About this Unit
The Blue & Gold Landing Teams are specialized amphibious assault units within the United States Navy, most notably associated with the Navy SEALs and the Naval Special Warfare community. Established during the Vietnam War era, these teams were initially formed to provide rapid-response capabilities for riverine and coastal operations, supporting both direct action missions and reconnaissance. Over time, the Blue & Gold Landing Teams evolved to become interchangeable crews for SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams, ensuring continuous operational readiness through alternating deployment cycles. Their legacy is marked by adaptability, technical expertise, and a critical role in enabling naval special operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins with the Blue Angels: The Blue & Gold Landing Teams are directly associated with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Blue Angels, serving as the ground support and public relations teams during airshows.
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Distinctive Colors: The "Blue" and "Gold" refer to the official colors of the U.S. Navy, which are also the signature colors of the Blue Angels' aircraft and uniforms.
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Ambassadors of the Navy & Marine Corps: These teams act as primary ambassadors to the public, engaging with spectators, answering questions, and promoting naval aviation careers.
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Logistical Backbone: Blue & Gold Landing Teams are responsible for the intricate logistics of setting up, supporting, and breaking down each Blue Angels airshow performance.
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High Selection Standards: Members are carefully selected from top-performing sailors and Marines for their professionalism, technical expertise, and communication skills.
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Aircraft Maintenance: The teams play a crucial role in aircraft maintenance and safety inspections, ensuring all planes are performance-ready for shows.
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Community Outreach: Beyond airshows, they participate in school visits, hospital outreach, and community events to inspire future generations and foster goodwill.
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Precision Timing: Landing Team members work with split-second timing, coordinating aircraft launches, arrivals, and ground movements similar to carrier deck operations.
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Tradition of Excellence: The Blue & Gold Landing Teams uphold a tradition of excellence and discipline, mirroring the values and precision of the Blue Angels pilots themselves.
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Unique Call Signs: Team members are often given unique call signs or nicknames by their peers, reflecting their personality or a memorable incident during their service.