Blue Angels Perform at Barksdale AFB Airshow

BARKSDALE AFB, La. (May. 6, 2017) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform the Double Farvel formation during the Defenders of Liberty Air Show. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform more than 60 demonstrations across the U.S. in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ian Cotter/Released)

Blue Angels Announce New Commanding Officer

NAWS CHINA LAKE, Calif. (March 19, 2017) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform a minimum radius turn at the NAWS China Lake Air Show. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform more than 60 demonstrations across the U.S. in 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Cotter/Released)

From Blue Angels Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the commanding officer for the 2018 and 2019 seasons at a press conference at the National Museum of Aviation onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, April 4.

A selection panel comprised of 10 admirals and former commanding officers selected Cmdr. Eric Doyle to succeed Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 3,000 flight hours and be in current command or have had past command of a tactical jet squadron.

Doyle, a native of League City, Texas, joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113. His previous assignments include six squadron tours, where he flew the F/A-18 Hornet and F-22A Raptor as an operational test pilot. He has deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

Doyle attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996. He earned his commission through the Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. Doyle has more than 3,000 flight hours and 600 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (with combat V), Navy Commendation Medals (one with combat V), and Navy Achievement Medal, as well as various campaign and unit awards.

"This was a childhood dream come true," said Doyle. "My motivation to become a pilot came from watching the Blue Angels."

Doyle will serve as commanding officer and flight leader for the 2018 and 2019 Blue Angels air show seasons. He will report for initial training in Pensacola, Florida in September and officially take command of the squadron at the end of the air show season in November. The change of command ceremony is slated for Nov. 12, at the National Naval Aviation Museum.

As the Blue Angels' commanding officer, Doyle will lead a squadron of 130 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. The Blue Angels perform for 11 million people annually across the United States, and are scheduled to perform 61 shows in 33 locations for the 2018 season.

Blue Angels Fly Over 2016 Super Bowl

 

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jenn Lebron, Blue Angels Public Affairs

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, helped kick off the 2016 Super Bowl when they performed a flyover at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Feb. 7.

The Blue Angels' signature six-jet Delta Formation soared over more than 70,000 spectators at the stadium, following the national anthem.

"It doesn't get more exciting than representing the Navy and Marine Corps while flying over the world's premier sporting event," said Blue Angels Lead Solo Pilot Lt. Ryan Chamberlain. "Navy and marines serving all around the world should be proud of their efforts which make opportunities like this possible."

Flight Leader and Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, a native of Los Altos, California, was proud to fly over his hometown.

"Being able to come back to the area you grew up in and being able to represent the Navy is always special, but being a part of this great American tradition makes this privilege that much more incredible," said Bernacchi.

The Blue Angels are currently training in California for the 2016 air show season and are scheduled to fly 65 demonstrations at 33 locations throughout North America in 2016, which is the Blue Angels' 70th anniversary year.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.

2016 Teak Air Show Guide Now Available

Every year, from March through November, millions of people hit the road to watch the excitement and thrills as military and civilian flight demonstration teams put their high performance aircraft through the paces to entertain the crowds and perform at air shows all over the world. Anyone who has attended one of these events will tell you it is thrilling to watch the close quarter flying of the Blue Angels delta formation or the hair-splitting maneuvers of the Thunderbird opposing solos.

 

While attending the show and enjoying the sights and sounds is an exciting experience that is only half the fun. You can add another whole dimension to that visual experience by monitoring the performing teams’ radio communications.

 

With a radio scanner in hand you will experience a whole new perspective of the show that few of the attendees will ever experience – pilot audio from the aircraft cockpit. While everyone else at the air show is just watching and listening to the public address system narrator, you’ll be able to hear what’s happening inside the cockpit, up in the tower and on the ground with the hundreds of players that keep these screaming, state of-the-art air machines thundering through the skies.

 

But you can’t tell the players without a program, and to indulge in the craft of monitoring the air show experience you need a current and well researched list of frequencies that the various performers may use during their performances.

 

In our new expanded 2016 Teak Air Show Guide e-Book, former Monitoring Times Editor and Milcom columnist Larry Van Horn - N5FPW, delivers the hundreds of frequencies you’ll need to monitor the action if you’re within receiving distance of any air show in 2016.

 

From the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, military parachute and search and rescue demonstration teams, to a wide variety of other military and civilian demonstration teams from the U.S. and abroad, Larry has updated the list of frequencies each unit has used. Now you can bring the excitement you see at the show to your ears. Listening to the nonstop action at the air show on dozens of radio frequencies is part of the real fun of being there.

 

But wait, there’s more! Larry also tells you which scanners work best at the air shows, what features you’ll need and which models can cover the military as well as civilian frequencies used at these events. There is also a chapter on tips for enjoying a great day at the air show.

 

You will also get frequency lists for other possible frequencies that may be used at the air show including GMRS, Family Radio Service (FRS), DoD Intra-Squad Radio frequencies, and even Civil Air Patrol VHF/UHF frequencies and updated call signs. We also include in this eBook an up-to-date air show Internet resource guide and new frequencies/ listings for overseas military and civilian aeronautical demonstrations teams.

 

Finally you will get the latest air show schedules for the Navy Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and the Army Golden Knight Parachute Teams. We include with each show location, the Internet link for each show, and the latest aero frequencies for each facility hosting a show, when known. This schedule information only covers the United States and Canada.

 

This is the 17th edition of this popular frequency monitoring guide published by the author. The first fourteen editions appeared annually each March in the pages of the former Monitoring Times magazine and were one of the most popular features carried in the magazine. This edition of the Teak Air Show Guide is now weighs-in at 197 pages and it is the most comprehensive collection of air show information and frequencies ever published for the radio listening hobbyist.

 

The 2016 Teak Air Show Guide is now available for purchase worldwide from Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AVLCGU4. The price for this third e-Book edition is still only US$3.99. Since this book is being released internationally, Amazon customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia can order this e-Book from Amazon websites directly servicing these countries. All other countries can use the regular Amazon.com website.

 

When the T-Birds, Blue Angels, and all the other precision flight teams are in the air, Larry has all the frequencies you need to hear them on the air in this new e-Book from Teak Publishing!

 

Here are a couple of the 5-Star Amazon reviews on the 2015 Teak Air Show Guide.

 

Totally thrilled to prep with the latest edition By Edward Sikora

Whether you're new to this hobby (as I was 2 years ago) or experienced you need reliable resources of information and frequencies. When I started, I was sure I could find my answers on the internet. I didn't think a book would be very useful or up to date. Five air shows later, I'm totally sold on this book. I'm delighted and excited to have the latest copy to prep for upcoming shows. It's a highly detailed road map to where the good stuff is. I haven't found any other resource that even comes close. What a masterpiece of organization and reliable information. This book provides so many answers where the rest of the internet gives you too little, too late. This book is totally awesome! - KB2OB Ed NJ

 

Air Show scanner GO TO GUIDE By Kevin Burke

Larry has been THE go to guy when it comes to air show frequencies for years, but you need more than just a bunch of numbers to enter into a scanner. No problem if you have this book, Larry tells you what your scanner has to be capable of, in order to open your ears to all there is to hear at an air show

 

Frequency updates, correction and late additions between editions of this e-Book will be posted on his Milcom Monitoring Post blog at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/.

 

For a complete list of all the authors books, go to his Amazon authors page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G1QMO4C.

 

You do not even need to own a Kindle reader to read Amazon e-book publications. You can read any Kindle book with Amazon’s free reading apps. There are free Kindle reading apps for the Kindle Cloud Reader, Smartphones (iPhone, iTouch, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry); computer platforms (Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and Mac); Tablets (iPad, Android and Windows 8), and, of course, all of the Kindle family of readers including the Kindle Fire series. A Kindle e-book allows you to buy your book once and read it anywhere. You can find additional details on these apps by checking out this link to the Amazon website at http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771.

 

For additional information on this and other Teak Publishing radio hobby books, monitor the company sponsored Internet blogs – the Milcom Monitoring Post blog(http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/), the Btown Monitor Post blog (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/), and the Shortwave Central blog (http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/) for availability of additional e-books that are currently in production.

 

You can learn more about the author by going to his author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G1QMO4C.

 

 

Blue Angels Arrive in California for Winter Training

From Blue Angels Public Affairs

EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, made its annual deployment to Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, to prepare for the upcoming show season, Jan. 2.

"For the last 49 years, NAF El Centro and the Imperial Valley have been the winter training home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels," said Capt. William S. Doster, commanding officer, NAF El Centro. "Everyone is looking forward to the arrival of the new team this year and helping to celebrate their 70th anniversary."

The 10-week winter training concludes in early March after the team completes 120 flights during a rigorous flight schedule. The weather conditions of the Imperial Valley are optimal for the amount of flights the team is required to complete.

"We are eager to begin training for our 70th season of putting on world class demonstrations," said Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, Blue Angels lead solo pilot. "There is no better place than our second home in El Centro."

The team performs its first public flight demonstration of 2016 at NAF El Centro, March 12.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. In 2016, the Blue Angels will celebrate their 70th anniversary.

2015 Air Show Guide Now Available

Every year, from March through November, millions of people hit the road to watch the excitement and thrills as military and civilian flight demonstration teams put their high performance aircraft through the paces to entertain the crowds and perform at air shows all over the world. Anyone who has attended one of these events will tell you it is thrilling to watch the close quarter flying of the Blue Angels delta formation or the hair-splitting maneuvers of the Thunderbird opposing solos.

While attending the show and enjoying the sights and sounds is an exciting experience that is only half the fun. You can add another whole dimension to that visual experience by monitoring the performing teams’ radio communications.

With a radio scanner in hand you will experience a whole new perspective of the show that few of the attendees will ever experience – pilot audio from the aircraft cockpit. While everyone else at the air show is just watching and listening to the public address system narrator, you’ll be able to hear what’s happening inside the cockpit, up in the tower and on the ground with the hundreds of players that keep these screaming, state of-the-art air machines thundering through the skies.

But you can’t tell the players without a program, and to indulge in the craft of monitoring the air show experience you need a current and well researched list of frequencies that the various performers may use during their performances.

In our new Teak Publishing 2015 Air Show Guide eBook, former Monitoring Times Editor and Milcom columnist Larry Van Horn - N5FPW, delivers the hundreds of frequencies you’ll need to monitor the action if you’re within receiving distance of any air show in 2015.

From the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, military parachute and search and rescue demonstration teams, to a wide variety of other military and civilian demonstration teams from the U.S. and abroad, Larry has the list of frequencies each unit has used. Now you can bring the excitement you see at the show to your ears. Listening to the nonstop action at the air show on dozens of radio frequencies is part of the real fun of being there.

But wait, there’s more! Larry also tells you which scanners work best at the air shows, what features you’ll need and which models can cover the military as well as civilian frequencies used at these events. There is also a chapter on tips for enjoying a great day at the air show.

You will also get frequency lists for other possible frequencies that may be used at the air show including GMRS, Family Radio Service (FRS), DoD Intra-Squad Radio frequencies, and even Civil Air Patrol VHF/UHF frequencies and call signs. We also include in this eBook an up-to-date air show Internet resource guide and frequency listings for overseas military and civilian aeronautical demonstrations teams.

Finally you will get the latest air show schedules for the Navy Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the Army Golden Knight Parachute Teams. We include with each show location, the latest air traffic control frequencies for each facility hosting a show, when known. This schedule information only covers the United States and Canada.

This is the 16th edition of this popular frequency monitoring guide published by the author. The first fourteen editions appeared annually each March in the pages of the former Monitoring Times magazine and were one of the most popular features carried in the magazine. This edition of the Teak Publishing Air Show Guide is the most comprehensive collection of air show information and frequencies currently published for the radio listening hobbyist.

The Teak Publishing 2015 Air Show Guide is now available for purchase worldwide from Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6QG7GW/. The price for this second eBook edition is US$3.99. Since this book is being released internationally, Amazon customers in the United Kingdom, Germany, France Spain, Italy, Japan, India, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia can order this e-Book from Amazon websites directly servicing these countries. All other countries can use the regular Amazon.com website.

When the T-Birds, Blue Angels, and all the other precision flight teams are in the air, Larry has all the frequencies you need to hear them on the air in this new eBook from Teak Publishing!

Frequency updates, correction and late additions between editions of this e-Book will be posted on his Milcom Monitoring Post blog at: http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/.

You do not even need to own a Kindle reader to read Amazon e-book publications. You can read any Kindle book with Amazon’s free reading apps. There are free Kindle reading apps for the Kindle Cloud Reader, Smartphones (iPhone, iTouch, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry); computer platforms (Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and Mac); Tablets (iPad, Android and Windows 8), and, of course, all of the Kindle family of readers including the Kindle Fire series. A Kindle e-book allows you to buy your book once and read it anywhere. You can find additional details on these apps by checking out this link to the Amazon website at www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771.

For additional information on this and other Teak Publishing radio hobby books, monitor the company sponsored Internet blogs – The Military Monitoring Post (http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/), The Btown Monitor Post (http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/) and The Shortwave Central (http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/) for availability of additional e-books that are currently in production.
You can learn more about the author by going to his author page on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00G1QMO4C.

BLUE ANGELS - Insane Footage Takes You Inside the Cockpit

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in the cockpit of a Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet during an air show?

This absolutely insane footage takes you inside the cockpit of a Blue Angel Hornet for one heck of a ride and view.

Update: Blue Angels Announce Full 2014-2015 Air Show Season - 9 December 2013

Editor Note: Since Monitoring Times ceased publication this month, Teak Publishing will take over publication of Larry Van Horn's Annual Air Show frequency guide and it will be available soon as a Kindle publication at Amazon.com. Watch this blog for a release announcement.

Late Breaking News: PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced changes to the 2014 show schedule and the release of the 2015 show schedule at the International Council of Air Shows convention. The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly in 68 performances at 35 locations in 2014 and 64 performances at 34 locations in 2015 throughout North America.

The 2014 schedule changes announced:
• A show in Palmdale, CA replacing the March Air Reserve Base, CA show (March 21-22).
• The addition of the Fontana, CA Flyover (March 23).
• The cancellation of the Fort Smith, AR performance (April 5-6).
• The cancellation of the MCAS Cherry Point, NC performance (May 17-18).
• A show in Latrobe, PA replacing the Pittsburg, PA performance (June 7-8).
• A direct calendar swap for two shows, moving the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, MI show (September 6-7) and the Cleveland, OH show (August 30 – September 1).
• A show at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI replacing the Marine Corps Base Hawaii show (September 27-28).
• The Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola homecoming is extended one day (November 7, 8 & 9).

Original Post from 22 Oct 2013 and updated with changes above
Click here for a really neat video on the Blues return.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, will return to its full schedule for the 2014 air show season.

 "Community outreach is key to connecting Americans to the military," said Blue Angels Commanding Officer and Flight Leader, Cmdr. Thomas Frosch. "Our performances provide a unique opportunity to inspire millions to connect with and support our service members, and we are looking forward... to an exciting 2014 season."

The Blue Angels originally announced its show schedule for the 2014 season at the annual International Council of Airshows convention in Dec. 11, 2012. Following winter training, the team begins the season Mar. 15 at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif., and will conclude the season Nov. 8 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla.

The Navy believes there is value in demonstrating the professionalism and capabilities of our Navy and Marine Corps Naval Aviation team, thus inspiring future generations of Sailors and Marines.

Here is the official 2014 Blue Angel schedule from their public affairs office.

March 15 NAF El Centro CA
March 22-23 March ARB CA Cancelled
March 21-22 Lancaster, Palmdale, CA (Replaced March ARB)
March 23 Fontana, CA Flyover
March 29-30 NAS Kingsville TX

April 05-06 Lakeland FL
April 12-13 Fort Smith AR Cancelled
April 26-27 NAS Fort Worth JRB TX

May 03-04 St. Louis MO
May 10-11 Vero Beach FL
May 17-18 MCAS Cherry Point NC Cancelled
May 21 US Naval Academy Annapolis MD
May 23 US Naval Academy Annapolis MD
May 24-25 Jones Beach, NY
May 31-June 01 La Crosse WI

June 07-08 Pittsburgh PA Cancelled
June 07-08 Latrobe, PA (replaced Pittsburgh)
June 14-15 Smyrna TN
June 21-22 Milwaukee WI
June 28-29 Dayton OH

July 05-06 Traverse City MI
July 12 Pensacola Beach FL
July 19-20 Offutt AFB, NE
July 26-27 St. George UT

August 02-03 Seattle WA
August 16-17 Chicago IL
August 23-24 Duluth MN
August 30-September 01 Cleveland OH (New date)

September 06-07 Selfrdige ANGB MI (New date)
September 13-14 Baltimore MD
September 20-21 NAS Oceana VA
September 27-28 MCB Hawaii, HI  Cancelled
September 27-28 Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI (Replaced MCB Hawaii)

October 04-05 MCAS Miramar CA
October 11-12 San Francisco CA
October 18-19 Millington TN
October 25-26 Jacksonville Beach FL

November 01-02 Houston TX
November 07-09 NAS Pensacola FL

The 2015 announced show schedule is:

March 14 NAF El Centro, CA
March 21-22 Melbourne, FL
March 28-29 Tuscaloosa, AL
April 11-12 MCAS Beaufort, SC
April 18-19 NAS Corpus Christi, TX
April 25-26 Vidalia, GA

May 2-3 Barksdale AFB, LA
May 9-10 Quad City (Davenport), IA
May 16-17 Westover ARB, MA
May 20 & 22 USNA graduation and flyover
May 27 Atlantic City, NJ
May 30-31 North Kingstown, RI

June 6-7 Rockford, IL
June 13-14 Ocean City, MD
June 20-21 Latrobe, PA
June 27-28 Evansville, IN

July 4-5 St. Cloud, MN
July 11 Pensacola Beach, FL
July 18-19 Hillsboro, OR
July 25-26 Fargo, ND

August 1-2 Seattle, WA
August 15-16 Chicago, IL
August 22-23 Kansas City, MO
August 29-30 Ypsilanti, M

September 5-6 Brunswick, ME
September 12-13 Fort Worth, TX
September 19-20 NAS Oceana, VA
September 26-27 Naval Base Ventura County, CA

October 3-4 MCAS Miramar, CA
October 10-11 San Francisco, CA
October 17-18 MCB Hawaii, HI
October 24-25 Jacksonville Beach, FL
October 31 Peachtree City, GA

November 1 Peachtree City, GA
November 6-7 NAS Pensacola, FL

Blue Angels on the Move, and will Perform Today -- Finally!!!

This afternoon at 3:30 p.m. the Navy will take on Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. And the good news is the Blue Angels will be there for a flyover. Yesterday the flight demo team left Pensacola and are now in the South Bend area.

If you are nearby, here are the frequencies to monitor from our exclusive, annual air show guide.

Blue Angel Aero Frequencies

The premier U.S. Navy/Marine Corps military flight demonstration team on the air show circuit is the Blue Angels flying the F/A- 18 Hornet aircraft. The team is based at Forrest Sherman Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. However, the squadron does spend January through March each year training pilots and new team members at the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California. The other major piece of flying hardware in the squadron is their C-130T Hercules transport aircraft, affectionately known as “Fat Albert Airlines.”

237.800 Solos outside the show box (Solo #2) and cross country air/air [Channel 8]
251.600 Air/Air nationwide and at NAS Pensacola – Start and taxi
255.200 Circle/arrivals discrete and cross country air/ air [Channel 17]
265.000 Diamond formation secondary
275.350 Diamond formation outside the show box, cross country air/air and their Pensacola squadron common [Channel 9]
284.250 Show box (center) for diamond, solos, delta and cross country air/air [Channel 16]
289.800 Air refueling during cross country trips
305.500 Fat Albert “Bert” primary, solo aircraft (west coast) and maintenance officer [Channel 10]
305.900 Fat Albert “Bert” and solos/“Ernie Demo” Blue Angel 9
333.300 Diamond formation/Delta show box (Fleet Week in San Francisco)
346.500 “Checklist Freq” – Pre-show checklist, ground start/roll out and maintenance [Channel 18]

The Blue Angel ground maintenance crews have their own set of communication frequencies in support of their mission. They carry with them a communications cart (comcart) for their ground maintenance net. The two confirmed frequencies used by this cart include:

139.8125 Ground maintenance crews/equipment checks NBFM 67.0 Hz PL tone
141.6125 Ground maintenance crews/equipment checks NBFM 67.0 Hz PL tone
142.6125 Tower Observer NBFM 67.0 Hz PL tone

We have now had several reports that the Blue Angels have the capability to operate on 380-400 MHz Navy trunk radio systems. In the Southeast Region, the ground maintenance team (aircraft ground handlers) and tower-to-comcart communications have used talk group 29529. Talk group 29530 has been used when the team conducts comm checks and at the start of their performance.

If you attend an air show this year at a base that has one of these new DoD 380-400 MHz trunk radio systems, be sure to program these systems in your scanner. You might be treated to some interesting ground communications on
talk groups 29529 and 29530.

Now that Monitoring Times has ceased publication, we will be publishing our annual air show guide and exclusive frequency list in e-book format through Amazon before the end of the year. We will announce the  availability of that publication as soon as it is available online.

Blue Angels Announce 2014 Team Members

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, take off as slot pilot Capt. Brandon Cordill shifts into position during a pilot proficiency flight. While the Blue Angels' 2013 air show season has been canceled due to sequestration, the pilots fly proficiency flights to maintain their qualifications in the F/A-18 Hornets. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald/Released)

Blog Ed Note: Hope this means they will perform next year and we can  get past these devastating budget cuts.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the officers selected for the 2014 team July 12.

The squadron selected an administrative officer and a public affairs officer to join a pre-selected C-130 pilot and a maintenance officer on the 2014 team.

Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels' home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week.

The newly-selected 2014 team members include:

Administrative Officer:

Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, from Chicago, is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. He is a 2011 graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu.

Public Affairs Officer:

Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 32, from Ramona, Calif., is currently assigned to the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Washington, D.C. She is a 2004 graduate of Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Ore.

Pre-selected to join the 2014 team were:

C-130 Pilot:

Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.

Maintenance Officer:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 43, of Limerick, Ireland, is currently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity 1 (NSWSA-1) at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, Calif.

Expected to return for the 2014 season are:

F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots:

Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 43, of Clinton Township, Mich.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, 33, of Fort Mitchell, Ky.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa.

Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, 33, of Hemet, Calif.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Tickle, 32, of Birmingham, Ala.

Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Penn.

Narrator

Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 28, of Bloomington, Ill.

Events Coordination Officer:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Cheng, 39, of San Francisco.

C-130 Pilots:

Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell, 32, of Frederick, Md.

Marine Capt. Mike Van Wyk, 31, of Orland Park, Ill.

Flight Surgeon:

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse, 39, of Longmont, Colo.

Supply Officer:

Navy Lt. Scott Adams, 29, of Omaha, Neb.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.

Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.

DoD Military Air Show Participation Cnx Rest of 2013

 

Courtesy of FoxNews.com via a story By Perry Chiaramonte

The Blue Angels, the Navy's revered aerial acrobats, have been grounded for the rest of the year due to sequestration cuts.

The Navy announced the cancellation Tuesday of over 30 shows for the stunt-flying team that were planned through November, citing budget cuts imposed by the Department of Defense.

“The Navy has cancelled the remaining 2013 performances of its Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. The Squadron will continue to train to maintain flying proficiency until further notice at its home station in Pensacola,” a statement from Navy officials said. “Recognizing budget realities, current Defense policy states that outreach events can only be supported with local assets at no cost to the government.”

The Navy is following in the steps of the Air Force, which last month cancelled all remaining shows for its stunt team, the Thunderbirds, and the Army, which cancelled remaining 2013 shows for its parachute skydiving team, the Golden Knights.
Navy officials add that the cancellation is not only due in part to the sequester, but also from a DOD policy to prioritize funding for Armed Forces.
The cancellation of the Blue Angels season, the first since the Korean War, will save the Department of Defense between $20 million and $25 million.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/04/09/blue-angels-will-soar-no-more-in-2013-due-to-sequester/#ixzz2Q9MurcDy

Blue and TBirds Grounded Due to Sequestration

With $85 billion in automatic cuts that took effect on Friday, millions of fans across the country will likely miss out on the precision flying team's thrilling shows this year.

Blue Angels shows scheduled in more than two dozen cities between April and September are expected to be canceled as part of the cuts, said the team's spokeswoman, Lieutenant Katie Kelly. Some shows featuring the Blue Angels already have been called off in the face of budget uncertainties.

Air shows scheduled for May at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, and for June in Indianapolis, already have been canceled, organizers and U.S. Air Force officials announced in recent weeks.

The Air Force said its Thunderbirds exhibition flying team is expected to be grounded if the so-called sequestration cuts happen.

Blue Angels Announce 2013 Team Members

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the officers selected for the 2013 team, July 13.

The squadron selected two F/A-18 Hornet pilots, a C-130 pilot, an events coordinator and a flight surgeon to join the 2013 team. A maintenance officer and a C-130 pilot have been pre-selected for the 2014 team. The Blue Angels announced the 2013 commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas Frosch, in April.

"The competition is extremely tough," said Lt. David Tickle, the Blue Angels opposing solo pilot and applicants officer. "It's a thorough process designed to ensure the team has the best officers to represent the Navy and Marine Corps."

More than 40 highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year, Tickle explained. During the beginning of the team's show season, March-June, applicants attended air shows to learn about the dynamics of the team.
The Blue Angels then selected finalists to interview at the Blue Angels home base on Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show before making selections.

The 2013 team members include:
F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots:
- Navy Lt. Nathan Barton, 32, of Hummelstown, Penn., is currently assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. He is a 2002 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

- Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 27, of Bloomington, Ill., is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) at NAS Lemoore, Calif. He is a 2003 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Events Coordinator:
- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Cheng, 38, of San Francisco, is currently assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) at Point Mugu, Calif. He is a 1996 graduate of the University of California, Irvine.

C-130 Pilot:
- Marine Capt. Michael Van Wyk, 30, of Orland Park, Ill., is currently assigned to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21, NAS Pensacola, Fla. He is a 2003 graduate of Trinity Christian College. Van Wyk was pre-selected to join the 2013 team in 2011.

Flight Surgeon:
- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse, 38, of Longmont, Colo., is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) at NAS North Island, Calif. He is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 2009 graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Expected to return for the 2013 season are:

F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots:
- Navy Lt. John Hiltz, 32, of Fort Mitchell, Ky.
Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, 32, of Hemet, Calif.
Navy Lt. David Tickle, 31, of Birmingham, Ala.
Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 30, of Charleroi, Penn.

C-130 Pilots:
- Marine Capt. John Hecker, 39, of New Orleans.
- Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell, 32, of Frederick, Md.

Administrative Officer:
- Navy Lt. Holly Taylor, 37, of Simsboro, La.

Supply Officer:
- Navy Lt. Scott Adams, 29, of Omaha, Neb.

Public Affairs Officer:
- Navy Lt. Katie Kelly, 30, of Elgin, Ill.

Pre-selected to join the 2014 team are:
Maintenance Officer:
- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 42, of Limerick, Ireland, is currently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity 1 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif.

C-130 Pilot:
- Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 31, of East Bernard, Texas, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America, and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.

During the 2011 season, more than 11 million spectators watched the Blue Angels perform. Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans.

Blue Angels Announce New Boss

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the commanding officer for the 2013-14 seasons during a press conference at the National Aviation Museum on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., May 1.

A panel of admirals and former Blue Angels commanding officers selected Cmdr. Thomas Frosch to succeed Capt. Greg McWherter.

Frosch, a native of Clinton Township, Mich., joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146), on board Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. His previous assignments include four squadrons, where he flew the F/A-18 Hornet and deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. Frosch was also selected to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as an Individual Augmentee with the NATO International Security Assistance Force.

Frosch attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he lettered in football, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and was commissioned an ensign in the Navy. He also attended the Naval War College, where he earned his Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Frosch has more than 3,000 flight hours and 830 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, six Strike Flight Air Medals, two Individual air Medals with Combat "V," three Navy Commendation Medals, one with Combat "V," as well as various campaign and unit awards.

The change-of-command ceremony is slated for November 4, 2012 at the National Museum of Aviation.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting, and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.

US Navy Blue Angels 2012 Practice Schedule

The US Navy Blue Angels have released their 2012 practice schedule. These pactices represent excellent opportunities to see and monitor this team in a non-air show setting.

Stay tuned to the MMP blog and check the "Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows" section on the right hand side of this blog for links to other schedules and field reports from readers during the airshow season.

Don't forget to checkout our 13th annual Air Show Guide that will appear in the March 2012 issue of Monitoring Times magazine. It will be loaded with the latest frequencies (for US and foreign teams), combined schedules, and radio equipment recommendations to make your air show experience an enjoyable and pleasurable one.

The web version of our March guide won't be posted to the MT website until mid to late April. This is done as a courtesy to our subscribers and readers who pay the freight. So get your copy of the March issue before it sells out when it is released in the last week of February. Better yet, get a subscription and don't miss a single exciting issue of Monitoring Times magazine.

Ed Blog Note: If you attend any of these events with your scanner in hand, I could use your field reports on the frequencies that the team is using. See my latest MT Airshow Guide (link in air show reference sidebar) for what we have reported in the past. If you have anything to share, please contact me at the email address in the masthead of this blog. Your field reports are important to us to keep the annual MT Air Show Guide current.

2012 Blue Angels Practice Schedule

LOCATION Naval Air Station Pensacola
TIME 8:30 AM

MARCH 21*, 27, 28*
APRIL 3, 4*, 5, 6, 10, 11*, 17, 18*, 24, 25*
MAY 1, 2*, 8, 9*, 15, 16*
JUNE 5, 6*, 12, 13*, 19, 20*, 26, 27*
JULY 17, 18*
AUGUST 7*, 8, 9, 14, 15*, 21, 22*
SEPTEMBER 5*, 11, 12*, 18, 19*
OCTOBER 17*, 23, 24*, 30

The Blue Angel Practice Schedule is subject to change without notice.

The Museum of Naval Aviation at NAS Pensacola has a viewing area for visitors to watch the team practice. The team visits the museum to answer questions and sign autographs after Wednesday practices.

Wednesday practices are marked with an asterisk (*).

For information about the Wednesday practices at the Museum of Naval Aviation, please call the museum: (850) 452-3604 or visit the museum’s website: www.navalaviationmuseum.org

Thank you for your support of naval aviation and the Blue Angels.

US Navy Blue Angels 2012-2013 Show Schedule Update 1

Blue Angels announce changes to 2012 show schedule, release of 2013 schedule

The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announces two changes to the 2012 show schedule and the release of the 2013 show schedule. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 69 demonstrations at 35 locations in 2012 and 65 demonstrations at 32 locations in 2013 throughout North America.

The 2012 changes include a show in Latrobe, Penn. on June 23-24, replacing the Pittsburg show; and two October shows have swapped dates. The air show in Jacksonville, Fla., is now Oct. 20-21 and in Houston, Texas, Oct. 27-28.

Demonstration sites are selected in support of the Department of Defense objectives and in the interest of the armed services with safety as the primary consideration. Performances greatly assist in the recruiting and retention goals for the military services, enhance esprit de corps among uniformed men and women and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the Naval services to the American public and U.S. Allies.

In a break from tradition, the Blue Angels in 2010 adopted a two-year scheduling program to allow show sites more time for planning, advertising and fund-raising. The schedule posted on the blog is subject to change without notice and is weather permitting, for everyones safety.

Stay tuned to the MMP blog and check the "Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows" section on the right hand side of this blog for links to other schedules and field reports from readers during the airshow season.

Don't forget to checkout our 13th annual Air Show Guide that will appear in the March 2012 issue of Monitoring Times magazine. It will be loaded with the latest frequencies (for US and foreign teams), combined schedules, and radio equipment recommendations to make your air show experience an enjoyable and pleasurable one.

The web version of our March guide won't be posted to the MT website until mid to late April. This is done as a courtesy to our subscribers and readers who pay the freight. So get your copy of the March issue before it sells out when it is released in the last week of February. Better yet, get a subscription and don't miss a single exciting issue of Monitoring Times magazine.

MT Air Show Reference Resources
Blue Angels Official Website: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BlueAngels
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Angels/34985920343

Ed Blog Note: If you attend any of these events with your scanner in hand, I could use your field reports on the frequencies that the team is using. See my latest MT Airshow Guide (link in air show reference sidebar) for what we have reported in the past. If you have anything to share, please contact me at the email address in the masthead of this blog. Your field reports are important to us to keep the annual MT Air Show Guide current.

2012 Show Schedule

March 2012
Mar ? NAF El Centro, CA
Mar ? St. George, UT
Mar ? Punta Gorda, FL
Mar 31 Tuscaloosa, AL

April 2012
Apr 1 Tuscaloosa, AL
Apr 7-8 Easter (Weekend Off)
Apr 14-15 NAS Kingsville,TX
Apr 21-22 NAS/JRB New Orleans,LA
Apr 28-29 Warner Robins AFB, GA

May 2012
May 5-6 MCAS Cherry Point, NC
May 12-13 Smyrna, TN
May 19-20 Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, MD
May 26-27 Jones Beach, NY
May 29 Annapolis, MD

June 2012
Jun 2-3 Norfolk, VA
Jun 9-10 Mankato, MN
Jun 16-17 Baltimore, MD
Jun 23-24 Latrobe, PA
Jun 30 Portsmouth, NH

July 2012
Jul 1 Portsmouth, NH
Jul 2-4 Boston Harbor, MA
Jul 7-8 Dayton, OH
Jul 14 Pensacola Beach, FL
Jul 21-22 Sioux Falls, SD
Jul 28-29 Twin Falls, ID

August 2012
Aug 4-5 Seattle, WA
Aug 11-12 Weekend Off
Aug 18-19 Chicago, IL
Aug 25-26 Summerside PE, Canada

September 2012
Sep 1-3 Cleveland, OH
Sep 8-9 Little Rock AFB, AR
Sep 15-16 NAS Oceana, VA
Sep 22-23 Grand Junction, CO
Sep 29-30 MCAS Kane’ohe Bay, HI

October 2012
Oct 6-7 San Francisco, CA
Oct 12-14 MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA
Oct 20-21 Jacksonville Beach, FL
Oct 27-28 Houston, TX

November 2012
Nov 2-3 NAS Pensacola, FL

2013 Show Schedule

The 2013 season celebrates 100 years of Marine Aviation.

March 2013
Mar 16 NAF El Centro, CA
Mar 23-24 NAS Key West, FL
Mar 30-31 Easter (Weekend Off)

April 2013
Apr 6-7 MacDill AFB, FL
Apr 13-14 NAS Corpus Christi, TX
Apr 20-21 Vidalia, GA
Apr 27-28 MCAS Beaufort, SC

May 2013
May 4-5 Barksdale AFB, LA
May 11-12 Jackson, MS
May 18-19 Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
May 22&24 US Naval Academy Flyover - Annapolis, MD
May 25-26 Lynchburg, VA

June 2013
Jun 1-2 Rockford, IL
Jun 8-9 Ocean City, MD
Jun 15-16 Indianapolis, IN
Jun 22-23 Bagotville, Quebec, CN
Jun 29-30 North Kingstown, RI

July 2013
Jul 6-7 Evansville, IN
Jul 13 Pensacola Beach, FL
Jul 20-21 St. Cloud, MN
Jul 27-28 Hillsboro, OR

August 2013
Aug 3-4 Seattle, WA
Aug 10-11 Fargo, ND
Aug 17-18 Weekend Off
Aug 24-25 Kansas City, MO
Aug 31 NAS Patuxent River, MD

September 2013
Sep 1 NAS Patuxent River, MD
Sep 7-8 Eau Claire, WI
Sep 14-15 Brunswick, ME
Sep 21-22 NAS Oceana, VA
Sep 28-29 NAS Point Mugu, CA

October 2013
Oct 5-6 MCAS Miramar, San Diego, CA
Oct 12-13 San Francisco, CA
Oct 19-20 Fort Worth, TX
Oct 26-27 NAS Jacksonville, FL

November 2013
Nov 1-2 NAS Pensacola, FL

For information about individual air shows, please go to each air show’s official website. For more information about the Blue Angels, including the 2012 and 2013 Blue Angel Air Show schedule, log on to www.blueangels.navy.mil. For details on the War of 1812 commemoration: www.ourflagwasstillthere.org. For details on the Marine Aviation Centennial: www.marines.mil/unit/aviation/centennial/pages/default.aspx.

Blue Angels Boss Relieved

This link http://tinyurl.com/3rhkdm8is to a video report on the actual incident that lead to the grounding of the team courtesy of NBC Nightly News. The incident that caused the grounding occurred at the Lynchburg airshow. There is no word when the team will be back on the airshow circuit.

PENSACOLA (NNS) -- The commanding officer of the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron was relieved of command by chief of naval air training May 27.

Cmdr. Dave Koss requested that Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore relieve him of his command following a lower-than-normal maneuver during the team's last performance at the Lynchburg Regional Air Show May 22.

"With deep personal regret I shared with my command today that I will be voluntarily leaving the greatest flight demonstration team," said Koss. "I performed a maneuver that had an unacceptably low minimum altitude. This maneuver, combined with other instances of not meeting the airborne standard that makes the Blue Angels the exceptional organization that it is, led to my decision to step down. I have the utmost respect for the Sailors and Marines of the Blue Angels organization and all that they embody. The reason this team is so successful, brings thrills to millions of fans across America, and represents the U.S. Navy so superbly, is because of the absolute commitment to safety and perfection by every member of the team. I am honored to have been a part of this organization, and I look forward to watching its success in the future."

Koss will be replaced by the previous Blue Angels' commanding officer, Capt. Greg McWherter, for the duration of the season.

This move requires the cancellation of the Blue Angels' scheduled performances at the Rockford Airfest June 4-5, and the Evansville Freedom Festival Air Show June 11-12. The Blue Angels will remain in Pensacola for additional training and air show demonstration practice. Any potential changes to the team's future schedule will be announced at a later date.

The Blue Angels regret any inconvenience and look forward to continuing to represent the Navy and Marine Corps service members serving around the world.

Blue Angels Cancel Flyover, Air Show

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, has cancelled both the scheduled flyover for the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) graduation and commissioning May 27 and their air show performances scheduled May 28-29 in Millville, N.J.

The USNA flyover will now be performed by Strike Fighter Squadron 143, based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.

The Blue Angels will remain in Pensacola, Fla., for additional training and air show demonstration practice. Any changes to the team's future schedule will be determined at a later date.

The Blue Angels regret any inconvenience and look forward to continuing to represent the Navy and Marine Corps service members serving around the world.

Blue Angels Cancel Naval Academy Air Show

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue
Angels, has cancelled the practice demonstration and air show scheduled for May 24-25 at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Md.

This cancellation is due to a safety stand-down period imposed by the team's commanding officer after a lower-than-normal maneuver that took place during the team's last performance at Lynchburg Regional Air Show May 22 in Lynchburg, Va.

Following this low maneuver all aircraft landed safely without damage or injury to personnel.

During the training stand-down the team will remain in Pensacola, Fla., for additional training and air show demonstration practice. It has yet to be determined if
the Blue Angels will perform the flyover at the USNA graduation May 27.

The Blue Angels regret any inconvenience and look forward to continuing to represent the Navy and Marine Corps.

A New Cool Blue Angel Website is Now Online

The Navy Blue Angel website has undergone an overhaul and the new version is simply awesome. The new website has a really incredible feature called Inside the Demo.

The site has all the maneuvers that the team makes during an airshow, including the C-130 performance. There are 3-camera views of each maneuver and you can pick which view is the primary on-screen. There is an optional closed-captioning function for those calls that are difficult to understand and full cockpit radio audio for each maneuver.

Want to have a Blue Angel airshow on your computer? Want to see what it is like to sit in the cockpit of a Blue Angel F/A-18 and perform high performance maneuvers in front of thousands? Then visit the new Blue Angel website at http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/. Once you get there click on the Inside the Demo link at the top of the page. You will enjoy the performance.