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 was established in 1946, making it the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. The Blue Angels' McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets are currently flown by five Navy demonstration Aviators and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot. In order for the blues mission to be successful, the team requires logistical support. This role is fulfilled by a very large 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 Blue Angels perform aerial displays annually in at least 60 shows at 30 locations throughout the United States and one location 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. 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.
Without a doubt, capturing the Blue Angels is one of the most challenging but rewarding types of photography one can undertake. 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 many almost magical moments when everything is lined up to perfection. The opportunity to capture these exceptional aviators paired with high-performance military aircraft 18 inches apart in a series of 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 each and every performance.
2019 Team Members:
Blue Angel #1 “Boss” CDR Eric C. Doyle
Blue Angel #2 Right-Wing Lt. James Haley
Blue Angel #3 Left-Wing Lt. James Cox
Blue Angel #4 Slot Maj. Jeff Mullins
Blue Angel #5 Lead Solo LCDR Brandon Hempler
Blue Angel #6 Opposing Solo Lt. Andre Webb
The United States Navy Blue Angels Teams
2019 Pensacola Beach Airshow
Pensacola Beach, Florida