The FReeper Foxhole Studies Aerial Demonstration Teams - Part 3 - The Blue Angels - Dec. 6th, 2003

see educational sources

[snippy_about_it]

Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer
for all those serving their country at this time.


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The Blue Angels



A Brief History

At the end of World War II, Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, the Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the formation of a flight demonstration team to keep the public interested in Naval Aviation. The Blue Angels performed their first flight demonstration less than a year later in June 1946 at their home base, Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida. Flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat, they were led by Lt. Cmdr. Roy "Butch" Voris.

The first aircraft the Blue Angels used was the F6F Hellcat, and they only had three of these aircraft and one SNJ. This aircraft didn't last long with the Blue Angels.


The paint color on the Hellcats was FS15042-Gloss Sea Blue and the yellow was actual gold leaf.

Only two months later on August 25, 1946, the Blue Angels transitioned to the Grumman F8F Bearcat and introduced the famous "diamond" formation.


Bearcat

By the end of the 1940s, the Blue Angels were flying their first jet aircraft, the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. In response to the demands placed on Naval Aviation in the Korean Conflict, the team reported to the aircraft carrier USS Princeton as the nucleus of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-191), "Satan's Kitten", in 1950.

They were reorganized the next year and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, where they began flying the newer and faster version of the Panther, the F9F-5.



The Blue Angels remained in Corpus Christi until the winter of 1954 when they relocated to their present home at NAS Pensacola, Florida. It was here that they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar.


The ensuing 20 years saw the Blue Angels transition to two more aircraft, the Grumman F11F-1 Tiger (1957) and the McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1969).


Tiger 3




Phantom II

In December 1974, the Navy Flight Demonstration Team began flying the McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II and was reorganized into the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. This reorganization permitted the establishment of a commanding officer vice a flight leader, added support officers, and further redefined the squadron's mission emphasizing the support of recruiting efforts. Cmdr. Tony Less was the squadron's first official commanding officer.



On November 8, 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the sleek McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft now serving on the nation's front lines of defense. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 260 million spectators.


The opposing Solo performs the High Performance Climb on takeoff. The pilot will experience nearly six times the pull of gravity during this maneuver.


Surrounded by a cloud of water vapor, one of the jets hurries to catch up with the rest of the team.


The Opposing Solo performs the Low Transition on Takeoff before going into the High Performance climb during a demonstration.

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FReeper Foxhole Armed Services Links

[SAMWolf]

The maneuvers and the skill it takes to perform them is just awe-inspiring!

[snippy_about_it]

[Victoria Delsoul]

Hi Snippy and Sam, I'm sure you guys are having a great time together in Oregon. Come back soon, we'll miss you both.

[HiJinx]

Thanks, bud...blurry screen time.

I don't know why she does this to me, I haven't always been an Arizona resident...but it's really tough to see pictures of her.

But seriously, thanks. She was a proud lady and home to many fine men.

[Samwise]

I highly recommend visiting the naval air station and museum in Pensacola. Our entire family enjoyed our visit. However, don't trust the street signs. Visitors must go to a different gate now. The signs are pre-9/11.

[Darksheare]

I'm in.

[SAMWolf]

Good afternoon Victoria.

Just taking it easy today, after running around and doing some shopping earlier. Went and saw the Downtown decorations yesterday evening.

[snippy_about_it]

No need to miss us, we're still here! You're right we're having a great time.

[snippy_about_it]

Hi Matt! Good to see you today. I'm glad you're enjoying the threads.

[snippy_about_it]

Hi Samwise.

[snippy_about_it]

Good afternoon Darksheare.

[SAMWolf]

"High Flight"



Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

High Flight was composed by Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr., an American serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was born in Shanghai, China in 1922, the son of missionary parents, Reverend and Mrs. John Gillespie Magee; his father was an American and his mother was originally a British citizen.

He came to the U.S. in 1939 and earned a scholarship to Yale, but in September 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF and was graduated as a pilot. He was sent to England for combat duty in July 1941.

In August or September 1941, Pilot Officer Magee composed High Flight and sent a copy to his parents. Several months later, on December 11, 1941 his Spitfire collided with another plane over England and Magee, only 19 years of age, crashed to his death.

[Darksheare]

Afternoon.
Been bouncing about as usual.

[SAMWolf]

Afternoon HiJinx.

[SAMWolf]

Hi Darksheare!

[snippy_about_it]

Been bouncing about as usual.

As is your way and just one of the things we enjoy about you!

[SAMWolf]

Blue Angels demonstrate the Opposing Knife Edge Pass

[snippy_about_it]

WHOA !!! That's close!

[Darksheare]

Yup, and hello!
*Chuckle*
Gotta be bouncing about, what else would I do if I didn't?