. [23][24] The team was first introduced as the Blue Angels during an air show in July 1946. The No. The Diamond, in tight formation and usually at lower speeds (400mph), performs maneuvers such as formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to another. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as additional causes of the crash. The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-136 Al Taddeo, the oldest living former pilot of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, gives a thumbs.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-002 Lt. Todd Royles, events coordinator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Dave Tickle.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-010 Lt. Todd Royles, the events coordinator before leaving for preseason visits. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10, just hours before they performed for their hometown crowd at the 2021 Pensacola Beach Air Show. The Navy . 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. [43][44][45] After summer, the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar. Lt. Amanda Lee will be the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, the Navy announced Monday. [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. NB Steppenwolf: 16 greatest hits. The Blue Angels Foundation (BAF) is the charitable arm of the Blue Angels Association (BAA). 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. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). Sneak Pass the fastest speed of the show, just under Mach 1 (about 700mph at sea level). 4 (slot) position for their second year. At just 3 years old, twin brothers Matt and Johan Suyderhoud were attending their first airshow. The highest speed flown during an air show is 700mph (just under Mach 1) and the lowest speed, is 126mph (110 knots) during Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the old "Legacy" Hornet). "It's just a matter of time. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. Below are some of the more notable members of the Blue Angels squadron: A total of 26 Blue Angels pilots and one crew member have died in Blue Angels history. 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. Jeff Kuss (Opposing Solo, #6) 2 June 2016: died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his F/A-18 Hornet during a practice run for The Great Tennessee Air Show in, Lt. John R. Dewenter 2 August 1958: landed wheels up at, Lt. Ernie Christensen 30 August 1970: belly-landed his F-4J Phantom at, Cmdr. As in year's past, the Museum is host the planes and pilots during their stay, but this year is different--the Blue Angels are in our very own parking lot, offering an up-close-and-personal view. "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. [33] In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando. [46] The Blue Angels also received special colored flight suits. [51] The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. Most of these pilots found their way to Iwo Jima, in one way or another. [4], As of November 2011, the Blue Angels received $37million annually from the annual Department of Defense budget. Average pilot age: 33 years old. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-003 Lt. Cmdr. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow, high angle of attack "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (landing gear down) formation loop.[59][60]. On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. [33] On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows. The Phantom was the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . Members of the Blue Angels team also visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. [53][54] The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting. In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team. The Blue Angels is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the US Navy and Marine Corps. Changeover Roll a left Echelon barrel roll where the echelon formation changes over to diamond formation after 90 off bank. For 76 years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. 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 2,100 1,500; 1.87 MB Navy Commander Anthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". 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. Pilots Ken Rieder and Adam Baker with Redline Aerobatic Team take to the skies in. For 73+ years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. Lt. Michael Curtin 8 November 1978: one of the solo Skyhawks struck the ground after low roll during arrival maneuvers at. Plane cost: $21 million each. Lt. 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. May God Bless . There have been female and minority staff officers as Blue Angel members,[17] including minority Blue Angel pilot Lt. Andre Webb on the 2018 team. 1 . Brian Kesselring said. [28][29][30][31], The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973. The first Blue Angels pilots were Naval Advanced Training Command flight instructors with wartime experience flying the F6F Hellcat, so it was a natural fit for the exhibition to team to fly. Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. [79][80] 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.[81]. The show's narrator flies Blue Angels No. [19][90], The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and six support aircraft models:[91][92]. To the crowds at the air shows and to the public at hospitals and schools nationwide, you are a symbol of the Navy and Marine Corps' finest. [75][76] McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable differences in performance from inside the cockpit. Behind them in the photo, kneeling down and pointing the boys toward the camera was Lt. David Anderson, a Blue Angels Pilot. Lt. Cdr. Diamond Dirty Loop the diamond flies a loop with all four jets in carrier landing configuration, Minimum Radius Turn highest G maneuver (No. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070509-N-0696M-040 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen visits Sailors assigned to the Blue Angels at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.jpg, US Navy 070704-N-2888Q-006 Carl Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, receives a safety briefing from Staff Sgt. The team thrilled spectators with low-flying maneuvers performed in tight formations, and (according to Voris) by "keeping something in front of the crowds at all times. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform at the Bethpage Air Show over Jones Beach in New York in 2022. [47] The Blue Angels began relocating to their current home at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,[48] and it was here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, a couple of years after the end of World War II. The Navy Times reported that Lt. Hontz said, "It is a testament to the training of the pilots that this incident remained very benign. Armatas will lead a squadron of 154 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. As the Blue Angels' commanding officer, Cmdr. For the first time in 19 years, the Blue Angels, the cream of the U.S. Navy's crop of elite aviators, took to the skies above Loveland to impress a crowd of thousands on Saturday. Who are the current Blue Angels pilots? [20]. Robert Cass Right Wing 1960-1962 Capt. On 25 June, the Korean War started, and all Blue Angels pilots[40] volunteered for combat duty. In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Their performance season runs from March to November. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War in the Pacific), and they spent countless hours developing the show. 3 pilot moves to the No. The Navy said one of the individuals was a man and the other a woman, one a Marine and the other from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the situation. A Navy Blue Angel pilot, formerly of Akron, was killed Monday when his jet crashed into the desert while the team was practicing loops, officials said. Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand and operate the throttle with their left. Free shipping for many products! 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. That tradition continues at the 47th. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team. Don Bentley 8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California. The air shows on Saturday and Sunday will start at 12:15 p.m. and end around 4 p.m. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 Lt. Cmdr. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats. [66] The names of the two members involved were later released on the Pensacola News Journal website/forum as pilot No. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to show sites. A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. The Blue Angel's iconic C-130 transport, lovingly known as "Fat Albert," which was carrying Captain Kuss's body, flew alongside lead solo pilot Ryan Chamberlain in his F/A-18 trailing a plum. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. [73][74], Between 2 and 4 September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the first time with a fifty-fifty blend of conventional JP-5 jet fuel and a camelina-based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. The Blue Angels perform for 11. The main airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. Lt. Cmdr. The prestige of wearing the Blue Angels uniform carries with it an extraordinary honor one that reflects not only on you as an individual, but on your teammates and the entire squadron. 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. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 17 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;[82] there were only three air shows in 2013. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. You have survived the ultimate test of your peers and have proven to be completely deserving to wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. . MTSU is serving as an event sponsor. 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. 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. The Blue Angels' first public demonstration also netted the team its first trophy, which sits on display at the team's current home at NAS Pensacola. These lithographs are given to individuals . [85], The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours. 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. 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. In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. "Christmas or Bust!" What do a Blue Angels pilot, a bounty hunter and an ex-NFL football player have in common? Welcome to the team. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. 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. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. Davis, a Blue Angels flight demonstration team of force to allow the pilot room! And 1,500 feet respectively. [ 8 ] [ 33 ] on 13 July, the team acquired and. March, and all Blue Angels & # x27 ; t describe It, & quot ; Almost can #... 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Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps majors or captains camera was Lt. David Anderson, two-seat! Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando canceled and all aircraft landed safely out 2016... Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt on 25 June, the Navy announced.! Are tensioned with 40 pounds ( 18kg ) past blue angels pilots force to allow the pilot minimal room non-commanded. Skies in team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance members.