In the 75 year history of the Blue Angels, less than 300 pilots have sat at the controls of the world famous blue and gold jets. From the first team back in 1946 thru the 2021 Super Hornet transtion team, the pilots of the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron's primary mission has been to showcase the elite skill and teamwork of the Navy and Marine Corp while striving to fly the perfect air show.

In this video, you'll hear from the pilots themselves as they provide insight into the unique mindset required to serve on the Blue Angels as well as their desire to reach and engage with public.

Blue Angel pilots featured in this video in order of appearance:

Roy "Butch" Voris The first team leader of the Blue Angels
Al Taddeo Blue Angels pilot | 1946 1947
LCDR Jame Cox Blue Angels pilot | 2019 2021
Dan Keating Blue Angels pilot | 1977 1978
Steve Foley Blue Angels leader | 2005 2006
Curt Watson Blue Angels pilot | 1983 1986
Keith "Casey" Jones Blue Angels leader | 1976 1977
Scott Anderson Blue Angels pilot | 1982 1984
Al Cisneros Blue Angels pilot | 1975 1977
Gil Rud Blue Angels leader | 1986 1988
Dave Carroll Blue Angels Leader | 1982 1983
John Miller Blue Angels pilot | 1976 1978
Bob Stephens Blue Angels pilot | 1981 1982
Wayne Molnar Blue Angels pilot | 1986 1988
Jim Ross Blue Angels pilot | 1979 1980 | 1982 1983
Ernie Christensen Blue Angels pilot | 1969 1970
John Fogg Blue Angels pilot | 1973 1974
Jerry Tucker Blue Angels pilot | 1973 1974

This video was produced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Blue Angels in coordination with the Blue Angels Association.

Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
email: [email protected]

Footage used in this video are from the following sources:

Pilot interviews Ryan Nothhaft, Blue Angel Phantoms
Intro sequence footage Ryan Nothhaft, Blue Angel Phantoms
America's Flying Aces: The Blue Angels 50th Anniversary Adam Friedman | New Wave Entertainment
DVIDS Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
National Archies Catalog
Skyhawk to Hornet March 2 Entertainment
Blue Angels: A Year in the Life Henninger Productions
Blue Angels: Around the World at the Speed of Sound Rob Stone
Touch the Sky Peter Henton, James M. Cross
Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience Paul Marlow & David Gardner
Wingtip to Canopy Douglas Aircraft Company & Pratt and Whitney

Blue Angel Phantoms is dedicated to documenting the history of the Blue Angels through short documentaries and podcasts featuring current and former pilots and crew of the team. Subscribe to the Blue Angel Phantoms YouTube channel and follow on social media for the latest content.

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