May 16-18, 2025 | Hillsboro Airport | Hillsboro, OR

Wings of Blue – USAF Academy Parachute Team

The Wings of Blue are the Air Force Academy’s official parachute team. Members of this team instruct at the Academy, compete, and perform.

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History of the Wings of Blue

In the spring of 1962, unknown to the Academy, a group of cadets began jumping using condemned Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape rigs. They even won a gold medal in their first collegiate-national appearance before the Academy found out. However, they did not receive club status until 1964, when the Commandant of West Point challenged them to compete in a Para meet. After this meet, the club continued to grow and gain respect not just from fellow cadets, but from the skydiving community, as well. This set the stage for the group to become the Wings of Blue.

History Highlight

September 1964: They made their first jumps on Academy property.

July 1966: They received the name “The Air Force Academy Parachute Team”.

1967: Cadet Steve Elm created the official patch, which remains nearly unchanged today.
U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Team patch featuring a white eagle with outstretched wings over a blue parachute canopy, surrounded by the text “U.S. Air Force Parachute Team.”

September 1977: They received two brand new UV-18B Twin Otters. They still use these aircraft today.

1994: The 98th flying training squadron became the official home for the Wings of Blue and they added a third UV-18B to their inventory.

2008: They received the official moniker “The Air Force Parachute Team”

Learn more about the Wings of Blue: https://www.usafa.edu/wings-of-blue/

What to Expect at the Show

Fans can expect to see different formations and maneuvers as they jump out of the plane and expertly maneuver themselves to their target landing zones on the ground.

Wings of Blue parachutist carrying a large American flag during descent with rolling hills visible below.

This includes their signature “Bomb Burst.”
Learn more about the Wings of Blue: https://www.usafa.edu/wings-of-blue/

Follow on Social Media

Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/USAFparachuteteam

Follow on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/usaf_wingsofblue/

U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Team patch featuring a white eagle with outstretched wings over a blue-and-white parachute canopy, encircled by black text reading “US Air Force Parachute Team.”

Wings of Blue U.S. Air Force parachutist descending while carrying a large American flag beneath a white team canopy.

Wings of Blue U.S. Air Force parachutist descending beneath a white team canopy while carrying a large American flag against a partly cloudy sky.

Multiple Wings of Blue parachutists descending under blue-and-white canopies during a coordinated team demonstration.

Wings of Blue parachutist carrying a large American flag beneath a blue-and-white canopy high in the sky.

Wings of Blue parachutist descending with an American flag as the ground and spectators come into view.

Wings of Blue parachutist carrying a large American flag during descent with rolling hills visible below.

Wings of Blue parachutist descending under a blue-and-white canopy while trailing a red streamer.

Wings of Blue parachutist descending under a blue-and-white parachute against a clear blue sky.

Wings of Blue parachute team members in freefall formation over farmland before canopy deployment.

Wings of Blue parachutist suspended beneath a parachute while carrying a large American flag against a cloudy sky.

Wings of Blue parachutist descending under a red, white, and blue canopy marked “U.S. Air Force.”