Blue Angels

The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, is a United States Navy flight demonstration squadron. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, following the Patrouille de France, which formed in 1931. The team has six Navy and one Marine Corps pilots. They fly Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

Blue Angels typically perform in 60 or more shows annually at 32 locations throughout the United States and two shows in Canada. The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. The Blue Angels visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators. In 2011, the Blue Angels received $37 million from the annual Department of Defense budget.

Mission

Their mission is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.

Air shows

The Blue Angels perform at military and non-military airfields, and at major U.S. cities and capitals; locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. They also performed nearby Mexico City in the mid sixties.

During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team flies F/A-18 Hornets, split into the Diamond formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond formation and those performed by the Solos. The Diamond, in tight formation and usually at lower speeds (400 mph), performs maneuvers such as formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to another. The Solos showcase the high performance capabilities of their individual aircraft through the execution of high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and tight turns.

The highest speed flown during an air show is 700 mph (just under Mach 1) while the lowest speed is 126 mph (110 knots) during Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the old "Legacy" Hornet). Some maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once, such as opposing passes (toward each other in what appears to be a collision course) and mirror formations (back-to-back, belly-to-belly, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). The Solos join the diamond formation near the end of the show for maneuvers in delta formation.

The parameters of each show are tailored in accordance with showtime weather conditions: 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. The high show requires at least an 8,000-foot (2,400 m) ceiling and visibility of at least 3 nautical miles (6 km) from the show's center point. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.

Aircraft

The team flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use. Modifications include removal of the weapons and replacement with a tank that contains smoke-oil used in demonstrations and outfitting the control stick with a spring system for more precise control input. Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18 kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. Each modified F/A-18 remains in the fleet and can be returned to combat duty within 72 hours. As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.

The show's narrator, Blue Angels No. 7, flies a two-seat (F/A-18F Super Hornet), to show sites. The Blues use these jets for backups or spares, and to give demonstration rides to civilian VIPs. Usually, two back seats rides are available at each air show; one goes to a member of the press, and the other to the "Key Influencer". The No. 4 Slot Pilot often flies the No. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice" so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show.

In 2020, the United States Marine Corps Blue Angels purchased a surplus Royal Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules (RAF registration ZH885, US registration 170000) as the new "Fat Albert", for their logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and to carry support personnel between shows.

Historical

F6F Hellcat

The Hellcat was the first aircraft flown. The pilots were advanced flight instructors who had flown the aircraft in war. The F6F-5s were painted in dark navy blue with gold lettering and made first flight demonstration on 10 May 1946.

F8F Bearcat

The Bearcat began flying towards the end of the first season for the team. It was their last propeller-driven aircraft and the first to fly the diamond formation. The Bearcats first appeared in Denver in August 1946.

F9F-2 Panther

The Panther was the first jet. After a temporary disbandment for the Korean War, with the unit serving with VMF-191, when reactivated on 25 October 1951 the F9F-5 Panther returned to service.

F-9 Cougar

In the winter of 1954/55 the Angels began flying the Cougar, serving until the middle of 1957.

F-11 Tiger

In mid 1957 Tiger began flying with the Blue Angels. The F11F-1 was the first supersonic jet and the last Grumman planes serving the flight team. It was used until 1969, even though it had earlier been withdrawn from frontline service. It was one of the most popular aircraft with the public, because of its afterburner and sleek lines.

F-4 Phantom II

In 1969, the F-4J became the plane of choice, serving until December 1974. The F-4 was operated concurrently by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds demonstration teams.

A-4 Skyhawk

Accidents and the price of fuel led to the adoption of the more economical A-4F Skyhawk II. The Blue Angels flew the A-4 in their 80 shows during the Bicentennial celebrations of 1976. The Blue Angels also made 30 years on 1976 and performed their 2,000th show flying the A-4F . The Skyhawk served from December 1974 to November 1986.

F/A-18 Hornet

In 1986 the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A model served from 1986 to 2010, and the F/A-18C model from 2010 to 2020.

F/A-18 Super Hornet

The Blue Angels is currently on their 5th year of flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. Flying the F/A-18E model for the demonstration and F/A-18F for Blue Angel #7 Jet and for the #4 Slot Pilot for practice routines.

Team members

2026 United States Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Pilots and Flight Officers

• CAPT Adam "Gilligan" Bryan: Flight Leader / Commanding Officer
• LT Cam "Starlazer / Hatfish" Schneider: Right Wing
• LT Chris "SadClam" Houben: Left Wing
• LTCOL Brandon "Wobbly" Wilkins: Slot
• LCDR Connor "Buddy" O'Donnell: Lead Solo
• MAJ Scott "Goldie" Laux: Opposing Solo
• LT Ronny "Downy" Hafeza: Narrator
• CDR Lilly "Lunchbox" Montana: Events Coordinator

As of the 2020 season, 272 demonstration pilots have served in the Blue Angels.

The team is divided into 3 departments: Officers, Enlisted, and Technical Representatives. Team members come from the ranks of regular United States Navy and United States Marine Corps units. Pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Pilots serve two to three years. Position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Other officers include a naval flight officer who serves as the event coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an Executive Officer (XO), a Maintenance Officer (MO), a Flight Surgeon (DOC), a Supply Officer (SUPPO), a Public Affairs Officer (PAO), and an Administrative Officer (AO) in Technical Representatives Department. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. They serve three to four years. After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.

The officer selection process requires candidates wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and flight records. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.