Blue Angels
The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets.
| Blue Angels U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron | |
|---|---|
Blue Angels insignia | |
| Active | 24 April 1946–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Aerobatic flight demonstration team |
| Size | Navy: 13 officers Marine Corps: 4 officers Navy & Marine Corps: 100+ enlisted personnel |
| Garrison/HQ | NAS Pensacola, Florida NAF El Centro, California (Winter Facility) |
| Nickname(s) | The Blues |
| Colors | "Blue Angel" blue "Insignia" yellow |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | CDR Alexander Armatas |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets (single seat) (Demonstrations use F/A-18Es #1 to 6; backup is a pair of F/A-18F #7) |
| Transport | Marine Corps 1 C-130J Super Hercules |
The Blue Angels typically perform aerial displays in at least 60 shows annually at 30 locations throughout the United States and two shows at 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 cities. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.
As of November 2011, the Blue Angels received $37 million annually from the annual Department of Defense budget.