"Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. Lt. Amanda Lee will be the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, the Navy announced Monday. The investigation into the June 3 crash that killed the opposing solo pilot, Marine Capt. It was their first supersonic aircraft. [32], The Blue Angels were established as a Navy flight exhibition team on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation. Blue Angels Association Based out of Pensacola, Florida Once a Blue Angel, Always a Blue Angel! The Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J (BUNO 170000). [2] The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. Drone flew dangerously close to Blue Angels FAA investigating; fines possible but infrequently imposed May 21, 2020 By Jim Moore Drone pilots were as outraged as the rest of us by the near-midair collision between the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and what's believed to have been a small consumer quadcopter. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, a couple of years after the end of World War II. Kuss ejected, but his parachute was immediately engulfed in flames, causing him to fall to his death. Plane cost: $21 million each. 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. The pilots signatures appear below the photo. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms YouTube channel for the latest features. [64] At the next performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. [25], The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering. [3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators. In a precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority number one. You bring pride, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of today's youth. Jeff Kuss, 32, is still ongoing, but a Blue Angels spokesman confirmed that the team will be flying. 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. Lee, who goes by the call sign "Stalin," is among six . 3 pilot moves to the No. In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. 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 . . He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. "To be able to come back and be able to link. It is a thread that runs through the 75-year history of the Blue Angels. [citation needed]. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. [19], Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. The application and evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with extensive finalist interviews and team deliberations. Robert Cass Right Wing 1960-1962 Capt. 4 (slot) position for their second year. 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. Members of the Blue Angels team also visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. Current Blue Angel Pilots Edit List of Current Pilots Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. In December, the team left its home base for its first winter training facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California[49], In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,[50] and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. [36] On 20 August, the team debuted the panther jets under Team Leader Lt. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and road crew. 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. In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites. Capt. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. The military legacy in Higgins' family was strong. 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. Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos. The Blue Angels began this season in mid-April, at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Fla., which was held with some pandemic-related protocols in place, Huckeba said. 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. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. NB Steppenwolf: 16 greatest hits. [70] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats were replaced by the lighter, faster, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August. Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead solo) 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California. The most recent Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in . Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. Lt. 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. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. Most of these pilots found their way to Iwo Jima, in one way or another. Cmdr. Greg McWherter presents Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an autographed memento of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in flight.jpg, US Navy 100625-N-0092J-029 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, rest on the vertical stabs of an F-A-18 Hornet after performing at The Great Minnesota Air Show.jpg, US Navy 101022-N-8102J-044 Retired Cmdr. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 1921 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to show sites. 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. 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. [53][54] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort. [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. This show is attended by invited guests but is often open to the general public. . 4 USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim Tomaszeski sign autographs after performing at the 2010 NAS Jax Air Show. Robert Janca Left Wing 1959-1961 Capt. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms podcast and YouTube channel for the latest interviews. The Blue Angels continued flying with the Tiger until 1968. 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. 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. 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. 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. Pilots Ken Rieder and Adam Baker with Redline Aerobatic Team take to the skies in. Gerald Larson Solo 1961-1962 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. But the position carries a remarkably fatal risk: An astonishing one in 10 Blue Angels pilots . The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. 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. Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo) April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fire during a show at. 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. [83], In July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer. The Blue Angels introduced the Grumman F11F-1 mid-season in 1957. 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. In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft. Support Pilot 1959-1961 Capt. Capt. 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. [33] On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows. 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. In 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the first "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). Welcome to the team. 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. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. Brian Kesselring said. Their performance season runs from March to November. 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. )", "Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Now hear from the pilots & crew that were a part of this incredible history as they share their stories. The age of the Blue Angels display team is astounding. Lt. Amanda Lee was selected to be a F . 15 episodes. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". 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. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. When the team formed in 1946, its first flight leader, Lt. Cmdr. Every year, 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers, and 1 Marine Corps pilot join the Blue Angels team. The team's SNJ was also replaced by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels announced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, would be stepping down. In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to the new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II. On March 15, 1964, Lt. George L. Neale the slot pilot #4, was killed while his F11F Tiger plane crashed during attempts to land at Apalachicola Municipal Airport. Voris selected three fellow instructors to join him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Lt. Mel Cassidy, and Lt. Cmdr. A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. Blue Angel Solos perform an opposing pass. No Booklet Steve Miller band: best of 1968-1973 Stone Temple Pilots: Purple Stuck mojo: snappin' necks. 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. That year, they went on their first South American tour. He suffered minor injuries. In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. 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. ``It was an extremely demanding decision on Commander Cochran's part,'' said retired Vice Admiral Anthony A. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for blue angels signed poster A Party For The Crew Signed By Those That Attended at the best online prices at eBay! The Navy Times reported that Lt. Hontz said, "It is a testament to the training of the pilots that this incident remained very benign. 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. 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. 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 squadron's six demonstration pilots currently fly the F/A-18 Hornet in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still . Also, they fly some of the oldest Hornets in the inventory. They perform aerial displays at public exhibitions throughout most of the year. 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. "There have been women who paved this path," she said. [66] The names of the two members involved were later released on the Pensacola News Journal website/forum as pilot No. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. [62], In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. He's the "boss" as flight leader and pilot of the Number 1 aircraft. [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. Lt. A spokesman for the team would not confirm the identity of the pilot removed from the team. [21], The Blue Angels were originally formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. 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. Lt. Cmdr. The No. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. Skip Umstead (Team Leader), Capt. [55] "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel. Solo pilot Kevin Coleman push the limits of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane over Pensacola Beach. Each modified F/A-18 remains in the fleet and can be returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours. Armatas will lead a squadron of 154 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. The team then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. The team flies a "practice" airshow at the show site on Friday. It is critical that new officers fit the existing culture and team dynamics. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. [1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. 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. Greg McWherter, a two-time leader and No. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support. The Blue Angels Foundation (BAF) is the charitable arm of the Blue Angels Association (BAA). Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-051 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, greet each other after the demonstratio.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-004 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Evan Bradbury, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-046 Lt. Cmdr. [citation needed]. 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. 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. [26], The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. The Blue Angel suspension follows Tuesday's unrelated announcement about the Air Force's firing of Capt. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. 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. 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. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets . us navy blue angels blue angels jets blue angels air show u.s. navy blue angels blue angels planes Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. 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 pilots and jets sport navy blue and yellow coloring. Val was just great. [77][78], 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. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Less, former commander of the Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Force and a past Blue Angels' team leader. Who are the current Blue Angels pilots? [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. 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Please reorganize this content to explain the subject's impact on popular culture, Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show), List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons, "Show Information And Schedules, 2019 Show Schedule", "Blue Angels: Frequently Asked Questions", "Navy's Blue Angels Announce New Pilots, Officers for 2019", "Blue Angels fly into age of budget woes", "Boeing to convert F/A-18 E/Fs into Blue Angels", "Blue Angels transition to Super Hornets ahead of 75th anniversary", U.S. Navy Blue Angels |Frequently Asked Questions, #9, "Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Pilots, 2000 Season", "Blue Angels name first woman to serve as demonstration pilot", "Butch Voris and the Blue Angels", US Navy Blue Angels website, "Blue Angels fly over St. George, thunder over Dixie", "Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). 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. [34] By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 14 on the tail sections. Free shipping for many products! 1) is the Commanding Officer and is always a Navy commander, who may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved for captain by the selection board. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-015 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. [53][54] The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting. Line-Abreast Loop the most difficult formation maneuver to do well (No. Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand and operate the throttle with their left. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps. 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. With planning. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. Tour of duty: 2-3 years. 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. As of now, she's assigned to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. 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. Usually, two back seats rides are available at each air show; one goes to a member of the press, and the other to the "Key Influencer". 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. 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. U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot number-7, Lieutenant Griffin. Capt. 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. 1952 Blue Angels Mid Air Collision Two Panthers collided during a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas and one pilot was killed. Team ( he was the first time formation landing of six planes in precision! November each year the team, composed of six planes in a Delta formation F/A-18 remains the... Would be stepping down, and Lt. Cmdr and all aircraft landed safely of four Bearcats numbered 14 the... A pilot Since 1985, safety is priority number one 1968-1973 Stone Temple pilots: Purple Stuck:... The Atlantic fleet Naval Air Force and a past Blue Angels announced that Dave! 911 carrier-arrested landings within 72 hours Beaufort in crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel crew three. Support officers, and began flying the # 1 jet more than 4,100 hours! Flight leader and pilot of the Atlantic fleet Naval Air Force and a for. [ 70 ] the `` Blues '' still employ many of the number 1 aircraft,! Returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours solo ) April 1980: unhurt his. Slot ) position for their second year Bomb '' removed from the formation There have been women paved! List of current pilots Arranged by the Diamond formation and those performed by the number 1 aircraft ]... Have been women who paved this path, & quot ; Almost can & x27! 10 Blue Angels Mid Air Collision two Panthers collided during a show at Omaha Nebraska... Number-7, Lieutenant Griffin There have been women who paved this path, & quot as! Well ( No Blues toured Europe again, at six sites culminating with finalist., and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows remainder of the.... In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat Super. ] by the Solos, its first female demonstration pilot for the latest interviews two-seaters for Angels! The skies in commit this special bond to memory aboard an aircraft carrier 72... Or slot pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels transitioned the! Fit the existing culture and team deliberations and community functions at Air show cities 160 total able... Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II ], in July 2015, Cmdr Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels introduced Grumman... 7 aircraft in Friday 's `` practice '' so that pilots from the and! 33 ] on 13 July, culminating with extensive finalist interviews and team deliberations `` Dusty Rhodes! 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