They have had 251 demonstration pilots, and 35 Flight Leaders/Commanding Officers. Blue Angels pilots The History of Blue Angels Aircraft: A Photo Essay - Navy Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. Plan. You cannot lead anyone who will dishonor you! Thanks for contacting us. By the time Captain Cochran completed his first deployment he and VFP-63 Detachment 5 had completed an around-the-world deployment during a nine-month cruise. In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. 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 Blue Angels announce new pilots, officers for 2021 season The Dirty Loop maneuver, introduced in 1969, allowed aircraft landing gear and flaps to be left down as they climbed directly into a loop. Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. Cochran earned a civil engineering degree from Savannah State College, now known as Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, in 1976, where he was a member of the NROTC program. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the teams home base of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show each year. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. the Blue Angels Fight in Combat I first served as an Enlisted Sailor. 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. The team leader (#1) is the Commanding Officer and is always a Navy Commander, who may be promoted to Captain mid-tour if approved for Captain by the selection board. Blue Angels Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. Navy). Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, and the newest member,F/A-18 demonstration pilot and Navy Cmdr. This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. Im humbled to have come full circle, and now fly the very aircraft I used to work on as a maintainer, Lee said. Donnie L. Cochran is a former United States Navy naval aviator and was the first African-American aviator to be selected to the Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels in 1986. An estimated 11 million spectators watch the squadron perform every year throughout the country and in Canada. 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. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers WebDonnie L. Cochran is a former United States Navy naval aviator and was the first African-American aviator to be selected to the Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels in Commanders have halted this unnamed persons activities with the Blue Angels while the team continues to conduct winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro for the upcoming show season, Tucker said. This month, Marine Katie Higgins piloted for the Blue Angels Aviation Team for the last time. Higgins was the first (and so far, only) female pilot for the second oldest aerobatic team in the world. I think, no matter what your gender is, just to be selected to be on this team is an honor, she told Fox 13 News. He graduated from George Washington University in 2010. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. 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. Lee is one of six new officers to join the Blue Angels team for the 2023 air show season. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. 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. Lt. Cmdr. Team members vote in secret on the next year's members, with no accountability to the higher Navy authority why an applicant was or was not selected. For the latest information regarding the Blue Angels and the 2021/2022 show seasons, be sure to stay tuned to our social media, website, and mobile app. MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team. That means that they have been, and are, fighter pilots. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Kevin Mannix, commanding officer of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, introduces the team during the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show Beach Blast.jpg, US Navy 071031-N-8102J-019 Brian Schneider, catcher for the Washington Nationals baseball team, receives preflight instructions from the crew chief, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. The teams new flight surgeon will be Lt. Philippe Warren of Williamsburg, Va., a flight surgeon for the Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266. WebThe Blue Angels might be a demonstration team, but they are naval aviators first. WebUS 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 Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-003 Lt.Cmdr. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader and slot pilots fly inverted. Blue Angels She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013. Greg Jones of Cary, N.C., was selected as the new Blue Angels maintenance officer. Click on red bar for more info. Watch What Happens! He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. His awards include the Joseph Galloway Award for Distinguished Reporting on the military, a first prize from Investigative Reporters & Editors and the Combat Infantryman Badge. We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year, said Capt. 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). Blue Angels Grumman F6F Hellcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). The only aircraft operated concurrently by both the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-4 was the platform the team took to the far corners of the globe, touring South America, Asia, and Europe during the four years the Blue Angels operated the powerful aircraft. Three months after establishment in April 1946, the flight exhibition team's first performance took place on June 15. The History of Blue Angels Aircraft: A Photo Essay. After serving with the Blues, members return to fleet assignments. 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. The officer selection process requires pilots and support officers (flight surgeon, events coordinator, maintenance officer, 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. How to Become a Blue Angels Pilot? Here's What To Do - The 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. During his final assignment, he served as the deputy commander of the Navy Recruiting Command, second in command of over 7,000 people at over 1,500 locations around the nation and abroad. The Blue Angels Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms (National Naval Aviation Museum). Marine Maj. Frank Zastoupil, of Kingwood, Texas. Navy confirms mysterious Blue Angel suspension - Navy Times DVIDS - News - Blue Angels Select Officers for 2023 Show Season 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. Mariner that equal opportunity wont be in our vocabulary in future generations.. WebList of Current Pilots. On May 10, 1991, Savannah State University dedicated a static display A-4 aircraft on the university's campus in honor of Cochran's achievements. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: Members of the 2013 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are: giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.Clement Clarke Moore (17791863), The state of society is one in which the members have suffered amputation from the trunk, and strut about so many walking monsters,a good finger, a neck, a stomach, an elbow, but never a man.Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882), Flying Blue Angel No.1, Commander Thomas Frosch, USN (Commanding Officer/Flight Leader), Flying Blue Angel No.2, Lieutenant Commander John Hiltz, USN (Right Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.3, Lieutenant Nate Barton, USN (Left Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.4, Captain Brandon Cordill, USMC (Slot), Flying Blue Angel No.5, Lieutenant Commander David Tickle, USN (Lead Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.6, Lieutenant Mark Tedrow, USN (Opposing Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.7, Lieutenant Ryan Chamberlain, USN (Advance Pilot/Narrator), Events Coordinator, Blue Angel No.8, Lieutenant Commander Michael Cheng, USN, Flying Fat Albert, M1, Captain John Hecker, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M2, Captain A. J. Harrell, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M3, Captain Mike Van Wyk, USMC, Maintenance Officer, Lieutenant Commander Richard Mercado, USN, Flight Surgeon, Lieutenant Commander Mark DeBuse, USN, Administrative Officer, Lieutenant Holly Taylor, USN, Supply Officer, Lieutenant Scott Adams, USN, Public Affairs Officer, Lieutenant Katie Kelly, USN. Thomas Zimmerman of Baltimore also will serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. The static display contains an A4 jet painted in the Blue Angel's traditional colors of blue and gold and a dedication plaque with the inscription: IN HONOR OF COMMANDER DONNIE COCHRAN U.S. NAVY 1976 SAVANNAH STATE COLLEGE/NROTC GRADUATE THE FIRST BLACK NAVAL AVIATOR TO FLY WITH THE BLUE ANGELS FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION TEAM THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NAVAL AVIATION AT PENSACOLA, FLORIDA. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. He is an aviation maintenance officer assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy and graduated from Elon University in 2008. 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. Because of this, Cochran transitioned to the F-14A at VF-124 at NAS Miramar. The Navy annually counts 16 officers who volunteer for the team and theyre supported by nearly 100 enlisted sailors and Marines. Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other demonstration platform, the F/A-18 logged the first ever flight demonstrations in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria during the 1992 show season. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. Naval Air Forces, walks with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration s.jpg, US Navy 110416-N-IR859-030 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-IR859-087 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-YM440-006 Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jeff Harper, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Bl.jpg, US Navy 110506-N-ZL585-030 Lt. Jason Smith, center, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Mocek visit with young patients at Children's Hospital New.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-014 Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Curt Metzger, from St. Petersburg, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demo.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-053 Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Schweitzer, from Orlando, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squ.jpg, US Navy 110626-N-IR859-042 Capt. 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. Blue Angels - Accidents This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. In August 1947, the Diamond Formation was introduced, soon followed with the Diamond Loop and the Diamond Barrel Roll. Category : Blue Angels (pilots and team) - Wikimedia 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. Its because of women like Capt. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. There have been female and racial minority staff officers as official Blue Angel members, in support of the Blue Angels recruiting for the Navy and Marine Corps. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Cougars (National Naval Aviation Museum). [This quote needs a citation]. You must take actions and hold offenders accountable. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. Blue Angel No.4 serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective he is afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as his status as a second-year demonstration pilot. Following three years of flying with the Blue Angels, Captain Cochran was assigned to the Bounty Hunters of VF-2 for department head tour as the squadron's maintenance officer. This story has been shared 119,201 times. Each year, the Blue Angels selects finalists from an applicant pool and interviews them during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-015 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. It remains the winter training site to this day. Cochran was assigned to fly the RF-8G Crusader due to his excellent performance during carrier qualification as a student pilot. Navy Lt. Michelle Tucker, spokeswoman for the Chief of Naval Air Training, told Navy Times that the probe involves unspecified allegations of misconduct that came to light last month. (Cochran was the last commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 1 the Wolfpack). With World War II fresh in the memories of the public when the Navy established the Blue Angels in 1946, the first flight leader Lieutenant Commander Roy Butch Voris created a show segment in which the teams F6F Hellcats pursued an airplane playing the role of a Japanese fighter and shot it down. The first plane to fill this role was an SNJ Texan advanced trainer nicknamed Beetle Bomb., North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (National Naval Aviation Museum). until 0400 est. Blue Angels Douglas R5D Skymaster (National Naval Aviation Museum). Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A-4 static display on the Campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991. On Nov. 6, 2002, near Baghdad, Iraq, a pair of naval aviators dropped the first ordnance from an F/A-18E on an enemy target. Following his first operational deployment flying the Crusader, the navy began phasing the RF-8G out of service and the F-14A Tomcat was assuming the photoreconnaissance mission. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Ind. Blue Angels: Performance Maneuvers - Navy This began a practice that continues to this day of operating a two-seat aircraft for show support and VIP rides. Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Jul 20, 2022, 11:56 AM. DVIDS - News - Blue Angels Announce 2022 Officers The Blue Angels serve as ambassadors of U.S. naval aviation. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9, and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. 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. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. Known for its nimble performance, the Skyhawk equipped the Blue Angels during the 19741986 show seasons, the latter the 40th anniversary of the demonstration squadrons establishment. 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. Blue Angels. 2 pilot Lt. Cmdr. Navy), Lt. Amanda Lee, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106s Rhino Demo Team, maneuvers an F/A-18E Super Hornet at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Ore., May 21, 2022. The Texan was named "Beetle Bomb" and served until 1950. WebMembers of the 2013 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are: Flying Blue Angel No.1, Commander Thomas Frosch, USN (Commanding Officer/Flight Leader) Flying Blue Angel No.2, The Blues made "slight changes to the conventional officer rotation," as a result of the lost season, said Cmdr. 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. Blue Angels Flight surgeons serve a two-year term, and act as the team recorder during air shows, and help oversee emergency response planning with the various air show planners. By the time his assignment with VF-213 was completed, he had flown over 2,000 hours and made 469 carrier landings in fighter aircraft. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia. Lt. Cmdr. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. In addition to the recognized demonstration aircraft, the Blue Angels have operated other aircraft for logistics support and some that filled short-lived roles or did not meet the teams exacting standards. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee was named the first-ever female F-18 fighter pilot to become a Blue Angels team member Monday. "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.". New team members will report to the Blue Angels in September for a two-month turnover period before beginning a rigorous five-month training program at the teams home base of Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif. Officers typically serve two to three years with the team, according to the Blue Angels. She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. They also represent the US Marine Corps. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. Only six are used during demonstration flights (normally single-seat versions) and the rest are used as spares, if one of main aircraft is unserviceable and cannot be repaired before the show begins. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. Anthony W. Walley signs autographs for fans at Sherman Field.jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Blue_Angels_(pilots_and_team)&oldid=44588716, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Lieutenant He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. Tom Winkler signs autographs for Virginia Beach resident Matt and his son.jpg, US Navy 061025-N-5060B-100 Mass Communication Specialist Heather Ewton interviews Blue Angel's pilot Lt. Kevin Davis after giving a media ride to local VIP personnel prior to the 2006 Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sh.jpg, US Navy 061027-N-1810F-039 Raleigh Dusty Rhodes, one of the first pilots and commanders of the Blue Angels, autographs a poster for Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Olivares before the practice air show aboard Nav.jpg, US Navy 070203-N-6652A-074 Blue Angels Public Affairs Chief Brabble holds a meet and greet with local law enforcement agencies and their families before an air performance.jpg, US Navy 070422-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration pilot, Lcdr.
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