The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, is a United States Navy flight demonstration squadron.. Blue Angels official site. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, following the , which formed in 1931. The team has six pilots from the U.S. Navy (USN) and one from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). They fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.
Blue Angels typically perform in 60 or more shows annually at 32 locations throughout the United States and two shows in Canada. The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in the inaugural 1946 season. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows from March through November each year. The Blue Angels visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show cities. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators. In 2011, the Blue Angels received $37 million from the annual Department of Defense budget.
Mission
Their mission is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Air shows The Blue Angels perform at military and nonmilitary airfields and at major U.S. cities and capitals; locations in Canada are often included in the air show schedule. They also performed near Mexico City in the mid–1960s.
During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team have flown F/A-18 Hornets, split into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1through 4) and the lead and opposing solos (Blue Angels 5and 6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the diamond formation and those performed by the solos. The diamond, in tight formation and usually at lower speeds (400 mph), performs maneuvers such as formation loops, rolls, and transitions from one formation to another. The solos showcase the high-performance capabilities of their individual aircraft through the execution of high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and tight turns.
The highest speed flown during an air show is 700 mph (just under Mach 1), while the lowest speed is 126 mph (110 knots) during Section High Alpha with the new Super Hornet (about 115 knots with the old "Legacy" Hornet). Some maneuvers include both solo aircraft performing at once, such as opposing passes (toward each other in what appears to be a collision course) and mirror formations (back-to-back, belly-to-belly, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted). The solos join the diamond formation near the end of the show for maneuvers in delta formation.
The parameters of each show are tailored in accordance with showtime weather conditions; in clear weather, the high show is performed; in overcast conditions, a low show is performed, and in limited visibility (weather permitting) the flat show is presented. The high show requires at least an ceiling and visibility of at least from the show's center point. The minimum ceilings allowed for low and flat shows are 4,500 feet, and 1,500 feet respectively.
Aircraft
The team flies the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.
In August 2018, Boeing was awarded a contract to convert nine single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F/A-18F two-seaters for Blue Angels use. Modifications include removal of the weapons and replacement with a tank that contains smoke-oil used in demonstrations and outfitting the control stick with a spring system for more precise control input. Control sticks are tensioned with of force to allow the pilot minimal room for noncommanded movement of the aircraft. Each modified F/A-18 remains in the fleet and can be returned to combat duty within 72 hours. As converted aircraft were delivered, they were used for testing maneuvers starting in mid 2020. The team's Super Hornets became operational by the beginning of 2021, their 75th-anniversary year.
The show's narrator, Blue Angels No. 7, flies a two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet to show sites. The Blues use these jets for backups or spares and to give demonstration rides to civilian VIPs. Usually, two back-seat rides are available at each air show; one goes to a member of the press and the other to the "key influencer". The No. 4 Slot Pilot often flies the No. 7 aircraft in Friday's "practice", so that pilots from the fleet and future team members can experience the show.
In 2020, the USMC Blue Angels purchased a surplus Royal Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules (RAF registration ZH885, US registration 170000) as the new Fat Albert for their logistics, carrying spare parts, equipment, and support personnel between shows.
Historical
F6F Hellcat The Grumman F6F Hellcat was the first aircraft flown. The pilots were advanced flight instructors who had flown the aircraft in war. They were painted in dark navy blue with gold lettering and made their first flight demonstration on 10 May 1946.
F8F Bearcat The Grumman F8F Bearcat began flying towards the end of the first season for the team. It was their last propeller-driven aircraft and the first to fly the diamond formation. The Bearcats first appeared in Denver in August 1946.
F9F-2 Panther The F9F-2 Panther was the first jet used. After a temporary disbandment for the Korean War, with the unit serving with VMF-191, when reactivated on 25 October 1951, the Panther returned to service.
F-9 Cougar In the winter of 1954/55, the Angels began flying the Grumman F-9 Cougar, serving until the middle of 1957.
F-11 Tiger In mid–1957, Grumman F-11 Tigers began flying with the Blue Angels. The F11F-1 was the first supersonic jet and the last Grumman plane serving the flight team. It was used until 1969, though it had earlier been withdrawn from frontline service. It was one of the most popular aircraft with the public, because of its afterburner and sleek lines.
F-4 Phantom II
In 1969, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II became the plane of choice, serving until December 1974. The F-4 was operated by both the Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration teams. In 1973, Secretary of the Navy John Warner set up a panel to determine why the F-4 was having so many accidents, and if the team should continue at all. This proposal was supported by many Democrats in Congress, who were looking to downsize the military in the wake of the Vietnam War.
A-4 Skyhawk
Accidents and the price of fuel and maintenance costs led to the adoption of the more economical Douglas A-4 Skyhawk II. The Blue Angels flew the A-4 in their 80 shows during the bicentennial celebrations of 1976. The Blue Angels also made 30 years on 1976 and performed their 2,000th show flying the A-4F. The Skyhawk served from December 1974 to November 1986.
F/A-18 Hornet In 1986, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18A model served from 1986 to 2010, and the F/A-18C model served from 2010 to 2020.
F/A-18 Super Hornet In 2020, The Blue Angels switched to the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, flying the F/A-18E model for the demonstration and F/A-18F for Blue Angel #7 jet and for the #4 Slot Pilot for practice routines.
Team members
The 2026 USN Blue Angels demonstration pilots and flight officers are:
CAPT Adam "Gilligan" Bryan: Flight Leader/Commanding Officer LT Cam "Starlazer / Hatfish" Schneider: Right Wing LT Chris "SadClam" Houben: Left Wing LTCOL Brandon "Wobbly" Wilkins: Slot LCDR Connor "Buddy" O'Donnell: Lead Solo MAJ Scott "Goldie" Laux: Opposing Solo LT Ronny "Downy" Hafeza: Narrator CDR Lilly "Lunchbox" Montana: Events Coordinator , 299 demonstration pilots (including for the C-130) have served in the Blue Angels.U.S. Navy Blue Angels Frequently Asked Questions, #9 , last updated 17 March 2019.
The team is divided into three departments: Officers, Enlisted, and Technical Representatives. Team members come from the ranks of regular USN and USMC units. Pilots and narrator are made up of USN and USMC naval aviators. Pilots serve two to three years. Position assignments are made according to team needs, pilot experience levels, and career considerations for members. Other officers include a naval flight officer, who serves as the event coordinator, three USMC C-130 pilots, an executive officer, a maintenance officer, a flight surgeon, a supply officer, a public affairs officer, and an administrative officer in the Technical Representatives Department. Enlisted members range in rank from E-4 to E-9 and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. They serve three to four years. After serving with the squadron, members return to fleet assignments.
The officer-selection process requires candidates wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain of command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and flight records. USN and USMC 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. USMC C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.
Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid with their own finances, and sit in on team briefs, postshow activities, and social events. New officers must fit the Blue Angels culture and team dynamics. The evaluation process runs from March through early July, culminating with finalist interviews and team deliberations. Team members vote in secret on the next year's officers. Selections must be unanimous.
The Flight Leader (No. 1) is the commanding officer and holds the rank of commander, who may be promoted to captain midtour if approved by the selection board.
Pilots numbered 2–7 are USN lieutenant commanders or lieutenants or USMC majors or captains. The (#7) pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies opposing solo (#6) and then lead solo (#5) the following two years, respectively. The (#3) pilot moves to the (#4) "Slot" position for the second year. Blue Angel (#4) serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as status as a second-year demonstration pilot. The (#8) pilot, usually a naval flight officer, serves as events coordinator for two years. This job is to communicate, manage VIP/media rides, and make sure each event and airshow is successful.
Since 2008, seven female flight officers have been selected. LCDR Amanda Lee became the first woman to be named as a F/A-18 demonstration pilot. She served from 2022 to 2024. CDR Lilly Montana is events coordinator for the 2025-26 season. CAPT Olivia Bair, USMC, is serving as a C-130 pilot for the 2026 season. CDR Amy Tomlinson, MAJ Corrie Mays USMC, and LCDR Katlin Forster served as events coordinators. LTCOL Katie Higgins Cook, USMC, served as a C-130 pilot.
Several minority flight officers served, including CAPT Donnie Cochran, the first African American to command the Blue Angels. LT Andre Webb and LCDR Julius Bratton served as demonstration pilots.
One USN pilot serves two years as maintenance officer (MO), the first year as the assistant maintenance officer (role removed recently) and second year as MO.
As of 2025, one USN aviator serves two years as the MO. The MO is in charge of the men, women, and equipment that keep the aircraft flying. This job is to maintain, observe, and update the wind data, visibility, and clouds.
Flight surgeons serve a two-year term and provide medical services, evaluates demonstration maneuvers from the ground, and participates in postflight debriefs. The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was LT Tamara Schnurr, who was a member of the 2001 team.
Training and weekly routine