The average age of a pilot is around 33 years old. 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. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. 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. 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. see less F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. Governor of Indiana, presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070823-N-3271W-002 The Honorable Becky Skillman, Lt. He serves as a KC-130J Hercules pilot with the Sumos of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and is a 2014 graduate of Indiana University. Blue Angels Grumman F8F Bearcats (National Naval Aviation Museum). 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. Navy Cmdr. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9, and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. 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 WebList of Current Pilots. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. Blue Angels Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet performing the sneak pass during a training flight over Naval Air Station Pensacola. from around the world. WebThe Blue Angles pilots are there hanging out with the people, signing autographs, and telling stories. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Panthers (National Naval Aviation Museum). The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. DVIDS/US Navy. The Blues made "slight changes to the conventional officer rotation," as a result of the lost season, said Cmdr. (Paul Archer/U.S. When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. She's home:Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, "Not being able to fly across the country and execute our mission definitely affects some of ourbest practices, if you will, and some of the training when it comes to the refinement from the demos," Kesselring said Friday. 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. This story has been shared 163,713 times. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia. Because of this, Cochran transitioned to the F-14A at VF-124 at NAS Miramar. Captain Cochran was directly responsible for developing and grooming over 100 future naval officers for the navy and United States Marine Corps. He is an aviation maintenance officer assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy and graduated from Elon University in 2008. The venerable transport aircraft that made headlines with its role in the Berlin Airlift, the R5D Skymaster was among the aircraft used by the Blue Angels as a logistics aircraft transporting ground-support personnel to show sites. As has been the case throughout the history of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the demonstration pilots adjusted the show routine to take advantage of the new platforms capabilities. The new C-130 demonstration pilot will be Marine Corps Capt. C-130 Demonstration Pilot: 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. Lee is one of six new officers to join the Blue Angels team for the 2023 air show season. 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. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee was named the first-ever female F-18 fighter pilot to become a Blue Angels team member Monday. The Blue Angels serve as ambassadors of U.S. naval aviation. 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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. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels flew two versions of the Panther (the F9F-2 and F9F-5), the first jet operated by the team. Buzz about the Blue Angels probe followed Tuesdays unrelated announcement about the Air Forces firing of Capt. They also represent the US Marine Corps. Im humbled to have come full circle, and now fly the very aircraft I used to work on as a maintainer, Lee said. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. 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. Steps to Becoming a Blue Angels Pilot Step 1. Three months after establishment in April 1946, the flight exhibition team's first performance took place on June 15. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. Navy). Following Air War College, Captain Cochran reported for duty as the executive officer (XO) at Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) Wolfpack. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron 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 This page was last edited on 3 February 2023, at 21:38. 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. This years show concluded on July 9, at which point selections were made. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader WebU.S. Lt. Amanda Lee will join the elite Blue Angels flight demonstration team this fall as its first female fighter pilot. ", "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. When team members lose sight of their purpose and values, they often engage in hidden agendas, deception, and narrow-minded pettiness. Marine Maj. Frank Zastoupil, of Kingwood, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker). Rushes are asked to tell a joke prior to the brief, and graded by the team as part of the rigorous selection process. 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You must take actions and hold offenders accountable. These were the first visits by any U.S. military flight demonstration team to these nations. Commander Greg McWherter (Head of the Blue Angels) Lieutenant James Tomaszeski. 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 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.. [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. 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. 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. Lee follows Marine Maj. Katie Higgins, who was the first woman to fly with the Blue Angels. Her relief on Monday raised eyebrows because the Air Force had announced only two weeks earlier that Kotnick would take command of the Vipers. Three years later, in April 2016, Lee was designated a naval aviator, the U.S. Navy said. Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other demonstration platform, the F/A-18 logged the first ever flight demonstrations in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria during the 1992 show season. For the latest information regarding the Blue Angels and the 2021/2022 show seasons, be sure to stay tuned to our social media, website, and mobile app. 66 PENSACOLA, Florida (NNS) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season In July 1994, he was selected as the first African-American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels.[3]. 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. 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. Simonsen, the ^6 pilot and opposing solo for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, give.jpg, US Navy 110706-N-DI587-095 Blue Angels plane captains strap William Gordon, executive director for Orange County public schools, into an F-A 18 Hor.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-007 Members of the U.S. Navy Fight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-039 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-IR859-041 Members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.jpg, US Navy 110716-N-NT881-144 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, greets the public and signs autographs after a Blue.jpg, US Navy 110831-N-DI587-003 A Sailor applies a Navy Energy Security logo to a Blue Angels F-A-18.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-JM744-077 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announces conducting demonstration flights with a 50-50 mix of biofuel and JP-5 aviation.jpg, US Navy 110901-N-ZZ999-002 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus speaks during a press conference at Naval Air Station Patuxent River about the.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-010 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Nathaniel Stuart, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue An.jpg, US Navy 110910-N-IR859-012 Capt. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. Higgins flew the teams C-130 Fat Albert transport plane from 2014 to 2016. 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 Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. After serving with the Blues, members return to fleet assignments. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. July 18 (Reuters) - The U.S. Navys famed Blue Angels aerial demonstration team on Monday named the first female pilot in the squadrons history, the organization said. WebFun facts about the Blue Angels: The first air show was performed at Craig Field, Jacksonville, Florida, on June 15, 1946. 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. 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. 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. Alfred 'A' Taddeo, an original member of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-107 Capt. We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year, said Capt. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. Zoe SiS" Kotnik, the first female pilot to helm that services F-16 Viper demonstration team. 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. He made his first deployment flying RF-8G on board the USSNimitz(CVN-68) to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. By the time his assignment with VF-213 was completed, he had flown over 2,000 hours and made 469 carrier landings in fighter aircraft. They are flying the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. 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. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Selections must be unanimous. 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. 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. Lt. Amanda Lee will be the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, the Navy announced Monday. Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A-4 static display on the Campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. There are 25 women on the team now. An estimated 11 million spectators watch the squadron perform every year throughout the country and in Canada. Jim Cox, of 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. He served in the Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Two new pilots, a new assistantmaintenance officer, a new events coordinator and a new flight surgeon will join the team ahead of 2021. This began a practice that continues to this day of operating a two-seat aircraft for show support and VIP rides. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season.. Jul 20, 2022, 11:56 AM. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. 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. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. (Cochran was the last commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 1 the Wolfpack). Over the years, two former Blue Angels were killed in action. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Graduated from Savannah State College in June 1976, earning a degree in civil engineering technology and commission in the United States Navy. 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. Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. -LT William Kruger, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Supply Officer currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). 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. Lt. Cmdr. Tucker declined to say whether the member of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the units official name is a tactical aviator or part of the support and maintenance crew but the removed person does not appear to be a numbered pilot. Blue Angels. Here are eight facts to know about Blue Angels pilots and their work: 1. Navy Blue Angels flying F-4J Phantom II aircraft, they exhibit their maneuvering skills over Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, 23 March 1970. 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. WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. Click on red bar for more info. 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. 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 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.