A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. 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. Three months after establishment in April 1946, the flight exhibition team's first performance took place on June 15. from around the world. 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. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Navy Blue Angels flying F-4J Phantom II aircraft, they exhibit their maneuvering skills over Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, 23 March 1970. 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. 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. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. Official U.S. Navy Photograph. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Panthers (National Naval Aviation Museum). He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Commander Greg McWherter (Head of the Blue Angels) Lieutenant James Tomaszeski. 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. The 2021 show season, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Blue Angels in 1946, introduced the F/A-18 Super Hornet to air show crowds. A fatal crash at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in 1950 ended the use of Beetle Bomb as part of flight demonstrations. 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. 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 In August 1947, the Diamond Formation was introduced, soon followed with the Diamond Loop and the Diamond Barrel Roll. Jim Tomaszeski, right wing pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 060429-N-4657D-025 Lt. Anthony Walley, the number two pilot for the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron signs autographs.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-001 Lt. Cmdr. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the left wingman position flying the number 3 jet in the A-4F Skyhawk. "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.". Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets perform the Double Farvel maneuver at the 2018 Terre Haute Air Show, 18 August 2018. Watch What Happens! 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. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. 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. 2023 Stars and Stripes. You cannot lead anyone who will dishonor you! Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Two new pilots, a new assistantmaintenance officer, a new events coordinator and a new flight surgeon will join the team ahead of 2021. Blue Angels Grumman F6F Hellcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. 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. 2 pilot Lt. Cmdr. 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 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. For more news from the Blue Angels, visitwww.blueangels.navy.mil/. [2], Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia. He was the first African American pilot to fly with the Blue Angels and flew for three seasons (1986-87-88). Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. Rushes are asked to tell a joke prior to the brief, and graded by the team as part of the rigorous selection process. 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. announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season, Precision and form draw crowds, and awe, at Thunder Over Michigan, Navy Week, Thunder Over Michigan airshow return to Detroit area, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Its because of women like Capt. 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. 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. 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. see less The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. Todd Royles, of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Navy Lt. Henry Cedeno, of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Navy Lt. Monica Borza, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Lt. Kristin Toland, of Sedalia, Missouri, Navy Lt.j.g. The Navy annually counts 16 officers who volunteer for the team and theyre supported by nearly 100 enlisted sailors and Marines. The History of Blue Angels Aircraft: A Photo Essay. | 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. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. 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 Cochran later assumed command of the Blue Angels in 1994. Tom Winkler, a Blue Angels pilot, autographs a ballcap for a young fan following a performance at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-001 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. 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. -Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Soltan, of Spokane, Washington, is a C-130 Hercules pilot currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. 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. Blue Angels. 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 The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single They serve three to four years in the squadron. 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. He made his first deployment flying RF-8G on board the USSNimitz(CVN-68) to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. The Blue Angels resumed flying the Panther when they reformed following that combat deployment. (Sara Eshleman/U.S. Navy Cmdr. ", "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. [1] He is a 2022 inductee to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. Popularly called Fat Albert, various versions of the C-130 Hercules have provided logistics support to the Blue Angels for more than 50 years. 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. When team members lose sight of their purpose and values, they often engage in hidden agendas, deception, and narrow-minded pettiness. 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. 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. 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 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. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. Mark Lambert, flight surgeon for the Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, visits with a resident of the nursing home care center at Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-021 Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alisha Raper, plane captain for U.S. Navy flight demonstration team aircraft Blue Angel Five, gives final confirmation to her pilot, Lt. Cmdr. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker). The selected 2022 officers include: Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic Follow us on Facebook: @USNavyBlueAngels, Instagram: @USNavyBlueAngels and Twitter: @BlueAngels. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Ind. Brian Kesselring, the commanding officer and flight leader of the team. (Paul Archer/U.S. Greg McWherter for a job well done, following the Blue Angels' six performances during the 2010 Joint Service Open House Air Show at Joint Base Andr.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-299 Cmdr. [This quote needs a citation]. Navy). All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. Anthony Walley, ^2 Pilot of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, speaks with students in the Omniplex theater at the St. Louis Science Center.jpg, US Navy 071110-N-5328N-910 Blue Angels No. Over the course of 75 years, the more than 500 million people who have seen the Blue Angels perform at air shows around the world have witnessed the power and grace of some of the Navys all-time classic aircraft. At the time, she credited Mariner for pioneering the way for women like herself in the air forces. 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. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. There are no other nineteen pilots, just Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. The name actually comes from a play by Arthur Miller called All my Sons, which others have mentioned in their answers as well. He was studying for theater when he encountered the words twenty one pilots written plainly, not numerically. He decided this as the band name. Your work environment matters and when the values of respect, integrity, honesty, and loyalty break down, so does your performance! Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). The venerable aircraft routinely opens air shows and for many years executed jet-assisted takeoffs (JATOs) to the delight of spectators. Cochran led the team for 16 months until May 1996. in May 1996, Cochran made the decision to step down as flight leader[This quote needs a citation] to minimize the safety risks to the team and 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. 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. 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. 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. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. Each year, the Blue Angels selects finalists from an applicant pool and interviews them during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. 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. 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. 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. A second plaque was later added which bears the inscription: |IN HONOR OF COMMANDER DONNIE COCHRAN, U.S. NAVY THE FIRST BLACK NAVAL AVIATOR TO COMMAND THE BLUE ANGELS FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION TEAM. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-051 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, greet each other after the demonstratio.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-004 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Evan Bradbury, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-046 Lt. Cmdr. [citation needed]. The Dirty Loop maneuver, introduced in 1969, allowed aircraft landing gear and flaps to be left down as they climbed directly into a loop. Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers The last propeller-driven aircraft flown by the Blue Angels, the F8F Bearcat possessed tremendous power along with excellent maneuverability. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. Lee is assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron 106.
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