Blue Angels#Aircraft

File:Blue_Angels_Delta_Breakout.jpg

The mission of the Blue Angels 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/ |title=Blue Angels: Frequently Asked Questions |website=United States Navy |access-date=22 April 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123143857/https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/ |archive-date=23 November 2016}}

The Blue Angels perform at both military, non-military airfields and Remote Show Sites. They perform often at major U.S. cities and capitals; locations in Canada are also often included in the air show schedule. There are total of 6 Jets that perform in an airshow the Diamond (pilots 1 through 4) and Solos (pilots 5 and 6).

File:Blue_Angels_Delta.jpg

The Diamond Performs their takeoff (Burner Go Loop or Diamond Half Squirrel Cage) then the maneuvers (Diamond 360, Diamond Roll, Diamond Aileron Roll, Diamond Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Echelon Parade "Fan Break", Changeover Roll, Line Abreast Loop "5 Ship with #5 Lead Solo", Vertical Break, Barrel Roll Break, Low Break Cross, Burner 270, with each Solo Maneuvers in between. The Solos perform, their Solo Section Takeoff (#5 Dirty Roll and #6 Low Transition takeoff or Solo Section Low Flap Maneuver for Remote Show Sites) then their Opposing Maneuvers (Knife Edge Pass, Inverted to Inverted), Mirror Formations (Fortus) showcasing the Super Hornet's turn rate capabilities (Solo Minimum Radius Turn). Both Solo approach maneuvers (Opposing Minimum Radius Turn) another opposing maneuvers (Opposing Horizontal Rolls). Sneak maneuvers (#5 Sneak Pass, #6 Sneak to Vertical Rolls), Opposing Maneuvers (Opposing Four Point Hesitation Roll, Vertical Pitch). Both Solo formation maneuvers (Tuck Over Roll, High Alpha Pass, Solos Rejoin "Wander"). The Solos will then join the Diamond formation once the Solos Routine is done for 5 Delta Maneuvers. Which includes (Delta Roll, Fleur De Lis, Delta Loop Break Cross, Delta Breakout, Delta Aileron Roll "For Low and Flat Show conditions" Delta Flat Pass "For Remote Show exit" Delta Pitch Up Break to Landing.

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. The High show requires at least an {{convert|8000|ft|m|-2|adj=on}} ceiling and visibility of at least {{convert|3|nmi|km|0}} from the show's center point. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/ |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=Blue Angels |archive-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123143857/https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/ |url-status=dead}}

File:C-130 Herculues with JATO.jpg "Fat Albert" conducting a RATO (rocket-assisted takeoff)]]

File:BlueAngelsFA18.jpg in the strake vortices of a Blue Angels Hornet]]

The team flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years from 1986 through 2020. The team currently flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

File:Blue_Angels_Solo.jpg

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 to each F/A-18E/F 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 aircraft control input. Control sticks are tensioned with {{convert|40|lb||abbr=}} 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 aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours.{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-convert-fa-18-efs-into-blue-angels-451138/|title=Boeing to convert F/A-18 E/Fs into Blue Angels |date=15 August 2018|author=Garrett Reim |work=flightglobal.com |access-date=16 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816122708/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-to-convert-fa-18-efs-into-blue-angels-451138/ |archive-date=16 August 2018 |url-status=live}} As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020.{{cite web |title=U.S. Navy Blue Angels |url=https://www.facebook.com/USNavyBlueAngels/posts/4130339320340488 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/105260116181782/4130339320340488 |archive-date=2022-02-25 |url-access=limited |access-date=2021-01-30 |website= Facebook.com |language=en}}{{cbignore}}{{Self-published inline|date=January 2024}}{{cite web |title=U.S. Navy Blue Angels |url=https://www.facebook.com/USNavyBlueAngels/posts/4702553703119044 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/105260116181782/4702553703119044 |archive-date=2022-02-25 |url-access=limited|access-date=2021-01-30 |website= Facebook |language=en}}{{cbignore}} {{Self-published inline|date=January 2024}} The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th anniversary year.{{cite web |date=2020-11-10 |title=Blue Angels transition to Super Hornets ahead of 75th anniversary |url=https://www.wtkr.com/news/military/blue-angels-transition-to-super-hornets-ahead-of-75th-anniversary |access-date=2021-01-04 |last=Corillo |first=Todd |work=WTKR News |language=en}}

The show's narrator Blue Angels No. 8, flies a two-seat (F/A-18F Super Hornet), to show sites. The Blues use these jets for backups or spares, and to give demonstration rides to VIP (civilians). 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 (RAF registration ZH885, US registration 170000) as the new "Fat Albert", for their logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and to carry support personnel between shows.

The Hellcat was the first aircraft flown, and the pilots were advanced flight instructors who flew the aircraft at war. The F6F-5s were painted in a dark navy blue with gold lettering and made first flight demonstration on May 10, 1946.

The 'Bearcat began flying towards the end of the first season for the team. It was the last propeller-driven aircraft flown by the Blue Angels and the first to fly the diamond formation. The Bearcats first appeared when performing in Denver in August of 1946.

The Panther was the first jet used by the Blue Angels. After a temporary disbandment for the Korean War, with the unit serving with VMF-191, when reactivated on Oct. 25, 1951 the F9F-5 Panther was again used.

In the winter of 1954/55 the Cougar started being flown by the Blue Angels, serving until the middle of 1957.

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 been withdrawn from frontline service years ago. It proved one of the most popular aircraft with the public shows, because of its afterburner and sleek lines.

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In 1969, the F-4J became the demo plane, serving until December 1974. The F-4 was operated concurrently by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds demonstration teams.

File:Vintage aircraft 176-038.jpg

Some accidents and the price of fuel lead to adopt 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.

In 1986 the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A model served from 1986 to 2010, and F/A-18C model from 2010 to 2020.

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.

;2025 United States Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Pilots{{Cite web |title=Officers |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/officers.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123143946/https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/officers.asp |archive-date=23 November 2016 |website=Blue Angels}}

• 1. Cdr Adam "Gilligan" Bryan: Flight Leader / Commanding Officer
• 2. Cdr Jack "Rico" Keilty: Right Wing
• 3. Maj Brandon "Wobbly" Wilkins: Left Wing
• 4. Lcdr Wes "Trash" Perkins: Slot
• 5. Cdr Thomas "Franz" Zimmerman: Lead Solo
• 6. Lcdr Connor "Buddy" O Donnell: Opposing Solo
• 7. Maj Scott "Goldie" Laux: Narrator
• 8. LCDR Lilly Montana: Event Coordinator

{{As of|2020|alt=As of the 2020 season}}, there have been 272 demonstration pilots in the Blue Angels since their inception.[https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/#answer-09 U.S. Navy Blue Angels {{!}}Frequently Asked Questions, #9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123143857/https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/#answer-09 |date=23 November 2016}}, last updated 17 March 2019.{{cite web |url= https://blueangelphantoms.com/blue-angel-teams |title= List of every Blue Angels team. |access-date= 8 December 2019 |archive-date= 8 December 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191208144324/https://blueangelphantoms.com/blue-angel-teams |url-status= dead}}

The team is divided to 3 Departments Officers, Enlisted and Technical Representative. All team members, both Officer and Enlisted Personnel, Pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular United States Navy and United States Marine Corps units. The Demonstration Pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Pilots serve two to three years, and position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Other officers in the squadron include a naval flight officer who serves as the events coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an Executive Officer (XO), a Maintenance Officer (MO), a Flight Surgeon (DOC), a Supply Officer (SUPPO), a Public Affairs Officer (PAO), and an Administrative Officer (AO) 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 in the squadron. After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.

The officer selection process requires pilots and support officers (Events Coordinator, Maintenance Officer, Flight Surgeon, 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. 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.{{cite news|url=http://archives.gosportpensacola.com/gosport-03-02-2012.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://archives.gosportpensacola.com/gosport-03-02-2012.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Blue Angels Seek Officer Applicants |date=2 March 2012 |page=2 |newspaper=Gosport NAS Pensacola Base Newspaper}}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

File:Blue_Angels_Welcome_Home%21.jpg

Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, post-show activities, and social events. It is critical that new officers fit the existing culture and team dynamics. The application and evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with extensive finalist interviews and team deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Selections must be unanimous.

The Flight Leader (No. 1) is the Commanding Officer and always holds the rank of commander, and may be promoted to captain mid-tour if approved by the selection board.

;Current Flight Leader/Commanding Officer

Commander Adam L. Bryan from Canton, Connecticut assumed command of the Blue Angels in November 2024. He relieved Captain Alexander P. Armatas, a native of Skaneateles, New York. Armatas graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. Armatas joined the Blue Angels in August 2022. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal, unit and service awards.{{Cite web |publisher=US Navy |access-date=1 December 2022 |title=Team Officers |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/team/officers.htm}}

File:Commander Adam Bryan Media Day 2025.jpg

File:Blue_Angels_at_Seafair.jpg

Pilots numbered 2–7 are Navy Lieutenant Commanders or Lieutenants, or Marine Corps Majors or Captains. The (#7) pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing Solo (#6) and then Lead Solo (#5) the following two years, respectively. The (#3) pilot moves to the (#4) "Slot" position for their second year. Blue Angel (#4) 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. (#8) serves as Events Coordinator for two years. An Events Coordinator's job is to communicate, manage VIP, Media, and Key influerncer "KI"'s VIP Ride, and make sure each event and airshow is done successfully.

Since 2008, six 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. LCDR Lilly Montana is serving as Events Coordinator for the 2025 season. CDR. Amy Tomlinson, MAJ. Corrie Mays USMC, and LCDR. Katlin Forster have previously served as Events Coordinators. MAJ. Katie Higgins Cook USMC served as a C-130 pilot.

Several minority flight officers have served including CAPT. Donnie Cochran the first African American to command the Blue Angels. Lt. Andre Webb and LCDR. Julius Bratton have served as demonstration pilots.

One Navy Pilot serves two years as Maintenance Officer, First year as Assistant Maintenance Officer (AMO) (role removed recently) and second year as Maintenance Officer (MO). Now in 2025 One Navy Member serves two years on being the Maintenance Officer. The Maintenance Officer (MO) is incharge for the men, women, and equipment that keep the aircraft flying. On Airshows it's job is to maintain, observe, and update the winds, visibility, clouds, and the Performance of Diamond Pilot (1 through 4) and Solo Pilots (5 and 6).

File:Blue_Angels_Flight_Surgeon.jpg

Flight surgeons (DOC) serve a two-year term. The flight surgeon provides team medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in each post-flight debrief. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was Lt. Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team.{{cite web |url=http://www.blueangels-usn.org/blues_pilots2001.html |title=Blue Angels Alumni 2001 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004235316/http://www.blueangels-usn.org/blues_pilots2001.html |archive-date=4 October 2012}}

The Public Affairs Officer is incharge for all Media, Video, Social Media Accounts of the United States Navy Blue Angels. Its job is also to communicate for the Public for QnA and other interviews.

File:US Naval Air Facility El Centro entrance sign in March 2016.JPG

Annual winter training takes place at NAF El Centro, California, where new and returning pilots hone skills learned in the fleet. 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. The separation between the formation of aircraft and their maneuver altitude is gradually reduced over the course of about two months in January and February. The team then returns to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, in March, and continues to practice throughout the show season. A typical week during the season has practices at NAS Pensacola on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. The team then flies to its show venue for the upcoming weekend on Thursday, conducting "circle and arrival" orientation maneuvers upon arrival. The team flies a "practice" airshow at the show site on Friday. This show is attended by invited guests but is often open to the general public. The main airshows are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, with the team returning home to NAS Pensacola on Sunday evenings after the show. Monday is an off day for the Blues' demonstration pilots and road crew. Extensive aircraft maintenance is performed on Sunday evening and Monday by maintenance team members.

File:Blue_Angels_Double_Farvel.jpg

Pilots maneuver the flight stick with their right hand holding the stick with their knuckles facing the aircraft's display panels and operate the throttle with their left hand both hands wearing gloves each demonstration to avoid sweaty hands. They do not wear G-suits because the air bladders inside repeatedly deflate and inflate, increasing the risk of unintentional movement. To compensate for the lack of G-suits, Blue Angel pilots have developed a method for tensing their muscles to prevent blood from pooling in their lower extremities, possibly rendering them unconscious.{{cite web |url=http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/show/faq.aspx |title=Blue Angels Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=United States Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404171459/http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/show/faq.aspx |archive-date=4 April 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=3 March 2012}}

File:Blue Angels Vinage Insignia.JPG

The Blue Angels were originally formed in April 1946 as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1946 |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} They changed their name to the Blue Angels after seeing an advertisement for the New York nightclub The Blue Angel, also known as The Blue Angel Supper Club, in the New Yorker Magazine.[https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/default.htm#:~:text=Butch%20Voris%20and%20the%20Blue%20Angels "Butch Voris and the Blue Angels", US Navy Blue Angels website]{{Cite web |url=https://dixiesunnews.com/news/articles/2012/03/21/angels-fly-over-southern-utah/ |title=Blue Angels fly over St. George, thunder over Dixie |date=21 March 2012 |last=Tommor |first=Samantha |newspaper=Dixie Sun News |access-date=27 September 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030123144/https://dixiesunnews.com/news/articles/2012/03/21/angels-fly-over-southern-utah/ |url-status=dead}} The team was first introduced as the Blue Angels during an air show in July 1946.{{cite web |url=https://aerobaticteams.net/en/resources/i39/Blue-Angels-History.html |title=Blue Angels History |publisher=Aerobatic Teams |access-date=12 March 2019}}

The first Blue Angels demonstration aircraft wore navy blue (nearly black) with gold lettering. The current shades of blue and yellow were adopted when the first demonstration aircraft were transitioned from the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946; the aircraft wore an all-yellow scheme with blue markings during the 1949 show season.Campbell, War Paint, p. 171.

The original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed in 1949, by Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes, their third Flight Leader and first jet fighter leader. The aircraft silhouettes change as the team changes aircraft.

The Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther) in August 1949.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1949 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}}

The Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia, in 1952. In 1953, they began wearing gold colored flight suits for the first show of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, yearly photos |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.northescambia.com/2014/03/wearing-gold-the-blue-angels-return-to-the-skies |title=Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies. March 16, 2014 |website=NorthEscabia.com |access-date=11 March 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF_KgLw13L8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/OF_KgLw13L8 |archive-date=2021-11-03 |url-status=live|title=US Navy Blue Angels 1st Air Show in 2014 on March 15 at El Centro California |date=13 April 2014 |via=YouTube |access-date=12 March 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.opb.org/news/video/harley-hall-vietnam-pow/ |title=Harley Hall: Vietnam POW (wearing BA gold flight suit-1971) |publisher=OPB TV/Radio |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430094423/https://www.opb.org/news/video/harley-hall-vietnam-pow/ |url-status=dead}}

The Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on 10 December 1973.{{cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/ |title=History of the Blue Angels/Significant Events in Blue Angels History, 1970s |website=Blue Angels |access-date=14 March 2019}}

File:Voris and 1st Blue Angel team 1946.jpgs (l to r): Lt. Al Taddeo, Solo; Lt. (J.G.) Gale Stouse, Spare; Lt. Cdr. R.M. "Butch" Voris, Flight Leader; Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Right Wing; Lt. Mel Cassidy, Left Wing]]

The Blue Angels were established as a Navy flight exhibition team on 24 April 1946 by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation. To boost Navy morale, demonstrate naval air power, and maintain public interest in naval aviation, an underlying mission was to help the Navy generate public and political support for a larger allocation of the shrinking defense budget. Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally selected Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration team, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. Voris selected three fellow instructors to join him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, Lt. Mel Cassidy, and Lt. Cmdr. Lloyd Barnard, veterans of the War in the Pacific), and they spent countless hours developing the show. 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". The first four pilots and those after them were some of the best and most experienced aviators in the Navy.{{cite web |title=Blue Angels Article, August 1955 |url=http://www.blueangels.org/NANews/Articles/Aug55/Aug55.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525110523/http://www.blueangels.org/NANews/Articles/Aug55/Aug55.htm |archive-date=25 May 2024 |access-date=4 March 2019 |publisher=Naval Aviation News}}

File:F6F-5 Blue Angels NAN10 46.jpg

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. The United States Navy's Blue Angels performed their first air show at what is now JaxEx (formerly Craig Municipal Airport, one of 6 airports in the Jacksonville, FL area developed for military training), on June 15, 1946.{{cite web | url=https://www.flyjacksonville.com/content.aspx?id=1002 | title=Jacksonville International Airport}} The exhibition team flew three Gruman F6F Hellcat Fighter planes (a fourth F6F-5 was held in reserve). On 15 June, Voris led the three Hellcats (numbered 1–3), specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, through their inaugural 15-minute-long performance. The team employed a North American SNJ Texan, painted and configured to simulate a Japanese Zero, to simulate aerial combat. This aircraft was later painted yellow and dubbed the "Beetle Bomb". 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.

The team thrilled spectators with low-flying maneuvers performed in tight formations, and (according to Voris) by "keeping something in front of the crowds at all times. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. I felt that if we weren't the best, it would be my naval career." 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. During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 19–21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels.{{cite web |url=https://aerobaticteams.net/en/resources/i39/Blue-Angels-History.html |title=Blue Angels History |publisher=Aerobatic Teams |access-date=6 March 2019}} The name had originated through a suggestion by Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll, after he had read about the Blue Angel nightclub in The New Yorker magazine. After ten appearances with the Hellcats, the Hellcats were replaced by the lighter, faster, and more powerful F8F-1 Bearcats on 25 August. By the end of the year the team consisted of four Bearcats numbered 1–4 on the tail sections.

In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team. The team with an additional fifth pilot, relocated to Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. On 7 June at Birmingham, Alabama, four F8F-1 Bearcats (numbered 1–4) flew in diamond formation for the first time which is now considered the Blue Angels' trademark. A fifth Bearcat was also added that year. A SNJ was used as a Japanese Zero for dogfights with the Bearcats in air shows.

File:F8F-1 Blue Angels 1946.jpgs in "diamond" formation, 1947]]

In January 1948, Lt. Cmdr. Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels team which was flying four Bearcats and a yellow painted SNJ with USN markings dubbed "Beetle Bomb"; the SNJ represented a Japanese Zero for the air show dogfights with the Bearcats. The name "Blue Angels" also was painted on the Bearcats.{{cite journal |url=http://photorecon.net/seventy-years-strong-the-u-s-navys-blue-angels/ |title=Seventy Years Strong: The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels |first=Ken |date=24 March 2019 |last=Kula |journal=PhotoRecon |access-date=24 March 2016}}

In 1949, the team acquired a Douglas R4D Skytrain for logistics to and from show sites. The team's SNJ was also replaced by another Bearcat, painted yellow for the air combat routine, inheriting the "Beetle Bomb" nickname. 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. On 13 July, the team acquired, and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther between demonstration shows.{{cite web |url=http://www.pensacolathenandnow.com/military-in-pensacola-2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325211249/http://www.pensacolathenandnow.com/military-in-pensacola-2.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=25 March 2016 |title=Blue Angels |website=Military in Pensacola |access-date=5 March 2019}} On 20 August, the team debuted the panther jets under Team Leader Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes during an air show at Beaumont, Texas and added a sixth pilot.{{cite web |url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/team-leader-lieutenant-commander-raleigh-dusty-rhodes-news-photo/50646271 |title=Raleigh Dusty Rhodes |website=Getty Images |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805132228/https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/team-leader-lieutenant-commander-raleigh-dusty-rhodes-news-photo/50646271 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1949 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} The F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" was relegated to solo aerobatics before the main show, until it crashed on takeoff at a training show in Pensacola on 24 April 1950, killing "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth. Team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida, on 10 September 1949, announced 14 July 1949."{{'}}Blue Angels{{'}} To Pensacola – Navy Flight Exhibition Team Is Transferred". Playground News. 14 July 1949. Volume 4, Number 24, page 2.

File:Blues Support Crew watching Diamond Formation at Show.jpg jet fighters, 1952]]

The Blue Angels pilots continued to perform nationwide in 1950. On 25 June, the Korean War started, and all Blue Angels pilots{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1950 (Flight Leader John Magda, second from right) |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} volunteered for combat duty. The squadron (due to a shortage of pilots, and no available planes) and its members were ordered to "combat-ready status" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July. The Blue Angels were disbanded, and its pilots were reassigned to a carrier. Once aboard the aircraft carrier {{USS|Princeton|CV-37|6}} 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. Commander John Magda; he was killed in action on 8 March 1951.{{cite web |title=A Blue Angel's First Combat Flight at Midway |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nnam/education/articles/history-up-close/a-blue-angel_s-first-combat-flight-at-midway.html |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |access-date=23 July 2022 |date=2015-06-03}}

On 25 October 1951, the Blues were ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1952 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1953, the team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando. In August, "Blues" leader LCDR Ray Hawkins became the first naval aviator to survive an ejection at supersonic speeds when a new F9F-6 he was piloting became uncontrollable on a cross-country flight.{{cite web|url=http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/YEAR_Pages/1953.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060527070814/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/YEAR_Pages/1953.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 May 2006|title=2005|publisher=ejection-history.org.uk|access-date=16 November 2014}}{{cite book |title=First Blue: The Story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels |author=Wilcox, R.K. |year=2004 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-3123-2249-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2hFEhFCKGwAC |pages=2–237 |access-date=16 November 2014}}{{cite news |title=Blue Angel Ejects at High Speed |newspaper=Naval Aviation News |date=October 1952 |via=Blue Angels Association |url=http://www.blueangels.org/NANews/Articles/Oct53/Oct53.htm }}{{Dead link|date=May 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} After summer, the team began demonstrating with F9F-6 Cougar.

File:F9F-8 Blue Angles1 NAN1-57.jpg formation in 1956]]

In 1954, the first Marine Corps pilot, Captain Chuck Hiett, joined the Navy flight demonstration team.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1954, 1955 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} The Blue Angels also received special colored flight suits. In May, the Blue Angels performed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., with the Air Force Thunderbirds (activated 25 May 1953).{{cite web |url=https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-blue-angels/ |title=The Blue Angels: A 65 Year History |first=Robert F. |date=11 October 2011 |last=Dorr |work=DefenseMediaNetwork |access-date=8 March 2019}} The Blue Angels began relocating to their current home at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida that winter,{{cite web |last1=Gall |first1=Sandy |title=How well do you know the Blue Angels? |url=https://www.doncio.navy.mil/chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7797 |website=CHIPS: the Department of the Navy's Information Technology Magazine |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221082146/http://www.doncio.navy.mil/chips/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=7797 |url-status=live}} and it was here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. In December, the team left its home base for its first winter training facility at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California{{cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/ |title=History of the Blue Angels, 1950s |website=Blue Angels |access-date=15 March 2019}}

In September 1956, the team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position,{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1956 |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster.

In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1957 |website=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} The first demonstration was flying the short-nosed version on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. The demonstration team (with added Angel 6) wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season.

In 1958, the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers were added that season.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

File:Grumman F11F-1 Tiger Blue Angels.jpg, 1957–69]]

In July 1964, the Blue Angels participated in the Aeronaves de Mexico Anniversary Air Show over Mexico City, Mexico, before an estimated crowd of 1.5 million people.

In 1965, the Blue Angels conducted a Caribbean island tour, flying at five sites. Later that year, they embarked on a European tour to a dozen sites, including the Paris Air Show, where they were the only team to receive a standing ovation.

In 1967, the Blues toured Europe again, at six sites.

In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation. The Blues transitioned to the two-seat McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II in 1969, nearly always keeping the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. The Phantom was the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds"). That year they also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics.

File:Golden Crown and Blue Angles.jpg and the Blue Angels during the joint airshow; Kushke Nosrat Airbase, 1973]]

File:A-4Fs Blue Angels Fleur de Lis 1984.JPEGs executing a "fleur de lis" maneuver]]

In 1970, the Blues received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. That year, they went on their first South American tour.{{Cite web |title=Squadron History |url=https://blueangelsassociation.org/squadron-history/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=Blue Angels Association |language=en-US}}

In 1971, the team which wore the gold flight suits for the first show,{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1971 |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines.

In 1972, the Blue Angels were awarded the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for the two-year period from 1 March 1970 to 31 December 1971. Another European tour followed in 1973, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.{{cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/ |title=History of the Blue Angels |publisher=United States Navy Blue Angels |access-date=November 17, 2020}}{{cite web |url=http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/blues/blues.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326154653/http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/blues/blues.htm |archive-date=26 March 2012|url-status=dead |access-date=3 March 2012 |title=Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team}} The Blues mission was more on Navy recruiting.

In 1974, the Blue Angels transitioned to the new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II. Navy Commander Anthony Less became the squadron's first "commanding officer" and "flight leader". A permanent flight surgeon position and administration officer was added to the team. The squadron's mission was redefined by Less to further improve the recruiting effort.

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.{{cite news |last=McCullough |first=Amy |date=9 November 2009 |title=Abort Launch: Air shows to do without Fat Albert's famed JATO |page=6 |work=Marine Corps Times}} "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.

File:Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta.jpg and Olivia Newton-John).]]

In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected.{{cite news |url=https://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/military/former-blue-angels-pilot-tells-what-inspired-him-to-fly/article_ef0da23e-1b75-53bd-815d-dcea07523f2f.html |title=Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly |first=Jon |last=Gosa |work=Albany Herald |access-date=30 September 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1986–1888 |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}} He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No.{{nbsp}}3 A-4F fighter, and returned to command the Blue Angels in 1995 and 1996.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1995, 1996 |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=17 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}}

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. 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.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BdG1AwAAQBAJ |title=Hornet: The Inside Story of the F/A-18 |last=Kelly |first=Orr |year=2014 |publisher=Open Road Media |isbn=978-1-49764-5677 |language=en}}{{cite journal |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Abhijit |last2=Seiler |first2=Peter |last3=Balas |first3=Gary |date=10 August 2009 |title=Applications of Linear and Nonlinear Robustness Analysis Techniques to the F/A-18 Flight Control Laws |journal=AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference |location=Reston, Virginia |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics |doi=10.2514/6.2009-5675|isbn=9781600869785}}

{{quote box |source= |align= right |width= 33%

| quote = Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. 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. The prestige of wearing the Blue Angels uniform carries with it an extraordinary honor{{snd}}one that reflects not only on you as an individual, but on your teammates and the entire squadron. 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. You bring pride, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of today's youth. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Welcome to the team. |author = The Blue Angels Creed, written by JO1 Cathy Konn 1991–1993{{cite book |last=Beare |first=Scott |title=The power of teamwork: inspired by the Blue Angels| publisher=Simple Truths |location=Naperville, Ill |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-60810-037-8}}

}}

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.

In November 1998, CDR Patrick Driscoll made the first "Blue Jet" landing on a "haze gray and underway" aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

On 8 October 1999, the Blue Angels lost two pilots. LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling were returning from a practice flight before an air show when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia.{{cite web |last1=McIntyre |first1=Jamie |title=Blue Angel crash victims identified |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9910/28/missing.angel.04/ |work=CNN |access-date=11 May 2019}}

In 2000, the Navy was conducting investigations in regard and connected to the loss of two Blue Angels pilots in October 1999. The pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet were not required to wear and do not wear g-suits.{{Cite web |last=Blue Angels |first=United States Navy |date=March 24, 2024 |title=United States Navy Blue Angels FAQ |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq/default.htm |access-date=March 24, 2024 |website=Blue Angels Navy}}

In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing.{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.com/about/navylife/onduty/blueangels/history/ |title=Blue Angels Monumental Moments |publisher=Navy.com |access-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328010809/http://www.navy.com/about/navylife/onduty/blueangels/history/ |archive-date=28 March 2010 |url-status=dead}} On 30 October 2008, a spokesman for the team announced that the team would complete its last three performances of the year with five jets instead of six. The change was because one pilot and another officer in the organization had been removed from duty for engaging in an "inappropriate relationship". The Navy said one of the individuals was a man and the other a woman, one a Marine and the other from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the situation.{{cite news|url=http://www.pnj.com/article/20081031/SPORTS1001/810310363 |title=Blues Angels Pilot, Other Grounded |last=Moon |first=Troy |date=31 October 2008 |work=Pensacola News Journal |access-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204073915/http://pnj.com/article/20081031/SPORTS1001/810310363 |archive-date=4 December 2008}} At the next performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No.{{nbsp}}4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation. A spokesman for the team would not confirm the identity of the pilot removed from the team.{{cite news|url=http://www.pnj.com/article/20081102/NEWS01/811020335/1006/NEWS01 |title=No. 4 jet missing from Blue Angels |last=Griggs |first=Travis |date=2 November 2008 |work=Pensacola News Journal |access-date=4 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427012255/http://www.pnj.com/article/20081102/NEWS01/811020335/1006/NEWS01 |archive-date=27 April 2014}} On 6 November 2008, both officers were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed.Scutro, Andrew, "[http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/11/navy_blueangels_110708/ 2 Blue Angels found guilty, await punishment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521185337/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/11/navy_blueangels_110708/ |date=21 May 2011}}", Military Times, 8 November 2008.

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.{{nbsp}}6 jet and crashed during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina.{{Cite web |last=Heimer |first=Cathy |date=2007-04-26 |title=Angels pilot dies during South Carolina air show |url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/news/top_stories/angels-pilot-dies-during-south-carolina-air-show/article_4ae1c6f8-9f60-527e-8755-940dce46288e.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Military News |language=en}}

The Fat Albert performed its final JATO demonstration at the 2009 Pensacola Homecoming show, expending their eight remaining JATO bottles. This demonstration not only was the last JATO performance of the squadron, but also the final JATO use of the U.S. Marine Corps.[http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/docs/pr_20090909.pdf "End of JATO for Blue Angels!"], United States Navy, November 2009 {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.[http://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/international-air-space-hall-of-fame International Air & Space Hall of Fame] San Diego Air & Space Museum

File:Blue Angels flying in formation1.jpg

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlUWQlXQB20 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/dlUWQlXQB20 |archive-date=2021-11-03 |url-status=live|title=Blue Angels Lynchburg Va. 2011 was this the problem formation?|last=horsemoney|date=25 May 2011|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} The maneuver was aborted, the remainder of the demonstration canceled and all aircraft landed safely. The next day, the Blue Angels announced that they were initiating a safety stand-down, canceling their upcoming Naval Academy Airshow and returning to their home base in Pensacola, Florida, for additional training and airshow practice.[http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/media/news/20110523_001.pdf Blue Angels Cancel Naval Academy Airshow] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716094617/http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/media/news/20110523_001.pdf |date=16 July 2011}}. United States Navy. On 26 May, the Blue Angels announced they would not be flying their traditional fly-over of the Naval Academy Graduation Ceremony and that they were canceling their 28–29 May 2011 performances at the Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow in Millville, New Jersey.

File:Stephen Foley_CO_Blue_Angels.jpg

On 27 May 2011, the Blue Angels announced that Commander Dave Koss, the squadron's commanding officer, would be stepping down. He was replaced by Captain Greg McWherter, the team's previous commanding officer.{{cite news |title= Blue Angels commander steps down after subpar performance |url= http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/27/virginia.blue.angels/ |date= 27 May 2011 |publisher=CNN |access-date=28 May 2011}} The squadron canceled performances at the Rockford, Illinois Airfest 4–5 June and the Evansville, Indiana Freedom Festival Air Show 11–12 June to allow additional practice and demonstration training under McWherter's leadership.

On 29 July 2011, a new Blue Angels Mustang GT was auctioned off for $400,000 at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh (Oshkosh Air Show) annual summer gathering of aviation enthusiasts from 25 to 31 July in Oshkosh, Wisconsin which had an attendance of 541,000 persons and 2,522 show planes.{{cite web |url=https://www.aviationpros.com/home/press-release/10389551/eaa-airventure-oshkosh-2011-facts-and-figures |title=EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2011 Facts and Figures |publisher=AviationPros |date=2 August 2011 |access-date=12 March 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2011/08/one-off-blue-angels-ford-mustang/ |title=One-Off "Blue Angels" Ford Mustang Auctioned at Air Show |publisher=Carscoops |date=1 August 2011 |access-date=12 March 2019}}

Between 2 and 4 September 2011 on Labor Day weekend, the Blue Angels flew for the first time with a fifty-fifty blend of conventional JP-5 jet fuel and a camelina-based biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.{{cite web|url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ea4cc087-409e-4c72-8e2c-78c3a42d491b |title=Blue Angels Use Biofuel at Patuxent Air Show |publisher=Aero-news.net |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=3 March 2012}} McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable differences in performance from inside the cockpit.{{cite web|last=Austell |first=Jason |url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/128900393.html |title=Blue Angels Go Green |work=KNSD News |date=1 September 2011 |access-date=3 March 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-news/blue-angels-use-biofuel-at-patuxent-air-show.html |title=Blue Angels Use Biofuel at Patuxent Air Show |publisher=Military.com |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=3 March 2012}}

On 1 March 2013, the U.S. Navy announced that it was cancelling remaining 2013 performances after 1 April 2013 due to sequestration budget constraints.[http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73264 U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311094216/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=73264 |date=11 March 2014}} 10 April 2013, U.S. Navy{{cite web |url=http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/media/news/20130409_001.pdf |title=U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances |date=9 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417231601/http://blueangels.navy.mil/media/news/20130409_001.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2013}} In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, stating that "community and public outreach is a crucial Departmental activity", announced that the Blue Angels (along with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air shows starting in 2014, although the number of flyovers will continue to be severely reduced.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/10/thunderbirds-and-blue-angels-to-resume-air-shows-but-no-more-flyovers/|title=Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to Resume Air Shows|work=ABC News}}

On 15 March 2014, the demonstration pilots numbered 1–7 wore gold flight suits to celebrate the team's "return to the skies" during their first air show of the season;{{cite web |url=http://www.northescambia.com/2014/03/wearing-gold-the-blue-angels-return-to-the-skies |title=Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies (March 16, 2014) |publisher=NorthEscabia.com |access-date=11 March 2019}} there were only three air shows in 2013.

In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels, flying the support aircraft Fat Albert for the 2015 and 2016 show seasons.{{cite news |url=http://www.flyingmag.com/news/jdK7LcHf6g0emiTC.99 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140727001740/http://www.flyingmag.com/news/jdK7LcHf6g0emiTC.99 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 July 2014 |title=First Female Pilot Joins Blue Angels |date=24 July 2014 |access-date=9 May 2015 |author=Pope, Stephen |work=Flying |via=flyingmag.com}}

In July 2015, Cmdr. Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer.{{cite news |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/sdut-blue-angels-mcwherter-groupme-texts-frosch-2014aug01-htmlstory.html |title=Porn, texts bring Blue Angels overhaul |newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune |date=2014-09-01 |access-date=2020-12-03}}

File:Blue Angels at Miami Beach memorial day.jpg

On 2 June 2016, Capt. Jeff Kuss, an 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. The Navy's investigation found that Capt. Kuss had performed the maneuver too low while failing to retard the throttle out of afterburner, causing him to fall too fast and recover too low above the ground. Capt. Kuss ejected, but his parachute was immediately engulfed in flames, causing him to fall to his death. Kuss' body was recovered just yards away from the crash site. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation also cited weather and pilot fatigue as additional causes of the crash. In a strange twist, Captain Kuss' fatal crash happened hours after the Blue Angels' fellow pilots in the United States Air Force Thunderbirds suffered a crash of their own, following the United States Air Force Academy graduation ceremony earlier that day. Capt. Jeff Kuss was replaced by Cmdr. Frank Weisser to finish out the 2016 and 2017 seasons.{{citation needed|reason=Details in paragraph need cite(s)|date=July 2022}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/855424 |title=Contracts for July 25, 2016 |publisher= U.S. Department of Defense |date= 25 July 2016 |access-date=26 July 2016}}

The Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service in May 2019 with 30,000 flight hours. The Blue Angels replaced it with a C-130J Super Hercules acquired from the Royal Air Force (BUNO 170000).{{Cite web|last=Tegler|first=Eric|title=The Blue Angels' New 'Fat Albert' C-130J Probably Has Dual Citizenship|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2020/08/16/the-blue-angels-new-fat-albert-c-130j-probably-has-dual-citizenship/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=Forbes|language=en}}

File:Blue Angel Boeing Super Hornets Conducting Pitchup Break.jpg in late 2020]]

File:Blue Angels over Jacksonville 8 5 2020.jpg

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the Blue Angels flew over multiple US cities as a tribute to healthcare and front line workers.{{cite news |title=Get To Know the Blue Angels Pilots Flying Across Dallas-Fort Worth Wednesday |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/get-to-know-the-blue-angels-pilots-flying-across-dallas-fort-worth-wednesday/2364347/ |first=Hannah |last=Jones |date=6 May 2020 |work=KXAS News |language=en-US |access-date=2021-08-25}}

The Blues officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets on 4 November 2020.{{cite web|last=Correll|first=Diana Stancy|date=2020-12-29|title=New in 2021: Blue Angels to start flying F/A-18 Super Hornets|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/12/29/new-in-2021-blue-angels-to-start-flying-fa-18-super-hornets/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=Navy Times|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Venhuizen|first=Harm|date=2020-11-03|title=Blue Angels to make final flight in the legacy F/A/-18 Hornet as they transition to Super Hornets|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/11/03/blue-angels-to-make-final-flight-in-the-legacy-fa-18-hornet-as-they-transition-to-super-hornets/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=Military Times|language=en-US}}

In July 2022, Lt. Amanda Lee was announced as the first woman to serve as a demonstration pilot in the Blue Angels.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/18/blue-angels-first-woman-female-demonstration-pilot/10088861002/|title=Blue Angels name first woman to serve as demonstration pilot|website=USA Today|date=2022-07-18}}{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Luis |title=Navy's Blue Angels to get 1st female demonstration team pilot: Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/navys-blue-angels-1st-female-demonstration-team-pilot/story?id=87064771 |website=abcnews |access-date=2022-08-22 |date=2022-07-19}}

File:Aircraft flown by the US Navy Blue Angels 1946 to 1996.jpg

The "Blues" have flown ten different demonstration aircraft and six support aircraft models:{{cite web |url=http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/aircraft/historical.aspx |title=Blue Angels: Historical Aircraft – 60+ Years of Aviation Excellence |access-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419102617/http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/aircraft/historical.aspx |archive-date=19 April 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/the-blue-angels/ |title=The Blue Angels: 1965 Year History |first=Robert F. |last=Dorr |date=31 October 2011 |publisher=DefenseMediaNetwork |access-date=18 March 2019}}

;Demonstration aircraft

• Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat: June – August 1946
• Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat: August 1946 – 1949
• Grumman F9F-2 Panther: 1949 – June 1950 (first jet); F9F-5 Panther: 1951 – Winter 1954/55
• Grumman F9F-8 Cougar: Winter 1954/55 – mid-season 1957 (swept-wing)
• Grumman F11F-1 (F-11) Tiger: mid-season 1957 – 1968 (first supersonic jet)
• McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II: 1969 – December 1974
• Douglas A-4F Skyhawk: December 1974 – November 1986
• McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (F/A-18B as #7): November 1986 – 2010{{cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/ |title=History of the Blue Angels |date= |website=www.blueangels.navy.mil}}
• Boeing F/A-18A/C (B/D as #7) Hornet: 2010-2020{{Cite web|title=Hornet last flight|url=https://twitter.com/BlueAngels/status/1324150533129703424}}{{Cite web|title=Blue Angels|url=https://twitter.com/BlueAngels/status/1324150533129703424/photo/1}}
• Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet (F/A-18F as #7): 2020–{{cite magazine |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a27227372/blue-angels-super-hornet/ |title=The Blue Angels Are Getting New Jets |date=22 April 2019 |magazine=Popular Mechanics}}

;Support aircraft

• JRB Expeditor (Beech 18): 1949–?
• Douglas R4D-6 Skytrain: 1949–1955
• Curtiss R5C Commando: 1953
• Douglas R5D Skymaster: 1956–1968
• Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation: 1969–1973
• Lockheed C-130 Hercules "Fat Albert": 1970–2019 (JATO usage was stopped in 2009){{Cite web |last=Rogoway |first=Tyler |title=Fat Albert C-130 Gives You A Buzz Cut In This Crazy Head-On Takeoff Video |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/4142/fat-albert-c-130-gives-you-a-buzz-cut-in-this-crazy-head-on-takeoff-video |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=The Drive |date=24 June 2016 |language=en |archive-date=8 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108132844/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/4142/fat-albert-c-130-gives-you-a-buzz-cut-in-this-crazy-head-on-takeoff-video |url-status=dead}}
• Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules "Fat Albert": 2020–present

;Miscellaneous aircraft

• North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (used to simulate a Japanese A6M Zero aircraft in demonstrations during the late 1940s)
• Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (Used during the 1950s as a VIP transport aircraft for the team)
• Vought F7U Cutlass (two of the unusual F7Us were received in late 1952 and flown as a side demonstration during the 1953 season but they were not a part of their regular formations which at the time used the F9F Panther. Pilots and ground crew found it unsatisfactory and a plan to use it as the team's primary aircraft was canceled).

Notable Commanding Officers include:

• Roy Marlin Voris – 1946, 1952
• John J. Magda – 1950, Killed in Action March 1951, Korean War{{cite web|url=http://alumni.wku.edu/s/808/media.aspx?sid=808&gid=1&pgid=1788|title=John Magda|date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922090102/http://alumni.wku.edu/s/808/media.aspx?sid=808&gid=1&pgid=1788|archive-date=22 September 2015}}
• Arthur Ray Hawkins – 1952 to 1953{{cite web|url=http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/a-blue-angel-remembered/article_a54a0960-42e5-5b0f-a57a-0244b914b5f7.html|title=A Blue Angel Remembered|date=20 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707143101/http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/a-blue-angel-remembered/article_a54a0960-42e5-5b0f-a57a-0244b914b5f7.html|archive-date=7 July 2012}}
• Richard Cormier – 1954 to 1956{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-06-me-33903-story.html|title=Richard Cormier; War Hero, Blue Angels Leader|website=Los Angeles Times|date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710193340/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-06-me-33903-story.html|archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Edward B. Holley – 1957 to 1958
• Zebulon V. Knott – 1959 to 1961{{cite web|url=https://soledadmemorial.org/plaques/captain-zebulon-knott-jr/|title=Zebulon "Zeb" Knott, Jr.|date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710190920/https://soledadmemorial.org/plaques/captain-zebulon-knott-jr/|archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Kenneth R. Wallace – 1962 to 1963{{cite web|url=http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Wallace-%20Kenneth%20R.pdf|title=Kenneth R. Wallace, Captain, USN|date=19 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710191109/http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Wallace-%20Kenneth%20R.pdf|archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Robert F. Aumack – 1964 to 1966{{cite web|url=http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Aumack-%20Robert%20F.pdf|title=Robert F. Aumack, Commander, USN (Ret.)|date=2 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429014509/http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Aumack-%20Robert%20F.pdf|archive-date=29 April 2011}}
• William V. Wheat – 1967 to 1969{{cite web|url=http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Wheat-%20Billy%20V.pdf|title=CDR Billy V. Wheat, USN (Ret.)|date=29 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710191234/http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Wheat-%20Billy%20V.pdf|archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Harley H. Hall – 1970 to 1971
• Don Bently – 1972
• Marvin F. "Skip" Umstead – 1973{{cite web|url=https://militaryhallofhonor.com/honoree-record.php?id=3168|title=LCDR Marvin Francis Umstead, Jr.|date=1 August 2010}}
• Anthony A. Less – Oct 1973 to Jan 1976
• Keith S. Jones – 1976 to 1978{{cite web|url=http://epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Jones-Keith%20S..pdf|title=Keith S. Jones Captain, USN (Ret.)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412221223/http://epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Jones-Keith%20S..pdf|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=12 April 2019}}
• William E. Newman – 1978 to 1979{{cite web|url=http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Newman-William%20E.pdf|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200707002034/http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/1-REGULAR%20MEMBERS-195/Newman-William%20E.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-07-07|title=William E. Newman, RADM USN (Ret.)|access-date=27 March 2019}}
• Hugh D. Wisely – Dec 1979 to 1982{{cite web|url=https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/people/wisely_hugh_d.pdf|title=Captain Hugh D. Wisely|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706212934/https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/people/wisely_hugh_d.pdf|access-date=1 October 2017|archive-date=6 July 2020}}
• David Carroll – 1982 to 1983
• Larry Pearson – 1983 to 1985{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-27-me-433-story.html |title=Navy Relieves Commander of Miramar Air Station: Military: Capt. Larry (Hoss) Pearson reportedly was caught having a relationship with a subordinate officer. |date=27 April 1991 |last=Zamichow |first=Nora |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710192349/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-27-me-433-story.html |archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Gilman E. Rud – Nov 1985 to Nov 1988{{cite web|url=http://epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Rud-%20Gil.pdf|title=Gil Rud, CAPT USN (Ret.)|date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122010153/http://epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Rud-%20Gil.pdf|archive-date=22 November 2016}}
• Patrick D. Moneymaker – Nov 1988 to Nov 1990{{cite web |url=https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/ALL_MEMBERS/Moneymaker%20-%20Patrick.pdf |title=Patrick D. Moneymaker, RADM, USN (Ret.) |date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528125851/https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/ALL_MEMBERS/Moneymaker%20-%20Patrick.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2024}}
• Gregory C. Wooldridge – Nov 1990 to 1993, 1996{{cite web|url=https://www.avgeekery.com/three-time-blue-angels-boss-greg-wooldridge-launches-campaign-governor/|title=Three-Time Blue Angels Boss Greg Wooldridge Launches Campaign for Governor|date=March 2018|access-date=4 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/ALL_MEMBERS/Moneymaker%20-%20Patrick.pdf|title=Gregory C. Woolridge, Capt., USN (Ret)|date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805183346/https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Wooldridge%20-%20Gregory.pdf|archive-date=5 August 2024}}
• Robert E. Stumpf – 1993 to 1994{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1993/10/08/blue-angels-commander-cleared-in-navy-scandal/6eb49012-2c01-4d7f-b620-0ce9c8cc4fae/ |title=Blue Angels Commander Cleared in Navy Scandal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615135233/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1993/10/08/blue-angels-commander-cleared-in-navy-scandal/6eb49012-2c01-4d7f-b620-0ce9c8cc4fae/ |date=October 8, 1993 |last=Lancaster |first=John |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=25 August 2021 |archive-date=15 June 2020}}
• Donnie Cochran – Nov 1994 to May 1996
• George B. Dom – Nov 1996 to Oct 1998{{cite web|url=http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Dom-George%20B.pdf|title=George B. Dom, Captain, USN (Ret.)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706213147/http://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Dom-George%20B.pdf|access-date=9 May 2015|archive-date=6 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/02/18/RESP_0221C.pdf|title=George Dom, USN (Ret.)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517222634/https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/02/18/RESP_0221C.pdf|access-date=20 April 2022|archive-date=17 May 2025}}
• Patrick Driscoll – Oct 1998 to 2000{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=435|title=Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll|date=November 16, 2014|access-date=16 November 2017|archive-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622195403/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/bio.asp?bioID=435|url-status=dead}}

File:Legion of Merit, Patrick Driscoll CO Blue Angels.jpg

• Robert A. Field – 2000 to Sept 2002{{cite web|url=https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Ffield%20-%20Robert_062723.pdf |title=Robert Field, Capt. USN (Ret.)“Ice” |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804115053/https://www.epnaao.com/BIOS_files/REGULARS/Ffield%20-%20Robert_062723.pdf|access-date=9 May 2023|archive-date=4 August 2024}}
• Russell J. Bartlett – Sept 2002 to Sept 2004{{cite web|url=https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/03/26/RESP_0319B.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/03/26/RESP_0319B.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=Freedom of Information Act Request: Russell Bartlett FOIA navy record |date=26 March 2019|access-date=26 March 2019}}
• Stephen R. Foley – Sept 2004 to Nov 2006{{cite web |url=https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/02/08/RESP_0205A.pdf |title=Stephen Foley FOIA Navy record |date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710215822/https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/02/08/RESP_0205A.pdf |archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Kevin Mannix – Nov 2006 to 2008{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=26636 |title=Mannix Relieves Foley as Blue Angel's Commanding Officer |date=15 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084123/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=26636 |access-date=15 April 2019 |archive-date=27 March 2018}}

File:Russell Bartlett - Commander, Blue Angels U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron 2004.jpg

• Gregory McWherter 2008 to 2010, 2011{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=60665|title=Blue Angels Boss Relieved |date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825061135/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=60665 |access-date=2 May 2012 |archive-date=25 August 2017}}
• David Koss – Fall 2010 to spring 2011
• Gregory McWherter – 2011 to 2012
• Thomas Frosch – 2012 to 2015{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2015/11/06/blue-angels-boss-prepares-to-turn-over-flying-team/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200707001051/https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2015/11/06/blue-angels-boss-prepares-to-turn-over-flying-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-07-07 |title=Blue Angels boss prepares to turn over flying team |date=8 November 2015 |work=Navy Times}}
• Ryan Bernacchi – 2015 to 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.usna.edu/LEAD/DivisionStaff/Bernacchi.php|title=Division of Leadership Education and Development Capt Ryan Bernacchi, USN|date=9 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710215538/https://www.usna.edu/LEAD/DivisionStaff/Bernacchi.php|archive-date=10 July 2020}}
• Eric D. Doyle – 2017 to 2019
• Brian C. Kesselring – 2019 to 2022
• Alexander P. Armatas – 2022 to 2024
• Adam Bryan – 2024 to present

Below are some of the more notable members of the Blue Angels squadron:

• Capt Roy "Butch" Voris, World War II fighter ace and first Flight Leader
• Charles "Chuck" Brady Jr., Astronaut and physician
• Donnie Cochran, First African-American Blue Angels aviator and commander
• Edward L. Feightner, World War II fighter ace and Lead Solo
• Arthur Ray Hawkins, World War II flying ace
• Bob Hoover, World War II fighter pilot and flight instructor, honorary Blue Angel member
• Anthony A. Less, First Commanding Officer of Blue Angels squadron, numerous other commands including Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet
• Robert L. Rasmussen, aviation artist
• Raleigh Rhodes, World War II and Korean War fighter pilot and third Flight Leader of the Blue Angels{{cite news |title=Combat pilot in two wars led Blue Angels |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-rhodes7dec07,1,4242966.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california |work=Los Angeles Times |date=7 December 2007 |access-date=13 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206101935/http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-rhodes7dec07%2C1%2C4242966.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california |archive-date=6 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}
• Patrick M. Walsh, Left Wingman and Slot Pilot who later commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet and became Vice Chief of Naval Operations and a White House Fellow
• Katie Higgins Cook, First female Blue Angels pilot
• Amanda Lee, First female Blue Angels demonstration pilot

A total of 20 Blue Angels pilots and one crew member have died while assigned to the flight team.{{Cite web |url=https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/history/ |title=History Of The Blue Angels |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=17 March 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/rutherford/2016/06/02/smyrna-blue-angels-fatal-crash-one-few-history-last-07/85315330/ |title=Smyrna Blue Angels fatal crash one of few in history; last in '07 |first=Dave |last=Boucher |newspaper=The Tennessean |location=Nashville |date=2 June 2016}} Four other pilots died in combat action after their service with the Blue Angels.

• Lt. Ross "Robby" Robinson{{snd}}29 September 1946: killed during a performance when a wingtip broke off his F8F-1 Bearcat, sending him into an unrecoverable spin.
• Lt. Bud Wood{{snd}}7 July 1952: killed when his F9F-5 Panther collided with another Panther jet during a demonstration in Corpus Christi, Texas. The team resumed performances two weeks later.
• Cmdr. Robert Nicholls Glasgow{{snd}}14 October 1958: died during an orientation flight just days after reporting for duty as the new Blue Angels leader.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ipAxGUkLKt7E55ff4uZ-UAMMiQ0QD96MHOK00 |title=Blue Angels crash artifacts found 50 years later |agency=Associated Press |date=3 March 2009 |last=Kaczor |first=Bill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310231414/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ipAxGUkLKt7E55ff4uZ-UAMMiQ0QD96MHOK00 |archive-date=10 March 2009}}
• Lt. Anton M. Campanella (#3 Left Wing){{snd}}14 June 1960: killed flying a Grumman F-11A Tiger that crashed into the water near Fort Morgan, Alabama during a test flight.{{cite web |url=https://aerobaticteams.net/en/resources/i39/Blue-Angels-History.html |title=History of the Blue Angels |website=Aerobatic Teams |access-date=23 March 2019}}
• Lt. George L. Neale{{snd}}15 March 1964: killed during an attempted emergency landing at Apalach Airport near Apalachicola, Florida. Lt. Neale's F-11A Tiger had experienced mechanical difficulties during a flight from West Palm Beach, to Naval Air Station Pensacola, causing him to attempt the emergency landing. Failing to reach the airport, he ejected from the aircraft on final approach, but his parachute did not have sufficient time to fully deploy.Basham, Dusty, "Blue Angel Pilot Killed{{snd}}Jet Fighter Falls Near Apalachicola", Playground Daily News, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Monday Morning, 16 March 1964, Vol. 18, No. 27, pp. 1, 2.
• Lt. Cmdr. Dick Oliver{{snd}}2 September 1966: crashed his F-11A Tiger and was killed at the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto.
• Lt Frank Gallagher{{snd}}1 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger stalled during a practice Half Cuban Eight maneuver and spun into the ground.
• Capt. Ronald Thompson{{snd}}18 February 1967: killed when his F-11A Tiger struck the ground during a practice formation loop.
• Lt. Bill Worley (Opposing Solo){{snd}}14 January 1968: killed when his Tiger crashed during a practice double Immelmann.
• Lt. Larry Watters{{snd}}14 February 1972: killed when his F-4J Phantom II struck the ground, upright, while practicing inverted flight, during winter training at NAF El Centro.
• Lt. Cmdr. Skip Umstead (Team Leader), Capt. Mike Murphy, and ADJ1 Ron Thomas (Crew Chief){{snd}}26 July 1973: all three were killed in a mid-air collision between two Phantoms over Lakehurst, New Jersey, during an arrival practice. The rest of the season was cancelled after this incident.
• Lt. Nile Kraft (Opposing Solo){{snd}}22 February 1977: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during practice.
• Lt. Michael Curtin{{snd}}8 November 1978: one of the solo Skyhawks struck the ground after low roll during arrival maneuvers at Naval Air Station Miramar, and Curtin was killed.
• Lt. Cmdr. Stu Powrie (Lead Solo){{snd}}22 February 1982: killed when his Skyhawk struck the ground during winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, just after a dirty loop.
• Lt. Cmdr. Mike Gershon (Opposing Solo #6){{snd}}13 July 1985: his Skyhawk collided with Lt. Andy Caputi (Lead Solo #5) during a show at Niagara Falls, Gershon was killed and Caputi ejected and parachuted to safety.{{cite web |url=http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa102899.htm |title=Navy Blue Angel Aviators Die in Crash |date=28 October 1999 |website=Usmilitary.about.com |access-date=3 March 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041717/http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa102899.htm |url-status=dead}}
• Lt. Cmdr. Kieron O'Connor and Lt. Kevin Colling{{snd}}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 Valdosta, Georgia.{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/US/9910/28/missing.angel.04/ |title=Blue Angel crash victims identified |work=CNN |date=28 October 1999 |access-date=3 March 2012}}
• Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis{{snd}}21 April 2007: crashed his Hornet near the end of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort airshow in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was killed.[https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN2122401820070421 U.S. Navy "Blue Angels" jet crashes]. Reuters.
• Capt. Jeff Kuss (Opposing Solo, #6){{snd}}2 June 2016: died just after takeoff while performing the Split-S maneuver in his F/A-18 Hornet during a practice run for The Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, Tennessee.

• Lt. John R. Dewenter{{snd}}2 August 1958: landed wheels up at Buffalo Niagara International Airport after experiencing engine troubles during a show in Clarence, New York. The Grumman F-11 Tiger landed on Runway 23, but exited airport property, coming to rest in the intersection of Genesee Street and Dick Road, nearly hitting a filling station. Lt. Dewenter was uninjured, but the plane was a total loss.
• Lt. Ernie Christensen{{snd}}30 August 1970: belly-landed his F-4J Phantom at The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after he inadvertently left the landing gear in the up position.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v91VAAAAIBAJ&sjid=A9gDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6426,63638&dq=threshold+the+blue+angels+experience&hl=en |title=Living 'Angels' Make No Fluffs |first=Dan |last=Sellard |newspaper=Eugene Register-Guard |date=1 February 1974 |page=12A |access-date=25 August 2021}} He ejected safely, while the aircraft slid off the runway.
• Cmdr. Harley Hall{{snd}}4 June 1971: safely ejected after his F-4J Phantom jet caught fire during practice over NAS Quonset Point in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and crashed in Narragansett Bay.{{cite web |url=https://www.newenglandaviationhistory.com/tag/commander-harley-hall/ |title=Narragansett Bay{{snd}}June 4, 1971 (May 30, 2015) |website=New England Aviation History |access-date=18 March 2019}}
• Capt. John Fogg, Lt. Marlin Wiita, and Lt. Cmdr. Don Bently{{snd}}8 March 1973: all three survived a multi-aircraft mid-air collision during practice over Superstition Mountain, near El Centro, California.
• Lt. Jim Ross (Lead Solo){{snd}}April 1980: unhurt when his Skyhawk suffered a fuel line fire during a show at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico. Lt. Ross stayed with the plane and landed, leaving the end of the runway and rolling into the woods after a total hydraulic failure upon landing.
• Lt. Dave Anderson (Lead Solo){{snd}}12 February 1987: ejected from his Hornet after a dual engine flame-out during practice near El Centro, California.
• Marine Corps Maj. Charles Moseley and Cmdr. Pat Moneymaker{{snd}}23 January 1990: their Blue Angel Hornets suffered a mid-air collision during a practice at El Centro. Moseley ejected safely and Moneymaker was able to land his airplane, which then required a complete right wing replacement.{{cite news |last1=Clausen |first1=Christopher |url=http://moneymaker.rootsweb.com/newspapers/clip08.htm |title=Pilot Blamed in Blue Angel Crash |newspaper=Pensacola News Journal |date=13 June 1990 |access-date=3 March 2012}}
• Lt. Ted Steelman{{snd}}1 December 2004: ejected from his F/A-18 approximately one mile off Perdido Key after his aircraft struck the water, suffering catastrophic engine and structural damage. He suffered minor injuries.{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/blue-angels-pilot-ejects-before-plane-crashes |title=Blue Angels Pilot Ejects Before Plane Crashes |date=2 December 2004 |work=Fox News |access-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211131128/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,140233,00.html |archive-date=11 December 2011 |url-status=live}}

Four former Blue Angels pilots have been killed in action or died after being captured, all having been downed by anti-aircraft fire.{{cite web |url=http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |title=Flight Teams, 1949–1973 photos |publisher=Blue Angels Association |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323145156/http://blueangelsassociation.org/flight-teams/ |url-status=dead}}

• Commander John Magda – 8 March 1951: Blue Angels (1949, 1950; Commander/Flight Leader 1950): Magda was killed after his F9F-2B Panther was hit by anti–aircraft fire while leading a low-level strike mission against North Korean and Chinese communist positions at Tanchon which earned him the Navy Cross during the Korean War.{{cite web |url=https://tacairnet.com/2015/04/11/when-the-blue-angels-went-to-war/ |title=When the Blue Angels Went to War |first=Ian |last=D'Costa |date=11 April 2015 |website=TACAIRNET |access-date=4 March 2019}} He also was a fighter ace in World War II.

• Commander Herbert P. Hunter – 19 July 1967: Blue Angels (1957–1959; Lead Solo pilot): Hunter was hit by anti-aircraft fire in North Vietnam and crashed in his F-8E Crusader during the Vietnam war.{{cite news |url=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2017/07/03/pensacola-son-remembers-father-navy-pilot-and-blue-angel/432528001/ |title=Pensacola son remembers father – a Navy pilot and Blue Angel – 50-year after tragic death |last=Moon |first=Troy |date=3 July 2017 |newspaper=Pensacola News Journal |access-date=15 March 2019}}{{cite web |url=http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/24803/HERBERT-P-HUNTER |title=Herbert Perry Hunter |publisher=Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, The Wall Of Faces |access-date=15 March 2019}} He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously for actions on 16 July 1967. He also was a Korean War veteran.
• Captain Clarence O. Tolbert – 6 November 1972: Blue Angels (1968): Tolbert was flying a Corsair II (A-7B) during a mission in North Vietnam and was hit by anti-aircraft fire, crashed, and died during his second tour in the Vietnam war. He was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.{{cite web |url=http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=658 |title=Clarence O. Tolbert |website=Veterans Tribute |access-date=16 March 2019}}
• Captain Harley H. Hall – 27 January 1973: Blue Angels (1970–1971; Commander/Team Leader 1971): Hall and his co-pilot were shot down by anti-aircraft fire in South Vietnam flying their F-4J Phantom II on the last day of the Vietnam War, and they both were officially listed as prisoners of war. In 1980, Hall was presumed to have died while captured.{{cite web |url=https://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HallHH01a.htm |title=Harley Hubert Hall |publisher=The Virtual Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial |access-date=11 March 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.opb.org/news/video/harley-hall-vietnam-pow/ |title=Harley Hall:Vietnam POW (wearing gold flight suit-1971) |website=OPB TV/Radio |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430094423/https://www.opb.org/news/video/harley-hall-vietnam-pow/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.pownetwork.org/bios/h/h168.htm |title=Hall, Harley Hubert |website=POW Network |access-date=11 March 2019}} His remains were identified on 6 September 1994.{{cite web|url=http://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Documents/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_acc_p_name.pdf|title=U.S. Accounted-For from the Vietnam War|publisher=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency|access-date=22 December 2015}}

{{in popular culture|Section|date=March 2020}}

File:Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg and Olivia Newton-John with Blue Angels, 1982]]

• The Blue Angels was a dramatic television series, starring Dennis Cross and Don Gordon, inspired by the team's exploits and filmed with the cooperation of the Navy. It aired in syndication from 26 September 1960 to 3 July 1961.{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053485/ |title= The Blue Angels |date=26 September 1960 |website=IMDb}}
• Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience is a 1975 documentary film, written by Dune author Frank Herbert, featuring the team in practice and performance during their F-4J Phantom era; many of the aerial photography techniques pioneered in Threshold were later used in the film Top Gun.{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163870/ |title=Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience |date=1 September 1975 |website=IMDb}}
• To Fly!, a short IMAX film featured at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum since its 1976 opening features footage from a camera on a Blue Angels A4 Skyhawk tail as the pilot performs in a show.{{cite web |url=https://www.si.edu/imax/movie/fly|title=To Fly! |website=Smithsonian Institution}}
• In 1981, the Blue Angels along with the USAF Thunderbirds were featured on a Laserdisc released in Japan called Blue Angels/Thunderbirds.{{Cite web |title=LaserDisc Database - Blue Angels/Thunderbirds [DW021-22TU] |url=https://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/43454/DW021-22TU/Blue-Angels/Thunderbirds |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=www.lddb.com}}
• The Blue Angels were featured in the 1986 music video for "Dreams"{{Citation |title=Van Halen - Dreams 1986 (Blue Angels) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFmTwJ-LQMA |access-date=2024-01-02 |language=en}} by rock band Van Halen, flying the A-4 Skyhawk.
• In 1987, the Blue Angels were featured in Rolling in the Sky: F/A-18 Blue Angels.{{Citation |title=Rolling in the Sky: F/A-18 Blue Angels |type=Documentary |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169191/?ref_=fn_al_tt_8 |access-date=2024-01-23 |publisher=Geneon Entertainment}}
• In 1996, the Blue Angels appeared in the IMAX short film The Magic of Flight, narrated by Tom Selleck.{{Citation |last=MacGillivray |first=Greg |title=The Magic of Flight |type=Short, Documentary |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119595/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |others=Tom Selleck |publisher=MacGillivray Freeman Films}}
• In 2005, the Discovery Channel aired a documentary miniseries, Blue Angels: A Year in the Life, focusing on the intricate day-to-day details of that year's training and performance schedule.[http://shopping.discovery.com/product-59147.html?jzid=40588004-59-0 Blue Angels: A Year in the Life] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111022025/http://shopping.discovery.com/product-59147.html?jzid=40588004-59-0 |date=11 January 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://imdb.com/title/tt0450901/ |title='Blue Angels: A Year in the Life' (2005) |website=IMDb |access-date=3 March 2012}}
• In 2009, MythBusters enlisted the aid of Blue Angels to help test the myth that a sonic boom could shatter glass.{{cite web |url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=d3efb603-f4f2-4120-bafb-3db867c52d90 |title=Mythbusters Episode Features Blue Angels, June 10 |work=Aero-News Network |date=8 June 2009 |access-date=25 August 2021}}

File:Blue_Angels_Imax_poster.jpg

• In 2024, the Blue Angels appeared in the IMAX feature film The Blue Angels, depicting the team's 2022 training and show seasons.{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/amazon-studios-j-j-abrams-imax-the-blue-angels-documentary-1235476877/ | title=Amazon Studios Nabs J.J. Abrams, Imax's 'The Blue Angels' Documentary | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=May 2023}}

• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• United States Air Force Thunderbirds
• United States Marine Corps Aviation

{{Reflist}}

• (2012). [http://alpharetta.11alive.com/news/news/113965-my-incredible-flight-aboard-blue-angels "My incredible flight aboard the Blue Angels" By Charles Atkeison] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130116111305/http://alpharetta.11alive.com/news/news/113965-my-incredible-flight-aboard-blue-angels |date=16 January 2013}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080820214017/http://www.blueangels.com/timeline.shtml#46 Blue Angels Timeline (1946–1980)]}} accessed 10 November 2005.
• [http://www.grummanpark.org/blueangels.htm "Grumman and the Blue Angels"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925042326/http://www.grummanpark.org/blueangels.htm |date=25 September 2020}} article by William C. Barto at the [http://www.grummanpark.org/ Grumman Memorial Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519161533/http://www.grummanpark.org/ |date=19 May 2020}} official website, accessed 15 October 2005.
• "First Blue: The story of World War II Ace Butch Voris and the Creation of the Blue Angels" by Robert K. Wilcox, Thomas Dunne Books/St.Martins Press, 2004, [http://www.robertkwilcox.com/ robertkwilcox.com]

{{commons}}

• [https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/ Blue Angels, official U.S. Navy web site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302153732/http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/ |date=2 March 2000}}
• [http://aerobaticteams.net/en/resources/i39/Blue-Angels-History.html Complete Blue Angels History]
• [https://texasarchive.org/2019_03674 The Navy’s Blue Angels (1966)], Texas Archive of the Moving Image
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL4D-SyfdLI&t=49s Blue Angels Sneak Pass video] on YouTube.com
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_9WgwFB3Ak Blue Angels 2024 Homecoming Airshow Comparison] on YouTube.com
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkAfBC2pmoI Blue Angels Public Affairs and Marketing Interview] on YouTube.com

{{Blue Angels}}

{{US Navy navbox}}

{{Modern aerobatic teams}}

Category:Aircraft squadrons of the United States Navy

Category:American aerobatic teams

Category:Ceremonial units of the United States military