History of Blue Angels in Timeline

The Blue Angels, officially the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, is the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron. Established in 1946, it ranks as the second oldest aerobatic team globally. The team consists of six Navy pilots and one Marine Corps pilot. They perform aerial demonstrations using the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

1931: Formation of Patrouille de France

In 1931, the Patrouille de France was formed. It is the oldest formal aerobatic team in the world.

April 1946: Formation as Navy Flight Exhibition Team

In April 1946, the Blue Angels were originally formed as the Navy Flight Exhibition Team.

April 1946: Establishment of the Navy Flight Exhibition Team

On 24 April 1946, the Blue Angels were established as a Navy flight exhibition team by order of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz to generate greater public support of naval aviation.

May 10, 1946: First Flight Demonstration

On May 10, 1946, the Blue Angels flew their first flight demonstration using the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat, which was painted in a dark navy blue with gold lettering.

May 1946: First Demonstration for Navy Officials

In May 1946, the team's first demonstration with Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat aircraft took place before Navy officials and was met with enthusiastic approval.

June 15, 1946: First Public Air Show

On June 15, 1946, the United States Navy's Blue Angels performed their first air show at what is now JaxEx, flying three Gruman F6F Hellcat Fighter planes.

July 1946: Introduction as the Blue Angels in Omaha

During an air show at Omaha, Nebraska on 19–21 July 1946, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was introduced as the Blue Angels. 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.

July 1946: First Introduction as the Blue Angels

In July 1946, the team was first introduced as the Blue Angels during an air show. They changed their name after seeing an advertisement for the New York nightclub The Blue Angel in the New Yorker Magazine.

August 1946: Transition to Blue and Yellow Colors

In August 1946, 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.

1946: Inaugural Season

In 1946, the "Blues" employed many of the same practices and techniques used in their inaugural season.

1946: Formation of the Blue Angels

In 1946, the Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, was formed. They are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy.

1946: Introduction of the Bearcat

Towards the end of the first season in 1946, the 'Bearcat began flying 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.

May 1947: Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team

In May 1947, flight leader Lt. Cmdr. Bob Clarke replaced Butch Voris as the leader of the team.

January 1948: Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes took command of the Blue Angels team

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.

July 1949: Team acquired Grumman F9F-2B Panther jets

On 13 July 1949, the Blue Angels acquired and began flying the straight-wing Grumman F9F-2B Panther jets between demonstration shows.

August 1949: Transition to Jet Aircraft

In August 1949, the Blue Angels transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft to blue and gold jet aircraft (Grumman F9F-2B Panther).

September 1949: Team headquarters shifted to NAAS Whiting Field

On 10 September 1949, the Blue Angels team headquarters shifted from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to NAAS Whiting Field, Florida. This change was announced on 14 July 1949.

1949: All-Yellow Scheme

During the 1949 show season, the aircraft wore an all-yellow scheme with blue markings.

1949: Original Insignia Designed

In 1949, the original Blue Angels insignia or crest was designed by Lt. Commander Raleigh "Dusty" Rhodes.

April 1950: F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" crashed

On 24 April 1950, the F8F-1 "Beetle Bomb" crashed on takeoff at a training show in Pensacola, killing "Blues" pilot Lt. Robert Longworth.

1950: Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty, team disbanded

In 1950, the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty at the start of the Korean War on 25 June. Due to pilot and plane shortages, the squadron was ordered to combat-ready status after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on 30 July. The Blue Angels were then disbanded, and its pilots reassigned to the aircraft carrier USS Princeton.

March 1951: Lt. Commander John Magda killed in action

On 8 March 1951, Lt. Commander John Magda, a World War II fighter ace and the 1950 Blue Angels Commander/Flight Leader, was killed in action while commanding Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-19), "Satan's Kittens."

October 1951: Blue Angels ordered to re-activate

On 25 October 1951, the Blue Angels were ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was tasked with reassembling the team.

1951: Reactivation and Use of the Panther

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.

May 1952: Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers

In May 1952, the Blue Angels began performing again with F9F-5 Panthers at an airshow in Memphis, Tennessee.

1952: Introduction of Leather Jackets and Special Flight Suits

In 1952, the Blue Angels demonstration teams began wearing leather jackets and special colored flight suits with the Blue Angels insignia.

May 1953: Air Force Thunderbirds activated

The Air Force Thunderbirds were activated on 25 May 1953.

1953: Introduction of Gold Colored Flight Suits

In 1953, the Blue Angels began wearing gold colored flight suits for the first show of the season and or to commemorate milestones for the flight demonstration squadron.

1953: Team traded Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando

In 1953, the Blue Angels team traded its Sky Train for a Curtiss R5C Commando.

1954: First Marine Corps pilot joined the team

In 1954, Captain Chuck Hiett became the first Marine Corps pilot to join the Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, who also received special colored flight suits.

1954: Introduction of the Cougar

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

September 1956: Team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration

In September 1956, the Blue Angels team added a sixth aircraft to the flight demonstration in the Opposing Solo position, and gave its first performance outside the United States at the International Air Exposition in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The team also upgraded its logistics aircraft to the Douglas R5D Skymaster.

1957: Blue Angels transitioned to the Grumman F11F-1 Tiger

In 1957, the Blue Angels transitioned from the F9F-8 Cougar to the supersonic Grumman F11F-1 Tiger. The first demonstration flying the short-nosed version was on 23 March, at Barin Field, Pensacola, and then the long-nosed versions. The demonstration team wore gold flight suits during the first air show that season.

1957: Introduction of the Tiger

In mid 1957, the Grumman F11F-1 Tiger began flying with the Blue Angels. It was the first supersonic jet.

1957: End of Cougar Service

In mid of 1957 the Blue Angels stopped flying the Cougar.

1958: First Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers added

In 1958, the Blue Angels added the first Six-Plane Delta Maneuvers to their season performances.

July 1964: Blue Angels participated in air show over Mexico City

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.

1965: Blue Angels conducted Caribbean island and European tours

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.

1967: Blue Angels toured Europe

In 1967, the Blue Angels toured Europe again, performing at six sites.

1968: Transport aircraft replaced

In 1968, the C-54 Skymaster transport aircraft was replaced with a Lockheed VC-121J Constellation.

1969: Blue Angels transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II

In 1969, the Blue Angels transitioned to the two-seat McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II, nearly always keeping the back seat empty for flight demonstrations. They also upgraded to the Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation for logistics. The Phantom was the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (the "Birds").

1969: Introduction of the F-4J

In 1969, the F-4J became the demo plane for the Blue Angels.

1969: End of Tiger Service

In 1969, the F11F-1 Tiger was retired from the Blue Angels, 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.

March 1970: Start date for Meritorious Unit Commendation period

The two-year period from 1 March 1970, was part of the period that the Blue Angels received the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for.

1970: Blue Angels received first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules and toured South America

In 1970, the Blue Angels received their first U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed KC-130F Hercules, manned by an all-Marine crew. That year, they also went on their first South American tour.

December 1971: End date for Meritorious Unit Commendation period

31 December 1971 was the end of the two-year period for which the Blue Angels received the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation.

1971: Blue Angels conducted first Far East Tour

In 1971, the Blue Angels conducted its first Far East Tour, performing at a dozen locations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, and the Philippines. The team wore the gold flight suits for the first show.

1972: Blue Angels awarded Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation

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.

December 1973: Reorganization as the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.

December 1973: Navy Flight Exhibition Team reorganized and commissioned as United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

On 10 December 1973, the Navy Flight Exhibition Team was reorganized and commissioned the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. The Blues mission was focused more on Navy recruiting.

1973: Blue Angels conducted another European tour

In 1973, the Blue Angels conducted another European tour, including air shows in Iran, England, France, Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

December 1974: Adoption of the A-4F Skyhawk II

In December 1974, the Blue Angels adopted the more economical A-4F Skyhawk II due to some accidents and the price of fuel.

December 1974: End of F-4J Service

In December 1974, the F-4J ceased to be the demonstration plane.

1974: Blue Angels transitioned to the new Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II

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.

1975: "Bert" used for Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) and short aerial demonstrations

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. "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.

1976: Bicentennial Celebrations and 2,000th Show

In 1976, the Blue Angels flew the A-4 in their 80 shows during the Bicentennial celebrations and celebrated their 30th anniversary and performed their 2,000th show flying the A-4F.

November 1986: End of A-4F Skyhawk II Service

In November 1986, the A-4F Skyhawk II service ended.

November 1986: Blue Angels completed 40th anniversary year and unveiled the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

On 8 November 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet as their aircraft through their 75th anniversary year. 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.

1986: LCDR Donnie Cochran joined the Blue Angels

In 1986, LCDR Donnie Cochran, joined the Blue Angels as the first African-American Naval Aviator to be selected. He served for two more years with the squadron flying the left wing-man position in the No. 3 A-4F fighter.

1986: Transition to the F/A-18 Hornet

In 1986, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A model served.

1992: Blue Angels deployed for a European tour

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.

1995: Donnie Cochran returned to command the Blue Angels

In 1995, Donnie Cochran returned to command the Blue Angels, serving through 1996.

1996: Donnie Cochran commanded the Blue Angels

In 1996, Donnie Cochran commanded the Blue Angels, after returning to command the team in 1995.

1998: First "Blue Jet" landing on aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman

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

October 1999: Loss of two Blue Angels pilots

In October 1999, LCDR Kieron O'Connor and LT Kevin Colling, two Blue Angels pilots, lost their lives when their F/A-18B crashed in a wooded area of south Georgia on October 8.

2000: Navy conducted investigations regarding the loss of two Blue Angels pilots

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.

2001: First Female Flight Surgeon

In 2001, Lt. Tamara Schnurr became the first female Blue Angel flight surgeon.

2002: Captain Alexander P. Armatas Graduation

In 2002, Captain Alexander P. Armatas graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering.

2006: Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing

In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing.

April 2007: Pilot Kevin "Kojak" Davis was killed in a crash

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. 6 jet and crashed during an air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina.

October 2008: Blue Angels to complete last three performances with five jets due to inappropriate relationship

On 30 October 2008, a spokesman for the Blue Angels 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".

November 2008: Officers found guilty at admiral's mast

On 6 November 2008, both officers who were involved in an inappropriate relationship, were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed.

2008: First Selection of Female Flight Officers

Since 2008, six female flight officers have been selected.

2009: Blue Angels inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame

In 2009, the Blue Angels were inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

2009: JATO demonstration ended

In 2009, the Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) demonstration ended due to dwindling supplies of rockets.

2010: Transition to the F/A-18C Hornet

In 2010, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet model.

May 2011: Safety stand-down initiated after aborted maneuver

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. 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.

May 2011: Commander Dave Koss stepped down

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.

July 2011: Blue Angels Mustang GT auctioned off for $400,000

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.

September 2011: Blue Angels flew with a biofuel blend

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. McWherter flew an F/A-18 test flight on 17 August and stated there were no noticeable differences in performance from inside the cockpit.

2011: Received $37 million from annual Department of Defense budget

In 2011, the Blue Angels received $37 million from the annual Department of Defense budget.

March 2013: Performances Cancelled

In March 2013, the U.S. Navy cancelled the remaining 2013 performances after April 1, 2013, due to sequestration budget constraints.

April 2013: Performances Cancelled

In April 2013, the U.S. Navy cancelled the remaining 2013 performances due to sequestration budget constraints.

October 2013: Performances Resume

In October 2013, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that the Blue Angels, along with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds, would resume appearing at air shows starting in 2014.

2013: Limited Air Shows

In 2013, the Blue Angels had only three air shows.

March 2014: Return to the Skies Celebration

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.

July 2014: First Female Pilot Joins

In July 2014, Marine Corps C-130 pilot Capt. Katie Higgins, 27, became the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels.

2014: Air Show Appearances to Resume

Starting in 2014, the Blue Angels (along with the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds) would resume appearing at air shows, although the number of flyovers will continue to be severely reduced.

July 2015: First Executive Officer

In July 2015, Cmdr. Bob Flynn became the Blue Angels' first executive officer.

2015: Katie Higgins Flies Fat Albert

In 2015, Katie Higgins flew the support aircraft Fat Albert.

June 2016: Death of Capt. Jeff Kuss

On 2 June 2016, Capt. Jeff Kuss 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.

July 2016: Boeing Contract Awarded

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.

2016: Katie Higgins Flies Fat Albert

In 2016, Katie Higgins flew the support aircraft Fat Albert.

September 2017: Engineering Proposal Completion

By September 2017, the engineering proposal for converting the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for Blue Angels use was to be completed.

2017: Cmdr. Frank Weisser Completes Season

In 2017, Cmdr. Frank Weisser finished out the season as replacement for Capt. Jeff Kuss.

August 2018: Boeing Awarded Contract for Super Hornet Conversion

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.

May 2019: Fat Albert Retired

In May 2019, the Fat Albert (BUNO 164763) was retired from service with 30,000 flight hours.

November 2020: Transition to Super Hornets

On 4 November 2020, the Blue Angels officially transitioned to Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

2020: 272 Demonstration Pilots Since Inception

As of the 2020 season, there have been 272 demonstration pilots in the Blue Angels since their inception.

2020: End of F/A-18 Hornet Service

In 2020, the Blue Angels stopped flying the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet after 34 years of service.

2020: Purchase of Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules

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".