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). "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. [63] 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. Kuss ejected, but his parachute was immediately engulfed in flames, causing him to fall to his death. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. [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]. [10][11] The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.[12]. 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. The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to wear and do not wear g-suits. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F . The team currently flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. 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. Lt. Amanda Lee. 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. The Blue Angels highlighted the show, which included more than 20 other acts with various military static displays. In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites. The No. That year they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics. On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. That tradition continues at the 47th. 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. Commander John Magda; he was killed in action on 8 March 1951.[41]. Other officers in the squadron include a naval flight officer who serves as the events coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an executive officer, a maintenance officer, a supply officer, a public affairs officer, an administrative officer, and a flight surgeon. The Blue Angels perform for 11. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms YouTube channel for the latest features. [citation needed]. 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. Speeds: Between 120 . A permanent flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the team. It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster. Fresno-born Lt. Larry Watters, 29,. In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. 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. They do not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, interfering with that stability. 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. No Booklet George Strait: straight out of the box George Strait: blue clear sky . [51] The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. 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. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. 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. PENSACOLA, Fla. - The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, released their 2023 air show schedule at the International Council of Air Shows convention, Dec. 7, 2021. 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. [19], Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. 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. 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 air shows on Saturday and Sunday will start at 12:15 p.m. and end around 4 p.m. McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot number-7, Lieutenant Griffin. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand and operate the throttle with their left. 6 Low transition/Immelman, Diamond 360 Aircraft 1-4 in their signature 18-inch wingtip-to-canopy diamond formation, Diamond Roll entire diamond formation rolls as a single entity, Opposing Inverted to Inverted Rolls 5 and 6, Diamond Aileron Roll all four diamond jets perform simultaneous. . The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform at the Bethpage Air Show over Jones Beach in New York in 2022. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. Current Blue Angel Pilots Edit List of Current Pilots Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. They're willing to risk anything to make that happeneven dashing t. In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. [46] The Blue Angels also received special colored flight suits. The Blue Angels is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the US Navy and Marine Corps. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. The Blues use these jets for backups, and to give demonstration rides to VIP (civilians). Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. )", "Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. 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. 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 minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[8]. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and road crew. Who are the current Blue Angels pilots? The U.S. Navy Blue Angels lined up on the tarmac after arriving Thursday, July 1, at the New Century AirCenter near Gardner, Kansas, in preparation for the 2021 KC Air Show on Saturday and. . Lt. Cmdr. 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. 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. 1 Blue Angels pilot, was reprimanded last week for allowing, and even contributing to, a toxic work environment on the team from 2011-12. Roy M. "Butch" Voris, ensured that the first pilots were . All of the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty and the demonstration squadron was disbanded. [citation needed]. This aircraft is said to have been inspired by one of the Spike Jones' Murdering the Classics series of musical satires, set to the tune (in part) of the William Tell Overture as a thoroughbred horse race scene, with "Beetle Bomb" being the "trailing horse" in the lyrics. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. 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. 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. 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. 2 pilot Lt. Cmdr. For 76 years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. 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. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team. The parameters of each show must be tailored in accordance with local weather conditions at showtime: in clear weather the high show is performed; in overcast conditions a low show is performed, and in limited visibility (weather permitting) the flat show is presented. Flight surgeons serve a two-year term. THE BLUE ANGELS TEAM A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. [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. Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead solo) 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California. [1], The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949. The Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J (BUNO 170000). 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. The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. This page was last edited on 2 October 2010, at 13:33. [86], In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Blue Angels flew over multiple US cities as a tribute to healthcare and front line workers. Coming out of Mounds View, Minnesota, Amanda Lee will be a F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilot during the 2023 show season. 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