It began flying in air shows toward the end of the teams first season in 1946 and was the first aircraft to have the team name painted on it. There have been female and racial minority staff officers as official Blue Angel members, in support of the Blue Angels recruiting for the Navy and Marine Corps. With the transition to the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, some of the newer maneuvers were able to perform intricate maneuvers with more precision and accuracy. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Panthers (National Naval Aviation Museum). After leaving the Blue Angels, Cochran served as the commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC), at Florida A & M University with cross-town enrollment with Florida State University from August 1996 until July 1999. 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The selected 2023 officers include: F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: -Lt. Cmdr. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Walborn, was added to the squad recently to take the fifth spot in the Blue Angels' flight pattern. What this meant for the 1986 team, they would get an extra year on the team. The Blue Angels serve as ambassadors of U.S. naval aviation. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. In November 1994, Cochran assumed command as the first African American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels at a ceremony at National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10, just hours before they performed for their hometown crowd at the 2021 Pensacola Beach Air Show. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country. Blue Angels Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet performing the sneak pass during a training flight over Naval Air Station Pensacola. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070509-N-0696M-040 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen visits Sailors assigned to the Blue Angels at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.jpg, US Navy 070704-N-2888Q-006 Carl Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, receives a safety briefing from Staff Sgt. [2], Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia. This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. All structured data from the file namespace is available under the. Greg Jones of Cary, N.C., was selected as the new Blue Angels maintenance officer. Todd Royles, of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Navy Lt. Henry Cedeno, of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Navy Lt. Monica Borza, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Lt. Kristin Toland, of Sedalia, Missouri, Navy Lt.j.g. Navy). Blue Angels C-130 "Fat Albert" takes off using JATO rockets during performance at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show, 28 October 2006 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Didier), Hill Goodspeed, Historian, National Naval Aviation Museum, June 2021, DANFS - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Permitting Policy and Resource Management, The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: 20 Years Later, "Ex Scientia Tridens": The U.S. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9, and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. We look forward to training our fantastic new team members, passing on the torch, and watching the incredible things this team will accomplish in 2023.. It was during this tour that Captain Cochran applied for, completed an interview process, and was selected as commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. An estimated 11 million spectators watch the squadron perform every year throughout the country and in Canada. Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. Blue Angels. Plan. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. He made his first deployment flying RF-8G on board the USSNimitz(CVN-68) to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Simonsen, the ^6 pilot and opposing solo for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, give.jpg, US Navy 110706-N-DI587-095 Blue Angels plane captains strap William Gordon, executive director for Orange County public schools, into an F-A 18 Hor.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-007 Members of the U.S. Navy Fight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-039 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-041 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-NT881-144 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, greets the public and signs autographs after a Blue.jpg, US Navy 110831-N-DI587-003 A Sailor applies a Navy Energy Security logo to a Blue Angels F-A-18.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-JM744-077 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announces conducting demonstration flights with a 50-50 mix of biofuel and JP-5 aviation.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-ZZ999-002 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus speaks during a press conference at Naval Air Station Patuxent River about the.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-010 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Nathaniel Stuart, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue An.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-012 Capt. F8F Bearcat "Beetle Bomb" (National Naval Aviation Museum). Lt. Cmdr. Lt. Cmdr. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the teams home base of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show each year. Thanks for contacting us. Two new pilots, a new assistantmaintenance officer, a new events coordinator and a new flight surgeon will join the team ahead of 2021. Greg McWherter for a job well done, following the Blue Angels' six performances during the 2010 Joint Service Open House Air Show at Joint Base Andr.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-299 Cmdr. Cochran led the team for 16 months until May 1996. in May 1996, Cochran made the decision to step down as flight leader[This quote needs a citation] to minimize the safety risks to the team and spectators. With its sleek lines and afterburner, the F11F Tiger proved one of the most popular show aircraft flown by the Blue Angels. We've received your submission. Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. Lt. Cmdr. A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. WebThe Blue Angels might be a demonstration team, but they are naval aviators first. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. [4] He is also a graduate of the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama, and earned a master's degree in human resource management from Troy State University. When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. They are flying the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Jim Cox, of He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. Svetlana Shkolnikova covers Congress for Stars and Stripes. Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs and post-show activities and social events. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-051 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, greet each other after the demonstratio.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-004 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Evan Bradbury, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-046 Lt. Cmdr. WebThe Blue Angles pilots are there hanging out with the people, signing autographs, and telling stories. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. With World War II fresh in the memories of the public when the Navy established the Blue Angels in 1946, the first flight leader Lieutenant Commander Roy Butch Voris created a show segment in which the teams F6F Hellcats pursued an airplane playing the role of a Japanese fighter and shot it down. The first plane to fill this role was an SNJ Texan advanced trainer nicknamed Beetle Bomb., North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (National Naval Aviation Museum). Her relief on Monday raised eyebrows because the Air Force had announced only two weeks earlier that Kotnick would take command of the Vipers. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Hendrix | Selections must be unanimous. He graduated from George Washington University in 2010. Presented here are historical images of some of these classic propeller-driven aircraft and thunderous jets flown by the Blue Angels. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. read more 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. On Nov. 6, 2002, near Baghdad, Iraq, a pair of naval aviators dropped the first ordnance from an F/A-18E on an enemy target. The officer selection process requires pilots and support officers (flight surgeon, events coordinator, maintenance officer, supply officer, and public affairs officer) wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation and flight records. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader and slot pilots fly inverted. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. 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. The first performances simulated World War II battles with an SNJ-5 Texan repainted to resemble a Japanese A6M Zero. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. She earned her commission in 2013 the same year she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets perform the Double Farvel maneuver at the 2018 Terre Haute Air Show, 18 August 2018. 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 venerable World War II fighter in its early exhibitions. The number 3 pilot moves to the number 4 (slot) position for his second year. The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, practice performance maneuvers at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, June 10, 2022. On January 27th, 1973, CDR Harley Hall was shot down over Vietnam. She's home:Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, "Not being able to fly across the country and execute our mission definitely affects some of ourbest practices, if you will, and some of the training when it comes to the refinement from the demos," Kesselring said Friday. Three months after establishment in April 1946, the flight exhibition team's first performance took place on June 15. Jake Newby can be reached at jnewby@pnj.com or 850-435-8538. pilots and officers originally announced for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in July 2019, Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. With its ranks including some of the most experienced jet pilots in the Navy when the Korean War started, the team disbanded in 1950 to serve as the nucleus of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-191), nicknamed Satans Kittens, flying combat missions from Princeton (CV-37). -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. They serve three to four years in the squadron. 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. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot.
list of blue angels pilots