| View Image Page, PENSACOLA, Florida (NNS) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10. from around the world. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-069 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. WebThe "Blue Angels" are the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader The Blue Angels switched from flying the F/A-18 Hornet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at the end of 2020. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. Pilots serve two to three years, and position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Three years later, in April 2016, Lee was designated a naval aviator, the U.S. Navy said. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. WebThe Blue Angles pilots are there hanging out with the people, signing autographs, and telling stories. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, and the newest member,F/A-18 demonstration pilot and Navy Cmdr. After leaving the Blue Angels, Cochran served as the commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC), at Florida A & M University with cross-town enrollment with Florida State University from August 1996 until July 1999. A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, practice performance maneuvers at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, June 10, 2022. We look forward to training our fantastic new team members, passing on the torch and watching the incredible things this team will accomplish in 2023.. It was during this tour that Captain Cochran applied for, completed an interview process, and was selected as commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Most, but not all, pilots and officers originally announced for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in July 2019 will be retained. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. She's home:Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, "Not being able to fly across the country and execute our mission definitely affects some of ourbest practices, if you will, and some of the training when it comes to the refinement from the demos," Kesselring said Friday. Following Air War College, Captain Cochran reported for duty as the executive officer (XO) at Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) Wolfpack. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. The team operated both the short-nose and long-nose versions, and when the F-4 Phantom II replaced the Tiger after the 1968 show season, the F11F Tiger marked the end of an era as the last Grumman-built aircraft flown by the team. Blue Angels Grumman F6F Hellcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). During his three years as a demonstration pilot Captain Cochran flew over 1,500 hours and over 240 airshows. "And because of that, we're going to retain a little more experience going into the 2021 season, just to make sure that we have a good pass-down within the team, and we retain that high level of excellence we've come to enjoy.". -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Selections must be unanimous. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 060429-N-4657D-025 Lt. Anthony Walley, the number two pilot for the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron signs autographs.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-001 Lt. Cmdr. What this meant for the 1986 team, they would get an extra year on the team. The History of Blue Angels Aircraft: A Photo Essay. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. Blue Angels Douglas R5D Skymaster (National Naval Aviation Museum). We've received your submission. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-047 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepare to recover six F-A-18 Hornets.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-049 Capt. First female Viper demo team pilot relieved of command after two weeks, Veterans Affairs drops mask requirement for all agency medical offices, Healthy eating on a budget for busy military spouses, The impossible choice facing many of Americas military families, Number of imprisoned veterans concerns former defense chiefs, Pentagon again denies helping Ukraine attack targets inside Russia, Tax scams How to report them Money Minute, Capitol Hill weighs action on two controversial topics: medical marijuana and abortion, Lockheed wins hypersonics contract | Defense Dollars, Go inside a secret nuclear fallout bunker sealed for decades, Pentagon orders engine vibration fix for entire F-35 fleet worldwide, MCPON: Sailors need speedier, easier access to counseling, Navy issues new playbook for addressing sailors mental health needs, Dismissal of 3rd MARSOC 3 defendants case to be weighed by court, US Navy reviews cost-saving design changes before resuming amphib buys. An airplane nicknamed the Tinker Toy by pilots because of its small size, the A-4 contrasted sharply with its predecessor. Lee grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota and later attended the University of Minnesota at which point she decided to enlist in the Navy. WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. Marine Maj. Frank Zastoupil, of Kingwood, Texas. -LT William Kruger, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Supply Officer currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. During his assignment at Air War College, Captain Cochran earned a diploma in International Security and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. Theodore Steelman, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-029 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, conducts a post flight inspection of the vertical stabilizer on the team's Opposing Solo F-A-18A Hornet aircraft du.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-507 Opposing Solo, Lt. Cmdr. Follow us on Facebook: @USNavyBlueAngels, Instagram: @USNavyBlueAngels and Twitter: @BlueAngels. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected six new officers to join the team for the for the 2023 air show season. On Armed Forces Day in May 1954, the flight team performed for the first time with the U.S. Air Force's newly formed demonstration, the Thunderbirds. In November 1994, Cochran assumed command as the first African American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels at a ceremony at National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070509-N-0696M-040 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen visits Sailors assigned to the Blue Angels at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.jpg, US Navy 070704-N-2888Q-006 Carl Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, receives a safety briefing from Staff Sgt. She previously worked with the House Foreign Affairs Committee as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow and spent four years as a general assignment reporter for The Record newspaper in New Jersey and the USA Today Network. Benjamin Walborn, was added to the squad recently to take the fifth spot in the Blue Angels' flight pattern. The new C-130 demonstration pilot will be Marine Corps Capt. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia. Alternating crews of about 45 team members travel to each airshow, according to the Navy. Dan Martin signs an F-14 Tomcat toy, for a child.jpg, US Navy 031017-N-6213R-030 Ground crews stand by as the United States Navy's precision flight demonstration team Blue Angels perform.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-361 During Naval Air Station Lemoore's annual air show, pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, give a final salute ending their show.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-378 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show on board Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-379 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040327-N-7559C-001 The Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team Blue Angels, CDR Russ Boss Bartlett, of Nantucket, Mass., talks to his crew chief.jpg, US Navy 040514-N-0295M-045 Draftsman 2nd Class Jeffrey Ballge photographs one of the Blue Angel's six F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 040606-N-7559C-001 Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Mario Delacruz, from El Paso, Texas, wipes brake dust from the tire rim of a Blue Angels F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 041024-N-8253M-010 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, march down the ramp following their performance at the 2004 N'Awlins Air Show.jpg, US Navy 041106-N-4779D-045 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, salutes the pilot of his F-A-18A Hornet as he prepare for takeoff.jpg, US Navy 041107-N-8683B-110 Lt. Cmdr. In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the left wingman position flying the number 3 jet in the A-4F Skyhawk. Greg McWherter presents Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an autographed memento of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in flight.jpg, US Navy 100625-N-0092J-029 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, rest on the vertical stabs of an F-A-18 Hornet after performing at The Great Minnesota Air Show.jpg, US Navy 101022-N-8102J-044 Retired Cmdr. Jake Newby can be reached at jnewby@pnj.com or 850-435-8538. pilots and officers originally announced for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in July 2019, Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. Blue Angels. He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. This story has been shared 163,713 times. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. He made his first deployment flying RF-8G on board the USSNimitz(CVN-68) to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Blue Angels Grumman F8F Bearcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. She earned her commission in 2013 the same year she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. It began flying in air shows toward the end of the teams first season in 1946 and was the first aircraft to have the team name painted on it. The famed squadron selected two F/A-18E/F demonstration pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer and a flight When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. Cochran led the team for 16 months until May 1996. in May 1996, Cochran made the decision to step down as flight leader[This quote needs a citation] to minimize the safety risks to the team and spectators. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. After 16 months as XO, Cochran assumed command of VF-1 as commanding officer (CO). They have had 251 demonstration pilots, and 35 Flight Leaders/Commanding Officers. The selected 2023 officers include: F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: -Lt. Cmdr. Greg McWherter, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, is interviewed by a TV.jpg, US Navy 100321-A-4584J-010 Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, center right, and Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, pose with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team,.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-274 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulates Cmdr. The famed squadron selected two F/A-18E/F demonstration pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer and a flight surgeon to replace outgoing team members, according to the unit. Navy). The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. WebA member of the Navys aerial acrobatic team, the Blue Angels, has been suspended pending the findings in an ongoing investigation that kicked off in late January, according The Blue Angels resumed flying the Panther when they reformed following that combat deployment. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Ind. The new team members will officially begin their training for the 2022 show season following the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Nov. 6. Higgins flew the teams C-130 Fat Albert transport plane from 2014 to 2016. Blue Angels Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (NA 330-CFD-DN-SC-85-00472) F/A-18 Hornet Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other -LT Scott Goossens, of San Francisco, California, is an F/A-18 Pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. In 1958, the Back-to-Back Pass and the first six-plane Delta maneuvers were added to the performance. Mark Lambert, flight surgeon for the Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, visits with a resident of the nursing home care center at Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-021 Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alisha Raper, plane captain for U.S. Navy flight demonstration team aircraft Blue Angel Five, gives final confirmation to her pilot, Lt. Cmdr. (Paul Archer/U.S. until 0400 est. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. With its ranks including some of the most experienced jet pilots in the Navy when the Korean War started, the team disbanded in 1950 to serve as the nucleus of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-191), nicknamed Satans Kittens, flying combat missions from Princeton (CV-37). The squadron has had more than 260 demonstration pilots and 37 flight leaders and commanding officers since its inception in 1946. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. [citation needed]. Following his department head tour, Captain Cochran was screened to command of an operational F-14 squadron and was selected to attend the Air War College, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, the commanding officer and flight leader of the team. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. On March 8th, 1951, LCDR Johnny Magda was shot down and killed in Korea. Tom Winkler, a Blue Angels pilot, autographs a ballcap for a young fan following a performance at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-001 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. In August 2015 Donnie Cochran was honored by Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal in the renaming of the old Pelham's Detention Center to the Donnie Cochran Community Complex and in December 2016 he was recently inducted into the Georgia Military Veteran Hall of Fame. As has been the case throughout the history of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the demonstration pilots adjusted the show routine to take advantage of the new platforms capabilities. All Rights Reserved. Craig Olson.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-023 Blue Angel Plane Captains run from the runway as part of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team The Blue Angels performance at The Great State of Maine Air Show.jpg, US Navy 090502-N-9712C-001 Lt. Manuel Sanchez, a maintenance officer assigned to the Blue Angels, administers the oath of enlistment to delayed entry program recruits from the New Orleans area.jpg, US Navy 090530-N-1928O-163 Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, receives a gift of appreciation from Marine Corps Maj. Drew Hess, and crewmembers of the Blue Angels C-130 Hercules.jpg, US Navy 090829-N-1928O-113 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares for take-off during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show at Offutt Air Force Base as part of Omaha Navy Week.jpg, US Navy 090916-N-6220J-003 Cmdr. The four diamond pilots were frozen in positioned for a year to enhance safety, to accommodate the team's transition to the new F/A-18, and to fly a complete airshow season in the same year. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season, Precision and form draw crowds, and awe, at Thunder Over Michigan, Navy Week, Thunder Over Michigan airshow return to Detroit area, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Tucker declined to say whether the member of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the units official name is a tactical aviator or part of the support and maintenance crew but the removed person does not appear to be a numbered pilot. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lee is assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106. Evaluated by the Blue Angels as a possible demonstration aircraft in 1953, the F7U Cutlass proved as unpopular with the team as it did in the fleet, where it had a reputation for being underpowered and presented challenges for maintenance personnel. Hundreds of women have held various roles with the Blue Angels over 55 years, but Lee is the first woman selected to serve as a demonstration pilot. The last propeller-driven aircraft flown by the Blue Angels, the F8F Bearcat possessed tremendous power along with excellent maneuverability. Brian Vaught of Englewood, Colo., is the teams new events coordinator. WebList of Current Pilots. With the transition to the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, some of the newer maneuvers were able to perform intricate maneuvers with more precision and accuracy. Each year, the Blue Angels selects finalists from an applicant pool and interviews them during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. He serves as a KC-130J Hercules pilot with the Sumos of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and is a 2014 graduate of Indiana University.