Page 17 - 2020 LA County Air Show Guide

Los Angeles County Air Show
March 21-22, 2020 In The Air 17
The Blue Angels: 74 years of excellence

This year, 2020, marks the 74th
anniversary of the U.S. Navy Blue
Angels, and the 34th year the team
has been flying the F/A-18 Hornet.
The mission of the Blue Angels
is to showcase the pride and pro-
fessionalism of the U.S. Navy and
U.S. Marine Corps, by inspiring a
culture of excellence and service to
country through flight demonstra-
tions and community outreach.
In 1946, the Chief of Naval Op-
erations, Adm. Chester Nimitz, had
a vision to create a flight exhibition
team in order to raise the public’s Photograph by Lee Calkins
interest in naval aviation and boost At an air show in Omaha, Neb., column called Goings On About
Navy morale. In the 1940s, the team in July 1946, the team was intro- Town. Voris said, “That sounds
thrilled audiences with their preci- duced as the “Blue Angels.” Right great! The Blue Angels. Navy, Blue,
sion combat maneuvers in the F6 Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice “Wick” and Flying!”
Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat and the F9 Wickendoll came across the name In 1949, it became necessary for
Panther. in the New Yorker Magazine in a See BLUE ANGELS, Page 19