The only aircraft operated concurrently by both the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-4 was the platform the team took to the far corners of the globe, touring South America, Asia, and Europe during the four years the Blue Angels operated the powerful aircraft. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. 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. There are 25 women on the team now. Lt. Cmdr. Presented here are historical images of some of these classic propeller-driven aircraft and thunderous jets flown by the Blue Angels. The closest the diamond will fly to each other is 18 inches during the Diamond 360 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. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. from around the world. The 2021 air show season, the 75th in Blue Angels history, is slated to begin April 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. An estimated 11 million spectators watch the squadron perform every year throughout the country and in Canada. Following Air War College, Captain Cochran reported for duty as the executive officer (XO) at Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) Wolfpack. The Blue Angels, the Navys flight demonstration team, announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season on Monday, including the first woman demonstration pilot to fly the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. These were the first visits by any U.S. military flight demonstration team to these nations. The venerable aircraft routinely opens air shows and for many years executed jet-assisted takeoffs (JATOs) to the delight of spectators. Official Navy photo of Commander Donnie Cochran, USN, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "This is why you don't mess with the U.S.! The Texan was named "Beetle Bomb" and served until 1950. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Im humbled to have come full circle, and now fly the very aircraft I used to work on as a maintainer, Lee said. This story has been shared 163,713 times. 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. This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. 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. Its because of women like Capt. The four diamond pilots were frozen in positioned for a year to enhance safety, to accommodate the team's transition to the new F/A-18, and to fly a complete airshow season in the same year. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Ind. 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 WebFun facts about the Blue Angels: The first air show was performed at Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1946. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. The famed squadron selected two F/A-18E/F demonstration pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer and a flight Thanks for contacting us. read more 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.. Make sure you meet the minimum Blue Angels requirements In order to be a Blue Angels applicant, you must be On March 8th, 1951, LCDR Johnny Magda was shot down and killed in Korea. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. During the Korean War, the Blue Angels were disbanded in 1950 but returned a year later. Mark Lambert, flight surgeon for the Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, visits with a resident of the nursing home care center at Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-021 Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alisha Raper, plane captain for U.S. Navy flight demonstration team aircraft Blue Angel Five, gives final confirmation to her pilot, Lt. 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. 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. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. He graduated from George Washington University in 2010. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Heinz asks fans to help find sailor who survived weeks at sea on ketchup so they can buy him new boat, Chinese military orders US Navy plane to stay away from its airspace, Decorated Navy SEAL killed in free-fall parachute training accident, Pitcher set to join Phillies after Navy service change. You cannot lead anyone who will dishonor you! Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year, Capt. 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. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. 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. Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other demonstration platform, the F/A-18 logged the first ever flight demonstrations in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria during the 1992 show season. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Donnie 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 1986. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. 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. Alternating crews of about 45 team members travel to each airshow, according to the Navy. His first assignment after training in the F-14 was with the Blacklions of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213), where he made two deployments on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, and the newest member,F/A-18 demonstration pilot and Navy Cmdr. During his three years as a demonstration pilot Captain Cochran flew over 1,500 hours and over 240 airshows. -LT William Kruger, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Supply Officer currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The 2021 show season, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Blue Angels in 1946, introduced the F/A-18 Super Hornet to air show crowds. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. 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). When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. WebU.S. Brian Kesselring, the commanding officer and flight leader of the team. Lt. Cmdr. 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. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). For more news from the Blue Angels, visitwww.blueangels.navy.mil/. WebIn 1958, the Back-to-Back Pass and the first six-plane Delta maneuvers were added to the performance. 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. She earned her commission in 2013 the same year she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Most, but not all, pilots and officers originally announced for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in July 2019 will be retained. Hundreds of women representing the Navy and Marine Corps have served with the Blue Angels during the last 55 years, according to the 76-year-old unit. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. Rushes are asked to tell a joke prior to the brief, and graded by the team as part of the rigorous selection process. He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. Blue Angels Grumman F8F Bearcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. That means that they have been, and are, fighter pilots. Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic During his assignment at Air War College, Captain Cochran earned a diploma in International Security and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013. Lt. Cmdr. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. The number 3 pilot moves to the number 4 (slot) position for his second year. Your work environment matters and when the values of respect, integrity, honesty, and loyalty break down, so does your performance! The squadron has had more than 260 demonstration pilots and 37 flight leaders and commanding officers since its inception in 1946. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. Mariner that equal opportunity wont be in our vocabulary in future generations.. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. 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. MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team. Lt. Amanda Lee will be the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, the Navy announced Monday. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. By the time his assignment with VF-213 was completed, he had flown over 2,000 hours and made 469 carrier landings in fighter aircraft. I first served as an Enlisted Sailor. Blue Angels Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighters (National Naval Aviation Museum). 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. 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. With its sleek lines and afterburner, the F11F Tiger proved one of the most popular show aircraft flown by the Blue Angels. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Cougars (National Naval Aviation Museum). Cochran was assigned to fly the RF-8G Crusader due to his excellent performance during carrier qualification as a student pilot. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. They are seriously some of the coolest people you will ever meet because being a blue angel is more than just being a bad ass pilot, its about being a bad ass person. 2 pilot Lt. Cmdr. The number 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. (U.S. Navy photoby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix). 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. The Blue Angels on Monday announced their official officer and pilot lineup for the 2021 air show season. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Lee grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota and later attended the University of Minnesota at which point she decided to enlist in the Navy. At the time, she credited Mariner for pioneering the way for women like herself in the air forces. 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. 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. Zoe SiS" Kotnik, the first female pilot to helm that services F-16 Viper demonstration team. Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets perform the Double Farvel maneuver at the 2018 Terre Haute Air Show, 18 August 2018. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. Her relief on Monday raised eyebrows because the Air Force had announced only two weeks earlier that Kotnick would take command of the Vipers. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. 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.