US Navy Blue Angels

For nearly 80 years the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been performing for crowds across America.

1940s

1946

In April 1946, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz wanted to create a flight exhibition team. His goal was to boost Navy morale and increase the public’s interest in naval aviation.

Just a few months later, on June 15, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron took to the skies for their first official performance at their home base of Craig Field in Jacksonville, FL. They flew the F6F-5 Hellcat. This first performance consisted of simulated WWII battles featuring an SNJ-5 Texan, repainted to resemble a Japanese A6M Zero.

While planning a show in New York City, one of the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron came across an advertisement for the famous Blue Angel nightclub. The team liked the name “Blue Angel” so much it they decided to adopt the name “Blue Angels.” They officially debuted as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in July 1946 at an air show in Nebraska.

As their season went on, they made the official transition from the F6F Hellcat to the F8F Bearcat. They flew this aircraft from 1946 until 1949.

1947

Heading into their second season as a team, the Blue Angels continued to change and perfect their demonstration. In August, they added their now iconic Diamond Formation, along with the Diamond Loop and Diamond Barrel Roll.

1948

In 1948, they relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas.

1949

They adopted their insignia that fans see today on their aircraft. The only changes made to this insignia since its adoption is the aircraft in the top right corner are updated to reflect their current aircraft.

The fighter jet era began with the transition to the F9F-2 Panther. This aircraft allowed the team to tighten up their performances. They debuted this aircraft on Aug. 20, 1949 at an air show in Beaumont, Texas.
On Sept. 10, roughly one year after moving to Texas, the team returned to Florida, but this time to NAS Whiting Field.

1950s

1950

In mid-1950, due to the Korean War, the team was disbanded for about a year. The team reported to the Fighter Squadron 191 “Satan’s Kittens” on the aircraft carrier, USS Princeton.

1951

In Oct. 1951, the team came back together and relocated once again to Corpus Christi, Texas. They began flying the F9F-5 Panther.

1953

They tested out the F9F-6 Cougar and F7U Cutlass. However, both pilots and maintainers found that the aircraft did not fit their needs.

1954

They performed with the newly formed USAF Thunderbirds for the first time. It was the Thunderbirds second season as a team. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds rarely perform together, even to this day, but whenever they do it’s a true sight to behold!

In Dec., they began using Naval Facility at El Centro, California, for their winter training. During their first winter training session, they transitioned to the F9F-8 Cougar. They also added their first U.S. Marine pilot and opposing solo.

1955

In June, they relocated to their current home of NAS Pensacola in Florida. They also debuted the F9F-8 Cougar at air shows.

1956

The Blue Angels flew their first demonstration outside of the U.S. in Canada.

1957

Mid-year, the team transitioned to the F11F-1 Tiger. This allowed them to fly higher, tighter, and closer.
That same year, they adopted a new paint scheme that showed an arrow on the bottom of the aircraft.

1958

The first six-ship Delta maneuvers were added to their performance. The solos added the Back-to-Back Pass.

1959

They flew their largest season with 76 air shows.

1960s

1962

The Blue Angels traded their short-nose version of the Tiger for the long nose version. They are the only squadron besides training squadrons to fly the Tiger.  They introduced yet another maneuver that has become an iconic part of their performance over the years – the Double Farvel. This is when the flight leader (#1) and the slot pilot (#4) fly inverted, while the wings (#2 & #3) fly under them.

1963

They flew their 1,000th show in Lemoore, CA.

1964-1967

The team flew in Mexico City, the Caribbean, and Europe.

1967

The team returned to NAS El Centro, CA for winter training. A tradition that continues to this day.

1968

The first female officer, Lt. Mary Russel, joined the team as the Assistant Public Affairs Officer.

1969

The Blue Angels transitions to the F4J Phantom. This move allowed them to introduce the Dirty Loop maneuver. During this loop, the aircraft landing gear and flaps are left down as they climb directly into a loop. The Phantom also allowed them to expand their demonstration to 22 minutes.

1970s

1970

The team traveled to South America for an air show tour.

1971

They went on their first far east tour and performed throughout Asia.

1973

The Blue Angels returned to Europe for a third air show tour.

In December 1973, reorganization of the team took place, and the team was commissioned United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. 

They also ended their Phantom-era.

1974

They debut the A-4F Skyhawk II.

1977

While in Atlanta, GA they flew their 2,000 air show!

1978

Aviation Electrician’s Mate Penny Edwards was the first female enlisted Sailor to join as a maintenance officer.

1980s

1985

Lt. Cmdr. Donnie Cochran became the first African-American Blue Angels Pilot. He was with the team from 1986-1988, and flew the Left and Right Wing positions.

1986

The Blue Angels celebrated 40 years and concluded the season by unveiling their newest aircraft – the F/A-18 Hornet.
The Hornet allowed them to add the Dirty Loop back into their performance, as well as debut the Section High Alpha Pass (a slow, high angle of attack maneuver performed by the Solos).1990s

1990

While in Grand Forks, ND, the Blue Angels flew their 3,000th air show!

1992

They returned to Europe and Asia. They also became the first U.S. Military flight demo team to fly in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria.

1994

Cmdr. Donnie Cochran returned to the team and this time he became their commanding officer.

1996

The Blue Angels celebrated 50 years as a team!

2000s

2006

This year marked 60 years of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels

2016

Another record milestone, as they celebrated their 70th anniversary!

2020

The F/A-Hornet-era ended.

2021

The team debuted their F/A-18 Super Hornets.

2023

LCDR Amanda Lee made her debut as the Blue Angels’ first female fighter jet pilot.

2026

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

Sources

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn.html
https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/
https://www.dvidshub.net/

Since 2021, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have operated the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Their main performance jets (#1-6) are the F/A-18E, which is the single-seat version of the super hornet. They also have their advance aircraft (#7) and backup aircraft (#8), which are the two-seat variations of the aircraft, designated as the F/A-18F.

History of the Super Hornet

The Super Hornet entered service in 1999 as a replacement for the F-14 Tomcat. It is the second major model upgrade to the F/A-18. They are larger than the Hornet and have fewer parts, as well as maintenance demands.   The Super Hornets are capable of air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike.

The U.S. Navy continues to upgrade and improve the Super Hornets to continue to meet their needs and prolong the life of these fighter aircraft.

Super hornet general characteristics

Primary Function: Multi-role attack and fighter aircraft.
Contractor: McDonnell Douglas (now The Boeing Company)
Date Deployed: First flight in November 1995. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in September 2001 with VFA-115, NAS Lemoore, California. First cruise for VFA-115 is onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Unit Cost: $67.4 million (FY21)
Propulsion: Two F414-GE-400 turbofan engines. 22,000 pounds (9,977 kg) static thrust per engine
Length: 60.3 feet (18.5 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.87 meters)
Wingspan: 44.9 feet (13.68 meters)
Weight: Maximum Take Off Gross Weight is 66,000 pounds (29,932 kg)
Airspeed: Mach 1.8+
Ceiling: 50,000+ feet
Range: Combat: 1,275 nautical miles (2,346 kilometers), clean plus two AIM-9s
Ferry: 1,660 nautical miles (3,054 kilometers), two AIM-9s, three 480 gallon tanks retained

Did You Know?

Check out these super fun facts about the U.S. Navy Blue Angels!
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were formed in 1946 and are the world’s second oldest military flight demonstration team.
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The Blue Angels name was inspired by NYC’s famous Blue Angel nightclub.
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They flew their first show on June 15, 1948 and are celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2026!
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They fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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During their diamond formation they can fly as close as 18 inches apart!
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While performing they can fly as fast as 700 MPH and as slow as 120 MPH!
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If called into action, the Blue Angels jets can combat-ready in about 72 hours.

During the Blue Angels performance you can expect to thrilling maneuvers that showcase the power and precision of naval aviators and their aircraft. Check out the photos below to see some examples of some of the maneuvers you can expect to see.

Delta Formation

Double Farvel

Dirty Roll

Diamond Formation & Loop

Vertical Break

Delta Breakout

Knife Edge Pass