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. John Magda, was killed in action on March 8, 1951. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. As of now, she's assigned to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Its mission is to support wounded veterans who proudly volunteered to serve our nation and preserve our freedom. For 73+ years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. . Most of these pilots found their way to Iwo Jima, in one way or another. The team's SNJ was also replaced by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstrat The Navy's investigation found that Capt. In July 1963 the team performs its 1000 demonstration in California. A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows. 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. [citation needed]. In May, the team went to the west coast on temporary duty so the pilots and the rest of the team could become familiar with jet aircraft. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team. The most recent Blue Angels fatal accident was in 2007 at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in . The change was because one pilot and another officer in the organization had been removed from duty for engaging in an "inappropriate relationship". An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.[8]. On 22 May 2011, the Blue Angels were performing at the Lynchburg Regional Airshow in Lynchburg, Virginia, when the Diamond formation flew the Barrel Roll Break maneuver at an altitude lower than the required minimum. Robert Janca Left Wing 1959-1961 Capt. [28][29][30][31], The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973. Fortus Solos flying in carrier landing configuration with No. That year, they went on their first South American tour. 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. Who are the current Blue Angels pilots? In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. 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. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 1921 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. Diamond Dirty Loop the diamond flies a loop with all four jets in carrier landing configuration, Minimum Radius Turn highest G maneuver (No. 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. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. [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. Governor of Indiana presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr. Once aboard the aircraft carrier USSPrinceton on 9 November, the group formed the core of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens", under the command of World War II fighter ace and 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, Lt. The prestige of wearing the Blue Angels uniform carries with it an extraordinary honor one that reflects not only on you as an individual, but on your teammates and the entire squadron. A permanent flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the team. Katie Higgins' dream as a little girl was to follow in her family's footsteps and become a pilot. [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. 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. The Blue Angels is the United States Navy 's flight demonstration squadron. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps. 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. 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. 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! The military legacy in Higgins' family was strong. Ronald Thompson 18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation 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. Lt. Commander Greg McWherter (Head of the Blue Angels) Lieutenant James Tomaszeski Lieutenant Robert Kurrle Jr Major Chris Collins USMC Lieutenant Commander Frank Weisser Lieutenant Ben Walborn Lieutenant Christian Simonse Lieutenant Amy Tomlinson The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F . Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members. [33] On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows. [10][11] The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.[12]. Voris selected three fellow instructors to join him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Lt. Mel Cassidy, and Lt. Cmdr. "Almost can't describe it," Blue Angels pilot Cdr. Tour of duty: 2-3 years. us navy blue angels blue angels jets blue angels air show u.s. navy blue angels blue angels planes Control sticks are tensioned with 40 pounds (18kg) of force to allow the pilot minimal room for non-commanded movement of the aircraft. Lt. Cmdr. The No. All of the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty and the demonstration squadron was disbanded. 3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996. 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 . . 3 pilot moves to the No. McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II [68], In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.[69]. John Fogg, Lt. Marlin Wiita, and Lt. Cmdr. In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected. Speeds: Between 120 . Because it takes six to eight years to log the 1,250 hours of flying time needed to try out for the Blue Angels, there has yet to be a female Blue Angel pilot. Personal biography. )", "Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. [1] The team employed a North American SNJ Texan, painted and configured to simulate a Japanese Zero, to simulate aerial combat. Lt. Michael Curtin 8 November 1978: one of the solo Skyhawks struck the ground after low roll during arrival maneuvers at. The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, a couple of years after the end of World War II. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. In 3 years, my Dad taught 1,800 pilots to fly for the Army, Navy and Marines . 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. United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron. Anthony Walley, ^2 Pilot of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, speaks with students in the Omniplex theater at the St. Louis Science Center.jpg, US Navy 071110-N-5328N-910 Blue Angels No. A typical week during the season has practices at NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Behind them in the photo, kneeling down and pointing the boys toward the camera was Lt. David Anderson, a Blue Angels Pilot. The team's first demonstration with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft took place before Navy officials on 10 May 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval. He suffered minor injuries. Line-Abreast Loop the most difficult formation maneuver to do well (No. The investigation into the June 3 crash that killed the opposing solo pilot, Marine Capt. Changeover Roll a left Echelon barrel roll where the echelon formation changes over to diamond formation after 90 off bank. The Blue Angels highlighted the show, which included more than 20 other acts with various military static displays. [27], The Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team. Average pilot age: 33 years old. 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. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets . During winter training, the pilots fly two practice sessions per day, six days a week, to fly the 120 training missions needed to perform the demonstration safely. 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 070425-N-7559C-003 Lt. Cmdr. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team. Members of the Blue Angels team also visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. A Navy Blue Angel pilot, formerly of Akron, was killed Monday when his jet crashed into the desert while the team was practicing loops, officials said. The show's narrator flies Blue Angels No. 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". Capt. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). Each year the team typically selects three tactical (fighter or fighter/attack) jet pilots, two support. Please reorganize this content to explain the subject's impact on popular culture, Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show), List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons, "Show Information And Schedules, 2019 Show Schedule", "Blue Angels: Frequently Asked Questions", "Navy's Blue Angels Announce New Pilots, Officers for 2019", "Blue Angels fly into age of budget woes", "Boeing to convert F/A-18 E/Fs into Blue Angels", "Blue Angels transition to Super Hornets ahead of 75th anniversary", U.S. Navy Blue Angels |Frequently Asked Questions, #9, "Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Pilots, 2000 Season", "Blue Angels name first woman to serve as demonstration pilot", "Butch Voris and the Blue Angels", US Navy Blue Angels website, "Blue Angels fly over St. George, thunder over Dixie", "Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies. 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. The No. Jeff Kuss Opposing Solo died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his Hornet during a practice run for The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee. 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. Lt. Lt. Amanda Lee was selected to be a F . 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. The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to wear and do not wear g-suits. On 25 June, the Korean War started, and all Blue Angels pilots[40] volunteered for combat duty. Knobby-kneed in their shorts and polo shirts, clutching toy Blue Angel jet replicas, they posed for the picture. Kevin J. Davis 21 April 2007: Capt. They do not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, interfering with that stability. 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. On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. Val was just great. Lee, who goes by the call sign "Stalin," is among six . Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead solo) 12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California. 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. Although there are only 6 Blue Angels aircraft at any one time, in the History of the Blue Angels, there has been a total of 272 pilots who have worn the coveted blue flight suit, first adopted in 1954. 7, a two-seat F/A-18F Hornet, to show sites. 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. 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. [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. 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). He's the "boss" as flight leader and pilot of the Number 1 aircraft. . [70] The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. 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. The team then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. In 1961-1963 the Blue Angels performed for the first time formation landing of six planes in a Delta formation. 6 jet and crashed due to G-force-induced Loss Of Consciousness (G-LOC) during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina. [51] The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. The Solos join the Diamond Formation near the end of the show for a number of maneuvers in the Delta Formation. In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. 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. [34] In May, the Blue Angels performed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. with the Air Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953). 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. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. 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. Lt. Cmdr. [21], The Blue Angels were originally formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team. 5 Dirty Roll on Takeoff; No. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms podcast and YouTube channel for the latest interviews. 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". Beginning in 1975, "Bert" was used for Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) and short aerial demonstrations just prior to the main event at selected venues, but the JATO demonstration ended in 2009 due to dwindling supplies of rockets. For 76 years, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has flown air shows in front of millions of people around the world. To the crowds at the air shows and to the public at hospitals and schools nationwide, you are a symbol of the Navy and Marine Corps' finest. They are stripped down and only good for putting on the amazing display. Don Bentley 8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California. The Blue Angels continued flying with the Tiger until 1968. [25], The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering. The Blue Angels' first public demonstration also netted the team its first trophy, which sits on display at the team's current home at NAS Pensacola. 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. With planning. Navy Commander Anthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". [citation needed]. Blue Angel Solos perform an opposing pass. [87], The Blues officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020. 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 Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". "There have been women who paved this path," she said. 4 (slot) position for their second year. [2] The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. Commander John Magda; he was killed in action on 8 March 1951.[41]. The Blue Angels began this season in mid-April, at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Fla., which was held with some pandemic-related protocols in place, Huckeba said. [1], The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War in the Pacific), and they spent countless hours developing the show. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. 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]. First held in 1981, the event has become . Kieron O'Connor and Lt. Kevin Colling 28 October 1999: flying in the back seat and front seat of a Hornet, both were killed after striking the ground during circle and arrival maneuvers in. Lt. Cmdr. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. Tragically, the Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader Lt. Cmdr. 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. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. This Museum is committed to remembering the past and its significance, bringing the past to life." For his daughter, Beth, the experience was . 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. 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