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. Current Blue Angel Pilots L Lieutenant Amy Tomlinson Lieutenant Ben Walborn Lieutenant Commander Frank Weisser Lieutenant Jim Tomaszeski Lieutenant Robert Kurrle, Jr M Major Christopher Collins Categories Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted. Naval Air Forces, walks with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration s.jpg, US Navy 110416-N-IR859-030 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-IR859-087 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-YM440-006 Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jeff Harper, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Bl.jpg, US Navy 110506-N-ZL585-030 Lt. Jason Smith, center, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Mocek visit with young patients at Children's Hospital New.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-014 Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Curt Metzger, from St. Petersburg, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demo.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-053 Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Schweitzer, from Orlando, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squ.jpg, US Navy 110626-N-IR859-042 Capt. Lt. Cmdr. For the first time in 19 years, the Blue Angels, the cream of the U.S. Navy's crop of elite aviators, took to the skies above Loveland to impress a crowd of thousands on Saturday. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot number-7, Lieutenant Griffin. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for blue angels signed poster A Party For The Crew Signed By Those That Attended at the best online prices at eBay! Pilots serve two to three years,[3] and position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". Her dream came true in 2011, when she received her wings. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-136 Al Taddeo, the oldest living former pilot of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, gives a thumbs.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-002 Lt. Todd Royles, events coordinator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Dave Tickle.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-010 Lt. Todd Royles, the events coordinator before leaving for preseason visits. Their performance season runs from March to November. 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? She is a real go-getter. Jeff Kuss was replaced by Cmdr. The team then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. Selections must be unanimous. 1 . In August, "Blues" leader LCDR 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. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season. [46] The Blue Angels also received special colored flight suits. Cmdr. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[8]. The investigation into the June 3 crash that killed the opposing solo pilot, Marine Capt. The Blue Angel suspension follows Tuesday's unrelated announcement about the Air Force's firing of Capt. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets . They are stripped down and only good for putting on the amazing display. [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 pilots signatures appear below the photo. In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee has been selected as the . Kevin Mannix, commanding officer of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, introduces the team during the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show Beach Blast.jpg, US Navy 071031-N-8102J-019 Brian Schneider, catcher for the Washington Nationals baseball team, receives preflight instructions from the crew chief, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling were returning from a practice flight before an air show when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia. [58], On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling what would be their aircraft through their 75th anniversary year, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstrat 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. Don Bentley 8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California. Ronald Everett Narrator/Public Info. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Solo pilot Kevin Coleman push the limits of his bright yellow Extra 300 SHP stunt plane over Pensacola Beach. McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II [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 in The New Yorker magazine. Lt. Michael Curtin 8 November 1978: one of the solo Skyhawks struck the ground after low roll during arrival maneuvers at. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. The next day, the Blue Angels announced that they were initiating a safety stand-down, canceling their upcoming Naval Academy Airshow and returning to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, for additional training and airshow practice. [16], Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, post-show activities, and social events. 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. Every year, 3 tactical jet pilots, 2 support officers, and 1 Marine Corps pilot join the Blue Angels team. John J. Magda 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Russell J. Bartlett Sept 2002 to Sept 2004. Lt. Cmdr. [64] At the next performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season. They serve three to four years in the squadron. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to show sites. Lt. Amanda Lee was selected to be a F . The squadron's six demonstration pilots currently fly the F/A-18 Hornet in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still . Welcome to the team. Greg McWherter, flight leader and commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 110702-N-VO219-002 Lt. C.J. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. 1. A spokesman for the team would not confirm the identity of the pilot removed from the team. But last weekend, she flew even higher when she became the first female pilot with the prestigious Blue Angels. "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites. )", "Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing) 14 June 1960: killed flying a, Lt. George L. Neale 15 March 1964: killed during an attempted emergency landing at Apalach Airport near, Lt. Cmdr. He's the "boss" as flight leader and pilot of the Number 1 aircraft. For over 55 years, hundreds of women have served with the Blue Angels representing the very best of the Navy and Marine Corps. In 2004, a Blue Angels pilot ejected safely when his F/A-18 hit the water near Pensacola. 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. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats were replaced by the lighter, faster, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August. Katie Higgins may be the first female pilot of the Blue Angels, but she will tell you that she didn't get there alone. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. In July 1963 the team performs its 1000 demonstration in California. Tragically, the Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader Lt. Cmdr. Val was just great. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). [19], Commander Alexander P. Armatas is a native of Skaneateles, New York. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. They perform aerial displays at public exhibitions throughout most of the year. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. Raymond Kayea Support Pilot 1960-1961 Capt. Craig Olson.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-023 Blue Angel Plane Captains run from the runway as part of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team The Blue Angels performance at The Great State of Maine Air Show.jpg, US Navy 090502-N-9712C-001 Lt. Manuel Sanchez, a maintenance officer assigned to the Blue Angels, administers the oath of enlistment to delayed entry program recruits from the New Orleans area.jpg, US Navy 090530-N-1928O-163 Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, receives a gift of appreciation from Marine Corps Maj. Drew Hess, and crewmembers of the Blue Angels C-130 Hercules.jpg, US Navy 090829-N-1928O-113 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares for take-off during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show at Offutt Air Force Base as part of Omaha Navy Week.jpg, US Navy 090916-N-6220J-003 Cmdr. 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. [87], The Blues officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020. The squadron (due to a shortage of pilots, and no available planes) and its members were ordered to "combat-ready status" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July. These lithographs are given to individuals . The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and is currently the oldest formal flying aerobatic team. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. Kevin Davis, a native of Pittsfield, Mass.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-002 Lt. Cmdr. Lt. 4 USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft. The Blue Angels is a team of experienced fighter pilots from the US Navy and Marine Corps. [84], On 2 June 2016, Capt. 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. Support Pilot 1959-1961 Capt. 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. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show. In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. [88][89], In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was announced as the first woman to serve as a demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels. The age of the Blue Angels display team is astounding. Also, they fly some of the oldest Hornets in the inventory. [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. [9] As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. Armatas will lead a squadron of 154 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. [4], As of November 2011, the Blue Angels received $37million annually from the annual Department of Defense budget. Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead solo) 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California. 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. [32], The Blue Angels were established as a Navy flight exhibition team on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-015 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. [25], The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering. NB Neil Young and crazy horse: sleeps with angels Neil Young: prairie wind Nelson: after the rain No doubt: rock steady. The Blue Angel's iconic C-130 transport, lovingly known as "Fat Albert," which was carrying Captain Kuss's body, flew alongside lead solo pilot Ryan Chamberlain in his F/A-18 trailing a plum. NB Steppenwolf: 16 greatest hits. The three bad-boy bachelors of Snowdon, Maine have to make a friend's Christmas Eve wedding on time or die trying! 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. [citation needed]. No Booklet Steve Miller band: best of 1968-1973 Stone Temple Pilots: Purple Stuck mojo: snappin' necks. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. The first four pilots and those after them, were and are some of the best and most experienced aviators in the Navy.[33]. Dear Davis Family & Blue Angels Team, Our heart aches with all of you suffering the loss of a wonderful Pilot, and friend to our son, Ryan Courtade (MC2(AW/NAC}, team photographer. 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 practice. In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Tom Winkler, a Blue Angels pilot, autographs a ballcap for a young fan following a performance at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-001 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. ``It was an extremely demanding decision on Commander Cochran's part,'' said retired Vice Admiral Anthony A. Line-Abreast Loop the most difficult formation maneuver to do well (No. The parameters of each show must be tailored in accordance with local weather conditions at showtime: in clear weather the high show is performed; in overcast conditions a low show is performed, and in limited visibility (weather permitting) the flat show is presented. 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. In a precision flying team that has not lost a pilot since 1985, safety is priority number one. [51] The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. In a strange twist, Captain Kuss' fatal crash happened hours after the Blue Angels' fellow pilots in the United States Air Force Thunderbirds suffered a crash of their own, following the United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier that day. The team flies a "practice" airshow at the show site on Friday. THE BLUE ANGELS TEAM A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. [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 group perfected its initial maneuvers in secret over the Florida Everglades so that, in Voris' words, "if anything happened, just the alligators would know". The Blue Angels performed their first public flight demonstration from their first training base and team headquarters at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, on 15 and 16 June 1946,[33] with three F6F-5 Hellcats (a fourth F6F-5 was held in reserve). . This ODU alumna is making history as the first woman to be chosen as a demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels flying . In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,[52] conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines. A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows. The Blue Angels perform for 11. The most recent Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in . 1952 Blue Angels Mid Air Collision Two Panthers collided during a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas and one pilot was killed. The U.S. Navy's famous Blue Angels are roaring over San Francisco again as they prepare to headline the city's annual Fleet Week Air Show this weekend. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, a couple of years after the end of World War II. [39], The Blue Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms podcast and YouTube channel for the latest interviews. The Blue . [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. There have been more than 260 past Blue Angels pilots and over 37 Flight Leaders (also known as the Boss or Commanding Officer). [79][80] In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, stating that "community and public outreach is a crucial Departmental activity", announced that the Blue Angels (along with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air shows starting in 2014, although the number of flyovers will continue to be severely reduced.[81]. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. Lt. Cdr. Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos. Kevin Mannix of the U.S. Navy flight . "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, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 18:38. [8] The No. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. 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. In 1953, they began wearing gold colored flight suits for the first show of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron. The flight surgeon provides team medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in each post-flight debrief. The Blue Angels is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. The Navy Times reported that Lt. Hontz said, "It is a testament to the training of the pilots that this incident remained very benign. [3] After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments. "To be able to come back and be able to link. The Blue Angels' first female pilot September 1, 2016 By Jill W. Tallman U.S. Marine Corps Capt. [62], In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. [21], The Blue Angels were originally formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy lieutenant commanders or lieutenants, or Marine Corps majors or captains. [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. Behind them in the photo, kneeling down and pointing the boys toward the camera was Lt. David Anderson, a Blue Angels Pilot. It was their first supersonic aircraft. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. 1 Blue Angels pilot, was reprimanded last week for allowing, and even contributing to, a toxic work environment on the team from 2011-12. Governor of Indiana presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was able to land his airplane, which then required a complete right wing replacement. There have been female and minority staff officers as Blue Angel members,[17] including minority Blue Angel pilot Lt. Andre Webb on the 2018 team. The Blue Angels have performed at military and civilian air shows across the country since 1946. 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. Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War in the Pacific), and they spent countless hours developing the show. This aircraft is said to have been inspired by one of the Spike Jones' Murdering the Classics series of musical satires, set to the tune (in part) of the William Tell Overture as a thoroughbred horse race scene, with "Beetle Bomb" being the "trailing horse" in the lyrics. He suffered minor injuries. 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 2,100 1,500; 1.87 MB Lt. Bill Worley (Opposing Solo) 14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a practice double Immelmann. 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. 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. 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. This plane also let them perform new maneuvers like the famous Dirty Loop. 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. The separation between the formation of aircraft and their maneuver altitude is gradually reduced over the course of about two months in January and February. On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. [citation needed]. This show is attended by invited guests but is often open to the general public. The No. Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo) April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fire during a show at. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats. 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. Tour of duty: 2-3 years. In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. "There have been women who paved this path," she said. [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. [65] On 6 November 2008, both officers were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed. The Blue Angels Demonstration Team currently flies the F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter, an aircraft with both fighter and attack capabilities. [18], The Flight Leader (No. 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. Capt. 5 flies a "horizontal loop" pulling seven Gs to maintain a tight radius.). Plane cost: $21 million each. "I saw the Blue Angels fly when I was a young . [56][57] He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. Here is a List of All Blue Angels Accidents 29 September 1946 Blue Angels crash Lt. Ross "Robby" Robinson was killed during a performance when a wingtip broke off his Bearcat, sending him into an unrecoverable spin. 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. 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). Aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members can experience the show to Blue! 18 ], commander Alexander P. 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