US Navy Flight Demonsration Squadron

• Formation and Nickname: The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946, making it the second oldest formal flying aerobatic team in the world. • Origin of the Name: The name "Blue Angels" was inspired by the Blue Angel nightclub in New York City, which a squadron member read about in a magazine. • First Performance: The team’s first public demonstration was on June 15, 1946, at Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida. • Early Aircraft: The original Blue Angels flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat, quickly transitioning to the Grumman F8F Bearcat later that same year. • Role in the Korean War: In 1950, the Blue Angels briefly disbanded and formed the core of Fighter Squadron 191 ("Satan’s Kittens") to serve in the Korean War, before re-forming in 1951. • “Fat Albert” Support Plane: The team’s famous C-130 Hercules support plane, nicknamed "Fat Albert," is a crowd favorite and even performs its own jet-assisted takeoffs during some shows. • Signature Maneuvers: The Blue Angels are renowned for their tight formations, flying as close as 18 inches apart during the diamond formation maneuvers. • Female Pilots: In 2015, Marine Captain Katie Higgins became the first female pilot to fly with the Blue Angels, piloting “Fat Albert.” • Aircraft Evolution: The Blue Angels have flown several types of aircraft, including the F9F Panther, F-11 Tiger, A-4 Skyhawk, and currently the F/A-18 Super Hornet since 2021. • Global Ambassadors: The Blue Angels have performed for more than 500 million spectators worldwide, serving as ambassadors for naval aviation and inspiring generations to serve.