2021 United States Navy Blue Angels

US Navy Blue Angels

The mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron 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."

  The world-famous Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron established in 1946, making it the world's second-oldest formal aerobatic team. The Blue Angels' McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets are flown by five Navy demonstration Aviators and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot. For the blues mission to be successful, the team requires logistical support. This role is fulfilled by a massive member of the team. A C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as “Fat Albert,” is flown and managed by an all Marine Corps crew. She is beloved by both young and old as a fixture of The Blues.

  The "Blues" still employ many of the same practices and techniques in the inaugural 1946 season. The Blue Angels perform aerial displays annually in at least 60 shows at 30 locations throughout the United States and one location in Canada. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during annual air shows from March through November. Members of the Blue Angels team also visit more than 50,000 people in schools, hospitals, and community functions at air show sites. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.

Capturing the Blue Angels is one of the most challenging but rewarding types of photography. The difference between capturing the moment your after or missing it can happen in the blink of an eye. My goal has always been to capture the almost magical moments when everything is perfectly lined up. The opportunity to capture these exceptional aviators paired with high-performance military aircraft 18 inches apart in diamond and delta formations as they demonstrate rolls, climbs, and crossing passes is second to none. The atmosphere the Blues create by such aerial precision fills the air with patriotism, pride, and confidence in the United States Military. All of it while audience members gasp with every performance.

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