A Final Salute: The Blue Angels' Farewell to the Legacy Hornet
The Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, hit a milestone in their 2020 season. Following 34 years of service and performing for literally millions, the Legacy Hornets used by the squadron made their final launch and recovery from NAS Sherman Field, Pensacola, Florida. Like many aviation enthusiasts, I’ve never seen The Blues in anything but the Legacy Hornets. To see the end of the season is bittersweet.
November 4, 2020, the team announced one last legacy tribute flight and final farewell for the Pensacola area. I chose the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier as the backdrop for this final salute. I’ve seen the blues return home many times from this spot. For many, the team “smoking the beach” upon return from air shows over the years is a Sunday tradition. As the group approached, I heard Boss Kesselring call “Smoke On” for one last pass over the pier. It was a sight to take in. Perfect Sky. Perfect Delta. The perfect way to say Goodbye.
Airspeed - The Magazine for Aviation Photographers (December 2020 issue Page 22)
Airspeed - The Magazine for Aviation Photographers (December 2020 issue Page 24)
The Blue Angels' final flight in the Legacy Hornet was a bittersweet moment for aviation enthusiasts. I've never seen The Blues in anything but the Legacy Hornets, so to see the end of their season was bittersweet. But I was there to witness their final salute as they flew over the Pensacola pier. It was a perfect day, and the Blues did not disappoint those who came to see them. It's been a joy and a privilege to share segments of time through images of this remarkable Boeing aircraft.
This poignant print captures the Blue Angels Delta formation crossing over the Pensacola fishing pier for the final time in their Legacy Hornets. The image commemorates a significant moment in aviation history, showcasing this remarkable aircraft's 34 years of service with the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron.
On November 4, 2020, the Blue Angels took their final flight in the Legacy Hornet. The sunset flight was a perfect ending to a 34-year run. The Blue Angels have flown this aircraft since 1986, and it has earned its retirement. Thank you to all the pilots who have flown this great aircraft.
This evocative print captures the Blue Angels Delta formation flying along Pensacola beach for the home crowd for the final time with the Boeing F/A-18 Legacy Hornet. A fitting end to a beloved aircraft, this image pays tribute to the pilots who have flown it, the maintenance crews who have cared for it, and the countless individuals who have been inspired by the Blue Angels' performances all around the world.
November 4, 2020: And so it goes. The end of an era. 2020 marks the Legacy Hornets’ end of service life with the Blue Angels—a final salute.
1986-2020 For 34 years, the Blues have flown the Legacy Hornet,
She’s been a good ship and will be missed.