| Blue Angels U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron | |
|---|---|
 Blue Angels insignia | |
| Active | 24 April 1946–present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Aerobatic flight demonstration team |
| Size | Navy: 13 officers Marine Corps: 4 officers Navy & Marine Corps: 100+ enlisted personnel |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida NAF El Centro, California (Winter Facility) |
| Nickname | The Blues |
| Colors | "Blue Angel" blue "Insignia" yellow |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | CAPT Adam L. Bryan |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Navy: F/A-18E Super Hornets (single seat) (Demonstrations use F/A-18Es #1 to 6; backup is a pair of F/A-18Fs #7) |
| Transport | Marine Corps: 1C-130J Super Hercules |
TheBlue Angels, formally named theU.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, is aUnited States Navyflight demonstration squadron.[1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formalaerobatic team in the world, following thePatrouille de France, which formed in 1931. The team has six Navy and oneMarine Corps pilots. They flyBoeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and theLockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.
Blue Angels typically perform in 60 or more shows annually at 32 locations throughout theUnited States and two shows inCanada.[2] The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season.[citation needed] An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. The Blue Angels visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities.[3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.[4] In 2011, the Blue Angels received $37 million from the annualDepartment of Defense budget.[5][6]
Their mission 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]
The Blue Angels perform at military and non-militaryairfields, and at major U.S. cities and capitals; locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. They also performed nearby Mexico City in the mid sixties.
During theiraerobatic demonstration, the six-member team fliesF/A-18 Hornets,[8] split into theDiamond formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of the show alternates betweenmaneuvers performed by the Diamond formation and those performed by the Solos. The Diamond, in tight formation and usually at lower speeds (400 mph), performs maneuvers such as formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to another. The Solos showcase the high performance capabilities of their individual aircraft through the execution of high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and tight turns.
The highest speed flown during an air show is 700 mph (just under Mach 1) while the lowest speed is 126 mph (110 knots) during Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the old "Legacy" Hornet). Some 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). The Solos join the diamond formation near the end of the show for maneuvers indelta formation.
The parameters of each show are tailored in accordance with showtime weather conditions: in clear weather thehigh show is performed; in overcast conditions alow show is performed, and in limited visibility (weather permitting) theflat show is presented. Thehigh show requires at least an 8,000-foot (2,400 m)ceiling and visibility of at least 3 nautical miles (6 km) from the show's center point. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[9]
The team flies theBoeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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. Modifications 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 control input. Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18 kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. Each modified F/A-18 remains in the fleet and can be returned to combat duty within 72 hours.[10] As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020.[11][12] The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.[13]
The show's narrator, Blue Angels No. 7, flies a two-seat (F/A-18F Super Hornet), to show sites. The Blues use these jets for backups or spares, and to give demonstration rides to civilian VIPs. 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".[9] The No. 4 Slot Pilot often flies the No. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show.
In 2020, theUnited States Marine Corps Blue Angels purchased a surplusRoyal Air ForceLockheed C-130J Super Hercules (RAF registration ZH885, US registration 170000) as the new "Fat Albert", for their logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and to carry support personnel between shows.
TheHellcat was the first aircraft flown. The pilots were advanced flight instructors who had flown the aircraft in war. The F6F-5s were painted in dark navy blue with gold lettering and made first flight demonstration on 10 May 1946.
TheBearcat began flying towards the end of the first season for the team. It was their last propeller-driven aircraft and the first to fly the diamond formation. The Bearcats first appeared in Denver in August 1946.
ThePanther was the first jet. After a temporary disbandment for the Korean War, with the unit serving with VMF-191, when reactivated on 25 October 1951 theF9F-5 Panther returned to service.
In the winter of 1954/55 the Angels began flying theCougar, serving until the middle of 1957.
In mid 1957Tiger began flying with the Blue Angels. The F11F-1 was the first supersonic jet and the last Grumman planes serving the flight team. It was used until 1969, even though it had earlier been withdrawn from frontline service. It was one of the most popular aircraft with the public, because of its afterburner and sleek lines.
In 1969, theF-4J became the plane of choice, serving until December 1974. The F-4 was operated concurrently by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds demonstration teams.
Accidents and the price of fuel led to the adoption of the more economicalA-4F Skyhawk II. The Blue Angels flew the A-4 in their 80 shows during the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976. The Blue Angels also made 30 years on 1976 and performed their 2,000th show flying the A-4F . The Skyhawk served from December 1974 to November 1986.
In 1986 the Blue Angels transitioned to theF/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A model served from 1986 to 2010, and the F/A-18C model from 2010 to 2020.
The Blue Angels is currently on their 5th year of flying theBoeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Flying the F/A-18E model for the demonstration and F/A-18F for Blue Angel #7 Jet and for the #4 Slot Pilot for practice routines.
2026 United States Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Pilots and Flight Officers[14]
As of the 2020 season[update], 272 demonstration pilots have served in the Blue Angels.[15][16]
The team is divided into 3 departments: Officers, Enlisted, and Technical Representatives. Team members come from the ranks of regular United States Navy andUnited States Marine Corps units. Pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMCNaval Aviators. Pilots serve two to three years.[3] Position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Other officers include anaval flight officer who serves as the event coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an Executive Officer (XO), a Maintenance Officer (MO), aFlight Surgeon (DOC), a Supply Officer (SUPPO), a Public Affairs Officer (PAO), and an Administrative Officer (AO) in Technical Representatives Department. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. They serve three to four years.[3] After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.
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The officer selection process requires candidates wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and flight records. 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. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.[17]
Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid with their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, post-show activities, and social events. It is critical that new officers fit the Blue culture and team dynamics. The evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with finalist interviews and team deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Selections must be unanimous.
The Flight Leader (No. 1) is theCommanding Officer and holds the rank ofcommander, who may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved by the selection board.
Pilots numbered 2–7 are Navy Lieutenant Commanders or Lieutenants, or Marine Corps Majors or Captains. The (#7) pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing Solo (#6) and then Lead Solo (#5) the following two years, respectively. The (#3) pilot moves to the (#4) "Slot" position for their second year. Blue Angel (#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. (#8) usually a Naval Flight Officer serves as Events Coordinator for two years. The Events Coordinator's job is to communicate, manage VIP/Media rides and make sure each event and airshow is successful.
Since 2008, seven female flight officers have been selected. LCDRAmanda Lee became the first woman to be named as a F/A-18 demonstration pilot. She served from 2022 to 2024.[18] CDR Lilly Montana is Events Coordinator for the 2025-26 season. CAPT Olivia Bair USMC is serving as a C-130 pilot for the 2026 season. CDR Amy Tomlinson, MAJ Corrie Mays USMC, and LCDR Katlin Forster served as Events Coordinators. LTCOLKatie Higgins Cook USMC served as a C-130 pilot.
Several minority flight officers served, including CAPTDonnie Cochran, the first African American to command the Blue Angels. Lt Andre Webb and LCDR Julius Bratton served as demonstration pilots.
One Navy Pilot serves two years as Maintenance Officer, the first year as Assistant Maintenance Officer (AMO) (role removed recently) and second year as Maintenance Officer (MO).
 | This section needs to beupdated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(November 2025) |
As of 2025 one Navy Member serves two years as the Maintenance Officer. The Maintenance Officer (MO) is in charge of the men, women, and equipment that keep the aircraft flying. Its job is to maintain, observe, and update the winds, visibility, and clouds.
Flight surgeons (DOC) serve a two-year term. The flight surgeon provides medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in post-flight debrief. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team.[19]
Annual winter training takes place atNAF El Centro, California, where new and returning pilots hone skills. Pilots fly two practice sessions per day, six days a week, to handle the 120 training missions needed to perform the routines. The separation between the formations and their maneuver altitude is gradually reduced over two months in January and February. The team then returns to home base inPensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season.
A typical week during the season has practices atNAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. 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 site on Friday. This show is attended by invited guests but is often open to the general public. Airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings. Monday is an off day. Aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday.
Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand holding the stick with their knuckles facing the aircraft's display panels and operate the throttle with their left hand. Both hands wear gloves to avoid sweaty hands. They do not wearG-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, increasing the risk of unintentional movement. To compensate for the lack of G-suits, pilots have developed a method for tensing their muscles to prevent blood from pooling in their lower extremities, possibly rendering them unconscious.[20]
The Blue Angels formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.[21] They changed their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an advertisement for theNew York nightclubThe Blue Angel, also known as The Blue Angel Supper Club, in theNew Yorker Magazine.[22][23] The team was introduced as the Blue Angels during an air show in July 1946.[24]
The first demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering. The current shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the first demonstration aircraft were transitioned from theGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat to theGrumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft wore an all-yellow scheme with blue markings during the 1949 show season.[25]
The original Blue Angelsinsignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft.[1]
The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft toGrumman F9F-2B Panther (in blue and gold) in August 1949.[26]
The Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952. In 1953, they began wearing gold colored flight suits for the first show of the season and to commemorate milestones.[27][28][29][30]
The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned theUnited States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973.[31]
The Blue Angels were established as a Navy flight exhibition team on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval OperationsAdmiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation. To boost Navy morale, demonstrate naval air power, and maintain public interest in naval aviation, an underlying mission was to help the Navy generate public and political support for a larger allocation of the shrinking defense budget. Rear AdmiralRalph Davison personally selectedLieutenant CommanderRoy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War IIfighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration team, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. Voris selected three fellow instructors to join him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Lt. Mel Cassidy, and Lt. Cmdr. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War in the Pacific). The group perfected its initial maneuvers in secret over the FloridaEverglades so that, in Voris' words, "if anything happened, just the alligators would know". The first four pilots and those after them were some of the best and most experienced Navy aviators.[32]
The team's first demonstration withGrumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft took place before Navy officials on 10 May 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval. The Angels performed their first air show at what is now JaxEx (formerly Craig Municipal Airport, one of 6 airports in the Jacksonville, FL area developed for military training), on 15 June 1946.[33] The exhibition team flew three Gruman F6F Hellcat Fighter planes (a fourth F6F-5 was held in reserve). On 15 June, Voris led the three Hellcats (numbered 1–3), specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, through their inaugural 15-minute-long performance.[1] The team employed aNorth American SNJ Texan, painted and configured to simulate aJapanese Zero, to simulate aerial combat. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". This aircraft is said to have been inspired by one of theSpike Jones'Murdering the Classics series of musical satires, set to the tune (in part) of theWilliam Tell Overture as a thoroughbred horse race scene, with "Beetle Bomb" being the "trailing horse" in the lyrics.
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. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. I felt that if we weren't the best, it would be my naval career." The Blue Angels' first public demonstration netted the team its first trophy, which sits on display at the team's current home atNAS Pensacola. During an air show atOmaha, Nebraska on 19–21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels.[34] The name had originated through a suggestion by Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, after he had read about the Blue Angel nightclub inThe New Yorker magazine. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats were replaced by the lighter, faster, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August.[34] By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 1–4 on the tail sections.
In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the team leader. The team with an additional fifth pilot, relocated toNaval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. On 7 June atBirmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 1–4) flew indiamond formation for the first time which is now considered the Blue Angels' trademark. A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. A SNJ was used as aJapanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows.
In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels team, which was flying four Bearcats and a yellow painted SNJ with USN markings dubbed "Beetle Bomb"; the SNJ represented a Japanese Zero for the air show dogfights with the Bearcats. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats.[35]
In 1949, the team acquired aDouglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites. The team's SNJ was replaced by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. 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.[32] On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wingGrumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows.[36] On 20 August, the team debuted the panther jets under Team Leader Lt. CommanderRaleigh "Dusty" Rhodes[34] during an air show atBeaumont, Texas and added a sixth pilot.[37][26] The F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" was relegated to solo aerobatics before the main show, until it crashed on takeoff at a training show in Pensacola on 24 April 1950, killing pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. Team headquarters shifted fromNAS Corpus Christi, Texas, toNAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949.[38]
The Blue Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in the 1950s. On 25 June 1950, theKorean War started, and all Blue Angels pilots[39] volunteered for combat duty. The squadron (due to a shortage of pilots, and no available planes) and its members were ordered to "combat-ready status" after an exhibition atNaval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July.[32] The Blue Angels were disbanded,[34] and its pilots were reassigned to the aircraft carrierUSS Princeton on 9 November. The group formed the core ofFighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens", under the command of World War II fighter ace and 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, Lt. Commander John Magda; he was killed in action on 8 March 1951.[40]
On 25 October 1951, the Blues were ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported toNAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of two commanding officers to lead them twice). In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers[41] at an airshow inMemphis, Tennessee.[32] In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for aCurtiss R5C Commando. In August, "Blues" leaderLCDR Ray Hawkins became the first naval aviator to survive an ejection at supersonic speeds when a new F9F-6 he was piloting became uncontrollable on a cross-country flight.[42][43][44] After summer, the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougars.
In 1954, the firstMarine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the team.[45] The Blue Angels received special colored flight suits.[34] In May, the Blue Angels performed atBolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with theAir Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953).[46] The Blue Angels began relocating to their ultimate home at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,[47] and it was there they progressed to the swept-wingGrumman F9F-8 Cougar. In December, the team left its home base for its first winter training facility atNaval Air Facility El Centro, California[48]
In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,[49] and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition inToronto, Ontario, Canada. It upgraded its logistics aircraft to theDouglas R5D Skymaster.[50]
In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonicGrumman F11F-1 Tiger.[51] The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, atBarin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season.
In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season.[citation needed]
In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show overMexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million people.
In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted aCaribbean island tour, flying at five sites. Later that year, they embarked on a European tour to a dozen sites, including theParis Air Show, where they were the only team to receive a standing ovation.
In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, visiting six sites.
In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with aLockheed VC-121J Constellation. The Blues transitioned to the two-seatMcDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in 1969, nearly always leaving the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. The Phantom was the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and theUnited States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). That year they also upgraded to theLockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics.
In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine CorpsLockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. That year, they went on their first South American tour.[52]
In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,[53] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines.
In 1972, the Blue Angels were awarded the Navy'sMeritorious Unit Commendation for the two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.
On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned theUnited States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.[54][55] The Blues mission focused more on Navy recruiting.
In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to theDouglas A-4F Skyhawk II. Navy CommanderAnthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". A permanent flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the team.[54][55] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort.
Beginning in 1975, "Bert" was used forJet 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.[56] "Fat Albert Airlines" flew with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.
In 1986, LCDRDonnie Cochran joined the Blue Angels as the firstAfrican-American Naval Aviator to be selected.[57][58] He served for two more years with the squadron, flying the left wing-man position in the No. 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996.[59]
On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling what would remain their aircraft through their 75th anniversary year, theMcDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allowed them to perform a slow, highangle of attack "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (landing gear down) formation loop.[60][61]
Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. 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. 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. 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. You bring pride, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of today's youth. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Welcome to the team.
In 1992, the Blue Angels deployed for a month-long European tour, their first in 19 years, conducting shows in Sweden, Finland, Russia (first foreign flight demonstration team to perform there), Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
In November 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the first "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier,USSHarry S. Truman (CVN-75).
On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots.LCDR Kieron O'Connor andLT Kevin Colling were returning from a practice flight before an air show when theirF/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia.[63]
Pilots were not required to wear and did not wearg-suits.[64]
In 2008 one pilot and another officer were removed from duty for engaging in an "inappropriate relationship".[65] At the next performance atLackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation.[66] On 6 November 2008, both officers were found guilty at anadmiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed.[67]
On 21 April 2007, pilot Kevin "Kojak" Davis was killed and eight people on the ground were injured when Davis lost control of the No. 6 jet andcrashed during an air show at theMarine Corps Air Station Beaufort inBeaufort, South Carolina.[68]
The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration at the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming show, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use by the Marines.[69]
In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at theSan Diego Air & Space Museum.[70]
On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels were performing at the Lynchburg Regional Airshow inLynchburg, Virginia, when the Diamond formation flew the Barrel Roll Break maneuver at an altitude lower than the required minimum.[71] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. 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 inPensacola,Florida, for additional training and airshow practice.[72] On 26 May, the Blue Angels announced they would not be flying their traditional fly-over of theNaval Academy Graduation Ceremony and that they were canceling their 28–29 May 2011 performances at the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow inMillville, New Jersey.
On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels announced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, would be stepping down. He was replaced by Captain Greg McWherter, the team's previous commanding officer.[73] The squadron canceled two performances to allow additional practice and demonstration training.[73]
On 29 July 2011, a new Blue Angels Mustang GT was auctioned off for $400,000 at theExperimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show) annual summer gathering of aviation enthusiasts from 25 to 31 July inOshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 show planes.[74][75]
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 acamelina-based biofuel atNaval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.[76] McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable performance differences.[77][78]
On 1 March 2013, the Navy announced that it was cancelling its remaining 2013 performances after 1 April 2013 due tosequestration budget constraints,[79][80] resuming in 2014 with a reduced number of flyovers.[81] On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1–7 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;[82] only three performances were completed in 2013.
In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt.Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying the support aircraft Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons.[83]
In July 2015, Cmdr. Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer.[84]
On 2 June 2016, Capt. Jeff Kuss, an 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 inSmyrna, Tennessee. The Navy's investigation found that Capt. 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. Kuss ejected, but his parachute was engulfed in flames, causing him to fall to his death. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as additional causes of the crash. In a strange twist, Kuss' fatal crash happened hours after the Thunderbirds suffered a crash of their own, following theUnited States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier that day. Kuss was replaced by Cmdr. Frank Weisser.[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.[85]
The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours. The Blue Angels replaced it with aC-130J Super Hercules acquired from theRoyal Air Force (BUNO 170000).[86]
In response to theCOVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Angels flew over multiple US cities in tribute to healthcare and front line workers.[87]
The Blues transitioned toBoeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020.[88][89]
In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was announced as the first woman to serve as a demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels.[18][90]
The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and six support aircraft models:[50][91]
Below are some of the more notable members of the Blue Angels squadron:
A total of 20 Blue Angels pilots and one crew member have died while assigned to the flight team.[125][126] Four other pilots died in combat action after their service with the Blue Angels.[125]
Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in action or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fire.[137]
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