U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron

Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu.

This page is dedicated posthumously to Lieutenant Junior Grade James Patrick Shea, United States Navy Reserve, a pilot of Attack Squadron 215.

AIR MEDAL

Lieutenant Junior Grade James Patrick Shea was born August 18, 1940 in Burlingame, California. Lieutenant Shea attended and was graduated from San Jose State University. Jim Shea entered the United States Navy in September 1962 and was commissioned an Ensign in December 1962. Jim enjoyed music performed by the 'New Christy Minstrels'. While in flight training Jim Shea was a member of the Naval Air Station Pensacola Goshawks football team, captained by Roger Staubach.
On Tuesday, April 20, 1965, Lieutenant Shea was flying a Douglas A-1H Skyraider, NP-51, BuNo. 139818, from United States Ship Hancock (CVA-19) carrier on Yankee Station. Lieutenant Shea was killed while attacking a target near Haiphong, North Vietnam. His body was not recovered.
Lieutenant Junior Grade James Patrick Shea is remembered on "The Wall" panel 01E, row 106.

Patch

First two patch images courtesy of Gary Verver.

Below provided by Denny Sapp

Sources

David Weber

Gary Verver

1975-76: LT Dennis Sap, Blue Angel Driver: "A-4 time was mostly "F"s from 1969-1977. Squadrons were VA-55 1970-72, China Lake 1973-1974, Blue Angel Solo Pilot 1975-76."

Handle

Blue Angels

Blues

Heritage

1945: Blues established at the end of WWII.

1950: Blues operations suspended and pilots assigned to VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" for combat in Korea.

1951: Blues reorganized after Korea.

DEC 1974: Blues reorganized as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. The Blue Angels both transitioned to the A-4F Skyhawk and became an official “Squadron” of the US Navy, making the team leader a Squadron Commander during 1974. The first Blues Skyhawk Squadron CO was CDR Tony Less. The Blue Angels flew the Skyhawk for Season 1974 thru Season 1986, 13 seasons thought by many to be the best shows of all time. They have been in F/A-18’s since the 1987 season and into the foreseeable future.

Home Ports

1946: NAS Jacksonville, FL

1951: NAS Corpus Christi, TX

1955: NAS Pensacola, FL

Air Wings

Tail Code = BA

Aircraft

1973:
TA-4J 156894 29 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 18 Dec 1973.
TA-4J 156899 29 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 16 Jan 1974.
TA-4J 158717 25 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Mar 1974.
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154984 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 20 Jan 1977.

1974
TA-4J 156899 29 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 16 Jan 1974.
TA-4J 158717 25 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Mar 1974.
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154176 26 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 03 Dec 1976.
BA1 A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
BA6 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
BA3 A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
BA1 A-4F 154984 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 20 Jan 1977.
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO

1975:
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA6 A-4F 154176 26 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 03 Dec 1976.
BA1 A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154984 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 20 Jan 1977.
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA5 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO

1976:
TA-4J 158107 09 Nov 1976 - Flight Demo Team 20 Jan 1977.
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154176 26 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 03 Dec 1976.
A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
BA4 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154202 20 Oct 1976 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1977 - Stricken - 1SO
BA5 A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154984 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 20 Jan 1977.
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA3 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO

1977:
TA-4J 158107 09 Nov 1976 - Flight Demo Team 20 Jan 1977.
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
BA1 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154202 20 Oct 1976 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1977 - Stricken - 1SO
BA3 A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154984 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 20 Jan 1977.
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155056 17 Mar 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 07 Nov 1978 - Stricken - 1SO

1978:
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA3 A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA1 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 155056 17 Mar 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 07 Nov 1978 - Stricken - 1SO

1979:
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA4 A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
BA2 A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
BA6 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
BA5 A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
BA6/BA3 A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA1 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1980:
TA-4J 153477 01 Dec 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 03 Apr 1981
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA4 A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154177 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
BA2 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB - Davis-Mothan AFB Tucson, AZ
BA6 A-4F 154975 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
BA6 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
BA3 A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA1 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA5 A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1981:
TA-4J 153477 01 Dec 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 03 Apr 1981
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1982:
TA-4J 154632 20 Oct 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 29 Oct 1982
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA2 A-4F 154172 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
BA3 A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
BA6 A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
BA4 A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
BA2/BA5 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
BA4 A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA5 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1983:
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154172 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
BA1 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1984:
BA7 TA-4J 153667 01 Nov 1983 - Flight Demo Team until 12 Dec 1986
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA6 A-4F 154172 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
BA3 A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154217 23 Jun 1984 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986
BA4 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
BA5 A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 154992 16 Dec 1984 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA2 A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1985:
TA-4J 153667 01 Nov 1983 - Flight Demo Team until 12 Dec 1986
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
A-4F 154172 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
BA1 A-4F 154176 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team until 28 Nov 1985.
A-4F 154179 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Feb 1985. - MASDC DMAFB
BA3 A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
A-4F 154211 13 Sep 1985 - Flight Demo Team 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 154217 23 Jun 1984 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986
A-4F 154973 04 Nov 1985 - Flight Demo Team 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
A-4F 154992 16 Dec 1984 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155000 28 Oct 1985 - Flight Demo Team. until 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1986:
TA-4J 153667 01 Nov 1983 - Flight Demo Team until 12 Dec 1986
BA7 TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.
BA2 A-4F 154172 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.
BA4 A-4F 154180 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB
BA5 A-4F 154211 13 Sep 1985 - Flight Demo Team 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 154217 23 Jun 1984 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986
BA3 A-4F 154973 04 Nov 1985 - Flight Demo Team 10 Nov 1986.
BA2 A-4F 154983 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
A-4F 154986 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 14 Aug 1986
BA6 A-4F 155000 28 Oct 1985 - Flight Demo Team. until 10 Nov 1986.
A-4F 155029 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team until 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
BA1 A-4F 155033 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team until 10 Nov 1986.

1987:
TA-4J 158722 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team until 01 May 1987.

Deployments

Annual air-show schedule

Commanding Officers

1946: LCDR Roy "Butch" Voris

1947: LCDR Robert Clarke

1950-1950 LCDR Johnny Madga

1951-1952 LCDR. Butch Voris

1953-1953 LCDR Ray Hawkins

1954-1956 CDR Zeke Cormier

1957-1958 CDR Ed Holley

1959-1961 CDR “Zeb” Knott

1962-1963 LCDR Ken Wallace

1964-1965 LCDR Bob Aumack

1966-1966 CDR Bob Aumack

1967-1969 CDR Bill Wheat

1970-1971 CDR Harley Hall

1972-1972 LCDR Don Bently

1973-1973 LCDR Skip Umstead

1974-1975 CDR Tony Less

1976-1977 CDR “Casey” Jones

1978-1979 CDR Bill Newman

1980-1981 CDR Denny Wisely

1982-1983 CDR Dave Carroll

1984-1985 CDR Larry Pearson

1986-1987 CDR Gil Rud

1991-Mid 1993: CDR Greg Wooldridge

1993-1994: CDR Bob Stumpf

1995-1996: CDR Donnie Cochran

1997: CDR George Dom

Blue Angel Skyhawk Team Pilots

Seasons 1974 thru 1986

LT Chuck Newcomb 72-74

Capt John Fogg, USMC 73-74

LCDR Merlin Witta 73-74

LT John Chehansky 73-75

CDR Tony Less* 73-75

LT Denny Sapp 75-78

LT John Patton 74-76

Capt. Bill Holverstatt, USMC 75-76

LT Nile Kraft 76

LT Jim Bauer 75-77

LT Al Cisneros 75-77

LCDR Vance Parker 74-75, 77

CDR Casey Jones* 76-77

LT Ray Sandal 77-78

LT Mike Curtin 78

LCDR John Miller 76-78

LCDR Don Simmons 77-78

Capt Dan Keating, USMC 77-78

LCDR Jerry Tucker 73-74, 79

LCDR Bruce Davey 77-79

CDR Bill Newman* 78-79

LT Kent Home 79-80

LCDR Mike Nord 78-80

Maj Fred Stankovich, USMC 79-80

LCDR Jack Eld 79-81

LCDR Jim Horsley 80-81

CDR Denny Wisely* 80-81

LT Bud Hunsucker 81-82

LT Randy Clark 80-82

LCDR Stu Powers 81

LCDR Bob Stephens 81-82

LT Kevin Miller 81-83

Maj Tim Dineen, USMC 81-82

LCDR Jim Ross 79-80, 82-83

CDR Dave Carrol* 82-83

LCDR Curt Walson 83-86

LCDR Pat Walsh 85-87

Capt Mark Bircher, USMC 85-87

LCDR John Virden 83-84

LCDR Chris Ives 83-84

LCDR Scott Anderson 82-84

Maj Mark Lauritzen, USMC 83-84

LCDR Mike Gershom 84-85

LT Andy Caputi 84-85

CDR Larry Pearson* 84-85

Maj Bill Campbell, USMC 85-86

LCDR David Anderson 85-87

LT Mike Campbell 87-88

LCDR Wayne Molnar 86-88

CAPT Gil Rud* 86-88

Awards

1967-69: Commandant's Aviation Efficiency Trophy

Events

June 1946: First demonstration flight.

1947: LCDR Robert Clarke introduces the Diamond Formation.

1950: The Blue Angels form the heart of VF-191 (Satan's Kittens) and serve in combat in Korea.

1951: The Blues re-organize after returning from Korea and move into facilities at NAS Corpus Christi, TX. where they remained until the winter of 1954

1955: The Blues moved to NAS Pensacola, FL.

1973: At the conclusion of their 1973 flight demonstration season, the Blue Angels retired their F-4J Phantoms and began training for the 1974 season flying the A-4F Skyhawk.
Initially, eight A-4Fs were specially reconfigured for Blue Angel use. Refinements included removal of the "humpback" avionics pod; adding a drag chute; installing control stick "load feel" bungees; adding a smoke generation system; adding an inverted flight fuel system; alteration of the horizontal stabilizer trim; permanent closure of the wing slats; and a self-contained, foldable cockpit access ladder.

March 30 1976: Lt. Denny Sapp was engaged in an over-the field practice at El Centro when the engine fire light illuminated. He made a modified precautionary approach and at about the 90-degree position, and about 1,500 feet AGL, the tower controller called, “Blue Angel 5, do you know you’re on fire?” He unstrapped during the rollout, cleared the runway onto the taxiway, stopped, shut down the engine, and stepped out of the cockpit. The fuselage was totally engulfed in flame and he dropped from the cockpit and was running toward the crash truck as it went barreling by. They started foaming the aircraft, but the fire wouldn’t go out. Ron Penn, a first-class petty officer/crew chief, came running to the plane and went under the fuselage to disconnect the oxygen bottle which was feeding the fire from inside the engine housing. At some point during the landing rollout, the controls to the tail melted away because of the oxygen-fed fire from a melted oxygen line. That was the reason the crash crew had difficulty in extinguishing the fire. The aircraft was written off as a total loss as the fuselage had melted to the wing, making repair cost too expensive. From Denny Sapp. No flight hours after 13 November 1975, status HCA 31 March 1976. Went to NARF Pensacola 20 June 1977 from Blue Angels and was SOC NARF Pensacola 08 August 1978.

February 22, 1977: Lt. Nile Kraft ejected from A-4F BuNo 154202 but perished while on a practice flight near Plaster City, CA
Cumberland, MD The Cumberland News article
Pontiac, IL Daily Leader article
Panama City, FL News-Herald article
U.S Armed Forces Pacific Stars & Stripes article

November 7, 1978: Lt. Michael R. Curtin perished in A-4F BuNo 155056 on a practice flight at NAS Miramar, CA
Cedar Rapids, IA The Cedar Rapids Gazette article
Elyria, OH Chronicle-Telegram article
U.S Armed Forces Stars & Stripes article

April 20, 1980: Lt. Jim Ross was unhurt following a fuel line fire during show. Crash landed into swamp near NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The two solo aircraft crossed over the runway and observers saw a big belch of fire blow off the hell hole door. The pilot made an immediate landing at over 200 knots went off the end of the runway and into a mangrove swamp. From Jim Winchester. Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 154177 was destroyed at Roosevelt Roads after aircraft experienced explosion/fire during airshow maneuver and departed runway on landing, 20 April 1980. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

February 22, 1982: A-4F BuNo 154975 and its pilot LCdr. Stu Powrie, 34, was killed when his A-4 Skyhawk crashed in the Imperial Valley desert near the Salton Sea following the completion of a maneuver called "the clean loop-dirty loop."
Logansport, IN Pharos-Tribune article

July 13, 1985: LCdr. Mike Gershon (A-4F BuNo 154992) was killed, Lt. Andy Caputi (A-4F BuNo 155029) ejected, mid-air collision at the top of a loop near Niagara Falls, NY airport. One crashed on the airport grounds, and the other came down in a nearby automobile junkyard. Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA., Monday, July 15, 1985. Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 154992 and BuNo 155029 were destroyed at Niagara Falls after midair collision during scheduled flight demonstration. 13 July 1985. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. Harrisburg, VA Daily News-Record article

1992: The Blue Angels deployed for its first European tour in 19 years. More than one million people in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain saw the Blue Angels perform during their 30-day tour.

NOV 1998: CDR Patrick Driscoll landed the first "Blue Jet" on an aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

Unit Photos

Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Team of 1974; L to R: No.8 Chuck Newcomb, No.6 Vance Parker, No.4 John Fogg, No. Marlin Witt, Boss No.1 Tony Less, No.3 john Chehnasky, No.5 Jerry Tucker, No.7 John Patton.

A Blue Angel does a low pass over the runway in a contest with a race car. No contest!

A-4F Skyhawk, #4, on the ramp next to a Huffer, date, location and photographer unknown.

All six in a diamond flyby. "Photograph provided courtesy of The Boeing Company: Copyright © 1997 The Boeing Company - All rights reserved."

Over the runway, flying low. "Photograph provided courtesy of The Boeing Company: Copyright © 1997 The Boeing Company - All rights reserved."

Blues lined up on the ramp.
Blue tanking up.
Blues in formation.

Date Unknown: BuNo 154179, on the line. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection.

Date Unknown: BuNo 154975, #4, parked with nose wheel getting some attention. Gary Verver Collection.

Date Unknown: BuNo 154975, #5, parked with the funky ladder installed. Gary Verver Collection.

1974

1974: BuNo 154179, with no tail #, parked with Huffer. Gary Verver Collection.

APR74: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp and configured with a pair of drop tanks. NAS Miramar Stoof in the right background. T.R. Waddington, G. Verver Collection.

1974: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, assigned to LT John Patton, parked on the ramp. Unknown Photographer, via W. Mutza.

MAY 1974: Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp.

19MAY74: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154179, #6, on the ramp at the end of the Blue Angels line at Offutt AFB. Photo by A. R. Krieger.

19 MAY 1974: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154179, #6, on the ramp at the end of the Blue Angels line at Offutt AFB. Photo by A. R. Krieger.

19 MAY 1974: Offutt AFB, photos from A.R. Krieger. Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3, Pic 4

JUN74: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154984 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

JUL74: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154984, #1, parked on the flight line July 1974. Photo by D. Hersey, G. Verver

AUG 1974: A-4F BuNo 154177 , #1, location unknown. Photographer unknown.

14 SEP 1974: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, on the ramp next to KC-130F BuNo 149806 (Fat Albert), NAS Willow Grove, 14 September 1974. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp and configured with a pair of drop tanks at NAS Miramar Oct. 1974. Gary Verver.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154975, #3, parked on the flight line Nov. 1974. Gary Verver.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154984, #1, parked on the flight line Nov. 1974. Gary Verver.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154984, #1, parked on the flight line next to number 3 Dec. 1974. Photo by Waddington, G. Verver.

NOV74: BuNo 154986, #4, parked with funky ladder installed. Gary Verver Collection.

1975

Mar 1975: LT Denny Sapp in Blue Angels BuNo 154176, #6, and LT Vance Parker in BuNo 155029, #5, flying by in the dirty back-to-back maneuver over El Centro, CA. Photo by Harry Gann, Gary Verver.

Mar 1975: LT Denny Sapp in Blue Angels BuNo 154176, #6, and LT Vance Parker in BuNo 155029, #5, flying by in the dirty back-to-back maneuver over El Centro, CA. Photo by Harry Gann, Gary Verver

Mar 1975: LT Vance Parker in Blue Angels BuNo 155029, #5, flying by in a high-speed pullout over El Centro, CA. Photo by Harry Gann, Gary Verver.

Blue Angel No.7, BuNo 158722 on the ramp.

13OCT75: BuNo 154177 with pilots l-r: Jim Bauer, Denny Sapp, John Chehansky, Bill Holverstott, NOTS CO, Tony Less, John Patton, Vance Parker and Al Cisneros.

BuNo 154177 with pilots.

13OCT75: BuNo 154177, #1, and pilots l-r: Jim Bauer, Denny Sapp, John Chehansky, Bill Holverstott, Tony Less, John Patton, Vance Parker and Al Cisneros. Miss China Lake behind them. Gary Verver Collection.

1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks practice their delta formation over their winter home in El Centro, CA. Harry Gann Photo.

1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks practice their four plane diamond formation over their winter home in El Centro, CA. Harry Gann Photo.

1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks practice the tuck under break over their winter home in El Centro, CA. They come by in level flight and #1 starts by rolling under the others in order and interval. Harry Gann Photo.

Head-on view of a six plane Blue Angels Skyhawk formation. Photographer unknown, Gary Verver Collection.

13 OCT 1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks standby for another airshow as the color guard warms up the crowd. U.S. Navy.

13 OCT 1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks standby for another airshow as the announcer warms up the crowd. U.S. Navy.

13 OCT 1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks and pilots standby for another airshow. U.S. Navy.

13 OCT 1975: Blue Angels Skyhawks standby for another airshow as the China Lake CO greets the pilots. U.S. Navy.

1976

1976 Support Crew. Todd Armanini.

1976: LT Denny Sapp in the drivers seat of Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154975, #6.  A-4 time was mostly "F"s from 1969-1977. Squadrons were VA-55 1970-72, China Lake 1973-1974, Blue Angel Solo Pilot 1975-76.

Photo from Denny Sapp.

Blue Angels #1 and the Blue Angels Bluejackets pose in front of BuNo 154983. Photo marked "Casey Jones" who was the CO 76-77. Gary Verver.

09-Oct-1976: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155029, #5 and #6 doing the inverted thing. Gary Verver Collection

09-Oct-1976: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155029, #3, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection

Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 154975, #5, dated 18 Dec 1976. Photo by I. H. Waddington, G. Verver

1977

Skyhawk line at the Ft Collins airshow.

1977: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154975, #3, parked on the ramp. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza

20 August 1977 Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154975, #3, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection

SEP 1977: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154179, #1, assigned to CDR Casey Jones. Dave Steinbacker.

07FEB77: 07 Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp. BuNo 158722 served with the team from 05 Dec 1973 to 01 May 1987 Gary Verver Collection.

1977: Blues lined up and ready to go.

JUL77: Blue Angels over the Golden Gate. Probably during a 2 day airshow at NAS Moffett in July 77. Gary Verver.

1977: Fat Albert (Marine C-130) and TA-4 BuNo.158722 at the Ft Collins, CO airshow in 1977. Gary Verver photo.

Blue Angels over their winter training site? Estimated to be 1977 at El-Centro. Gary Verver.

1978

09SEP78: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155029, #1, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154176, #3, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

1973 - 1978: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp and configured with a pair of drop tanks. BuNo 158722 served with the team from 05 Dec 1973 to 01 May 1987.

Blue A-4F Angels - 1978 USN Photograph from Gary Verver.

1979

Navy Blue Angels fly Skyhawks in spectacular vertical climb during flight demonstration programs. Douglas photo from my collection that was part of the 27 Feb 1979 News Release from McDonnel Douglas. Readable BuNo's are: #1 BuNo. 154983, #2 BuNo 154177 & #6 BuNo 154986. From Gary Verver Collection.

Navy Blue Angels fly Skyhawks in spectacular vertical climb and then in a dive during flight demonstration programs. Harry S. Gann Photos.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155029, #1, on display along with the exhibit and ceremony for the last Skyhawk built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Photo dated 27-Feb-1979 U.S. Navy photo by SGT Frank Refuerzo.

14 MAR 1979: Two A-4 Skyhawk, Blue Angel aircraft are sitting on the flight line as an AV-8A Carrier aircraft hovers overhead at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. CPL Bryan Fitzgerald.

APR79: BuNo 155029, #1,  parked with 4 shipmates. Gary Verver Collection.

1979: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline: BuNo 155029, #1; BuNo 154177, #2; BuNo 154986, #3; BuNo 154176, #4; 154975, #5 and BuNo 154179, #6. David Steinbacker

1979: flightline, r-l: BuNo 155029, #1; BuNo 154177, #2, BuNo 154986, #3; BuNo 154176, #4, BuNo 154975, #5; and BuNo 154179, #6. Dave Steinbacker.

BuNo 154177, #2, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection.

Blue Angels in formation with "Fat Albert". BuNo 155029 (#5) and 154975 (#3) can be identified. Photo courtesy of John Gabbard.

APR79: BuNo 158722, #7, looking smart. Gary Verver Collection.

Dates unknown: BuNo 158722, resting alone. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection.

1980

1980: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline, l-r: BuNo 155029, #1; BuNo 154179, #2; BuNo 154986, #3; BuNo 154176, #4; BuNo 155033, #5; and BuNo 154983, #6. David McLaren.

1980: A-4F BuNo. 154172. McDonnell/Douglas USAF KC-10 serial number 79-1711 (aircraft #1,711 contracted for in 1979) refueling Douglas A-4F BuNo. 154172.
This clearly depicts the dual aerial refueling system unique to the USAF (McDouglas developed the refueling boom concept to enable fast refueling of B-52's etc.) Using either an advanced aerial refueling boom, or a hose and drogue centerline refueling system, the KC-10A can refuel a wide variety of U.S. and allied military aircraft within the same mission. The aircraft is equipped with lighting for night operations. The KC-10A's boom operator controls refueling operations through a digital, fly-by wire system. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft, the operator can see the receiver aircraft through a wide window. During boom refueling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons (4,180 liters) per minute; the hose and drogue refueling maximum rate is 470 gallons (1,786 liters) per minute." Official USN photograph number L302776 from Gary Verver.

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154177, #1, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank. Gary Verver

Circa 1980: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155029, #1, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

1980: BuNo 155029, #1, parked as #1 on the line. Gary Verver Collection.

10 May 1980: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154975, #6, and the Blue Angels flight line. US Navy Photo.

04OCT80: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp and configured with a pair of drop tanks. Gary Verve.r

1980: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154983, #6 on the flight-line. David McLaren.

1980: 1980: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline: BuNo 155029, #1; BuNo 154179, #2; BuNo 154986, #3, BuNo 154176, #4, BuNo 155033, #5 and BuNo 154983, #6. David McLaren.

10 MAY 1980: Blue Angels Skyhawks #1 through #6 on the taxiway. U.S. Navy.

10 MAY 1980: Blue Angels Skyhawks diamond formation flies over two B-25's on the China Lake flight line. U.S. Navy.

10MAY80: Blue Angels Skyhawks diamond formation flies by the VX-5 flight-line. U.S. Navy.

Blue A-4 Angel #7 Ready to take a VIP for the ride of a lifetime. Photograph from John W. Hays.

Blue A-4 Angel #1, #2, #3 & "Huffer". Photograph from Bill Kistler.

Blue A-4 Angel #3 and #4 Standby for another airshow. Photograph from John W. Hays.

Stunning image of a Blue A-4 Angel taking off. Photo taken at the end of Forrest Sherman field, NAS Pensacola, Florida. Photograph from Planework.

The Blue A-4 Angel Six Plane Delta Formation. Photograph from Bill Kistler.

The Blue A-4 Angel Six Plane Delta Formation. Photograph from Bill Kistler.

Two Blue A-4 Angels make a dirty low pass in an unusual way. Photograph from Bill Kistler.

The world famous Blue A-4 Angel Diamond Formation. Photograph from Bill Kistler.

Blue A-4 Angel #6 makes a screaming low pass down the runway. Photograph from John W. Hays.

The Blue A-4 Angel Diamond Landing. Photograph from John W. Hays.

A Blue A-4 Angel gone to pasture. Photograph from Bill Berongi.

Blue Angels at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD . Photograph from collection of Gary Verver.

1981

1981: BuNo 155033, Blue Angels lined up on Ramp, at the El Toro Air Show of 1981. Louis Diot AMH1 1957-62.

01 MAY 1981: The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team performs during open house at Andrews AFB. The team is flying the A-4F Skyhawk aircraft.

01 MAY 1981: four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo unknown) flown by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team during an open house aerial demonstration during an open house at Andrews AFB. SGT Marvin D. Lynchard, USAF.

18 JUL 1981: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline, BuNo 155033, #1, is in the foreground. Bruce Thompson.

18 JUL 1981: Blue Angels Skyhawk diamond formation with the gear and hooks down, BuNo 155033 is #1. Bruce Thompson.

18 JUL 1981: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp next to Fat Albert, BuNo 149806. Bruce Thompson

SEP81: Right rear view of Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp.

13 SEP 1981: Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155033 , #1, at Champaign, IL. Photographer unknown.

1981: BuNo 154975, #6, parked in-line at the end of the row. Gary Verver Collection.

1982

A-4F 154172, Blue Angels #2, courtesy of John Freeman.

31JUL82: A child climbs out of the cockpit of BuNo 158722, #7, 31-July-82.

1982: Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 155033, #1, 1982. L-R: #8 LT Bud Hunsucker, #6 LT Randy Clark, #4 LCDR Bob Stephens, #2 USMC MAJ Tim Dineen, #1 CDR Dave Carroll, #3 LT Kevin Miller, #5 LCDR Jim Ross, #7 LT Scott Anderson. From Gary Verver.

1982:Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 155033, #1, leads the group.
Blue Angels sunrise.
Blue Angel diamond. From Gary Verver.

1982: Blue Angels over El Centro circa82. Looks like it was taken from the backseat of a TA-4J and if it's the Blue Angels TA-4, it's BuNo 158722, #7. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver.

Date unknown: The Blue Angels climb out in formation. No. 1 is BuNo 154984, 2 is 154983, 3 is 154975, 4 is 154986, 5 is 155029 and 6 is 154179. McDonald-Douglas photo from James Stegman, Douglas Test Pilot.

Date unknown: BuNo 154177, Blue Angel No.2, taxiing at Yuma. Provided by Gene Atwell.

Circa 1982: Blues formation with No. 6, BuNo 154975, in fore-front. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1982: Blues No.2, BuNo 154177, climbing out in formation. Photo provided by Gene Atwell.

1982: Blue Angel 154176, No. 3, in formation.
Blue Angel No. 2, BuNo 154577 in-flight.Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1982: Formation of Blue Angels, #1 is 155033, #2 is 154172, #3 is 154176, #4 is 154180, #5 is 154983, #6 is 154179. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

31 JUL 1982: Four A-4 Skyhawk aircraft from the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team fly in formation during the air show at NAS Miramar. J.D. Cole.

31 JUL 1982: Four A-4 Skyhawk aircraft from the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team fly in formation during the air show at NAS Miramar. J.D. Cole.

31 JUL 1982: Six A-4 Skyhawk aircraft used by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team, parked. The Blue Angels will perform during the air show at NAS Miramar. PHAN Joanna Hawkins.

31 JUL 1982: An antique aircraft provides a marked contrast as it flies over the A-4 Skyhawk aircraft used by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team. The aircraft are participants in the air show at NAS Miramar. PHAN Joanna Hawkins.

31 JUL 1982: Four A-4 Skyhawk aircraft from the U.S. Navy`s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team take off in formation during the air show at NAS Miramar. J.D. Cole.

31 JUL 1982: An A-4 Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo unknown, #5) from the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team performs during the air show at NAS Miramar. J.D. Cole.

31 JUL 1982: A flying group, the Royal Falcons, take off in formation during the air show at NAS Miramar. In the foreground are two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft #5 & #6) used by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team. PHAN Joanna Hawkins

1982: Blue Angels - #1 is 155033, #2 is 154177, #3 is 154176 and #4 is154180. From Farvel, Gary Verver Collection.

1982: Blues No.6, BuNo 154179, landing. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1982: Blues 5 and 6 during their opposing close pass. No. 5 is BuNo 154983. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1982: Blue Angels formation 1982. #1 is 155033, #2 is 155029 and #6 is 154975. Photo is from the Blue Angels 1982 program book.

31 JUL 1982: A member of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team explains his A-4 Skyhawk (TA-4J BuNo 158722, #7) aircraft to a child during the open house.
A member of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team helps a child climb out of the cockpit of his A-4 Skyhawk (TA-4J BuNo 158722, #7) aircraft. The child is viewing the aircraft during open house. Photos by PHAN Joanna Hawkins.

31JUL82: Four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from the U.S. Navy`s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team take off in formation 31-July-82 at Miramar. U.S. Navy photo by J.D. Cole.

31JUL82: Two A-4F Skyhawk aircraft used by the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team at NAS Miramar, CA. 31-July-82. U.S. Navy photo by J.D. Cole.

1982: Blue Angel No.3, BuNo 154172, on the ramp.

12 AUG 1982: A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo 154177, #5) from the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team as it performs aerial stunts during the welcoming ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS OHIO (SSBN-726). Naval Submarine base, Bangor, WA. PH2 Shayna Brennan

12 AUG 1982: A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo 154177, #5, BuNo unknown, #6) from the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team performing an aerial stunt during the welcoming ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS OHIO (SSBN-726) at Naval Submarine base, Bangor, WA. PH2 Shayna Brennan

12 AUG 1982: A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo 154177, #5, BuNo unknown, #6) from the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team performing an aerial stunt during the welcoming ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS OHIO (SSBN-726). Spectators watch the show from small boats in the Hood Canal, Naval Submarine base, Bangor, WA. PH2 Shayna Brennan.

OCT82: BuNo.155029 with entertainers John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, along with pilots of the Navy`s Blue Angels - Oct. 1982.
U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Curt Fargo

OCT82: BuNo.155029 entertainers John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, along with enlisted crew of the Navy`s Blue Angels flight demonstration team. U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Curt Fargo.

Blue Angels Solos practice the crossover maneuver. Gary Verver

Blue Angels Flight Demonstration team flys alongside the Golden Gate Bridge. Gary Verver

A-4F Skyhawks leave a trail of smoke. Gary Verver.

Blue Angels at work in their 6 A/C formation. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels going head-to-head. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels in inverted flyby. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels with "Lead" inverted. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Six Blue Angels over the bay. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels in tight formation. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels at Mount Rushmore. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels doing a star-burst. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angels in formation. Photo is US Navy Press slide provided by Dan Perrine, a former Skyhawk Driver, and scanned by John Gabbard.
Blue Angel "communicating" with his tanker Photo provide by Don Pierce, Operations Chief VAH-3 and RVAH-3 1964/66.

22OCT82: U.S. Navy`s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration team fly A-4F Skyhawk aircraft over the USS Arizona Memorial 28-Oct-82. Harry Gann Photo.

28 OCT 1982: The Blues over the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour. BuNo 155033, 155029, 154172 and 15417x. Provided by Gene Atwell.

1982-83: Blue Angels, #1 A-4F BuNo 155033, #2 A-4F BuNo 155029, #3 A-4F BuNo 154180, #4 A-4F BuNo 154983, #5 A-4F BuNo 154179 and #6. From Gary Verver.

1983

Three Blue Angels - 1983. From left to right: Lt. Andy Caputi #6 opposing solo, Lcdr. Chris Ives #5 lead solo, and Lcdr. Scott Anderson #4 slot in 1983. Identification by Guy Mizell, Blue Angel crew chief during the 1982, 1983, and 1984 show seasons. Photograph from John W. Hays.

1983: Blues No.1, BuNo 154983, with support crew at attention. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1983: Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 154983, #1. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1983: Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 154983, #1, 1983. L-R:
#8 LT John Virden, #6 LT Chris Ives, #4 LT Kevin Miller, #2 USMC Capt. Mark Lauritzen, #1 CDR Dave Carroll, #3 LT Scott Anderson, #5 LCDR Jim Ross, and #7 LT Curt Watson. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection.

1983: Blue Angels TA-4J BuNo 158722, #7.
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Pic4 Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver.

1883 Blues: Delta formation.
Delta formation landing.
Echelon formation of Blues. Atwell.

1984

1984: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline, l-r: BuNo 155033, #1; BuNo 155029, #2; BuNo 154983, #4; BuNo 154986, #5; BuNo 154172, #6; and BuNo 154180, #3. Paul Stevens

08FEB84: Left side view of the all white Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 153667, #7, parked on the ramp. Photo by Ted Paskowski, Gary Verver

12MAY84: BuNo 158722, #7, on display at the Department of Defense open house air show 12 May 1984. Photo by Don S. Montgomery, USN (RET).

12MAY84: A left front view of a Navy A-4F Skyhawk (TA-4J BuNo 158722, #7) aircraft, assigned to the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team, on display.

31 June 1984: Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 155033 , #1, at Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown.

31 June 1984:Blue Angels A-4F BuNo 155033 , #1, 155029 #2, 154983 #4, 154986 #5, at Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown.

31 June 1984: Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawk #1 BuNo 155033, #2 BuNo 155029, #4 BuNo 154983, #5 BuNo 154986 and #6 BuNo 154172 at Kalamazoo, MI, photographer unknown.

JUL84: BuNo.154983 #5, assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team, as another A-4F passes it going in the opposite direction July 1984. U.S. Navy photo by Paul O'Mara.
BuNo.154983 #5, with its landing gear down July 1984 U.S. Navy photo by Paul O'Mara.
BuNo.154172 just above the ground in July 1984. U.S. Navy by PH2 Paul O'Mara.
BuNo.154172 again, just above the ground in July 1984. U.S. Navy by PH2 Paul O'Mara.
BuNo 154172, No. 6, retracts its landing gear during take off at an airshow. U.S. Navy photo 1984.
BuNo 154172, No. 6, makes low-level pass over the runway during an air show. U.S. Navy photo 1984.
BuNo 154172, No. 6, dusting off the runway during an air show.

1984: Blue Angels Skyhawk flightline: BuNo 155033, #1; BuNo 155029, #2; BuNo 154983, #4, BuNo 154986, #5, BuNo 154172, #6 and BuNo 154180, #3. Paul Stevens.

JUN 1984: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155033, #1, parked on the flightline.Pual Stevens.

04 JUL 1984: PH2 PAUL O`MARA, USN Photos.
An air-to-air front view of an A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a six-ship formation.
Six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team perform in high show bomb burst during an air show.
A front view of four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team as one touches down onto a runway. Two other A-4F aircraft are approaching in the background.
An air-to-air left side view of four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in echelon formation during an air show.
An air-to-air view of a A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Pretty sure to be BuNo 155033, #1, BuNo 154986, #2, BuNo 154180, #3, BuNo 154983, #4, BuNo 154179, #5, and BuNo 154172, #6) assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a normal wedge formation, 04 Jul 1984.
An underside view of A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a six-ship delta formation.
An air-to-air front view of five A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.
An air-to-air front view of six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in formation.
An air-to-air front view of an A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a four-ship formation. Pretty sure BuNo 155033, #1, BuNo 154986, #2, BuNo 154180, #3, and BuNo 154983, #4 assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a four-ship formation, 04 Jul 1984.
An air-to-air left front view of a A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a four-ship formation.
An air-to-air left front view of an A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a four-ship formation, with two aircraft upside down.
A right side view of six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

20 SEP 1984: Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute an aerial maneuver during an air show. Below images from Gene Atwell.
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Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft approach each other while executing a maneuver during an air show.
Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft in close formation during an air show.
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20 SEP 1984: With landing gear lowered, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft No. 5 rolls into an inverted position while executing a maneuver known as the "Dirty Roll on Take Off" during an air show.

20 SEP 1984: 154172 A-4F 20SEP84 Blue Angels #6 20SEP84. Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft in a low-level flight as they prepare to execute a crossover roll during an air show.
Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft into a low-level crossover roll during an air show.
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A Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft makes a low-level pass over the runway during an air show.

Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute a low-level crossover roll during an air show.
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Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute the "Fortus" maneuver during an air show. In this wingtip-to-wingtip maneuver, both aircraft have their landing gear and tail hooks lowered and one aircraft is inverted.
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A Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft executes a low-level roll over the flight line during an air show.

20 SEP 1984: Four Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft in a diamond formation during an air show. Pretty sure BuNo 155033, #1, BuNo 155029, #2, BuNo 154180, #3, and BuNo 154983, #4.
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Six Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft in a delta formation during an air show.

Four Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft in a diamond formation during an air show. Pretty sure BuNo 155033, #1, BuNo 155029, #2, BuNo 154180, #3, and BuNo 154983, #4.
The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute a diamond landing during an air show.
Five Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft take off during an air show.

Four Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute a maneuver known as the "Double Farvel" during an air show. In this maneuver, the aircraft fly in a diamond formation with the No. 1 and No. 4 ships inverted.
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20SEP84: Four Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute a banked turn while in a diamond formation during an air show.

20SEP84: Six Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft make a low-level pass over the flight line while in a delta formation during an air show.

20SEP84: Four Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft make a low-level pass over the flight line while in a diamond formation during an air show.

20SEP84: Six Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk aircraft execute a maneuver known as the "Fleur-de-Lis" during an air show. Pic 1 Pic 2

20SEP84: An air-to-air right side view of four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team flying in a left echelon formation during an air show. Photos are U.S. Navy and provided by Gene Atwell.

04JUL84: Four A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team as one touches down onto a runway 4-July-84. U.S. Navy by PH2 Paul O'Mara.

04JUL84: Six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Caption says "takeoff", but it looks like a "landing". U.S. Navy by PH2 Paul O'Mara.

20MAY84: Two Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Navy`s Blue Angels flight demonstration team, fly over the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center during Commissioning Week ceremonies at the US Naval Academy. U.S. Navy by K.L. Riordan.

1985

MAR 1985: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154180, #3, assigned to LT Pat Walsh, parked on the flightline. R.E. Arance.

01 JUN 1985: The six A-4F Skyhawk aircraft of the Navy Blue Angels precision flight team parked in front of the control tower at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. SGT T.K. Burch.

03 JUL 1985: An engine starter sits on the runway next to one of the Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron's A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo unknown, #2) during the air station's annual open house and air show at NAS Moffett. PH3 Xanos.

03 JUL 1985: A left side view of five A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo 15498x, #6, others unknown) and one TA-4J Skyhawk ( BuNo 158722, #7, third from left) of the Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron lined up on the flight line during the air station's annual open house and air show at NAS Moffett. PH3 Xanos.

04JUL85: Formation photo from Gary Verver collection. The photo is Official U.S. Navy, dated 4 July 1985, NAS Moffett Field, CA.

National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola Florida. BuNo. 150076 (#1), BuNo. 154217 (#4), BuNo. 154983 (#2), & BuNo. 155033 (#3). Photograph from Bill Kistler

National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola Florida. #2 BuNo. 150076 (#1), BuNo. 154217 (#4), BuNo. 154983 (#2), & BuNo. 155033 (#3). Photograph by Gary Rodgers

12 OCT 1985: Five A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (#5 is 15417(6 or 9) of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron on the flight line prior to a Fleet Week show. PH2 David A. Dostie photo, from Gary Verver.

1986

01 JAN 1986: An A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo unknown, #5) of the Navy Blue Angels precision flight team has just been air-started by maintenance crewmen during the 1986 Armed Forces Day open house at Andrew AFB. PH1 Chuck Mussi

01 JAN 1986: A ground crewman assists a Navy Blue Angels precision flight team pilot into the cockpit of his A-4F Skyhawk aircraft (BuNo unknown, #6) during the 1986 Armed Forces Day open house at Andrews AFB.

01MAY86: Two A-4F Skyhawk (#5, BuNo 154211 and #6, BuNo unknown) aircraft from the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron parked on the flight line during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver.

AUG86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155033, #1, parked on the flight line. Photo by E. Bannworth, G. Verver Collection

AUG 1986: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155000, #6, parked on the ramp. Photographer unknown, G. Verver Collection

OCT86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154217 parked on the ramp alongside #7. Gary Verver

1986: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154172, #2, and a starter pod. Gary Verver

OCT86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 155033, #1, parked on the flight. Gary Verver

OCT86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154211, #5, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection

OCT86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154973, #3, parked on the flight line next to BuNo 154211, #5. Photo by D. Hersey, Gary Verver

NOV86: Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 158722, #7, parked on the ramp. Names on the cockpit rail are LT Wayne Molnar and MAJ Bill Campbell. D. Brown, G. Verver Collection

Blue Angels Skyhawk BuNo 154983, #2, parked on the flight line with a centerline tank. Gary Verver

BuNo 139947 on display at the Octave Chanute Museum in the markings of Blue Angels #6, "Lucy." Gary Verver Collection

01MAY86: Two Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk (#4, BuNo 154180, #3, BuNo unknown) aircraft prepare to take off for a performance during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. Photo by PH3 Paquette.

01MAY86: Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk No. 5, BuNo 154211, prepares to taxi for a performance during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. Photo by PH3 Paquette.

NOV86: BuNo 155033, #1, manned up - as is #2. Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo 158722, #7, poses with a shipmate in the background hiding. Gary Verver Collection.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter passes over a Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron A-4F Skyhawk (#6, BuNo unknown) aircraft parked on the flight line during an air show celebrating the 75th anniversary of naval aviation.
An A-4F Skyhawk (#6, BuNo unknown) aircraft from the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron performs during an air show celebrating the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. Navy photos.

#1 A-4E BuNo 150076 displayed as 154180, #2 A-4F 154983; #3 A-4F 155033 and A-4F 154217 hang in the atrium of the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

NOV 2002: The "Blues" move-on to the McDonnel Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.

Proof the "Blues" fly CLOSE while in formation.

Blue Angel Hornet "sweeping" the FOD off the runway. Photo provided by Gary Verver.

Blue Angel Hornet "nose UP" off the runway. Photo provided by Gary Verver.

Blue Angel Hornet showing off her "cloak" of disturbed air. Photo provided by Gary Verver.

Blue Angel Hornet - Night Scene. Photo provided by Gary Verver.

Blue Angel Hornets in formation. Photo provided by Gary Verver.

Off-Duty Photos

No info yet.

• Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk
  • 153477 c/n 13543
    • 12 Apr 1972 - VA-45 - Convert to TA-4J
    • 01 Dec 1980 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 03 Apr 1981 – VT-22 - NAS Kingsville, TX
  • 153667 c/n 13605
    • 04 Jul 1971 - VMT-103 - Convert to TA-4J
    • 01 Nov 1983 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 12 Dec 1986 - COMTRAWING-2 - NAS Kingsville, TX
  • 154632 c/n 13750
    • 18 Feb 1971 - VA-127 - Convert to TA-4J
    • 20 Oct 1982 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 29 Oct 1982 - VC-1 - NAS Barbers Point, HI
  • 156894 c/n 13987
    • 29 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 18 Dec 1973 - VT-24 - NAS Chase Field, TX
  • 156899 c/n 13992
    • 29 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 16 Jan 1974 - VT-4 - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 158107 c/n 14193
    • 09 Nov 1976 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 20 Jan 1977 - VT-4 - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 158717 c/n 14338
    • 25 Oct 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 15 Mar 1974 - VT-25 - NAS Chase Field, TX
  • 158722 c/n 14343
    • 05 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 01 May 1987 - COMTRAWING-2 - NAS Kingsville, TX

• Douglas A-4F Skyhawk
  • 154172 c/n 13629
    • 22 Jun 1982 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154176 c/n 13633
    • 26 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 03 Dec 1976 - NAS - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 08 Feb 1977 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 28 Nov 1985 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154177 c/n 13634
    • 12 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 15 May 1980 - Stricken - 1S0
  • 154179 c/n 13636
    • 14 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 14 Feb 1985 - MASDC DMAFB - DMAFB Tucson, AZ
  • 154180 c/n 13637
    • 19 May 1980 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 13 Nov 1986 - MASDC DMAFB - Davis-Mothan AFB Tucson, AZ
  • 154202 c/n 13659
    • 20 Oct 1976 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 22 Feb 1977 - Stricken - 1SO
  • 154211 c/n 13668
    • 13 Sep 1985 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154217 c/n 13674
    • 23 Jun 1984 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154973 c/n 13789
    • 04 Nov 1985 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Lemoore, CA
  • 154975 c/n 13791
    • 20 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, CA
    • 22 Feb 1980 - Stricken - 1SO
  • 154983 c/n 13799
    • 26 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 15 Oct 1986 - Stricken - 3SO
  • 154984 c/n 13800
    • 20 Dec 1973 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 20 Jan 1977 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154986 c/n 13802
    • 30 Jan 1974 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 14 Aug 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 154992 c/n 13808
    • 16 Dec 1984 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
  • 155000 c/n 13816
    • 28 Oct 1985 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 155029 c/n 13845
    • 12 Feb 1974 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 13 Jul 1985 - Stricken - 1SO
  • 155033 c/n 13849
    • 29 Nov 1978 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 10 Nov 1986 - NARF - NAS Pensacola, FL
  • 155056 c/n 13872
    • 17 Mar 1977 - Flight Demo Team - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 07 Nov 1978 - Stricken - 1SO