The first female Blue Angel flight surgeon was LT Tamara Schnurr, as a member of the 2001 team. By the time his assignment with VF-213 was completed, he had flown over 2,000 hours and made 469 carrier landings in fighter aircraft. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the teams home base of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show each year. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-015 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. This page was last edited on 2 October 2010, at 13:33. Because of this, Cochran transitioned to the F-14A at VF-124 at NAS Miramar. Hundreds of women representing the Navy and Marine Corps have served with the Blue Angels during the last 55 years, according to the 76-year-old unit. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season.. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. Governor of Indiana presents a certificate declaring the Blue Angels as Honorary Hoosiers.jpg, US Navy 070908-N-9134V-044 Cmdr. He is assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 and is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 060428-N-7517M-012 Naval Recruiting District Atlanta Sailors recite the oath of enlistment led by Blue Angels pilot, Lt. Anthony Walley.jpg, US Navy 070831-N-3271W-002 Lt. Cmdr. Your work environment matters and when the values of respect, integrity, honesty, and loyalty break down, so does your performance! Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets As has been the case throughout the history of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the demonstration pilots adjusted the show routine to take advantage of the new platforms capabilities. (Chris Williamson/U.S. They are seriously some of the coolest people you will ever meet because being a blue angel is more than just being a bad ass pilot, its about being a bad ass person. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: from around the world. Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. With the transition to the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, some of the newer maneuvers were able to perform intricate maneuvers with more precision and accuracy. Max McCoy, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-641 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic (Sara Eshleman/U.S. Following his department head tour, Captain Cochran was screened to command of an operational F-14 squadron and was selected to attend the Air War College, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. For this reason, Cochran was reassigned to Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Sundowners for 29 days as XO before assuming command of the squadron as CO. WebThe Blue Angels might be a demonstration team, but they are naval aviators first. The number 3 pilot moves to the number 4 (slot) position for his second year. Make sure you meet the minimum Blue Angels requirements In order to be a Blue Angels applicant, you must be Donnie L. Cochran is a former United States Navy naval aviator and was the first African-American aviator to be selected to the Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels in 1986. Following three years of flying with the Blue Angels, Captain Cochran was assigned to the Bounty Hunters of VF-2 for department head tour as the squadron's maintenance officer. All team members, both officer and enlisted, pilots and staff officers, come from the ranks of regular Navy and United States Marine Corps units. Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. A total of 17 officers serve with the Blue Angels, the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. Lt. Cmdr. Greg McWherter presents Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an autographed memento of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in flight.jpg, US Navy 100625-N-0092J-029 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, rest on the vertical stabs of an F-A-18 Hornet after performing at The Great Minnesota Air Show.jpg, US Navy 101022-N-8102J-044 Retired Cmdr. During this deployment, the Iranians took over the US Embassy and the USS Nimitz was diverted to the Indian Ocean. Navy Lt. Cmdr. New National Museum of the U.S. Navy-October 2020, New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - October 2022, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - Main, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, The Forgotten Wars of the Nineteenth Century, Civil War: Securing the Seas for Union Victory, Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities), Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities) - Main, Sailor's Life at Sea & Poetry (Grades 4-6), DIVE! Greg Jones of Cary, N.C., was selected as the new Blue Angels maintenance officer. Blue Angels Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighters (National Naval Aviation Museum). Higgins flew the teams C-130 Fat Albert transport plane from 2014 to 2016. A native of Belarus, she has also reported from Moscow, Russia. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-051 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, greet each other after the demonstratio.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-004 Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Evan Bradbury, crew chief for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 111016-N-IR859-046 Lt. Cmdr. The squadron made one deployment on board the USS Ranger to the Persian Gulf and flew missions over Southern Iraq enforcing the southern no fly zone. announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season, Precision and form draw crowds, and awe, at Thunder Over Michigan, Navy Week, Thunder Over Michigan airshow return to Detroit area, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Captain Cochran made one deployment on board the USS Ranger (CV-61). Blue Angels Lockheed TV-2 Shooting Star (National Naval Aviation Museum). The Blues made "slight changes to the conventional officer rotation," as a result of the lost season, said Cmdr. This category has the following 6 subcategories, out of 6 total. There are 25 women on the team now. The Blue Angels name was introduced a month later. In September 1985, he was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. The 2021 show season, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Blue Angels in 1946, introduced the F/A-18 Super Hornet to air show crowds. Official U.S. Navy Photograph. His first assignment after training in the F-14 was with the Blacklions of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213), where he made two deployments on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The squadron has had more than 260 demonstration pilots and 37 flight leaders and commanding officers since its inception in 1946. When team members lose sight of their purpose and values, they often engage in hidden agendas, deception, and narrow-minded pettiness. The closest the diamond will fly to each other is 18 inches during the Diamond 360 Blue Angels Grumman F9F Panthers (National Naval Aviation Museum). A fatal crash at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in 1950 ended the use of Beetle Bomb as part of flight demonstrations. The Navy annually counts 16 officers who volunteer for the team and theyre supported by nearly 100 enlisted sailors and Marines. Blue Angels Grumman F11F Tiger (National Naval Aviation Museum). Members of the 2013 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are: giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.Clement Clarke Moore (17791863), The state of society is one in which the members have suffered amputation from the trunk, and strut about so many walking monsters,a good finger, a neck, a stomach, an elbow, but never a man.Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882), Flying Blue Angel No.1, Commander Thomas Frosch, USN (Commanding Officer/Flight Leader), Flying Blue Angel No.2, Lieutenant Commander John Hiltz, USN (Right Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.3, Lieutenant Nate Barton, USN (Left Wing), Flying Blue Angel No.4, Captain Brandon Cordill, USMC (Slot), Flying Blue Angel No.5, Lieutenant Commander David Tickle, USN (Lead Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.6, Lieutenant Mark Tedrow, USN (Opposing Solo), Flying Blue Angel No.7, Lieutenant Ryan Chamberlain, USN (Advance Pilot/Narrator), Events Coordinator, Blue Angel No.8, Lieutenant Commander Michael Cheng, USN, Flying Fat Albert, M1, Captain John Hecker, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M2, Captain A. J. Harrell, USMC, Flying Fat Albert, M3, Captain Mike Van Wyk, USMC, Maintenance Officer, Lieutenant Commander Richard Mercado, USN, Flight Surgeon, Lieutenant Commander Mark DeBuse, USN, Administrative Officer, Lieutenant Holly Taylor, USN, Supply Officer, Lieutenant Scott Adams, USN, Public Affairs Officer, Lieutenant Katie Kelly, USN. After leaving the Blue Angels, Cochran served as the commanding officer of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC), at Florida A & M University with cross-town enrollment with Florida State University from August 1996 until July 1999. Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other demonstration platform, the F/A-18 logged the first ever flight demonstrations in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria during the 1992 show season. The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. What this meant for the 1986 team, they would get an extra year on the team. She's home:Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, "Not being able to fly across the country and execute our mission definitely affects some of ourbest practices, if you will, and some of the training when it comes to the refinement from the demos," Kesselring said Friday. Dan Martin signs an F-14 Tomcat toy, for a child.jpg, US Navy 031017-N-6213R-030 Ground crews stand by as the United States Navy's precision flight demonstration team Blue Angels perform.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-361 During Naval Air Station Lemoore's annual air show, pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, give a final salute ending their show.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-378 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show on board Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-379 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040327-N-7559C-001 The Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team Blue Angels, CDR Russ Boss Bartlett, of Nantucket, Mass., talks to his crew chief.jpg, US Navy 040514-N-0295M-045 Draftsman 2nd Class Jeffrey Ballge photographs one of the Blue Angel's six F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 040606-N-7559C-001 Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Mario Delacruz, from El Paso, Texas, wipes brake dust from the tire rim of a Blue Angels F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 041024-N-8253M-010 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, march down the ramp following their performance at the 2004 N'Awlins Air Show.jpg, US Navy 041106-N-4779D-045 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, salutes the pilot of his F-A-18A Hornet as he prepare for takeoff.jpg, US Navy 041107-N-8683B-110 Lt. Cmdr. Deo Harrypersaud, crew chief of the Blue Angels ^7 plane, prior to a VIP ride with.jpg, US Navy 070707-N-2888Q-003 Lt. Cmdr. She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. Svetlana Shkolnikova covers Congress for Stars and Stripes. Hundreds of women have held various roles with the Blue Angels over 55 years, but Lee is the first woman selected to serve as a demonstration pilot. The selected 2023 officers include: F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: -Lt. Cmdr. July 18, 2022 11:50 AM. At the time, she credited Mariner for pioneering the way for women like herself in the air forces. WebUS Navy 040327-N-7559C-001 The Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team Blue Angels, CDR Russ Boss Bartlett, of Nantucket, Mass., talks to This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. 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The demonstration pilots and narrator are made up of Navy and USMC Naval Aviators. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-069 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. He graduated from Central Washington University in 2010. -LT Scott Goossens, of San Francisco, California, is an F/A-18 Pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Brian Kesselring, of Fargo, North Dakota, Navy Lt. Katlin Forster, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Navy Cmdr. Cochran later assumed command of the Blue Angels in 1994. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070425-N-7559C-003 Lt. Cmdr. Two new pilots, a new assistantmaintenance officer, a new events coordinator and a new flight surgeon will join the team ahead of 2021. This story has been shared 163,713 times. The Blue Angels flew two versions of the Panther (the F9F-2 and F9F-5), the first jet operated by the team. Kevin Mannix, commanding officer of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team, introduces the team during the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show Beach Blast.jpg, US Navy 071031-N-8102J-019 Brian Schneider, catcher for the Washington Nationals baseball team, receives preflight instructions from the crew chief, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-047 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepare to recover six F-A-18 Hornets.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-049 Capt. We've received your submission. The team operated both the short-nose and long-nose versions, and when the F-4 Phantom II replaced the Tiger after the 1968 show season, the F11F Tiger marked the end of an era as the last Grumman-built aircraft flown by the team. Theodore Steelman, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-029 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, conducts a post flight inspection of the vertical stabilizer on the team's Opposing Solo F-A-18A Hornet aircraft du.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-507 Opposing Solo, Lt. Cmdr. New team members will report to the Blue Angels in September for a two-month turnover period before beginning a rigorous five-month training program at the teams home base of Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif. Officers typically serve two to three years with the team, according to the Blue Angels. The new C-130 demonstration pilot will be Marine Corps Capt. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. Lt. Amanda Lee of Mounds View, Minn., will be the first woman F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot for the squadron. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader Watch What Happens! Greg McWherter, the commanding officer of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Jim.jpg, US Navy 101023-N-1776T-136 Al Taddeo, the oldest living former pilot of the U.S Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, gives a thumbs.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-002 Lt. Todd Royles, events coordinator of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Dave Tickle.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-010 Lt. Todd Royles, the events coordinator before leaving for preseason visits. The four diamond pilots were frozen in positioned for a year to enhance safety, to accommodate the team's transition to the new F/A-18, and to fly a complete airshow season in the same year. In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the left wingman position flying the number 3 jet in the A-4F Skyhawk. Tucker declined to say whether the member of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the units official name is a tactical aviator or part of the support and maintenance crew but the removed person does not appear to be a numbered pilot. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Cougars (National Naval Aviation Museum). He serves as a KC-130J Hercules pilot with the Sumos of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and is a 2014 graduate of Indiana University. On March 8th, 1951, LCDR Johnny Magda was shot down and killed in Korea. These were the first visits by any U.S. military flight demonstration team to these nations. ", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Donnie_Cochran&oldid=1137292325, African-American United States Navy personnel, BLP articles lacking sources from November 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Captain Cochran was directly responsible for developing and grooming over 100 future naval officers for the navy and United States Marine Corps. From 1952 to 1954, the Blue Angels flew a single TV-2 Shooting Star. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. On January 27th, 1973, CDR Harley Hall was shot down over Vietnam. Navy). The average age of a pilot is around 33 years old. They also represent the US Marine Corps. The "Blue Angels" currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. Only six are used during demonstration flights (normally single-seat versions) and the rest are used as spares, if one of main aircraft is unserviceable and cannot be repaired before the show begins. -LT Scott Goossens, of San Francisco, California, is an F/A-18 Pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker). MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team. Jul 20, 2022, 11:56 AM. Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, selected six new officers to join the team for the for the 2023 air show season. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. Navy), Lt. Amanda Lee, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106s Rhino Demo Team, maneuvers an F/A-18E Super Hornet at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Ore., May 21, 2022. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 Lt. Cmdr. It was also while flying the Bearcat that the Blue Angels introduced their enduring diamond formation. Tom Winkler signs autographs for Virginia Beach resident Matt and his son.jpg, US Navy 061025-N-5060B-100 Mass Communication Specialist Heather Ewton interviews Blue Angel's pilot Lt. Kevin Davis after giving a media ride to local VIP personnel prior to the 2006 Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sh.jpg, US Navy 061027-N-1810F-039 Raleigh Dusty Rhodes, one of the first pilots and commanders of the Blue Angels, autographs a poster for Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Olivares before the practice air show aboard Nav.jpg, US Navy 070203-N-6652A-074 Blue Angels Public Affairs Chief Brabble holds a meet and greet with local law enforcement agencies and their families before an air performance.jpg, US Navy 070422-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration pilot, Lcdr. It was during this tour that Captain Cochran applied for, completed an interview process, and was selected as commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. This month, Marine Katie Higgins piloted for the Blue Angels Aviation Team for the last time. Higgins was the first (and so far, only) female pilot for the second oldest aerobatic team in the world. I think, no matter what your gender is, just to be selected to be on this team is an honor, she told Fox 13 News. Anthony Walley, talks with Jimmie White I, father of fallen Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie White II prior to the dedication of the Jimmie White II Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Ar.jpg, US Navy 061103-N-2908O-003 Lt.Cmdr. In January 1986, the navy announced that the Blue Angels would be transitioning from the A-4F to the F/A-18 Hornet. Jim Cox, of WebMembers of the 2013 U.S. Navy Blue Angels are: Flying Blue Angel No.1, Commander Thomas Frosch, USN (Commanding Officer/Flight Leader) Flying Blue Angel No.2,