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.File:Blueangelsformationpd.jpg|thumb|right|The Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets "1–4" fly in a tight diamond formation, maintaining wingtip-to-canopy separation
During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team flies F/A-18 Hornets, split into the Diamond formation and the Lead and Opposing Solos. 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, 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 while the lowest speed is 126 mph during Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet. Some maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once, such as opposing passes and mirror formations. 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 the flat show is presented. The high show requires at least an ceiling and visibility of at least 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 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, 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 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
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, a Maintenance Officer, a Flight Surgeon, a Supply Officer, a Public Affairs Officer, and an Administrative Officer 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.
Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid with their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, post-show activities, and social events. It is critical that new officers fit the Blue culture and team dynamics. The evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with finalist interviews and team deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Selections must be unanimous.
The Flight Leader is the Commanding Officer and holds the rank of commander, who may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved by the selection board.
Pilots numbered 2–7 are Navy Lieutenant Commanders or Lieutenants, or Marine Corps Majors or Captains. The pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing Solo and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. The pilot moves to the "Slot" position for their second year. Blue Angel serves as the demonstration Safety Officer, due largely to the perspective they are afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as their status as a second-year demonstration pilot. usually a Naval Flight Officer serves as Events Coordinator for two years. The Events Coordinator's job is to communicate, manage VIP/Media rides and make sure each event and airshow is successful.
Since 2008, seven female flight officers have been selected. LCDR Amanda Lee became the first woman to be named as a F/A-18 demonstration pilot. She served from 2022 to 2024. CDR Lilly Montana is Events Coordinator for the 2025-26 season. CAPT Olivia Bair USMC is serving as a C-130 pilot for the 2026 season. CDR Amy Tomlinson, MAJ Corrie Mays USMC, and LCDR Katlin Forster served as Events Coordinators. LTCOL Katie Higgins Cook USMC served as a C-130 pilot.
Several minority flight officers served, including CAPT Donnie Cochran, the first African American to command the Blue Angels. Lt Andre Webb and LCDR Julius Bratton served as demonstration pilots.
One Navy Pilot serves two years as Maintenance Officer, the first year as Assistant Maintenance Officer and second year as Maintenance Officer.
As of 2025 one Navy Member serves two years as the Maintenance Officer. The Maintenance Officer is in charge of the men, women, and equipment that keep the aircraft flying. Its job is to maintain, observe, and update the winds, visibility, and clouds.
Flight surgeons serve a two-year term. The flight surgeon provides medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in post-flight debrief. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team.