list of blue angels pilots

He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. On January 27th, 1973, CDR Harley Hall was shot down over Vietnam. read more 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.. Her relief on Monday raised eyebrows because the Air Force had announced only two weeks earlier that Kotnick would take command of the Vipers. 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. New National Museum of the U.S. Navy-October 2020, New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - October 2022, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - Main, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, The Forgotten Wars of the Nineteenth Century, Civil War: Securing the Seas for Union Victory, Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities), Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities) - Main, Sailor's Life at Sea & Poetry (Grades 4-6), DIVE! This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. The history and Technology of Submarines (Grade 5), To the Ends of the Earth and Beyond (Grades 5-8), The Date that Lives in Infamy: Pearl Harbor (High School), Codes and Signals: Breaking the Spy Games of World War II and Vietnam, Damage Control Mission Brief: (Blue Navy) A Study Based on the Battle of Okinawa, Damage Control Mission Brief: (Green Navy) A Study Based on the Battle of Okinawa, Family Art Workshop: Kites and Observation, Talk: The Washington Navy Yard During the Civil War, A Conversation with Historians Dr. Regina Akers and Dr. Eddie Valentin: From Benjamin Drummond to Doris Miller: Race, Identity, and the Struggle Against Discrimination in the U.S. Navy, Virtual Book Talk: When Giants Ruled the Sky: the Brief Reign and Tragic Demise of the American Rigid Airship, with John J. Geoghegan and Curator, Gordon Calhoun. 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. 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. Official U.S. Navy Photograph. Brian Vaught of Englewood, Colo., is the teams new events coordinator. WebFun facts about the Blue Angels: The first air show was performed at Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1946. 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. 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. They are seriously some of the coolest people you will ever meet because being a blue angel is more than just being a bad ass pilot, its about being a bad ass person. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Navy Blue Angels flying F-4J Phantom II aircraft, they exhibit their maneuvering skills over Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, 23 March 1970. 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 -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. 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. Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. Click on red bar for more info. Pilots serve two to three years, and position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. 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. 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. We've received your submission. 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. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. 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. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. [citation needed] He was assigned to VFP-63 based at NAS Miramar in San Diego, California. 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. When team members lose sight of their purpose and values, they often engage in hidden agendas, deception, and narrow-minded pettiness. The average age of a pilot is around 33 years old. Zoe SiS" Kotnik, the first female pilot to helm that services F-16 Viper demonstration team. DVIDS/US Navy. They are flying the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The 2021 air show season, the 75th in Blue Angels history, is slated to begin April 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. 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. Brian Kesselring, the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader, said in a statement. 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. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. 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. Thomas Zimmerman of Baltimore also will serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. He graduated from George Washington University in 2010. Following Air War College, Captain Cochran reported for duty as the executive officer (XO) at Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) Wolfpack. Over the years, two former Blue Angels were killed in action. After completing his commanding officer tour, VF-111 won the Battle Efficiency (E) and Safety (S) as the best F-14 squadron in the United States Pacific Fleet. Blue Angels Douglas R5D Skymaster (National Naval Aviation Museum). When the Blue Angels transitioned to the F8F Bearcat, they painted one of them yellow to fill the role of Beetle Bomb. It continued to fly even when the teams transitioned to jet aircraft in 1949. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. 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. Your work environment matters and when the values of respect, integrity, honesty, and loyalty break down, so does your performance! The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10, just hours before they performed for their hometown crowd at the 2021 Pensacola Beach Air Show. 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. 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. 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. 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. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9, and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. 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). Alternating crews of about 45 team members travel to each airshow, according to the Navy. Lee is one of six new officers to join the Blue Angels team for the 2023 air show season. (Paul Archer/U.S. With its sleek lines and afterburner, the F11F Tiger proved one of the most popular show aircraft flown by the Blue Angels. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. 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. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. 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. 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). WebThe Blue Angles pilots are there hanging out with the people, signing autographs, and telling stories. Greg McWherter, flight leader and commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 110702-N-VO219-002 Lt. C.J. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season.. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers The most recent minority Blue Angel pilot was LCDR Keith Hoskins on the 2000 team. In August 1947, the Diamond Formation was introduced, soon followed with the Diamond Loop and the Diamond Barrel Roll. Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms (National Naval Aviation Museum). Allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously by the Navy but it would be inappropriate at this time to comment on an ongoing investigation, Tucker said. 2023 Stars and Stripes. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. 2 pilot Lt. Cmdr. Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos. Tucker said that the investigation is not linked to the Jan. 22 emergency landing of an unnamed Blue Angels pilot at El Centro. 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. 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. 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, the Navys flight demonstration team, announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season on Monday, including the first woman demonstration pilot to fly the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic She earned her commission in 2013 the same year she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron 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. They have had 251 demonstration pilots, and 35 Flight Leaders/Commanding Officers. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. 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. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. The Blue Angels on Monday announced their official officer and pilot lineup for the 2021 air show season. Pilots of numbers 27 are Navy Lieutenants or Lieutenant Commanders, or Marine Corps Captains or Majors. 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. A fatal crash at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in 1950 ended the use of Beetle Bomb as part of flight demonstrations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker). Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader and slot pilots fly inverted. until 0400 est. These were the first visits by any U.S. military flight demonstration team to these nations. The Blue Angels resumed flying the Panther when they reformed following that combat deployment. Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A-4 static display on the Campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. The Blues made "slight changes to the conventional officer rotation," as a result of the lost season, said Cmdr. Lt. Cmdr. He served in the Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Lt. Cmdr. Please check our Hours of Operation page before planning your visit. He is assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 and is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Blue Angels. Follow us on Facebook: @USNavyBlueAngels, Instagram: @USNavyBlueAngels and Twitter: @BlueAngels. (U.S. Navy photoby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix). He is an aviation maintenance officer assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy and graduated from Elon University in 2008. Three months after establishment in April 1946, the flight exhibition team's first performance took place on June 15. 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. Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs and post-show activities and social events. Police identify 3 victims, their killer and 'hero' bystand Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, US home prices just did something they haven't done since 2012, Kristen Doute supports Ariana Madix amid mutual ex Tom Sandovals scandal, Celeb-loved jewelry brand Dorsey drops dazzling new styles, White Lotus actor jokes about being hit on following shows success, Undertaker transforms coffin into barbecue grill, Tom Sizemore And The Dangerous Burden of Desperation, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. With the exception of ahandful of new names, next year's team looks very similar to the2020 team that had its entire 2020 air show season wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. 66 PENSACOLA, Florida (NNS) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season The squadron made one deployment on board the USS Ranger to the Persian Gulf and flew missions over Southern Iraq enforcing the southern no fly zone. Official Navy photo of Commander Donnie Cochran, USN, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "This is why you don't mess with the U.S.! The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single They also represent the US Marine Corps. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. You must take actions and hold offenders accountable. Jim Cox, of On March 8th, 1951, LCDR Johnny Magda was shot down and killed in Korea. Make sure you meet the minimum Blue Angels requirements In order to be a Blue Angels applicant, you must be Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Hendrix | [citation needed]. There are a number of other officers in the squadron, including a Naval Flight Officer, the USMC C-130 pilots, a Maintenance Officer, an Administrative Officer, and a Flight Surgeon. 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Max McCoy, 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 050402-N-1328C-641 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Blue Angels Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighters (National Naval Aviation Museum). 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 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. For more news from the Blue Angels, visitwww.blueangels.navy.mil/. 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 060428-N-7517M-012 Naval Recruiting District Atlanta Sailors recite the oath of enlistment led by Blue Angels pilot, Lt. Anthony Walley.jpg, US Navy 070831-N-3271W-002 Lt. Cmdr. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Heinz asks fans to help find sailor who survived weeks at sea on ketchup so they can buy him new boat, Chinese military orders US Navy plane to stay away from its airspace, Decorated Navy SEAL killed in free-fall parachute training accident, Pitcher set to join Phillies after Navy service change. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. 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, 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. 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. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. 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. 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 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. James Haley, of Canadian, Texas. 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. They transitioned to the aircraft beginning in 1954 during their first winter training carried out at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. 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. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. Mariner that equal opportunity wont be in our vocabulary in future generations.. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. (Chris Williamson/U.S. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Panthers (National Naval Aviation Museum). "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.". The Texan was named "Beetle Bomb" and served until 1950. Lt. Cmdr. After serving with the Blues, members return to fleet assignments. Plan. 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. 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 His first assignment after training in the F-14 was with the Blacklions of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213), where he made two deployments on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. -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. 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. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. The Blue Angels flew two versions of the Panther (the F9F-2 and F9F-5), the first jet operated by the team. Captain Cochran was directly responsible for developing and grooming over 100 future naval officers for the navy and United States Marine Corps. Cochran completed flight school, earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1978 after completing basic jet training in the T-2C Buckeye, and advanced jet training in the TA-4J Skyhawk. The last propeller-driven aircraft flown by the Blue Angels, the F8F Bearcat possessed tremendous power along with excellent maneuverability. I first served as an Enlisted Sailor. 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. This story has been shared 119,201 times. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. 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. 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. Captain Cochran made one deployment on board the USS Ranger (CV-61). Blue Angels Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet performing the sneak pass during a training flight over Naval Air Station Pensacola.

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