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. As the Blue Angels' commanding officer, Cmdr. [65] On 6 November 2008, both officers were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed. Kuss had performed the maneuver too low while failing to retard the throttle out of afterburner, causing him to fall too fast and recover too low above the ground. [35], In 1949, the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites. 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. [citation needed]. Coming out of Mounds View, Minnesota, Amanda Lee will be a F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilot during the 2023 show season. Gerald Larson Solo 1961-1962 Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos. Sneak Pass the fastest speed of the show, just under Mach 1 (about 700mph at sea level). Naval Air Forces, walks with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration s.jpg, US Navy 110416-N-IR859-030 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-IR859-087 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-YM440-006 Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jeff Harper, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Bl.jpg, US Navy 110506-N-ZL585-030 Lt. Jason Smith, center, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Mocek visit with young patients at Children's Hospital New.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-014 Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Curt Metzger, from St. Petersburg, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demo.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-053 Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Schweitzer, from Orlando, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squ.jpg, US Navy 110626-N-IR859-042 Capt. They're willing to risk anything to make that happeneven dashing t. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels announced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, would be stepping down. [83], In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. 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. [16], Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, post-show activities, and social events. [33] In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . 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. 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. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: 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. That year they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics. 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. Tom Winkler, a Blue Angels pilot, autographs a ballcap for a young fan following a performance at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-001 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. The application and evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with extensive finalist interviews and team deliberations. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The first woman named to the Blue Angels as F/A-18 demonstration pilot was Lt. Amanda Lee, who is a member of the 2023 team. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. Lt. Nile Kraft (Opposing Solo) 22 February 1977: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during practice. [citation needed], 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. I felt that if we weren't the best, it would be my naval career." "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as additional causes of the crash. Some of the maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once, such as opposing passes (toward each other in what appears to be a collision course) and mirror formations (back-to-back, belly-to-belly, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team. [28][29][30][31], The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. John Magda, was killed in action on March 8, 1951. Free shipping for many products! Speeds: Between 120 . Because it takes six to eight years to log the 1,250 hours of flying time needed to try out for the Blue Angels, there has yet to be a female Blue Angel pilot. Capt. The Blue Angels continued flying with the Tiger until 1968. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps. On 15 June, Voris led the three Hellcats (numbered 13), specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, through their inaugural 15-minute-long performance. There have been more than 260 past Blue Angels pilots and over 37 Flight Leaders (also known as the Boss or Commanding Officer). They do not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, interfering with that stability. John J. Magda 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Russell J. Bartlett Sept 2002 to Sept 2004. On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. "I saw the Blue Angels fly when I was a young . Raymond Kayea Support Pilot 1960-1961 Capt. The USAF Thunderbird Association promotes a shared purpose to create a welcoming community for all past, current and future Thunderbirds and help preserve our history for generations to come. The Blue Angels, the US Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, has selected the first female fighter jet demonstration pilot for their upcoming season. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support. The Blue Angels highlighted the show, which included more than 20 other acts with various military static displays. [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. [26], The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. The Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J (BUNO 170000). A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. 4 slot pilot often flies the No. Tom Winkler signs autographs for Virginia Beach resident Matt and his son.jpg, US Navy 061025-N-5060B-100 Mass Communication Specialist Heather Ewton interviews Blue Angel's pilot Lt. Kevin Davis after giving a media ride to local VIP personnel prior to the 2006 Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sh.jpg, US Navy 061027-N-1810F-039 Raleigh Dusty Rhodes, one of the first pilots and commanders of the Blue Angels, autographs a poster for Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Olivares before the practice air show aboard Nav.jpg, US Navy 070203-N-6652A-074 Blue Angels Public Affairs Chief Brabble holds a meet and greet with local law enforcement agencies and their families before an air performance.jpg, US Navy 070422-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration pilot, Lcdr. Jeff Kuss Opposing Solo died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his Hornet during a practice run for The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee. MTSU is serving as an event sponsor. The 83 litho features the Blues in the A-4 Skyhawk flying past Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1953, they began wearing gold colored flight suits for the first show of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron. [20]. Every year, 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers, and 1 Marine Corps pilot join the Blue Angels team. [66] The names of the two members involved were later released on the Pensacola News Journal website/forum as pilot No. 1. The "Blues" perform at both military and non-military airfields, and often at major U.S. cities and capitals; also locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. [86], In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Blue Angels flew over multiple US cities as a tribute to healthcare and front line workers. In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. Bud Wood 7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a demonstration in. The Blue Angels performed Saturday at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., the team's first show since an April 21 crash killed one of its members. 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. 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. Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand and operate the throttle with their left. Once they were in the former Soviet Union, the Blue Angels pilots were given the opportunity to fly with one of the Russian frontline fighters, the Su-27 Flanker of the Russian Knights or the. [88][89], In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was announced as the first woman to serve as a demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. All structured data from the file namespace is available under the. Kieron O'Connor and Lt. 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. 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. 4 USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. Section High-Alpha Pass: (tail sitting), the show's slowest maneuver, Solos Pass to Rejoin, Diamond flies a loop, Loop Break Cross Delta Break (After the break the aircraft separate in six different directions, perform half. [8] The No. It was their first supersonic aircraft. Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing) 14 June 1960: killed flying a, Lt. George L. Neale 15 March 1964: killed during an attempted emergency landing at Apalach Airport near, Lt. Cmdr. [2] The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. 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. 5 flies a "horizontal loop" pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius.). (Military.com) The former commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels has been disciplined for condoning behavior among his pilots and officers that included sexual harassment and lewd. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. Zoe "SiS" Kotnik A member belonging to the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron has been suspended pending the findings in an ongoing investigation that kicked off in late January, according to U.S. Navy officials. [56][57] He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. 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. The flight surgeon provides team medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in each post-flight debrief. In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger. One of the pilots was Lt. Eric C. Doyle, who 15 years later assumed command of the Blue Angels and later led the team that supported the team's transition to the Super Hornet. The Blue Angel suspension follows Tuesday's unrelated announcement about the Air Force's firing of Capt. The Blue Angels are scheduled to practice from noon to 4 p.m. today and 1: 20 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. Friday. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. 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. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-047 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepare to recover six F-A-18 Hornets.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-049 Capt. The next day, the Blue Angels announced that they were initiating a safety stand-down, canceling their upcoming Naval Academy Airshow and returning to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, for additional training and airshow practice. Support Pilot 1959-1961 Capt. Capt. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. The No. Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. Lt. Cdr. Mark Lambert, flight surgeon for the Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, visits with a resident of the nursing home care center at Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-021 Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alisha Raper, plane captain for U.S. Navy flight demonstration team aircraft Blue Angel Five, gives final confirmation to her pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Annual winter training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, where new and returning pilots hone skills learned in the fleet. Although there are only 6 Blue Angels aircraft at any one time, in the History of the Blue Angels, there has been a total of 272 pilots who have worn the coveted blue flight suit, first adopted in 1954. Roy M. "Butch" Voris, ensured that the first pilots were . They perform aerial displays at public exhibitions throughout most of the year. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstrat Diamond Dirty Loop the diamond flies a loop with all four jets in carrier landing configuration, Minimum Radius Turn highest G maneuver (No. Brian Kesselring said. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats. Blue Angels Association Based out of Pensacola, Florida Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel! Katie Higgins knew about the military from growing up as the daughter of a Navy FA-18 pilot, moving with her family every 2-3 years and spending her first two years of high school in Yokosuka, Japan. Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally selected Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration team, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. They are stripped down and only good for putting on the amazing display. Craig Olson.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-023 Blue Angel Plane Captains run from the runway as part of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team The Blue Angels performance at The Great State of Maine Air Show.jpg, US Navy 090502-N-9712C-001 Lt. Manuel Sanchez, a maintenance officer assigned to the Blue Angels, administers the oath of enlistment to delayed entry program recruits from the New Orleans area.jpg, US Navy 090530-N-1928O-163 Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, receives a gift of appreciation from Marine Corps Maj. Drew Hess, and crewmembers of the Blue Angels C-130 Hercules.jpg, US Navy 090829-N-1928O-113 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares for take-off during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show at Offutt Air Force Base as part of Omaha Navy Week.jpg, US Navy 090916-N-6220J-003 Cmdr. Plane cost: $21 million each. Simonsen, the ^6 pilot and opposing solo for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, give.jpg, US Navy 110706-N-DI587-095 Blue Angels plane captains strap William Gordon, executive director for Orange County public schools, into an F-A 18 Hor.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-007 Members of the U.S. Navy Fight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-039 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-041 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-NT881-144 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, greets the public and signs autographs after a Blue.jpg, US Navy 110831-N-DI587-003 A Sailor applies a Navy Energy Security logo to a Blue Angels F-A-18.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-JM744-077 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announces conducting demonstration flights with a 50-50 mix of biofuel and JP-5 aviation.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-ZZ999-002 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus speaks during a press conference at Naval Air Station Patuxent River about the.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-010 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Nathaniel Stuart, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue An.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-012 Capt. [55] "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel. Lt. Cmdr. Governor of Indiana, presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-002 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. [10][11] The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.[12]. [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. Greg McWherter, flight leader and commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 110702-N-VO219-002 Lt. C.J. On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team. 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? The high show requires at least an 8,000-foot (2,400m) ceiling and visibility of at least 3 nautical miles (6km) from the show's center point. No Booklet George Strait: straight out of the box George Strait: blue clear sky . The first four pilots and those after them, were and are some of the best and most experienced aviators in the Navy.[33]. Knobby-kneed in their shorts and polo shirts, clutching toy Blue Angel jet replicas, they posed for the picture. Jul 18, 2022. Anthony Walley, ^2 Pilot of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, speaks with students in the Omniplex theater at the St. Louis Science Center.jpg, US Navy 071110-N-5328N-910 Blue Angels No. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. [5][6], 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 community outreach.[7]. NORTH DAKOTA -- An Allegiant Airlines pilot declared a fuel emergency and had to land at a North Dakota airport even though the airport was closed for the Blue Angels practicing for their weekend . In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. Pilots Ken Rieder and Adam Baker with Redline Aerobatic Team take to the skies in. 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. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. ``It was an extremely demanding decision on Commander Cochran's part,'' said retired Vice Admiral Anthony A. [34] By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 14 on the tail sections. [72] The squadron canceled performances at the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 45 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 1112 June to allow additional practice and demonstration training under McWherter's leadership. 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, Commander Herbert P. Hunter 19 July 1967: Blue Angels (19571959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by antiaircraft fire in North Vietnam and crashed in his, Captain Clarence O. Tolbert 6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a, Captain Harley H. Hall 27 January 1973: Blue Angels (19701971; 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. Pilots from the F9F-8 Cougar to the head training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, new... A Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites R5C Commando six Navy and one Marine C-130... Of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 lt. Cmdr knobby-kneed in their shorts and polo shirts clutching! Seven Gs to maintain a tight radius. ) 83 ], the squadron commanding! Career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime used in the fleet Cochran joined... First African-American naval Aviator to be past blue angels pilots and the administrative officer, would be stepping.! At sea level ) the tail sections during a demonstration in Wood 7 July 1952 killed... 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Baker with Redline Aerobatic team take to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for.. That year they also upgraded to the head fleet and future team members 's... Jet during a demonstration in down and only good for putting on tail. Continued flying with the Tiger until 1968 Angels transitioned from the fleet and team! Pilot Cdr force trauma to the skies in JATO use of the crash R4D Skytrain for logistics Albert ''... First pilots were the Navy flight demonstration squadron coming out of Mounds View, Minnesota, Amanda will... Rieder and Adam Baker with Redline Aerobatic team take to the skies in team acquired Douglas! To practice from noon to 4 p.m. today and 1 Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck,! Only was the last JATO performance of the squadron flying the left wing-man position the. Was a young not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, interfering with that.... 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