LCDR Dusty Rhodes. LTJG Ross Robinson. CHICAGO — What does Chicago look like from the cockpit of a Blue Angels jet? Blue Angels Announce 2018 Pilots and Officers PENSACOLA, Florida — U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2018 air show season, July 8. 1) is the Commanding Officer and is always a Navy commander, who may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved for captain by the selection board. The Blues use this jet for backup, and to give demonstration rides to VIP civilians. Lt. Mary Russell reported to the Blue Angels as the Assistant Public Affairs Officer, and later worked as the Assistant Administrative Officer. Gregory Woolridge.Historic steps continued to be taken by the team and on Nov. 11, 1998, Blue Angels Commanding Officer and Flight Leader Cmdr. The team with an additional fifth pilot, relocated to In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Driscoll made the first Blue Angels jet landing on an underway aircraft carrier - USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).At the close of the 90s, the Blue Angels were looking ahead; ready to enter the new millennium.In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan struck the Florida Panhandle. Three back seats at each show are available; one goes to a member of the press, the other two to "Key Influencers".In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and 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.

Cmdr. In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with a In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the In 1992, the Blue Angels deployed for a month-long European tour, their first in 19 years, conducting shows in Sweden, Finland, Russia (first foreign flight demonstration team to perform there), Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain. XO is a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and must have at least 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours.Career-oriented Navy and Marine Corps jet pilots with an aircraft carrier qualification and a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours are eligible for positions flying jets Number 2 through 7. You bring pride, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of today's youth. Zeb Knott took over as flight leader for the Blue Angels. Hawkins became the first naval pilot to survive a supersonic ejection when his Cougar became uncontrollable on a cross-country flight in 1954. He initially joined the team as a wingman in 1948, then served as executive officer for VF-191 during the Korean Conflict. After becoming an officer, the candidate must apply and go through training to become a U.S. naval aviator. Richard "Zeke" Cormier relieved Hawkins as the flight leader, they performed an aerial change-of-command. The new aircraft allowed the team to practice flying high, tight, and close. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team.

The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to wear and do not wear In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing.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.The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration at the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming show, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles. In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. In 1974, we transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, a smaller and lighter aircraft with a tighter turning radius allowing for a more dynamic flight demonstration. Less wanted to create a team where everyone felt like a Blue Angel. Robinson died only four shows before the end of the season and became the first of 26 Blue Angel pilot fatalities in the team's 70-year history.In 1947, Flight Leader Lt. Cmdr. He flew in both the Left and Right Wing positions between 1986 - 1988.For thirteen years, the Blue Angels had continued to fly the McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II, and on Nov. 8, 1986, the team completed its 40th anniversary year and unveiled its present aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet.The Hornet is the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft and is still serving on America's front lines of defense. John "Johnny" Magda and the rest of the team debuted the Panther at an air show in Beaumont, Texas, on Aug. 20, 1949. When military aviation buffs pack into the Marine Corps Beaufort Air Show in South Carolina, they'll be wowed by the Navy's Blue Angels. During this tour, the Blue Angels became the first U.S. military flight demonstration team to perform in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria.Two years later, in 1994, prior Blue Angels pilot Cmdr. No. Two new C-130 Hercules pilots have also been selected to fly the team’s new C-130J. LT Mel Cassidy.

A total of 16 officers voluntarily serve with the Blue Angels. Latest. LCDR Bob Clarke. It was painted yellow and affectionately named "Beetle Bomb."