list of blue angels pilots

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Those are the six aviators currently five from the Navy and one from the Marine Corps who perform in the airshows. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In 2019, Lee was one of nine female naval aviators who honored one of the first military pilots, the later Rosemary Mariner, with an all-women flyover at her funeral services. 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. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader The Dirty Loop maneuver, introduced in 1969, allowed aircraft landing gear and flaps to be left down as they climbed directly into a loop. On March 8th, 1951, LCDR Johnny Magda was shot down and killed in Korea. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. 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. The Blue Angels serve as ambassadors of U.S. naval aviation. The Navy annually counts 16 officers who volunteer for the team and theyre supported by nearly 100 enlisted sailors and Marines. John Saccomando, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs after their performance.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-3874J-002 Crew Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Eric Velazquez of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, moves to a safe location, as his Blue Angel F-A-18A Hornet starts to taxi prior to take off.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-8977L-004 A crew coordinator for the Blue Angels prepares to taxi four of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets prior to launch for a morning training exercise during their annual winter training on board Naval Air.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-170 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott climbs from the back seat after taking a flight in an F-A-18D Hornet while visiting the Blue Angels' winter training facility on board Naval.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-204 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facili.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-209 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facil.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-1539M-006 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry D. Scott answers questions from members of the Blue Angels maintenance team.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-8977L-003 Sailors of the Blue Angels Power Plants Department remove the engines from an F-A-18A Hornet for maintenance during their annual winter training on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-013 Dallas Cowboy football legend, Roger Starbach, presents the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, with autographed footballs.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-014 James Reagan and Rebecca Bennet receive signed lithographs from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, as congratulations for their achievements.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-8110K-058 U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels Maintenance Master Chief, William Casttilla, left, and Command Master Chief, Kevin Harris, center, greet retired Tuskegee Airman Dick Macon.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-631 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Blue Angels Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighters (National Naval Aviation Museum). At the time, she credited Mariner for pioneering the way for women like herself in the air forces. The Blue Angels switched from flying the F/A-18 Hornet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at the end of 2020. A fatal crash at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in 1950 ended the use of Beetle Bomb as part of flight demonstrations. The most recent minority Blue Angel pilot was LCDR Keith Hoskins on the 2000 team. Lee is assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106. 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. In July 1994, he was selected as the first African-American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels.[3]. This story has been shared 163,713 times. read more, Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Hendrix | The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10. Benjamin Walborn, was added to the squad recently to take the fifth spot in the Blue Angels' flight pattern. -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. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy Lieutenants or Lieutenant Commanders, or Marine Corps Captains or Majors. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-136 Al Taddeo, the oldest living former pilot of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, gives a thumbs.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-002 Lt. Todd Royles, events coordinator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Dave Tickle.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-010 Lt. Todd Royles, the events coordinator before leaving for preseason visits. Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets perform the Double Farvel maneuver at the 2018 Terre Haute Air Show, 18 August 2018. This work, Blue Angels Announce 2022 Officers, by Member: 1321594, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. (Chris Williamson/U.S. Navy Cmdr. until 0400 est. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season. What this meant for the 1986 team, they would get an extra year on the team. WebThe "Blue Angels" are the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. 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. The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, practice performance maneuvers at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, June 10, 2022. WebFun facts about the Blue Angels: The first air show was performed at Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1946. Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. 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. 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 The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. 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. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Ind. "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.". Three years later, in April 2016, Lee was designated a naval aviator, the U.S. Navy said. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. 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. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. Click on red bar for more info. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. The number 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. Theodore J. Steelman, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, awaits the cue to exit his F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 050507-N-0295M-052 The pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, line up at parade rest prior to the start of their demonstration.jpg, US Navy 050916-N-0295M-186 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, performs a post engine run-up inspection on the top surfaces of one of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 060514-N-8374E-002 Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Desiree Phillips, assigned to Maintenance Control on the Blue Angels enlisted team, autographs memorabilia for enthusiastic young fans.jpg, US Navy 060514-N-8374E-003 Members of the Blue Angels enlisted team autograph memorabilia for enthusiastic young fans.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-001 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-002 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060522-N-5390M-003 Members of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, attend a dedication ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.jpg, US Navy 060813-F-7049H-045 Crew chiefs with the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron stand at attention as the Blue Angels prepare to disembark on their aerial performance.jpg, US Navy 060909-N-2218T-132 Blue Angel pilot Lt. Cdr. In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the left wingman position flying the number 3 jet in the A-4F Skyhawk. The selected 2023 officers include: F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: -Lt. Cmdr. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. The venerable aircraft routinely opens air shows and for many years executed jet-assisted takeoffs (JATOs) to the delight of spectators. [4] He is also a graduate of the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama, and earned a master's degree in human resource management from Troy State University. Hundreds of women representing the Navy and Marine Corps have served with the Blue Angels during the last 55 years, according to the 76-year-old unit. 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 When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. The number 3 pilot moves to the number 4 (slot) position for his second year. 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. 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. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. The Blue Angels will complete the 2022 season with a homecoming show in Pensacola, Fla., in November. 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. Thomas Zimmerman of Baltimore also will serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. 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. -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. Photo courtesy of Savannah State University, NROTC. 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. He was the first African American pilot to fly with the Blue Angels and flew for three seasons (1986-87-88). 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. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. [citation needed]. In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The 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. 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. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. 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. Watch What Happens! 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. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. | 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. Selections must be unanimous. WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. Im humbled to have come full circle, and now fly the very aircraft I used to work on as a maintainer, Lee said. WebList of Current Pilots. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. 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 070425-N-7559C-003 Lt. Cmdr. Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Official U.S. Navy Photograph. 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. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). Supply Officer: 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. 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. The squadron selected two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, an events coordinator, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an aviation maintenance officer, and a flight Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. Blue Angels C-130 "Fat Albert" takes off using JATO rockets during performance at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show, 28 October 2006 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Didier), Hill Goodspeed, Historian, National Naval Aviation Museum, June 2021, DANFS - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Permitting Policy and Resource Management, The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: 20 Years Later, "Ex Scientia Tridens": The U.S. ", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Donnie_Cochran&oldid=1137292325, African-American United States Navy personnel, BLP articles lacking sources from November 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 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. (U.S. Navy photoby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix). It remains the winter training site to this day. For Captain Cochran, it meant another year flying the number 3 jet in 1987 and a normal rotation to the number 4 jet as slot pilot in 1988. 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. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Navy). As the U.S. Navys flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels mission is to showcase the skill and teamwork of the Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker). The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. 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. A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. Because of this, Cochran transitioned to the F-14A at VF-124 at NAS Miramar. 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. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. Over the years, two former Blue Angels were killed in action. The first Blue Angels pilots were Naval Advanced Training Command flight instructors with wartime experience flying the F6F Hellcat, so it was a natural fit for the exhibition to team to fly the venerable World War II fighter in its early exhibitions. The selected 2022 officers include: To make room for the Special Forces Helicopters, VFP-63 Detachment 5 was flown to the USSCoral Sea(CV-43) for the remainder of the deployment. The 2021 air show season, the 75th in Blue Angels history, is slated to begin April 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. Blue Angels Grumman F6F Hellcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). She earned her commission in 2013 the same year she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. 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). 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. [This quote needs a citation]. Captain Cochran was directly responsible for developing and grooming over 100 future naval officers for the navy and United States Marine Corps. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. 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. [2], Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia. Brian Kesselring, of Fargo, North Dakota, Navy Lt. Katlin Forster, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Navy Cmdr. Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, and the newest member,F/A-18 demonstration pilot and Navy Cmdr. The Blue Angels on Monday announced their official officer and pilot lineup for the 2021 air show season. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. 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. The History of Blue Angels Aircraft: A Photo Essay. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. Blue Angels Lockheed TV-2 Shooting Star (National Naval Aviation Museum). The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators.

list of blue angels pilots 2023