The Blue Angels are a Navy flight demonstration squadron based in Florida and California. They fly Boeing F/A-18 Hornets and perform at venues across the US to enhance recruiting efforts for the Navy and Marine Corps. Pilots serve for two years and must have a minimum of 1,250 hours of jet flight and aircraft carrier certification. The team is known for their high-speed, low-altitude aerial acrobatics and tight formations, and maintain a busy performing schedule. Spectators are encouraged to wear ear protection.
The Blue Angels are a Navy flight demonstration squadron based in Pensacola, Florida during show season and El Centro, California during the winter for pilot training. Founded in 1946 by order of Chester Nimitz, the Blue Angels perform annually at numerous venues across the United States to enhance recruiting efforts for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Service with the Blue Angels is voluntary, and pilots and flight crew are equally mixed between Navy and Marine Corps members. The team’s stated mission is to serve as goodwill ambassadors for the Navy and Marine Corps and be a positive representation of service in the United States military.
In 2006, the Blue Angels flew Boeing F/A-18 Hornets for their aerial demonstrations. The jets cost about $18 million (USD) to produce, but when fully configured, they usually cost more than $21 million. At 56 feet (about 17 meters) long and 15 feet (4.5 meters) high, the aircraft weighs a maximum of 56,000 pounds (25,401 kilos) at takeoff and has a flight range of over 500 miles (804 kilometers). Hornets can reach a top speed of over 1,200 miles per hour (1931 kilometers per hour) and are famed for their manoeuvrability, grace and speed. The jets are decorated in a distinctive blue and gold style that is easily recognizable from the ground.
Squad members of the Blue Angels serve for two years and then return to duty within their branch of the military. The Blue Angels are considered the finest representatives of the Navy and Marine Corps, and pilots are chosen for their skills, career goals, military bearing, and communication skills. Pilots must have a minimum of 1,250 hours of jet flight and aircraft carrier certification to apply for a place on the Blue Angels team, as well as undergo other screening processes. There are usually around six openings in the team per year.
The Blue Angels are known for their high-speed, low-altitude aerial acrobatics and tight formations. While all Naval Aviators possess the same skills as the Blue Angels, the team is believed to exhibit a refinement and qualification of these skills, focused on presenting the best possible training and performance to the public. Their show features include the four-jet Diamond Formation and the six-jet Delta Formation. Both of these formations require a high level of nerve and skill, as the jets fly close to each other while maintaining high speed. There are also two Solo Pilots in the team.
The Blue Angels maintain a busy performing schedule and can be seen nationwide, or in Pensacola for rehearsals. Spectators are encouraged to wear ear protection, as the Blue Angels can be extremely loud.
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