[George W. Bush]

The blues get the oldest equipment in the fleet...

I recall them in the Eighties. They flew over town and, though the aircraft were kept spotless for the show, I thought they looked outdated way back then too. I suppose the latest stuff is too precious to the Pentagon for civilian events.

[Pukin Dog]

No, there is a mandated operational life on all military aircraft. The Hornets undergo tremendous stress on the airframes from fleet duty, especially carrier cycles. Once they have reached a certain point, the airframes are either recycled or the Blues get them, strip out what they no longer need, and paint them up. They are actually lighter and faster than the fleet birds.

The Blues were flying A-models long after the Fleet had C's and D's. Once the Blues are done with them, they are destroyed.

[doorgunner69]

I suppose the latest stuff is too precious to the Pentagon for civilian events.

No, the latest stuff is for defending the country, not for airshows.

That said, I'd really like to see the Blues get the Super Hornet.

[Mark2005]

I appreciate all the info given here even if the comments came accross harshly. We’re all upset about this no question.

I understand the comment the shows are not necessary - just entertainment. But these are the ultimate of everything America has stood for in our 200 + years, if we’ve done anything right.... I can’t even imagine how to describe these shows, there’s nothing to compare...

Hard to believe this happened because he clipped a tree.