U.S. Navy Blue Angels Jet Crashes

The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy.[1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic staff in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The group, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The Blue Angels typically perform aerial displays in no less than 60 reveals yearly at 30 areas all through the United States and two reveals at one location in Canada.[2] The "Blues" nonetheless make use of lots of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. An estimated eleven million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March via November every year. Members of the Blue Angels team also go to greater than 50,000 people in colleges, hospitals, and community functions at air present cities.[3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.[4]

As of November 2011[update], the Blue Angels obtained $37 million annually from the annual Department of Defense price range.[5][6]

Mission[edit]

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 tradition of excellence and repair to the nation via flight demonstrations and group outreach.[7]

Air shows[edit]

The "Blues" carry out at both navy and non-military airfields, and often at main U.S. cities and capitals; also locations in Canada are often included in the air present schedule.

During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member staff flies F/A-18 Hornets,[8] cut up into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1 by means of 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). A lot of the show alternates between maneuvers carried out by the Diamond Formation and those carried out by the Solos. The Diamond, in tight formation and usually at decrease speeds (400 mph), performs maneuvers similar to formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to another. The Solos showcase the excessive efficiency capabilities of their individual aircraft by way of the execution of excessive-velocity passes, slow passes, quick rolls, slow rolls, and really tight turns. The very best velocity flown throughout an air present is 700 mph (just below Mach 1) and the lowest pace, is 126 mph (110 knots) throughout Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the outdated "Legacy" Hornet). Some of the maneuvers embrace both solo aircraft performing at once, similar to opposing passes (toward one another in what appears to be a collision course) and mirror formations (again-to-back, stomach-to-stomach, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). The Solos be a part of the Diamond Formation near the tip of the present for plenty of maneuvers in the Delta Formation.

The parameters of each present have to be tailor-made in accordance with local weather conditions at showtime: in clear weather the excessive show is carried out; in overcast conditions a low present is performed, and in restricted visibility (weather allowing) the flat show is introduced. The high present requires no less than an 8,000-foot (2,400 m) ceiling and visibility of not less than three nautical miles (6 km) from the show's heart point. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat exhibits are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 ft respectively.[9]

Aircraft[edit]

The crew flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years from 1986 by means of 2020. The group currently flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to transform nine single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use. Modifications to every F/A-18E/F include removing of the weapons and replacement with a tank that incorporates smoke-oil utilized in demonstrations and outfitting the control keep on with a spring system for extra precise aircraft control enter. Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18 kg) of power to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded motion of the aircraft. Each modified F/A-18 stays in the fleet and may be returned to fight responsibility aboard an aircraft service inside 72 hours.[10] As transformed aircraft have been delivered, they had been used for testing maneuvers beginning in mid 2020.[11][12] The workforce's Super Hornets turned operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary yr.[13]

The present's narrator flies Blue Angels No. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to indicate websites. The Blues use these jets for backups, and to present demonstration rides to VIP (civilians). Usually, two again seats rides are available at each air present; one goes to a member of the press, and the other to the "Key Influencer".[9] The No. Four slot pilot usually flies the No. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" in order that pilots from the fleet and future staff members can experience the show.

In 2020 the United States Marine Corps Blue Angels bought a surplus Royal Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules, Registration ZH885, nicknamed "Fat Albert", for his or her logistics, carrying spare elements, equipment, and to carry help personnel between present re-registering as 170000.

Team members[edit]

As of the 2020 season[update], there have been 272 demonstration pilots within the Blue Angels since their inception.[14][15]

All crew members, each officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of normal Navy and United States Marine Corps units. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Pilots serve two to three years,[3] and place assignments are made in response to crew wants, pilot experience ranges, and career concerns for members. Other officers within the squadron include a naval flight officer who serves because the events coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an government officer, a maintenance officer, a provide officer, a public affairs officer, an administrative officer, and a flight surgeon. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and carry out all upkeep, administrative, and support capabilities. They serve three to four years in the squadron.[3] After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.

The officer selection process requires pilots and assist officers (flight surgeon, occasions coordinator, upkeep officer, supply officer, and public affairs officer) wishing to become Blue Angels to use formally through their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and flight data. 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 service-certified. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.[17]

Applicants "rush" the group at a number of airshows, paid out of their own funds, and sit in on crew briefs, put up-present actions, and social occasions. It's critical that new officers fit the prevailing culture and group dynamics. The appliance and analysis process runs from March by way of early July, culminating with extensive finalist interviews and team deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the subsequent yr's officers. Selections should be unanimous. There have been feminine and minority staff officers as Blue Angel members,[18] including minority Blue Angel pilot Lt. Andre Webb on the 2018 staff. Flight surgeons serve a two-yr time period. The flight surgeon provides team medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the bottom, pilot gamzix and participates in every publish-flight debrief. The first feminine Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 staff.[19]

The Flight Leader (No. 1) is the commanding officer and all the time holds the rank of commander, and may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved by the selection board. Pilots of numbers 2-7 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. The No. 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then usually flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the next two years, respectively. The No. Three pilot strikes to the No. Four (slot) place for his or her second 12 months. Blue Angel No. 4 serves as the demonstration security officer, due largely to the angle they're afforded from the slot place throughout the formation, as well as their status as a second-year demonstration pilot. The primary woman named to the Blue Angels as F/A-18 demonstration pilot was Lt. Amanda Lee, who is a member of the 2023 crew.[20]

Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 service-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various private, unit and service awards.[21]

Training and weekly routine[edit]

Annual winter training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, where new and returning pilots hone abilities learned within the fleet. During winter coaching, the pilots fly two apply sessions per day, six days every week, to fly the one hundred twenty training missions wanted to perform the demonstration safely. The separation between the formation of aircraft and their maneuver altitude is regularly decreased over the course of about two months in January and February. The group then returns to their residence base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice all through the show season. Despite all their winter training, the Blue Angels crew work effortlessly to make an affect in the communities they visit as properly. A typical week through the season has practices at NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The team then flies to its present venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. The staff flies a "follow" airshow at the present site on Friday. This present is attended by invited friends but is commonly open to most people. The principle airshows are carried out on Saturdays and Sundays, with the workforce returning residence to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and highway crew. Extensive aircraft maintenance is carried out on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members.

Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their proper hand and function the throttle with their left. They do not wear G-fits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, increasing the risk of unintentional movement. To compensate for the lack of G-suits, Blue Angel pilots have developed a way for tensing their muscles to stop blood from pooling in their decrease extremities, possibly rendering them unconscious.[22]

History[edit]

Overview[edit]

The Blue Angels had been originally formed in April 1946 because the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.[23] They changed their identify to the Blue Angels after seeing an commercial for the new York nightclub The Blue Angel, additionally recognized because the Blue Angel Supper Club, in the brand new Yorker Magazine.[24][25] The workforce was first launched because the Blue Angels during an air present in July 1946.[26]

The primary Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (almost black) with gold lettering. The present shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the primary demonstration aircraft were transitioned from the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft wore an all-yellow scheme with blue markings throughout the 1949 show season.[27]

The original Blue Angels insignia 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 group modifications aircraft.[1]

The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-pushed aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949.[28]

The Blue Angels demonstration teams started sporting leather-based jackets and particular colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952. In 1953, they began carrying gold colored flight fits for the primary present of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron.[29][30][31][32]

The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973.[33]

1946-1949[edit]

The Blue Angels had been established as a Navy flight exhibition group on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation. To boost Navy morale, reveal naval air energy, and maintain public curiosity in naval aviation, an underlying mission was to help the Navy generate public and political support for a bigger allocation of the shrinking defense funds. Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally selected Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and practice a flight demonstration group, 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 within the Pacific), and they spent numerous hours creating the show. The group perfected its preliminary maneuvers in secret over the Florida Everglades so that, in Voris' words, "if anything occurred, just the alligators would know". The first four pilots and people after them, had been and are a few of the most effective and most skilled aviators within the Navy.[34]

The group's first demonstration with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft came about before Navy officials on 10 May 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval. The United States Navy’s Blue Angels performed their first air present at what's now JaxEx (previously Craig Municipal Airport, one of 6 airports within the Jacksonville, FL area developed for army coaching), on June 15, 1946.[35] The exhibition crew 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 scale back weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, by their inaugural 15-minute-lengthy efficiency.[1] The workforce employed a North American SNJ Texan, painted and configured to simulate a Japanese Zero, to simulate aerial combat. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". This aircraft is said to have been impressed by one of many Spike Jones' Murdering the Classics sequence of musical satires, set to the tune (partially) of the William Tell Overture as a thoroughbred horse race scene, with "Beetle Bomb" being the "trailing horse" in the lyrics.

The crew thrilled spectators with low-flying maneuvers performed in tight formations, and (in accordance with Voris) by "preserving something in entrance of the crowds at all times. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. If we did that, we would get all the other aspect points. I felt that if we weren't the most effective, it could be my naval profession." The Blue Angels' first public demonstration additionally netted the crew its first trophy, which sits on show on the staff's current residence at NAS Pensacola. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 19-21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was launched as the Blue Angels.[36] The name had originated by a suggestion by Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, after he had learn about the Blue Angel nightclub in The new Yorker journal. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats had been replaced by the lighter, quicker, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August.[36] By the end of the year the crew consisted of 4 Bearcats numbered 1-four on the tail sections.

In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team. The group with an extra fifth pilot, relocated to Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. On 7 June at Birmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 1-4) flew in diamond formation for the primary time which is now thought-about the Blue Angels' trademark. A fifth Bearcat was also added that yr. A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air exhibits.

In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. Raleigh " Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels staff 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 title "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats.[37]

In 1949, the staff acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from present sites. The crew's SNJ was additionally changed by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. In May, the workforce went to the west coast on temporary responsibility so the pilots and the rest of the crew might turn into acquainted with jet aircraft.[34] On 13 July, the workforce acquired, and started flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration exhibits.[38] On 20 August, the group debuted the panther jets under Team Leader Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes[36] throughout an air show at Beaumont, Texas and added a sixth pilot.[39][40] The F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" was relegated to solo aerobatics earlier than the principle show, until it crashed on takeoff at a training present in Pensacola on 24 April 1950, killing "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. Team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949, introduced 14 July 1949.[41]

1950-1959[edit]

The Blue Angels pilots continued to carry out nationwide in 1950. On 25 June, the Korean War began, and all Blue Angels pilots[42] volunteered for fight obligation. The squadron (resulting from a shortage of pilots, and no out there planes) and its members were ordered to "combat-prepared standing" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July.[34] The Blue Angels were disbanded,[36] and its pilots had been reassigned to a provider. Once aboard the aircraft provider USS Princeton on 9 November, the group formed the core of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens", beneath the command of World War II fighter ace and 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, Lt. Commander John Magda; he was killed in motion on eight March 1951.[43]

On 25 October 1951, the Blues have been ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration staff, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was once more tasked with assembling the group (he was the primary of solely two commanding officers to guide them twice). In May 1952, the Blue Angels started performing again with F9F-5 Panthers[44] at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee.[34] In 1953, the staff traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando. In August, "Blues" chief LCDR Ray Hawkins grew to become the primary naval aviator to survive an ejection at supersonic speeds when a new F9F-6 he was piloting grew to become uncontrollable on a cross-country flight.[45][46][47] After summer, the crew started demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar.

In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration workforce.[48] The Blue Angels additionally acquired particular coloured flight suits.[36] In May, the Blue Angels performed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with the Air Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953).[49] The Blue Angels began relocating to their present residence at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,[50] and it was right here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-eight Cougar. In December, the group left its residence base for its first winter training facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California[51]

In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,[52] and gave its first performance exterior the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster.[53]

In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-eight Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger.[54] The first demonstration was flying the quick-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, after which the lengthy-nosed versions. The demonstration group (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight fits throughout the first air present that season.

In 1958, the primary Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers had been added that season.[citation needed]

1960-1969[edit]

In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated within the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million folks.

In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at 5 websites. Later that 12 months, they embarked on a European tour to a dozen websites, including the Paris Air Show, where they have been the one staff to receive a standing ovation.

In 1967, the Blues toured Europe once more, at six websites.

In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was changed with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation. The Blues transitioned to the two-seat McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in 1969, practically at all times maintaining the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. The Phantom was the one aircraft to be flown by each the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). That yr they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics.

1970-1979[edit]

In 1970, the Blues acquired their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. That year, they went on their first South American tour.

In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight fits for the primary present,[55] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines.

In 1972, the Blue Angels have been awarded the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for the two-yr period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. Another European tour adopted in 1973, including air exhibits in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.[56][57] The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting.

In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to the new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II. Navy Commander Anthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". A everlasting flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the staff.[56][57] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort.

Beginning in 1975, "Bert" was used for Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) and brief aerial demonstrations just previous to the principle occasion at chosen venues, however the JATO demonstration ended in 2009 as a consequence of dwindling supplies of rockets.[58] "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.

1980-1989[edit]

In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be chosen.[59][60] He served for 2 more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. Three A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996.[61]

On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary 12 months throughout ceremonies unveiling what would be their aircraft through their 75th anniversary yr, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet permits them to carry out a sluggish, high angle of assault "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (touchdown gear down) formation loop.[62][63]

1990-1999[edit]

Today is a very particular and memorable day in your navy profession that can stay with you all through your lifetime. You have got survived the ultimate take a look at 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 solely on you as a person, however in your teammates and the entire squadron. To the crowds at the air reveals and to the general public at hospitals and colleges nationwide, you're an emblem of the Navy and Marine Corps' best. You convey satisfaction, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of at the moment's youth. Remember right now because the day you grew to become a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to reminiscence. "Once a Blue Angel, all the time a Blue Angel," rings true for all those that put on the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Welcome to the workforce.

The Blue Angels Creed, written by JO1 Cathy Konn 1991-1993[64]

In 1992, the Blue Angels deployed for a month-lengthy European tour, their first in 19 years, conducting exhibits in Sweden, Finland, Russia (first foreign flight demonstration staff to perform there), Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain.

In 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the primary "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

On eight October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling had been returning from a practice flight before an air present when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia.[65]

2000-2009[edit]

In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to put on and don't wear g-suits.[citation wanted]

In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th yr of performing.[66] On 30 October 2008, a spokesman for the group announced that the crew would complete its final three performances of the 12 months with five jets as a substitute of six. The change was because one pilot and one other officer in the organization had been removed from responsibility for participating in an "inappropriate relationship". The Navy mentioned one of the individuals was a man and the other a woman, one a Marine and the other from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the state of affairs.[67] At the next efficiency at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. A spokesman for the crew wouldn't affirm the identification of the pilot faraway from the group.[68] On 6 November 2008, each officers have been discovered guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges however the ensuing punishment was not disclosed.[69] The names of the two members involved were later launched on the Pensacola News Journal web site/forum as pilot No. Four USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane.[70]

On 21 April 2007, pilot Kevin "Kojak" Davis was killed and eight individuals on the ground have been injured when Davis misplaced management of the No. 6 jet and crashed on account of G-power-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) during an air present on the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina.[71]

The Fat Albert performed its closing JATO demonstration on the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming present, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles. This demonstration not solely was the last JATO efficiency of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps.[72]

In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame on the San Diego Air & Space Museum.[73]

2010-2019[edit]

On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels have been performing on the Lynchburg Regional Airshow in Lynchburg, Virginia, when the Diamond formation flew the Barrel Roll Break maneuver at an altitude lower than the required minimal.[74] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. The subsequent day, the Blue Angels announced that they were initiating a security stand-down, canceling their upcoming Naval Academy Airshow and returning to their house base in Pensacola, Florida, for extra training and airshow practice.[75] On 26 May, the Blue Angels announced they would not be flying their traditional fly-over of the Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony and that they had been canceling their 28-29 May 2011 performances on the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow in Millville, New Jersey.

On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels introduced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, can be stepping down. He was changed by Captain Greg McWherter, the crew's earlier commanding officer.[76] The squadron canceled performances on the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 4-5 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 11-12 June to permit additional practice and demonstration coaching below McWherter's leadership.[76]

On 29 July 2011, a brand new Blue Angels Mustang GT was auctioned off for $400,000 on the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show) annual summer time gathering of aviation fans from 25 to 31 July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 show planes.[77][78]

Between 2 and 4 September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the primary time with a fifty-fifty mix of standard JP-5 jet fuel and a camelina-primarily based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.[79] McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there have been no noticeable variations in efficiency from contained in the cockpit.[80][81]

On 1 March 2013, the U.S. Navy introduced that it was cancelling remaining 2013 performances after 1 April 2013 resulting from sequestration finances constraints.[82][83] In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, stating that "community and public outreach is an important Departmental activity", announced that the Blue Angels (together with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume showing at air exhibits beginning in 2014, although the variety of flyovers will proceed to be severely decreased.[84]

On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1-7 wore gold flight suits to rejoice the group's "return to the skies" throughout their first air show of the season;[85] there have been only three air exhibits in 2013.

In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, grew to become the first female pilot to hitch the Blue Angels, flying the support aircraft Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 present seasons.[86]

In July 2015, Cmdr. Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first govt officer.[87]

On 2 June 2016, Capt. Jeff Kuss, an Opposing Solo, died just after takeoff whereas performing the Split-S maneuver in his Hornet during a apply run for The great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Navy's investigation found that Capt. Kuss had performed the maneuver too low whereas failing to retard the throttle out of afterburner, inflicting him to fall too fast and get better too low above the ground. Capt. Kuss ejected, but his parachute was immediately engulfed in flames, causing him to fall to his loss of life. Kuss' body was recovered just yards away from the crash site. The cause of dying was blunt power trauma to the head. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as additional causes of the crash. In an odd twist, Captain Kuss' fatal crash happened hours after the Blue Angels' fellow pilots within the United States Air Force Thunderbirds suffered a crash of their own, following the United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier that day. Capt. Jeff Kuss was changed by Cmdr. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons.[citation wanted]

In July 2016, Boeing was awarded a $12 million contract to start an engineering proposal for changing the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use, with the proposal to be completed by September 2017.[88]

The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours. The Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J (BUNO 170000).[89]

2020-current[edit]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic within the United States, the Blue Angels flew over a number of US cities as a tribute to healthcare and entrance line workers.[90]

The Blues officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020.[91][92]

In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was introduced as the primary girl to serve as a demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels.[20][93]

Aircraft timeline[edit]

The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and 6 assist aircraft models:[53][94]

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat: June - August 1946Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat: August 1946 - 1949Grumman F9F-2 Panther: 1949 - June 1950 (first jet); F9F-5 Panther: 1951 - Winter 1954/55Grumman F9F-eight Cougar: Winter 1954/55 - mid-season 1957 (swept-wing)Grumman F11F-1 (F-11) Tiger: mid-season 1957 - 1968 (first supersonic jet)McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II: 1969 - December 1974Douglas A-4F Skyhawk: December 1974 - November 1986McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (F/A-18B as #7): November 1986 - 2010[95]Boeing F/A-18A/C (B/D as #7) Hornet: 2010-2020[96][97]Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (F/A-18F as #7): 2020-[98]
JRB Expeditor (Beech 18): 1949-?Douglas R4D-6 Skytrain: 1949-1955Curtiss R5C Commando: 1953Douglas R5D Skymaster: 1956-1968Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation: 1969-1973Lockheed C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert": 1970-2019 (JATO utilization was stopped in 2009)[99]Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules "Fat Albert": 2020-present
North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (used to simulate a Japanese A6M Zero aircraft in demonstrations through the late 1940s)Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (Used throughout the 1950s as a VIP transport aircraft for the team)Vought F7U Cutlass (two of the unusual F7Us had been obtained in late 1952 and flown as a facet demonstration through the 1953 season however they weren't part of their regular formations which on the time used the F9F Panther. Pilots and ground crew discovered it unsatisfactory and a plan to make use of it because the staff's main aircraft was canceled). Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet


Air show routine[edit]

The 2022 Blue Angels High Show Routine:

- Fat Albert (C-130) - excessive-efficiency takeoff (Low Transition)- Fat Albert - Parade Pass (The airplane banks across the front of the group.)- Fat Albert - Flat Pass- Fat Albert - Head on Pass- Fat Albert - Short-Field Assault Landing- FA-18 Engine Start-Up and Taxi Out- Diamond Takeoff - either a low transition with flip, a loop on takeoff, a Half Cuban Eight takeoff, or a Half Squirrel Cage- Solos Take Off - No. 5 Dirty Roll on Takeoff; No. 6 Low transition/Immelman- Diamond 360 - Aircraft 1-four of their signature 18-inch wingtip-to-canopy diamond formation- Opposing Knife Edge Pass - 5 and 6- Diamond Roll - whole diamond formation rolls as a single entity- Opposing Inverted to Inverted Rolls - 5 and 6- Diamond Aileron Roll - all 4 diamond jets carry out simultaneous aileron rolls- Fortus - Solos flying in provider landing configuration with No. 5 inverted, establishing a "mirror picture" effect- Diamond Dirty Loop - the diamond flies a loop with all 4 jets in carrier touchdown configuration- Minimum Radius Turn - highest G maneuver (No. 5 flies a "horizontal loop" pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius.)- Double Farvel - diamond formation flat cross with No. 1 and No. Four inverted- Opposing Minimum Radius Turn- Echelon Parade- Opposing Horizontal Rolls- Changeover Roll - a left Echelon barrel roll the place the echelon formation modifications over to diamond formation after 90° off financial institution.- Sneak Pass - the quickest speed of the show, just under Mach 1 (about seven-hundred mph at sea stage)- Line-Abreast Loop - the most difficult formation maneuver to do properly (No. 5 joins the diamond because the five jets fly a loop in a straight line.)- Opposing Four Point Hesitation Roll- Vertical Break- Opposing Vertical Pitch- Barrel Roll Break- Tuck Over Roll- Low Break Cross- Section High-Alpha Pass: (tail sitting), the present's slowest maneuver[100][101]- Diamond Burner 270- Delta Roll- Fleur de Lis- Solos Pass to Rejoin, Diamond flies a loop- Loop Break Cross - Delta Break (After the break the aircraft separate in six totally different directions, perform half Cuban Eights then cross in the center of the performance area.)- Delta Breakout- Delta Pitch Up Carrier Break to Land
Commanding officers[edit]

Notable Commanding Officers include;

Roy Marlin Voris - 1946, 1952- John J. Magda - 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War[102]Arthur Ray Hawkins - 1952 to 1953[103]- Richard Cormier - 1954 to 1956[104]Edward B. Holley - 1957 to 1958Zebulon V. Knott - 1959 to 1961[105]Kenneth R. Wallace - 1962 to 1963[106]Robert F. Aumack - 1964 to 1966[107]William V. Wheat - 1967 to 1969[108]Harley H. Hall - 1970 to 1971Don Bently - 1972Marvin F. "Skip" Umstead - 1973[109]Anthony A. Less - Oct 1973 to Jan 1976Keith S. Jones - 1976 to 1978[110]William E. Newman - 1978 to 1979[111]Hugh D. Wisely - Dec 1979 to 1982[112]David Carroll - 1982 to 1983Larry Pearson - 1983 to 1985[113]Gilman E. Rud - Nov 1985 to Nov 1988[114]Gregory Wooldridge - 1990 to 1992, 1996[115]- Robert E. Stumpf - 1993 to 1994[116]Donnie Cochran - Nov 1994 to May 1996George B. Dom - Nov 1996 to Oct 1998[117]Patrick Driscoll - Oct 1998 to 2000[118]
- Robert Field - 2000 to Sept 2002- Russell J. Bartlett - Sept 2002 to Sept 2004[119]- Stephen R. Foley - Sept 2004 to Nov 2006[120]- Kevin Mannix - Nov 2006 to 2008[121]- Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011[122]- David Koss - Fall 2010 to spring of 2011- Gregory McWherter - 2011 to 2012- Thomas Frosch - 2012 to 2015[123]- Ryan Bernacchi - 2015 to 2017[124]- Eric D. Doyle - 2017 to 2019- Brian C. Kesselring - 2019 to 2022- Alexander P. Armatas - 2022 to current
Notable members[edit]

Below are a number of the extra notable members of the Blue Angels squadron:

Capt Roy "Butch" Voris, World War II fighter ace and first Flight LeaderCharles "Chuck" Brady Jr., Astronaut and physicianDonnie Cochran, First African-American Blue Angels aviator and commanderEdward L. Feightner, World War II fighter ace and Lead SoloArthur Ray Hawkins, World War II flying aceBob Hoover, World War II fighter pilot and flight instructor, honorary Blue Angel memberAnthony A. Less, First Commanding Officer of Blue Angels squadron, numerous different commands together with Naval Air Forces Atlantic FleetRobert L. Rasmussen, aviation artistRaleigh Rhodes, World War II and Korean War fighter pilot and third Flight Leader of the Blue Angels[125]Patrick M. Walsh, Left Wingman and Slot Pilot who later commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet and turned Vice Chief of Naval Operations and a White House FellowKatie Higgins Cook First feminine Blue Angels pilotAmanda Lee First feminine Blue Angels demonstration pilot
Team accidents and deaths[edit]

A complete of 20 Blue Angels pilots and one crew member have died while assigned to the flight group.[126][127] Four other pilots died in combat action after their service with the Blue Angels.[126]

Deaths[edit]

- 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.- Lt. Bud Wood - 7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with one other Panther jet throughout a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas.[128] The group resumed performances two weeks later.- Cmdr. Robert Nicholls Glasgow - 14 October 1958: died throughout an orientation flight simply days after reporting for obligation as the brand new Blue Angels chief.[129]- Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing) - 14 June 1960: killed flying a Grumman F-11A Tiger that crashed into the water near Fort Morgan, Alabama during a check flight.[128]- Lt. George L. Neale - 15 March 1964: killed throughout an tried emergency touchdown at Apalach Airport close to Apalachicola, Florida. Lt. Neale's F-11A Tiger had skilled mechanical difficulties throughout a flight from West Palm Beach, to Naval Air Station Pensacola, inflicting him to attempt the emergency landing. Failing to succeed in the airport, he ejected from the aircraft on final strategy, but his parachute didn't have enough time to fully deploy.[130]- Lt. Cmdr. Dick Oliver - 2 September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger and was killed on the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto.- Lt Frank Gallagher - 1 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger stalled during a apply Half Cuban Eight maneuver and spun into the bottom.- Capt. Ronald Thompson - 18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the bottom during a observe formation loop.- Lt. Bill Worley (Opposing Solo) - 14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a follow double Immelmann.- Lt. Larry Watters - 14 February 1972: killed when his F-4J Phantom II struck the ground, upright, while practising inverted flight, throughout winter coaching at NAF El Centro.- Lt. Cmdr. Skip Umstead (Team Leader), Capt. Mike Murphy, and ADJ1 Ron Thomas (Crew Chief) - 26 July 1973: all three were killed in a mid-air collision between two Phantoms over Lakehurst, New Jersey, during an arrival apply. The remainder of the season was cancelled after this incident.- Lt. Nile Kraft (Opposing Solo) - 22 February 1977: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during practice.- Lt. Michael Curtin - eight November 1978: one of many solo Skyhawks struck the bottom after low roll during arrival maneuvers at Naval Air Station Miramar, and Curtin was killed.- Lt. Cmdr. Stu Powrie (Lead Solo) - 22 February 1982: killed when his Skyhawk struck the bottom throughout winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, just after a soiled loop.- Lt. Cmdr. Mike Gershon (Opposing Solo #6) - 13 July 1985: his Skyhawk collided with Lt. Andy Caputi (Lead Solo #5) during a present at Niagara Falls, Gershon was killed and Caputi ejected and parachuted to safety.[131]- Lt. Cmdr. Kieron O'Connor and Lt. Kevin Colling - 28 October 1999: flying within the again seat and entrance seat of a Hornet, each had been killed after striking the bottom throughout circle and arrival maneuvers in Valdosta, Georgia.[132]- Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis - 21 April 2007: crashed his Hornet close to the end of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort airshow in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was killed.[133]- Capt. Jeff Kuss (Opposing Solo, #6) - 2 June 2016: died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his F/A-18 Hornet throughout a apply run for The nice Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Other incidents[edit]

- Lt. John R. Dewenter - 2 August 1958: landed wheels up at Buffalo Niagara International Airport after experiencing engine troubles during a present in Clarence, New York. The Grumman F-eleven Tiger landed on Runway 23, however exited airport property, coming to relaxation in the intersection of Genesee Street and Dick Road, practically hitting a filling station. Lt. Dewenter was uninjured, but the aircraft was a complete loss.- Lt. Ernie Christensen - 30 August 1970: stomach-landed his F-4J Phantom on the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after he inadvertently left the landing gear in the up position.[134] He ejected safely, whereas the aircraft slid off the runway.- Cmdr. Harley Hall - four June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during follow over NAS Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and crashed in Narragansett Bay.[135]- Capt. John Fogg, Lt. Marlin Wiita, and Lt. Cmdr. Don Bentley - eight March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision throughout follow over Superstition Mountain, close to El Centro, California.- Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo) - April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a gasoline line fireplace throughout a show at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico. Lt. Ross stayed with the airplane and landed, leaving the top of the runway and rolling into the woods after a total hydraulic failure upon landing.- Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead Solo) - 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a twin engine flame-out throughout practice close to El Centro, California.- Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. Pat Moneymaker - 23 January 1990: their Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision throughout a observe at El Centro. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was in a position to land his airplane, which then required an entire proper wing alternative.[136]- Lt. Ted Steelman - 1 December 2004: ejected from his F/A-18 approximately one mile off Perdido Key after his aircraft struck the water, suffering catastrophic engine and structural harm. He suffered minor injuries.[137]
Combat casualties[edit]

Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in motion or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fireplace.[138]

Korean War[edit]

- 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 hearth whereas main a low-level strike mission towards North Korean and Chinese communist positions at Tanchon which earned him the Navy Cross in the course of the Korean War.[139] He additionally was a fighter ace in World War II.
Vietnam War[edit]

- Commander Herbert P. Hunter - 19 July 1967: Blue Angels (1957-1959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by anti-aircraft fire in North Vietnam and crashed in his F-8E Crusader in the course of the Vietnam war.[140][141] He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously for actions on sixteen July 1967. He also was a Korean War veteran.- Captain Clarence O. Tolbert - 6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a Corsair II (A-7B) throughout a mission in North Vietnam and was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed, and died throughout his second tour within the Vietnam war. He was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.[142]- Captain Harley H. Hall - 27 January 1973: Blue Angels (1970-1971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot were shot down by anti-aircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the final day of the Vietnam War, and they both had been officially listed as prisoners of battle. In 1980, Hall was presumed to have died while captured.[143][144][145] His stays have been recognized on 6 September 1994.[146]
In the media[edit]

The Blue Angels was a dramatic television series, starring Dennis Cross and Don Gordon, impressed by the workforce's exploits and filmed with the cooperation of the Navy. It aired in syndication from 26 September 1960 to 3 July 1961.[147]Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience is a 1975 documentary film, written by Dune writer Frank Herbert, featuring the staff in follow and performance during their F-4J Phantom period; most of the aerial pictures strategies pioneered in Threshold had been later used within the movie Top Gun.[148]To Fly!, a short IMAX movie featured on the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum since its 1976 opening features footage from a digicam on a Blue Angels A4 Skyhawk tail because the pilot performs in a show.[149]- In 2005, the invention Channel aired a documentary miniseries, Blue Angels: A Year within the Life, specializing in the intricate day-to-day particulars of that year's coaching and efficiency schedule.[150][151]- In 2009, MythBusters enlisted the help of Blue Angels to assist test the parable that a sonic growth could shatter glass.[152]Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds is a 4-disc SkyTrax DVD set 2012 Topics Entertainment, Inc. It options highlights from airshows performed within the United States shot from inside and outside the cockpit together with interviews of squadron aviators, plus aerial combat footage taken throughout Desert Storm, histories of the two flying squadrons from 1947 by means of 2008 together with on-display notes on adjustments in Congressional budgeting and research program funding, photograph gallery slideshow, and two "ahead-looking" sequences Into the twenty first Century detailing developments of the F/A-18 Hornet's C and E and F models (10 min.) and footage of the F-22 with commentary (20 min.).
See additionally[edit]

List of United States Navy aircraft squadronsUnited States Air Force ThunderbirdsUnited States Marine Corps Aviation
References[edit]

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Retrieved 3 March 2012.^ "Flight Teams, 1949-1973 photos". Blue Angels Association. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved sixteen March 2019.^ D'Costa, Ian (eleven April 2015). "When the Blue Angels Went to War". TACAIRNET. Retrieved four March 2019.^ Moon, Troy (three July 2017). "Pensacola son remembers father - a Navy pilot and Blue Angel - 50-yr after tragic loss of life". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved 15 March 2019.^ "Herbert Perry Hunter". Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, The Wall Of Faces. Retrieved 15 March 2019.^ "Clarence O. Tolbert". Veterans Tribute. Retrieved 16 March 2019.^ "Harley Hubert Hall". The Virtual Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Retrieved 11 March 2019.^ "Harley Hall:Vietnam POW (wearing gold flight suit-1971)". OPB Tv/Radio. Archived from the original on 30 April 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2019.^ "Hall, Harley Hubert". POW Network. Retrieved 11 March 2019.^ "U.S. Accounted-For from the Vietnam War" (PDF). Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Retrieved 22 December 2015.^ "The Blue Angels". IMDb. 26 September 1960.^ "Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience". IMDb. 1 September 1975.^ "To Fly!". Smithsonian Institution.^ Blue Angels: A Year in the Life Archived eleven January 2008 on the Wayback Machine^ "'Blue Angels: A Year within the Life' (2005)". IMDb. Retrieved three March 2012.^ "Mythbusters Episode Features Blue Angels, June 10". Aero-News Network. 8 June 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2021.Further studying[edit]

- (2012). "My incredible flight aboard the Blue Angels" By Charles Atkeison Archived 16 January 2013 at archive.at this timeBlue Angels Timeline (1946-1980) accessed 10 November 2005."Grumman and the Blue Angels" Archived 25 September 2020 on the Wayback Machine article by William C. Barto on the Grumman Memorial Park Archived 19 May 2020 on the Wayback Machine official website, accessed 15 October 2005.- "First Blue: The story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels" by Robert K. Wilcox, Thomas Dunne Books/St.Martins Press, 2004, robertkwilcox.com
External links[edit]

Blue Angels, official U.S. Navy net site Archived 2 March 2000 on the Wayback MachineComplete Blue Angels HistoryThe Navy’s Blue Angels (1966), Texas Archive of the Moving ImageBlue Angels Sneak Pass video on Youtube.com
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Alexander ArmatasDonnie CochranArthur Ray HawkinsAnthony A. LessRoy Marlin Voris
Charles E. Brady Jr.Edward L. FeightnerArthur Ray HawkinsAmanda LeeAnthony A. LessRobert L.