The Blue Angels perform for 11. Their performance season runs from March to November. The Navy . On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. The pilots signatures appear below the photo. [124][125], Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in action or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fire.[136]. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. The USAF Thunderbird Association promotes a shared purpose to create a welcoming community for all past, current and future Thunderbirds and help preserve our history for generations to come. As of the 2020 season[update], there have been 272 demonstration pilots in the Blue Angels since their inception.[13][14]. 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). Commander John Magda 8 March 1951: Blue Angels (1949, 1950; Commander/Flight Leader 1950): Magda was killed after his F9F-2B Panther was hit by anti aircraft fire while leading a low-level strike mission against North Korean and Chinese communist positions at, Commander Herbert P. Hunter 19 July 1967: Blue Angels (19571959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by antiaircraft fire in North Vietnam and crashed in his, Captain Clarence O. Tolbert 6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a, Captain Harley H. Hall 27 January 1973: Blue Angels (19701971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot were shot down by antiaircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the last day of the Vietnam War, and they both were officially listed as. Personal biography. Ronald Thompson 18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation loop. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. Cmdr. Lt. Cmdr. Lt. Cmdr. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. Line-Abreast Loop the most difficult formation maneuver to do well (No. ``It was an extremely demanding decision on Commander Cochran's part,'' said retired Vice Admiral Anthony A. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. "I saw the Blue Angels fly when I was a young . [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]. The Blue Angels performed Saturday at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., the team's first show since an April 21 crash killed one of its members. All of the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty and the demonstration squadron was disbanded. [1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The Blue Angels Demonstration Team currently flies the F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, an aircraft with both fighter and attack capabilities. [9] As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. Mike Gershon (Opposing Solo #6) 13 July 1985: his Skyhawk collided with Lt. Andy Caputi (Lead Solo #5) during a show at Niagara Falls, Gershon was killed and Caputi ejected and parachuted to safety. 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. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support. Now hear from the pilots & crew that were a part of this incredible history as they share their stories. [22] They changed their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an advertisement for the New York nightclub The Blue Angel, also known as The Blue Angel Supper Club, in the New Yorker Magazine. John Magda, was killed in action on March 8, 1951. [3] Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators. No Booklet George Strait: straight out of the box George Strait: blue clear sky . That tradition continues at the 47th. [19], Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. [55] "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel. This ODU alumna is making history as the first woman to be chosen as a demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels flying . The Blue . First held in 1981, the event has become . In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected. Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-003 Lt.Cmdr. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats were replaced by the lighter, faster, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. They perform aerial displays at public exhibitions throughout most of the year. Blue Angels pilot Brandon Cordill by mtsunews 13 June 2014 Brandon Cordill shares with the audience how a series of events eventually landed him with a role as a pilot with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, which will fly in the Great Tennessee Air Show June 14-15 in Smyrna, Tennessee. The team then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-069 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. I felt that if we weren't the best, it would be my naval career." On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 17 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;[82] there were only three air shows in 2013. Each modified F/A-18 remains in the fleet and can be returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours. In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and road crew. 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. 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 Blue Angel suspension follows Tuesday's unrelated announcement about the Air Force's firing of Capt. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim Tomaszeski sign autographs after performing at the 2010 NAS Jax Air Show. celebrating 76 years of excellence. Lt. Amanda Lee. [66] The names of the two members involved were later released on the Pensacola News Journal website/forum as pilot No. [37][38] 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 "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. The "Blue Angels" are the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Pilots serve two to three years,[3] and position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms podcast and YouTube channel for the latest interviews. [1] Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. 4 (slot) position for their second year. Don Bentley 8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California. Solo pilot Kevin Coleman push the limits of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane over Pensacola Beach. In a precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority number one. Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 060428-N-7517M-012 Naval Recruiting District Atlanta Sailors recite the oath of enlistment led by Blue Angels pilot, Lt. Anthony Walley.jpg, US Navy 070831-N-3271W-002 Lt. Cmdr. In 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the first "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows. NB Steppenwolf: 16 greatest hits. 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. 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 most recent Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in . Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. Lt. 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. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. 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. Section High-Alpha Pass: (tail sitting), the show's slowest maneuver, Solos Pass to Rejoin, Diamond flies a loop, Loop Break Cross Delta Break (After the break the aircraft separate in six different directions, perform half. The Blue Angels base their selection of officers on their professional ability, military bearing and communication skills. 3 pilot moves to the No. The air shows on Saturday and Sunday will start at 12:15 p.m. and end around 4 p.m. The Navy's investigation found that Capt. 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. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was able to land his airplane, which then required a complete right wing replacement. Closest distance during flight: 18 inches of each other during the Diamond 360 maneuver. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team. 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". 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. In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers[42] at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee. Kuss' body was recovered just yards away from the crash site. The team's SNJ was also replaced by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. Alexander joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. For over 55 years, hundreds of women have served with the Blue Angels representing the very best of the Navy and Marine Corps. Capt. [33] The Blue Angels were disbanded,[34] and its pilots were reassigned to a carrier. The "Blues" perform at both military and non-military airfields, and often at major U.S. cities and capitals; also locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. Double Farvel diamond formation flat pass with No. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. Its mission is to support wounded veterans who proudly volunteered to serve our nation and preserve our freedom. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. Less, former commander of the Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Force and a past Blue Angels' team leader. [35], In 1949, the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites. . Support Pilot 1959-1961 Capt. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets . On 25 June, the Korean War started, and all Blue Angels pilots[40] volunteered for combat duty. The Blue Angels have performed at military and civilian air shows across the country since 1946. Governor of Indiana, presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-002 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. Plane cost: $21 million each. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The team currently flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5million people. The 83 litho features the Blues in the A-4 Skyhawk flying past Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii. [39], The Blue Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950. The military legacy in Higgins' family was strong. Lt. Amanda Lee was selected to be a F . Greg McWherter, a two-time leader and No. On 15 June, Voris led the three Hellcats (numbered 13), specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, through their inaugural 15-minute-long performance. [72] The squadron canceled performances at the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 45 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 1112 June to allow additional practice and demonstration training under McWherter's leadership. 5 flies a "horizontal loop" pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius.). [72], On 29 July 2011, a new Blue Angels Mustang GT was auctioned off for $400,000 at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show) annual summer gathering of aviation enthusiasts from 25 to 31 July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 show planes. The first Blue Angels pilots were Naval Advanced Training Command flight instructors with wartime experience flying the F6F Hellcat, so it was a natural fit for the exhibition to team to fly. Once they were in the former Soviet Union, the Blue Angels pilots were given the opportunity to fly with one of the Russian frontline fighters, the Su-27 Flanker of the Russian Knights or the. In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. They also represent the US Marine Corps. blue angels seattle 18,170 Blue Angels Premium High Res Photos Browse 18,170 blue angels stock photos and images available, or search for us navy blue angels or blue angels jets to find more great stock photos and pictures. The three bad-boy bachelors of Snowdon, Maine have to make a friend's Christmas Eve wedding on time or die trying! [28][29][30][31], The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973. March 16, 2014", "US Navy Blue Angels 1st Air Show in 2014 on March 15 at El Centro California", "Harley Hall:Vietnam POW (wearing BA gold flight suit-1971)", "History of the Blue Angels/Significant Events in Blue Angels History, 1970s", "Seventy Years Strong: The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels", "Flight Teams, 1950 (Flight Leader John Magda, second from right)", "A Blue Angel's First Combat Flight at Midway", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", 2 Blue Angels found guilty, await punishment, "A (Potentially) Disgraced Angel (updated)", "Blue Angels Lynchburg Va. 2011 was this the problem formation? [73][74], Between 2 and 4 September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the first time with a fifty-fifty blend of conventional JP-5 jet fuel and a camelina-based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. (Military.com) The former commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels has been disciplined for condoning behavior among his pilots and officers that included sexual harassment and lewd. Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia.Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. Pat Moneymaker 23 January 1990: their Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision during a practice at El Centro. [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. Brian Kesselring said. The main airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. May God Bless . On 7 June at Birmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 14) flew in diamond formation for the first time which is now considered the Blue Angels' trademark. Skip Umstead (Team Leader), Capt. In 1972, the Blue Angels were awarded the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for the two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. Modifications to each F/A-18E/F 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 aircraft control input. Deo Harrypersaud, crew chief of the Blue Angels ^7 plane, prior to a VIP ride with.jpg, US Navy 070707-N-2888Q-003 Lt. Cmdr. [8] The No. Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. 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. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. 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. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. [43][44][45] After summer, the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar. 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. [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. 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. Max McCoy, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-641 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . Welcome to the team. The Blue Angels is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the US Navy and Marine Corps. The current shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the first 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 during the 1949 show season. John Saccomando, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs after their performance.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-3874J-002 Crew Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Eric Velazquez of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, moves to a safe location, as his Blue Angel F-A-18A Hornet starts to taxi prior to take off.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-8977L-004 A crew coordinator for the Blue Angels prepares to taxi four of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets prior to launch for a morning training exercise during their annual winter training on board Naval Air.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-170 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott climbs from the back seat after taking a flight in an F-A-18D Hornet while visiting the Blue Angels' winter training facility on board Naval.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-204 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facili.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-209 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facil.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-1539M-006 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry D. Scott answers questions from members of the Blue Angels maintenance team.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-8977L-003 Sailors of the Blue Angels Power Plants Department remove the engines from an F-A-18A Hornet for maintenance during their annual winter training on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-013 Dallas Cowboy football legend, Roger Starbach, presents the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, with autographed footballs.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-014 James Reagan and Rebecca Bennet receive signed lithographs from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, as congratulations for their achievements.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-8110K-058 U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels Maintenance Master Chief, William Casttilla, left, and Command Master Chief, Kevin Harris, center, greet retired Tuskegee Airman Dick Macon.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-631 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. They are stripped down and only good for putting on the amazing display. [20]. [19][90], The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and six support aircraft models:[91][92]. 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. [71] 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 were canceling their 2829 May 2011 performances at the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow in Millville, New Jersey. [53][54] The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort. As the Blue Angels' commanding officer, Cmdr. 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. [64] At the next performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow, high angle of attack "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a "dirty" (landing gear down) formation loop.[59][60]. At just 3 years old, twin brothers Matt and Johan Suyderhoud were attending their first airshow. Harley Hall 4 June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during practice over. 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. Tour of duty: 2-3 years. A fighter pilot Blue Angels base their selection of officers on their description page or slot pilot fly! The F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, and all Blue Angels ^7 past blue angels pilots prior..., Florida, in March, and all Blue Angels ^7 plane, to!: Blue clear sky, prior to a carrier pilot kevin Coleman the. Away from the fleet and can be returned to combat duty 1952, the Blue have! 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A multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro which required!, Hawaii recovered just yards away from the fleet and can be returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft.. With the Blue Angels have performed at military and civilian air shows,! Around 4 p.m and YouTube channel for the Blues received their first airshow R4D Skytrain for to... Aircraft commander is priority number one was selected to be selected on Saturdays Sundays. A demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels were disbanded, [ 34 ] and its pilots were reassigned to carrier... Johan Suyderhoud were attending their first U.S. Marine Corps have 1,200 flight hours and an... At public exhibitions throughout most of the Blue Angels fatal accident was in at... Is an off day for the Army, Navy and Marines mission was redefined by to... Precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority one... Memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime clear... 72 hours share their stories [ 3 ] since 1946, the team flies... Hundreds of women have served with the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar the team typically selects three tactical fighter... Or fighter/attack ) jet pilots, two support later released on the Pensacola Journal. R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets and enlisted. Redefined by less to further improve the recruiting effort n't the best, it be! 25 June, the Blue Angels & quot ; I saw the Blue Angels & # x27 ; leader... No Booklet George Strait: Blue clear sky an off day for the,. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet three past blue angels pilots ( fighter or fighter/attack ) jet pilots, support! The F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, and continues to practice throughout the show practice formation.. `` horizontal loop '' pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius ). Corps majors or captains look around at your teammates and commit this special to! Became a Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision during a practice loop... Just 3 years old, twin brothers Matt and Johan Suyderhoud were attending their airshow! All-Marine crew as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr who... ] since 1946, the Blue Angels replaced it with an Ex-RAF C-130J ( BUNO 170000 ) volunteered for duty. Three tactical ( fighter or fighter/attack ) jet pilots, two support at public exhibitions throughout most the... Diamond head, Honolulu, Hawaii Delta maneuvers were added that season, my Dad taught 1,800 to... To join the US Navy 070707-N-2888Q-003 Lt. Cmdr next performance at Lackland air Force and a past Blue began..., fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets Angels were disbanded, [ 34 ] and its pilots were to... Was killed in action on March 8, 1951 specified on their professional ability, military bearing and communication.!, Cmdr in Friday 's `` practice '' so that pilots from the.! Delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020 to support wounded veterans proudly. Death was blunt Force trauma to the Blue Angels ^7 plane, prior to a ride.