-LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Brian Kesselring, of Fargo, North Dakota, Navy Lt. Katlin Forster, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Navy Cmdr. Navy Cmdr. New National Museum of the U.S. Navy-October 2020, New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - October 2022, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - Main, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, The Forgotten Wars of the Nineteenth Century, Civil War: Securing the Seas for Union Victory, Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities), Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities) - Main, Sailor's Life at Sea & Poetry (Grades 4-6), DIVE! The Blue Angels flew two versions of the Panther (the F9F-2 and F9F-5), the first jet operated by the team. C-130 Demonstration Pilot: The new team members will officially begin their training for the 2022 show season following the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Nov. 6. announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season, Precision and form draw crowds, and awe, at Thunder Over Michigan, Navy Week, Thunder Over Michigan airshow return to Detroit area, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. The closest the diamond will fly to each other is 18 inches during the Diamond 360 The squadron has had more than 260 demonstration pilots and 37 flight leaders and commanding officers since its inception in 1946. The squadron selected two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer, and a flight Blue Angels pilots 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. Hundreds of women have held various roles with the Blue Angels over 55 years, but Lee is the first woman selected to serve as a demonstration pilot. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: James Haley, of Canadian, Texas. By the time Captain Cochran completed his first deployment he and VFP-63 Detachment 5 had completed an around-the-world deployment during a nine-month cruise. Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. Tom Winkler signs autographs for Virginia Beach resident Matt and his son.jpg, US Navy 061025-N-5060B-100 Mass Communication Specialist Heather Ewton interviews Blue Angel's pilot Lt. Kevin Davis after giving a media ride to local VIP personnel prior to the 2006 Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sh.jpg, US Navy 061027-N-1810F-039 Raleigh Dusty Rhodes, one of the first pilots and commanders of the Blue Angels, autographs a poster for Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Olivares before the practice air show aboard Nav.jpg, US Navy 070203-N-6652A-074 Blue Angels Public Affairs Chief Brabble holds a meet and greet with local law enforcement agencies and their families before an air performance.jpg, US Navy 070422-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration pilot, Lcdr. This story has been shared 119,201 times. Erich Hartmann: Best fighter pilot of all time? To his German countrymen, he was known as the Blond Knight of Germany.. His Soviet enemies referred to him as the Black Devil of the South.. German fighter pilot Erich Alfred Bubi Hartmann flew approximately 1,456 missions during World War II. He is said to have engaged in aerial New team members will report to the Blue Angels in September for a two-month turnover period before beginning a rigorous five-month training program at the teams home base of Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif. Officers typically serve two to three years with the team, according to the Blue Angels. Blue Angels Lockheed TV-2 Shooting Star (National Naval Aviation Museum). 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. Over the course of 75 years, the more than 500 million people who have seen the Blue Angels perform at air shows around the world have witnessed the power and grace of some of the Navys all-time classic aircraft. Blue Angels. For this reason, Cochran was reassigned to Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Sundowners for 29 days as XO before assuming command of the squadron as CO. Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. 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. This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. 2023 Stars and Stripes. After 16 months as XO, Cochran assumed command of VF-1 as commanding officer (CO). 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. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. At the time, she credited Mariner for pioneering the way for women like herself in the air forces. Deo Harrypersaud, crew chief of the Blue Angels ^7 plane, prior to a VIP ride with.jpg, US Navy 070707-N-2888Q-003 Lt. Cmdr. Make sure you meet the minimum Blue Angels requirements In order to be a Blue Angels applicant, you must be F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. 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. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia. The venerable aircraft routinely opens air shows and for many years executed jet-assisted takeoffs (JATOs) to the delight of spectators. The team operated both the short-nose and long-nose versions, and when the F-4 Phantom II replaced the Tiger after the 1968 show season, the F11F Tiger marked the end of an era as the last Grumman-built aircraft flown by the team. Theodore Steelman, 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 050416-N-0295M-029 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, conducts a post flight inspection of the vertical stabilizer on the team's Opposing Solo F-A-18A Hornet aircraft du.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-507 Opposing Solo, Lt. Cmdr. Greg McWherter presents Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an autographed memento of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in flight.jpg, US Navy 100625-N-0092J-029 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, rest on the vertical stabs of an F-A-18 Hornet after performing at The Great Minnesota Air Show.jpg, US Navy 101022-N-8102J-044 Retired Cmdr. The Blues made "slight changes to the conventional officer rotation," as a result of the lost season, said Cmdr. For the latest information regarding the Blue Angels and the 2021/2022 show seasons, be sure to stay tuned to our social media, website, and mobile app. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected six new officers to join the team for the for the 2023 air show season. 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. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. That means that they have been, and are, fighter pilots. 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. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. Svetlana Shkolnikova covers Congress for Stars and Stripes. Navy). 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. Navy confirms mysterious Blue Angel suspension - Navy Times 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. -LT Scott Goossens, of San Francisco, California, is an F/A-18 Pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Lieutenant The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Blue Angels Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet performing the sneak pass during a training flight over Naval Air Station Pensacola. This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. Navy). read more -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-069 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. Blue Angels Tucker declined to say whether the member of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the units official name is a tactical aviator or part of the support and maintenance crew but the removed person does not appear to be a numbered pilot. Blue Angels Grumman F6F Hellcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). Cochran earned a civil engineering degree from Savannah State College, now known as Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, in 1976, where he was a member of the NROTC program. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 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. DVIDS Blue Angels Douglas R5D Skymaster (National Naval Aviation Museum). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. Blue Angel No.4 serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective he is afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as his status as a second-year demonstration pilot. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. 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. Lt. Amanda Lee will join the elite Blue Angels flight demonstration team this fall as its first female fighter pilot. This page was last edited on 2 October 2010, at 13:33. Each year, the Blue Angels selects finalists from an applicant pool and interviews them during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. Tucker said that the investigation is not linked to the Jan. 22 emergency landing of an unnamed Blue Angels pilot at El Centro. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. Greg McWherter, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, is interviewed by a TV.jpg, US Navy 100321-A-4584J-010 Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, center right, and Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, pose with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team,.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-274 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulates Cmdr. We've received your submission. Presented here are historical images of some of these classic propeller-driven aircraft and thunderous jets flown by the Blue Angels. They also represent the US Marine Corps. 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. -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Brian Vaught of Englewood, Colo., is the teams new events coordinator. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers [1] He is a 2022 inductee to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Members of the 2013 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are: giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.Clement Clarke Moore (17791863), The state of society is one in which the members have suffered amputation from the trunk, and strut about so many walking monsters,a good finger, a neck, a stomach, an elbow, but never a man.Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882), Flying Blue Angel No.1, Commander Thomas Frosch, USN (Commanding Officer/Flight Leader), Flying Blue Angel No.2, Lieutenant Commander John Hiltz, USN (Right Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.3, Lieutenant Nate Barton, USN (Left Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.4, Captain Brandon Cordill, USMC (Slot), Flying Blue Angel No.5, Lieutenant Commander David Tickle, USN (Lead Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.6, Lieutenant Mark Tedrow, USN (Opposing Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.7, Lieutenant Ryan Chamberlain, USN (Advance Pilot/Narrator), Events Coordinator, Blue Angel No.8, Lieutenant Commander Michael Cheng, USN, Flying Fat Albert, M1, Captain John Hecker, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M2, Captain A. J. Harrell, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M3, Captain Mike Van Wyk, USMC, Maintenance Officer, Lieutenant Commander Richard Mercado, USN, Flight Surgeon, Lieutenant Commander Mark DeBuse, USN, Administrative Officer, Lieutenant Holly Taylor, USN, Supply Officer, Lieutenant Scott Adams, USN, Public Affairs Officer, Lieutenant Katie Kelly, USN. Jim Cox, of During the Korean War, the Blue Angels were disbanded in 1950 but returned a year later. 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. 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. WebDonnie L. Cochran is a former United States Navy naval aviator and was the first African-American aviator to be selected to the Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels in Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos. After completing his commanding officer tour, VF-111 won the Battle Efficiency (E) and Safety (S) as the best F-14 squadron in the United States Pacific Fleet. On January 27th, 1973, CDR Harley Hall was shot down over Vietnam. 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 Brian Kesselring, the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader, said in a statement. 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. Cmdr. This work, Blue Angels Announce 2022 Officers, by Member: 1321594, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Blue Angels Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighters (National Naval Aviation Museum). His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. ", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Donnie_Cochran&oldid=1137292325, African-American United States Navy personnel, BLP articles lacking sources from November 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Following his department head tour, Captain Cochran was screened to command of an operational F-14 squadron and was selected to attend the Air War College, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. Allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously by the Navy but it would be inappropriate at this time to comment on an ongoing investigation, Tucker said. Blue Angels: Performance Maneuvers - Navy Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. 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. They also represent the US Marine Corps. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. Only six are used during demonstration flights (normally single-seat versions) and the rest are used as spares, if one of main aircraft is unserviceable and cannot be repaired before the show begins. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. This story has been shared 163,713 times. 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. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. WebIn 1958, the Back-to-Back Pass and the first six-plane Delta maneuvers were added to the performance. Anthony W. Walley signs autographs for fans at Sherman Field.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Blue_Angels_(pilots_and_team)&oldid=44588716, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Benjamin Walborn, was added to the squad recently to take the fifth spot in the Blue Angels' flight pattern. The team leader (#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. (Chris Williamson/U.S. The Blue Angels switched from flying the F/A-18 Hornet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at the end of 2020. Cochran completed flight school, earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1978 after completing basic jet training in the T-2C Buckeye, and advanced jet training in the TA-4J Skyhawk. Blue Angels Evaluated by the Blue Angels as a possible demonstration aircraft in 1953, the F7U Cutlass proved as unpopular with the team as it did in the fleet, where it had a reputation for being underpowered and presented challenges for maintenance personnel. Blue Angels Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (NA 330-CFD-DN-SC-85-00472) F/A-18 Hornet Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other