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Air Force Thunderbirds to Headline Great Tennessee Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds to Headline Great Tennessee Airshow

SMYRNA, Tenn. — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy’s F-35C Lightning II will join top civilian aerobatic aircraft this weekend performing at The Great Tennessee Airshow.

The Thunderbirds return to middle Tennessee for the first time in ten years on June 5 and 6. The squadron’s six F-16C Fighting Falcon jets demonstrate high speed passes and dynamic maneuvers each afternoon.

Lead by commander Col. John Caldwell, the Thunderbirds new season is highlighted by an entirely different performance from previous years. Air show guests will witness their new ground show and aerial maneuvers over Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport.

“We are very excited about the changes we have made to our show and ground performance,” Col. Caldwell explained on Monday. “One of our main goals was to take a look at our show sequence and enhance the design with the crowd experience in mind.”

The Thunderbirds added two new maneuvers to their thirty-minute demonstration. Every show will see the Low Bomb Burst with Hit; and during the six-ship low and flat shows is the Stinger Cross Break.

“The crowd will feel the thunder in their chest by hearing the jets roar, seeing the speed, seeing the motion, and seeing the precision of our team while flying 18-inches apart,” Col. Caldwell added.

U.S. Navy’s Newest Fighter Jets to Perform

Two of the Navy’s flight demonstration teams are also slated to perform, the EA-18G Growler and the F-35C Lightning II. A flyover of Nashville by the two teams is planned for Thursday.

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Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers perform over Melbourne, Florida in April 2021. (Charles A Atkeison)

The Navy’s EA-18G Growler jets, a newer variant of the F/A-18 Hornet, are scheduled to perform each day. Expect two Growlers to perform together on Saturday and Sunday.

Two of the Navy’s F-35Cs will take to the skies to perform a 15 minute demonstration. The fifth-generation stealth fighters will also fly in formation with an F4U-4 Corsair for the Navy’s Legacy Flight.

“Our squadron is an F-35C training squadron at NAS Lemoore and our mission is to train warfighters to go out to the fleet,” Navy Lt. Dave “Strokes” Hinkle explained to AvGeekery.com. “We find holes in our training schedule to attend air shows like The Great Tennessee Airshow.”

Air show guests can get up close with several of today’s aircraft on display. The Knoxville Guard’s KC-135, a Memphis Guard C-17, a V-22 Osprey, and a T-38 are just a few of the static aircraft.

Flight line and box seat ticket packages are sold online only and will not be sold at the gate. The air show will is a reduced-capacity event due to COVID, and no general admission tickets will be sold.

“While many other major events in the region have either canceled or postponed due to COVID, we are thrilled with our decision to move forward and present such a top-rate air show that aviation fans have come to expect here,” John Black, executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority said.

Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremonies are expected to begin at 11:30 a.m.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

B-17 ‘Texas Raiders’, Vintage Aircraft Touring Southern Airports

Charles Atkeison
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B-17 ‘Texas Raiders’, Vintage Aircraft Touring Southern Airports

ATLANTA — The iconic sound of a B-17 Flying Fortress will echo across airports in the southeast as she joins several vintage aircraft during a current public tour by the Commemorative Air Force.

A historic B-17G known as Texas Raiders and fellow World War II-era aircraft are visiting airports to allow the pubic an up close view. Several aircraft are even available for the public to take a living history flight of their own.

Upcoming airport visits include Rome, Georgia; Mobile, Alabama; Houston and Tyler, Texas. The squadron of aircraft have recently completed visits in Florida and Atlanta.

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The B-17 Texas Raiders soars during take-off from Atlanta’s Cobb County Airport in May 2021. (Atkeison)

“The public is welcome to drive in for our Warbird Expo with three of our vintage World War II aircraft from the CAF on the ground,” Nancy Kwiecien, executive officer of the Commemorative Air Force’s Gulf Coast Wing, said. “We will be doing cockpit tours of the B-17, ground tours of the other aircraft, and public flights.”

‘Texas Raiders’ One of Only Four B-17s Still Flying

The Boeing-built B-17 Texas Raiders is one of only four flight worthy aircraft today. Construction was completed on the aircraft in July 1945, as one of the last built at the Long Beach, California plant.

During World War II, a B-17 was flown with a crew of ten. Powered by four Wright Cyclone nine-cylinder radial engines, the long range heavy bomber was used during every theater of combat.

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tours inside the B-17 and flights aboard the historic warbird are available to the Public. (Atkeison)

For Nancy, touring and promotion of the B-17 Flying Fortress is a heartfelt tribute to those who had served aboard them. Her Uncle Ken served aboard a B-17 during a monumental time for the Allies in the European theater.

“I was inspired to join CAF as I have an uncle who was a tail gunner on a B-17 in World War II,” she explained. “He flew across the English Channel on D-Day. I am very interested in the history and in the veteran’s stories.”

Beginning in June 1943, Allied Command used every surviving B-17 to bomb Hitler’s Europe. These aircraft helped bring a speedy end to the Axis domination across Europe.

“Eight years with the B-17 and I’m still inspired by the sight of her in the air,” Nancy added with a proud smile. “The Texas Raiders is gorgeous in the air and just a beautiful piece of art when she flies.”

A Beech JRB-6 nicknamed Little Raider was constructed in 1947 at the Beechcraft Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas. Two Pratt & Whitney radial engines provide a combined 900 hp.

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A Beech 18 known as Little Raider prepares for a public passenger flight on May 27, 2021. (Atkeison)

The aircraft served in the U.S. Army Air Force and the Navy during the Second World War. The Beech model 18 was designated as a C-45 Expeditor and a AT-7 Navigator by the Army Air Force. The Navy gave it several names, including the UC-45J Navigator.

Another aircraft touring with the B-17 is the North American SNJ-5. The tandem-seat trainer was known as The Pilot Maker, and prepared new aviators for air combat in the skies over Europe and the Pacific.

The SNJ is the Navy variant of the Army’s T-6 Texan or Europe’s Harvard. The aircraft is also a popular face at air shows around the globe.

CAF Gulf Coast Wing 2021 Tour:

Rome, GA: Richard Russell Regional Airport – May 28-31

Mobile, AL: Mobile Downtown Airport – June 1-3

Conroe, TX: Conroe North Houston Regional Airport – June 12 only

Houston, TX: Lone Star Flight Museum Ellington Field – June 19-20

Tyler, TX: Thunder Over Cedar Creek Airshow – July 1-4

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Atlanta Airshow to Host Air Force and Navy Jets this Weekend

Charles Atkeison
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Atlanta Airshow to Host Air Force and Navy Jets this Weekend

ATLANTA — The first air show of the year in the middle south is this weekend as military jets and civilian aerobatics highlight the Atlanta Airshow in Peachtree City.

The U.S. Air Force F-35A and the Navy’s F-35C Lightning II jets will provide the thrust and high speed maneuvers on May 22 and 23. Civilian aerobatics include the Full-Throttle Formation Team and pilot Buck Roetman over Falcon Field.

Air show officials confirmed this week the addition of the Alabama Air National Guard’s F-16C Fighting Falcon to the line up. The F-16C Airfield Assault Demo is based at the 187th Fighter Wing near Montgomery.

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An Air Force F-35A Lightning II arrives at Dobbins ARB, Atlanta FRiday afternoon PILOTED BY MAJ. KRISTIN “Beo” WOLFE. (Charles A Atkeison)

The public can also get an up close view of several warbirds located on static display. A P-51 Mustang and a B-17 Flying Fortress are just a few of the World War II-era aircraft on hand.

First Airshow Featuring Two Flying F-35 Variants

The two F-35 demonstration teams arrived into Dobbins Air Reserve Base near Atlanta a day before the show. The Atlanta Airshow will mark the first time the public will see full demonstrations of the F-35A and the F-35C during one air show.

“I always liked the inverted pass just because it’s weird as a pilot to be 300-feet off the ground and inverted looking at the tree tops,” F-35A Demo pilot Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe told AvGeekery.com from the Dobbins ARB flight line. “I always liked the crowd pleasers like the tactical pitch at the end of the demo.”

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The 2021 F-35A Demo Team featuring commander and pilot Maj. Krisitn Wolfe (center). (Charles A Atkeison)

Maj. Wolfe commands the F-35A Demonstration Team based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Her father is a retired Air Force F-15C Eagle pilot and attended Stone Mountain High near Atlanta. Her family resides in the Georgia area.

For the pilots of the Navy’s F-35, their air show season will occur on days when they are not teaching future pilots. LT Dave Hinkle and LT Joe Calvi are each F-35C instructional pilots based at NAS Lemoore in California.

“Our squadron at Lemoore is an F-35C training squadron and we fill holes in our schedule to attend air shows,” LT Hinkle of Lemoore’s VFA-125 told AvGeekery on Friday. “Our mission is to train warfighters to get out to the fleet.”

Each jet team will also perform a patriotic tribute to the historic past of their branch of service.

The Air Force Heritage Flight will see the F-35A fly alongside an P-51D Mustang aircraft. The F-35C will fly with a historic F4U-4 Corsair during the Navy’s Legacy Flight.

Each jet aircraft demo team are being housed at Dobbins ARB this week. Located northwest of Atlanta, the air base has a strong history in supporting the military’s visiting aircraft.

“We are really proud to host these aircraft,” Dobbins ARB spokesperson 1st Lt. Alan Abernathy said. “The metro-Atlanta community is a strong supporter of Dobbins ARB; and we are happy to bring these aircraft here for an air show showcasing aviation and military aircraft.”

One of only ten flight worthy B-17 Flying Fortresses is scheduled to perform during the show. Air show guests can reserve a flight aboard the B-17 Texas Raiders for Saturday and Sunday for a truly historic ride.

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day with the opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m. Single tickets and ticket packages remain available online and will not be sold at the gate.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

WATCH: Just a Car Guy Calling “Car Talk” for Some Advice

Bill Walton
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WATCH: Just a Car Guy Calling “Car Talk” for Some Advice

Only This Car Guy is Driving a Rockwell “Van” Doing About 17K Miles Per Hour

Astronaut John Mace Grunsfeld crewed on five Space Shuttle missions. He became NASA’s Chief Scientist. After he retired from NASA (the first time) he became an accomplished mountaineer and served as deputy director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. He later returned to NASA serving as associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). Grunsfeld is also a tinkerer- he’s a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He even has a passion for classic cars. Listen as Grunsfeld calls a couple of “Car Guys” from a very remote location to get their help with his current ride- a “Government van.” The video was uploaded to YouTube by 0do0m.

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NASA Career Begins and the Call is Made

Grunsfeld’s career with NASA began in 1992 when he was selected as an astronaut candidate. His first Shuttle flight was as a Mission Specialist for STS-67/Astro-2 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (2 March – 18 March 1995). March 2–18, 1995). This was one of the few Shuttle missions to recover at Edwards AFB in California. His next Shuttle flight was as Flight Engineer for STS-81 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (12 January – 22 January 1997). This mission was the fifth to dock with the Russian Mir space station. It was during this mission that Grunsfeld made his call to Car Talk via a relay from Mir to a TDRS satellite.

Hubble 2009 close up
Image via NASA

Servicing Hubble

Grunsfeld’s next mission was as a Mission Specialist for STS-103 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (19 December – 27 December 1999). This mission was essentially a Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing flight which resulted in upgraded systems aboard the HST. Grunsfeld next returned to space as Payload Commander for STS-109 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (1 March – 12 March 2002). This was another HST servicing mission undertaken to install new cameras, solar arrays, and power systems. Here’s a video with Grunsfeld talking about his Hubble experiences uploaded to YouTube by Spaceflightnow.

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image via nasa

Space Mechanics

Grunsfeld’s final space shot was as payload commander for STS-125 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (11 May  – 24 May 2009). This was the fifth and final servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope. The HST received replacement components and new sensors. This was another instance of a Space Shuttle mission recovering at Edwards- and resulted in another call to Car Talk. John Grunsfeld logged more than 58 total days in space during his five Space Shuttle missions, 58 hours and 30 minutes of which was spent performing eight “space walks.” Here’s a video of John speaking about the HST uploaded to YouTube by PSW Science.

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image via nasa

Blue Angels Super Hornets Arrive on Florida’s Space Coast

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Super Hornets Arrive on Florida’s Space Coast

MELBOURNE, Fla. — The Super Hornets of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels arrived on Florida’s Space Coast on Thursday ready to perform this weekend during The Great Florida Airshow.

The Blue Angels will headline a very busy air show which will include an Air Force F-16C Viper and a Navy EA-18G Growler. Several of America’s top aerobatic pilots are also scheduled to perform over Orlando-Melbourne International Airport on May 15 and 16.

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The Blue Angels arrive into Melbourne on Thursday for the Great Florida Airshow. (Charles A Atkeison)

Six blue and gold F/A-18E Super Hornets touched down at Orlando-Melbourne at 10 a.m. EDT. Prior to landing, the jets performed a smoke-on flyover aligned in their popular delta formation.

There to greet the jets was the Blue Angels equipment and personnel transport known as Fat Albert. The four-prop hulking aircraft is a C-130J Super Hercules piloted and maintained by an all-Marine crew.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with the city of Melbourne an air show over an awesome city,” Blue Angels left wing pilot Maj. Frank Zastoupil told AvGeekery.com on Thursday. “We are excited to have the chance to be back to support the community.”

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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels jets arrive over Orlando-Melbourne Airport on Thursday. (Charles A Atkeison)

The Blue Angels jets returned to the air at noon to perform a few practice flights and familiarize themselves with the area. This is the squadron’s first visit to Melbourne in six years.

Each pilot typically appreciates a certain flight maneuver during their show. Their 45-minute flight demonstration provides thrilling low passes and high speed turns.

“I really like the low-break cross,” Maj. Zastoupil explained. “That is a maneuver when the diamond comes from behind the crowd. We then break out in four separate directions, cross in front of the crowd and then comeback and meet at center point, and then do two max afterburner turns right in front.”

AO1 Joseph Noffsinger serves as the crew chief of Maj. Zastoupil’s number 3 jet. He is responsible for the preflight care and final checks of the aircraft prior to its flight.

“It’s a big responsibility. I’m responsible for Maj. Zastoupil’s well being in the seat and the overall integrity of the aircraft,” Noffsinger said. “Almost everyday is a fun time as I enjoy working on the aircraft.”

Individual tickets and ticket packages are available online only and are not sold at the gate. Gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and air show officials asks the public to arrive early as general parking near the airport for free and limited.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

WATCH: A Festival of A-10 Warthogs Delivering the BRRRRT

Bill Walton
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WATCH: A Festival of A-10 Warthogs Delivering the BRRRRT

This Group of Warthog Videos Will Warm the Hearts of A-10 Fans Everywhere

It’s no secret we love Warthogs here at Avgeekery. This group of A-10 Thunderbolt II videos contains all kinds of footage. Some was shot on ranges Warthogs were beating up. Some was shot in combat by troops in contact- some of whom were saved by those same Warthogs. But there’s one common denominator: BRRRRRT! So enjoy the action!

Video 1

This video was uploaded to YouTube by Rndm Compilation.

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Video 2

This video was uploaded to YouTube by LoveWarthogs.

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Video 3

This video was uploaded to YouTube by Military Machine.

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Video 4

This video was uploaded to YouTube by WarLeaks.

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Video 5

This video was uploaded to YouTube by The Real Deal.

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Great Florida Airshow to Host Blue Angels, F-16 Viper Demo

Charles Atkeison
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Great Florida Airshow to Host Blue Angels, F-16 Viper Demo

MELBOURNE, Fla. — The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force F-16C Viper are scheduled to headline the return of the Great Florida Airshow this weekend.

The family-fun event will feature top military and civilian performers over the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport. The public can also get up close with several static aircraft displays including a C-130 Hurricane Hunter.

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The Blue Angels C-130J Super Hercules Fat Albert during an air show visit in April 2021. (Charles A Atkeison)

Gates will open at 8 a.m. on May 15 and 16, and nearby parking is free. All single tickets and ticket packages are available only online and are not sold at the gate.

Blue Angels: ‘This is Gonna be a Gigantic Year’

Celebrating their 75th anniversary season, the Blue Angels six jets are scheduled to arrive on Thursday to prepare for the two-day show. The team’s new C-130J Super Hercules known as Fat Albert will arrive loaded with equipment and personnel to support the flight demonstrations.

“This is gonna be a gigantic year with the brand new Super Hornets and the C-130J,” Blue Angels executive officer and Navy commander Todd Royles told AvGeekery.com. “What a major milestone of 75 years of this historic, and just a national treasure of an organization.”

The Great Florida Airshow is the Blue Angels fourth scheduled show site of the year. Their Super Hornet jets are 30% larger than their previous legacy Hornet jets.

“With the Super Hornet, it’s a bigger jet so we have a little more power and little more thrust,” Blue Angels opposing solo pilot Lt. Cary Rickoff explained to AvGeekery.com. “Guests can expect the same Blue Angels maneuvers and precision that they are use to.

Rickoff added, “The delta (formation) will be bigger and so it will block out the Sun a little more.”

High speed passes and dizzying cork screw turns will highlight the maneuvers of the F-16C Viper each day. Led by pilot Maj. Garret “Toro” Schmitz, the Viper Demonstration Team

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Air Force Maj. Garret Schmitz will pilot the F-16C Viper over Melbourne Airport on May 15 & 16. (USAF)

“Support the air show community,” Maj. Schmitz told this reporter. “People putting on crazy shows, and performers doing crazy aerobatics — crazier than I do!”

In addition to the military’s current aircraft, the nation’s top civilian aerobatic pilots will showcase their flying skills. Pilots Rob Holland, Scott “Scooter” Yoak, and Mike Goulian are just a few scheduled to perform over the airfield.

Guests of all ages can learn more about the U.S. military with select virtual reality displays. The Air Force Experience and the Navy SEAL’s Nimitz mission simulation are scheduled to attend the show.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Atlanta Airshow to Host Two F-35 Demonstration Teams

Charles Atkeison
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Atlanta Airshow to Host Two F-35 Demonstration Teams

ATLANTA — Both the U.S. Air Force and Navy’s F-35 Lightning II jets are headed to the Peach State in two weeks for a rare opportunity to witness each performing during the Atlanta Airshow.

The two F-35s from separate branches of service are not scheduled to fly together. The Air Force F-35A was made for conventional runway take-off and landings, while the Navy’s F-35C is made to launch and land aboard an aircraft carrier.

Air Force pilot Maj. Kristin “Beo” Wolfe commands the F-35A Demonstration Team based at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The squadron is excited to begin their long awaited air show season on May 22 and 23 in Peachtree City.

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F-35A Demonstration Team commander and pilot MAJ. KRISTIN “BEO” WOLFE prepares for flight prior to stepping to the jet for a demonstration rehearsal at Hill AFB. on April 28. (USAF/ Capt. Kip. Sumner)

“The Demo Team has been looking forward to the Atlanta Airshow for months, especially considering it’s our first airshow of the season,” Maj. Beo Wolfe told AvGeekery.com from the flight line on Friday. “We didn’t get to perform in Georgia last year, so we’re super excited to be flying for the Atlanta area.”

Maj. Wolfe will pilot the F-35A during a 15-minute flight demonstration above the show crowd. Atlanta is the only scheduled performance site this year in the southeastern United States.

“The F-35A has an advanced flight control system, which allows the pilot to easily command maximum performance from the airplane,” Wolfe added. “During the show you’ll also see a variety of maneuvers in which the jet is displaying the unique capability of 50 degrees angle of attack.”

The F-35As performance highlights only a few of its precision maneuvers. Several other capabilities by the F-35 are classified, including a basic surface attack and dropping weapons.

Wolfe’s performance also includes a formation flight with an Air Force warbird. The Air Force Heritage Flight will see the F-35A fly alongside an P-51D Mustang aircraft.

“We’re extremely excited to be kicking of our 2021 show season at the Atlanta Air Show,” F-35A demonstration spokesperson Capt. Kip Sumner added. “We recommend checking us out and tagging us on social media @F35DemoTeam or #F35DemoTeam. And, if you see any of us at the show, feel free to come over and say hi.”

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

GEICO Skytypers Discuss Maintaining their WW II Aircraft

Charles Atkeison
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GEICO Skytypers Discuss Maintaining their WW II Aircraft

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team has begun their new season primed with a historic flight demonstration display loaded with aerial maneuvers flown during the second world war.

The GEICO Skytypers showcase low level maneuvers and create huge sky typed messages over the air show. The civilian squadron’s history dates back to the 1970s, and 15 years as the GEICO Skytypers.

Their flight demonstration at air shows highlights their Navy SNJ-2 aircraft as the pilots tell the story of an age before the jet engine. A flight trainer in the early-1940’s, the SNJ was known among the U.S. Army’s aviators as the pilot maker.

“There’s not a point in time when I get into this airplane that I’m not fully aware I’m flying a piece of history,” GEICO Skytypers right wing pilot Chris “CT” Thomas told AvGeekery.com during an exclusive interview on Monday. “It’s a 1941 SNJ-2 so it’s an ex-Navy airplane.”

GEICO Skytyper Pilot, Maintainer Focused on the Squadron

The Skytypers have become an air show favorite as they showcase the aerial assault of a World War II dogfight. As the warbirds soar across the sky, they also generate massive sky typed messages for the air show crowds.

“These machines are amazing, if you look at the engines with the case off, they look like a swiss clock,” GEICO Skytypers Director of Maintenance Frank Atria said. “Here it is 80-years later and they’re still airworthy, they’re still doing their job, and they make for great performances.”

The squadron includes lead pilot Larry Arken in the Skytyper one aircraft. Arken and pilots Chris Thomas, Mark Gannucci, and Chris Orr are the diamond formation. Steven Salmirs and Tom Daly perform as the more aggressive solo pilots who challenge the diamond during several maneuvers.

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GEICO Skytypers lead maintainer Frank Atria inspects the engine of a Navy SNJ-2. (Charles A Atkeison)

GEICO Skytypers back-up pilot Jim Record provides a stirring narration during each maneuver. Timed to patriotic music selections, their display is an exciting moment of living history.

The living history of these historic warbirds continue to ‘wow’ audiences at air show sites. The squadron is scheduled to perform at 12 show sites across the eastern United States in 2021. 

GEICO Skytypers 2021 Air Show Schedule
Apr 17-18…… Cocoa Beach Air Show, Fla.
May 8-9………. Ford Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale, Fla
May 29-30….. Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park, NY
Jun 19-20……. Ocean City Air Show, Ocean City, MD
Jul 3-4………….. Kansas City Air Show, Kansas
Jul 17-18……… Greater Binghamton Air Show, New York
Jul 26-Aug 1… EAA Air Venture Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
Aug 18………….. Atlantic City Airshow, Atlantic City, NJ
Aug 28-29……. New York Air Show, New Windsor, NY
Sep 18-19…….. NAS Oceana Air Show, NAS Oceana, VA
Oct 16-17…….. Lockheed Martin Air and Space Show, Sanford, FL
Nov 6-7………… Warbirds over Monroe Air Show, Monroe, NC

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Navy’s Blue Angels, F-35C Demo Arrive for South Texas Airshow

Charles Atkeison
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Navy’s Blue Angels, F-35C Demo Arrive for South Texas Airshow

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and F-35C Demonstration Team arrived in the Lone Star state Thursday for their performances this weekend at the Wings over South Texas Airshow.

The six blue and gold Super Hornet jets of the Blue Angels arrived Thursday morning into Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. Two Navy F-35C Lightning IIs also touched down and are scheduled to perform on Saturday and Sunday.

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A NAVY F-35C LIGHTNING II WILL PERFORM high speed precision flight OVER THE BAYFRONT May 1-2. (US NAVY)

Unlike past years, the air base is not hosting the air show and instead going with the openness of a beach show. Air show center is located between Spoil Island and North Shoreline Blvd. overlooking Corpus Christie Bay.

“Although NAS CC will only be in a supporting role, the new format will allow greater public access for members of our South Texas community and the visitors that the show will attract,” NAS CC commander Capt. Chris Jason said. “This new show format also underscores the strength of the relationship between the military and the local community.”

Blue Angels to Showcase Faster Super Hornets

This year marks the Blue Angels 75th anniversary season and their first with the faster Super Hornet jets. The squadron said they are “excited to be on the road” to display their new aircraft.

“We will be traveling with a 100% fully immunized personnel on our team in order for the safest outcome for our community and personnel,” Blue Angels flight surgeon Lt. Monica Borza explained to AvGeekery.com. “We do have certain measures in place off-duty and we will be abiding by CDC and DOD guidelines.”

Air shows are a favorite past time for Lt. Borza, who grew up attending shows in Virginia Beach. Her father’s military life inspired her to join the U.S. Navy and become a fully licensed physician.

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Blue Angels first year Doc, Lt. Monica Borza, grew up attending summer air shows. (Charles A Atkeison)

“I grew up going to the air show every summer,” Borza said from the flight line. “My father is a former naval flight officer, so I grew up inundated amongst the aviation community and I am honored and proud to be here to represent the fleet.”

The Blue Angels new C-130J Super Hercules known as Fat Albert also arrived into south Texas. The hulking aircraft delivered equipment and key personnel needed to keep the jets flying.

Tickets remain available for VIP sections at air show center. The flying will begin at 1 p.m. CDT, with the Blue Angels performing the final demonstration beginning at 3:05 p.m.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

WATCH: Former F-14 Tomcat RIO Analyzes TOP GUN

Bill Walton
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WATCH: Former F-14 Tomcat RIO Analyzes TOP GUN

Ward Carroll Knows Tomcats and He Shares His Insight With TOP GUN Movie Fans

Ward Carroll is a former Fighter Squadron THREE TWO (VF-32) Swordsmen F-14 Tomcat RIO and author of the well-received Punk series of novels (Punk’s War, Punk’s Wing, Punk’s Fight) along with two other books. Over his career Carroll flew with three more Tomcat squadrons and served as the Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) Operations Officer. Carroll applies his technical knowledge of the Tomcat to these videos about the 1986 Paramount movie Top Gun. In the first video Carroll discusses the reality of the flat spin scene and Goose’s fatal ejection along with his career in Naval Aviation. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

The Truth About the F-14 and Goose’s Death

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Carroll was also editor of Approach magazine and a contributing editor for Naval Aviation News. In the second video Carroll takes a broader look at Top Gun and calls out 21 “cringeworthy” technical errors made in the movie.  There are those who probably know about some of these technical errors, and there are some who know about all of them and even more. Carroll takes the movie to task- which from a technical accuracy perspective the movie deserves. See how many of these technical errors you knew about before Carroll’s dissertation and how many you know about that Carroll didn’t mention in the video. Comments please. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

21 Cringeworthy Errors in the Movie TOP GUN

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Ward’s first video didn’t include some of the most cringeworthy errors. He saved them for this follow-up. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ward Carroll.

13 More Cringeworthy Errors in the Movie TOP GUN

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Image via IMDB

Air Force Thunderbirds Inspire Civil Air Patrol Cadets

Charles Atkeison
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Air Force Thunderbirds Inspire Civil Air Patrol Cadets

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The cadets of a Civil Air Patrol in metro Atlanta were greeted by members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on Thursday during an exclusive online video conference.

Three members of America’s Ambassadors in Blue spoke with local teens involved with the civilian branch of the Air Force. For one high ranking cadet, the live discussion increased her motivation for a career in the military.

“It was exciting to meet with members of the Thunderbirds, and be able to ask them questions,” Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Juli Vega of the Forsyth County CAP said afterwards.

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The Thunderbirds Delta Formation flies over Cocoa Beach, Fla. in April 2021. (Image: Charles A Atkeison)

Civil Air Patrol cadets are made up of teens working hard to learn the disciplines of the Air Force. They each earn rank as they learn about all aspects of an aerospace career in the military.

Thunderbirds Inspire America’s Future Airmen

The Civil Air Patrol is an extension of the Air Force, and has provided local communities with volunteer services dating back to before World War II. They offer aide to search and rescue aircrews, disaster relief, and also volunteer with humanitarian services.

The Thunderbirds began their 2021 air show season last weekend in central Florida. Their six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets perform precision maneuvers and high speed passes before show guests.

Thunderbirds’ flight surgeon Lt. Col. (Dr.) Noel Colls lead the 45 minute discussion from their air base near Las Vegas, Nevada. He described for the cadets his career with the military and with the team.

“I get to work with a great group of people and really learn a lot,” Lt. Col. Colls stated to the cadets. “In the military you will get to do things that you will never ever get to do in the civilian world.”

The medical doctor is also a prior military pilot having logged over 540 flight hours in 20 different aircraft. He has even logged over 310 combat hours during several tours of duty.

“There is a huge spectrum of jobs available in the Air Force,” Colls added. “Sure, being a pilot is fun to get up in a jet and fly, but, it’s all about your own personality and your own desires of what you want to do.”

Many of the young cadets are interested in advancing to the Air Force Academy in Colorado following high school. Careers as a pilot, medical, and logistics were just a few of the jobs discussed during the event.

“As an aspiring pilot and hopefully a future member of the Air Force, the biggest takeaway from this conversation was that in even this group of elite aviators, success comes down to attitude, integrity, and perseverance,” Cadet MSgt. Vega, 15, added with a nod. “Without these three qualities, it is difficult to achieve your full potential either as an individual or within a team.”

Vega will soon join a few cadets from across Georgia for an uplifting military experience. They will soon get to ride aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft during an observation flight with the 165th Airlift Wing near Savannah.

For Vega, these are two great leaps towards her future with the military.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

SpaceX ‘Endeavour’ Launches with Four Astronauts to Space Station

Charles Atkeison
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SpaceX ‘Endeavour’ Launches with Four Astronauts to Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Four astronauts launched aboard a reusable SpaceX Crew Dragon early Friday from America’s Space Coast to begin a nearly six month stay aboard the International Space Station.

This SpaceX Crew-2 mission is the second operational commercial crewed space launch. It also marks the third time Americans have launched into space from the U.S. in last 11 months.

Riding a top a Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew Dragon Endeavour lifted off at 5:49:02 a.m. EDT, from the Kennedy Space Center. The Falcon 9’s instantaneous launch time occurred as the space station flew 258 miles above the Indian Ocean.

The candle stick rocket soared up the east coast of the United States. Nearly three minutes after launch, Falcon’s spent first stage separated and the second stage immediately took over.

“I’m just so proud of the team, and what this team was able to accomplish,” Acting NASA administrator Steve Jurczyk said from the space center.

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astronauts Thomas Pesquet, Megan McArthur, Shane Kimbrough, and Akihiko Hoshide depart for Launch Complex 39A to board the SpaceX Crew Dragon ‘Endeavour’ early Friday. (NASA)

Endeavour’s crew includes NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur who will serve as Dragon’s commander and pilot. Japan’s Akihiko Hoshide and European astronaut Thomas Pesquet will round out the four person crew.

Nine minutes following launch, Endeavour successfully reached orbit. At the same time, the Falcon’s first stage made a pin point landing on a recovery platform off the coast of South Carolina.

The booster was last flown in November, placing four of the current seven station crew members into orbit. This mission also marks Endeavour’s second journey into space.

Commander Kimbrough and pilot McArthur will steer Endeavour during a one day flight to the orbiting laboratory. Based on an on time launch, Endeavour’s crew is scheduled to dock to the station on Saturday at about 5:10 a.m.

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Two Americans, a European, and a Japanese astronaut depart for the space station on April 23, 2021. (NASA)

Following docking, the crew will take two hours to prepare the hatches between Crew Dragon and the station for opening. The crew is scheduled to live and work aboard the orbiting laboratory.

This will mark the first time that two commercial crew spacecraft are docked to the space station. The Crew Dragon Resilience has been docked with the outpost for nearly six months.

One week following Endeavour’s docking, Resilience will undock from the Harmony node to bring her crew home. Meanwhile, Endeavour and her crew will stay aboard the space station until around November 1.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Mars Helicopter ‘Ingenuity’ Flies Higher on Second Flight

Charles Atkeison
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Mars Helicopter ‘Ingenuity’ Flies Higher on Second Flight

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA flew a powered aircraft on Mars for a second time on Thursday demonstrating that humans can control an aircraft in the planet’s ultra thin atmosphere.

The tissue box-size Mars helicopter Ingenuity transmitted several images during its flight to its host, the Perseverance rover. Located 215 feet away, Perseverance transmitted the final commands from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory one hour before the flight.

At an exact moment, the copter’s twin rotor blades were spun up to 2,537 rpm. A final system’s check was performed as the blades cut through Mars’ ultra thin atmosphere.

Likened to the Wright Brothers first powered flight, Ingenuity took off from the Martian surface at 5:33 a.m. EDT, and stayed aloft for 51.9 seconds. The controlled flight flew up to an altitude of 16 feet and then traveled seven feet.

“The helicopter came to a stop, hovered in place, and made turns to point its camera in different directions,” Ingenuity’s chief pilot Håvard Grip said on Thursday. “Then it headed back to the center of the airfield to land.”

JPL received the first data from the rover four hours later. Images and data points were relayed from the copter to the rover, and to NASA’s JPL in California.

In honor of the the first controlled, powered flight on Earth, NASA has named Ingenuity’s air field. The small flight region located near Jezero Crater is now called Wright Brothers Field.

“While Ingenuity carries no science instruments, the little helicopter is already making its presence felt across the world,” NASA’s associate administrator for science Thomas Zurbuchen said. “Just as Ingenuity was inspired by the Wright brothers, future explorers will take off using both the data and inspiration from this mission.”

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NASA’s Mars helicopter photographs the Martian surface, including its shadow, on Thursday.

This second flight is the next in a series of five planned test flights during April. Each flight is expected to take Ingenuity higher and farther.

JPL has less than two weeks to perform Ingenuity’s next three flights as below zero temperatures weaken the craft. An official date for the copter’s third test flight will be announced in a few days.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

WATCH: A Lockheed C-141 Starlifter Triple Feature

Bill Walton
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WATCH: A Lockheed C-141 Starlifter Triple Feature

These Versatile Airlifters Became the Backbone of Military Air Transport Serving for 40 Years

The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter served with the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), then the Military Airlift Command (MAC), and finally the Air Mobility Command (AMC) of the United States Air Force (USAF). The aircraft also served with airlift and air mobility wings of the Air Force Reserve (AFRES), later renamed Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), the Air National Guard (ANG) and, later, one air mobility wing of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) dedicated to C-141, C-5, C-17 and KC-135 training. This tribute was compiled as part of the dedication ceremony for the YC-141B (60186) held on November 14, 2020 in Marietta, GA, the birthplace of the StarLifter. The video was uploaded to YouTube by Aviation History & Technology Center.

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The first delivery of a Starlifter to an operational unit took place on 23 April 1965 when C-141A AF Serial 63-8088 was delivered to the 44th Air Transport Squadron, 1501st Air Transport Wing, at Travis Air Force Base (AFB) in California. The C-141 eventually replaced the propeller-driven Douglas C-124 Globemaster II and the Douglas C-133 Cargomaster. Production deliveries 285 aircraft began in 1965. 284 of the airlifters went to the USAF, with a single example (the company demonstrator) going to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for use as an airborne observatory. The aircraft remained in service for over 40 years until the USAF withdrew the last C-141s from service in 2006. This video was uploaded to YouTube by Skyships Eng.

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Lonnie Linton was one of the crew chiefs for C-141A AF Serial 63-8088 (the Golden Bear) at Travis AFB back in 1971. The Vietnam vet recounts his experience by visiting a similar plane at the National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB. This video was uploaded to YouTube by Lon Linton.

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C-141B in flight. image via us air force

Unsolved Mysteries: The Strange Case of the Wayward Warthog

Michael Young
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Unsolved Mysteries: The Strange Case of the Wayward Warthog

USAF Captain Craig Button Broke Formation and Flew Off Alone- into Oblivion. But Why?

Craig David Button was born on 24 November 1964. Like a lot of want-to-be fighter pilots, he had lived his life as part of a military family growing up with a few moves, lots of change, and a wealth of worldly experience under his belt. Button graduated from high school in Long Island, New York and had started working toward earning his private pilot certification at the age of 17 before heading off to college. He was described as “polite”, “quiet”, and a “perfectionist”. His father was a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and his mother was a devout Jehovah’s Witness who was known to be strongly opposed to Craig’s decision to serve in the military.

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craig button during pilot training at laughlin afb, tx (source: summit daily)

Fighter Pilot In the Making

Button graduated from the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York with a degree in aerospace engineering and was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) in 1990. After college, he was immediately shipped off to Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB) in Texas to complete Air Force pilot training. Upon graduation Button earned an assignment as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) in the Cessna T-37 Tweet trainer. After four years as a T-37 FAIP, Button was reassigned to the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona to begin initial A-10 flight training and finally realize his dream of becoming a fighter pilot.

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Cessna T-37 trainer. image via US Air Force

What It (Really) Takes to Become a Hog Pilot

It takes 40 training sorties over the span of five months to complete the initial A-10 training course which consists of several training phases. Transition, or TR as it’s traditionally called focuses on basic flying, systems knowledge, and instruments. Surface Attack, or the SA phase, introduces weapons employment and gives the student his or her first taste of shooting the mighty GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun. Nights, well…is nights…and hones night flying skills – crosschecks, deconfliction, and night weapons employment.

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A-10 Warthog. image via DVIDS

Mixing It Up With the Fighter Jocks

ACBT, Air Combat Basic Training, introduces Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) in the Hog and also provides an opportunity for the student pilot to fight dissimilar assets like F-16 Vipers or F-15 Eagles. The Air Strike Control phase was usually near the end of the syllabus and taught the A-10 student pilot basic Forward Air Control (FAC-A) tactics, techniques, and procedures. But, the longest and most difficult training phase intertwined with all of the other five phases as it encompassed teaching Close Air Support, the Warthog’s bread-and-butter mission.

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A-10 Warthog. image via DVIDS

What Hog Pilots Live For

This phase was called SAT, or Surface Attack Tactics. It was ten sorties long, started off with basic two-ship medium altitude tactics, and culminated with low altitude high threat four-ship tactics. There are two sorties during A-10 initial training every student froth at the mouth over. The first is SA-1, the surface attack mission to the range where a fangs-out Hog driver-in-training gets to pull the trigger for the first time and unleash the power of the mighty Avenger 30 millimeter rotary cannon.

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A-10 firing the avenger cannon. image via DVIDS

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F-14 Tomcats Video: Just Doing What Tomcats Gonna Do Baby

Bill Walton
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F-14 Tomcats Video: Just Doing What Tomcats Gonna Do Baby

These Videos Will Make You Fans of the Fleet Defender…As If You’re Not Already Fans

The F-14 Tomcat holds a special place in the hearts of its former builders, crews, maintainers, and fans. For many of them the mere mention of the Fleet Defender stirs up cherished memories and the stories start up fast and furious. This video doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction.

It’s just Tomcat videos- some with musical accompaniment, and one without. But we think you’ll enjoy them, so we brought them to you. Enjoy baby!

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VF-32 F-14B. Image via US Navy 050330-N-5345W-073

F-14 Tomcat Low Level

The first video is all about flying F-14s at low altitude and high speeds. Set to the Stone Temple Pilots song “Sex Type Thing”, the video was pieced together using footage shot over several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Squadrons appearing in the video include Fighter Squadron ONE ONE (VF-11) Red Rippers and VF-32 Swordsmen when both were stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia. The desert shots were shot on and over the various ranges at NAS Fallon in Nevada. The airshow shots were captured at NAS Oceana. All videos were uploaded to YouTube by Air Tales.

F-14 Tomcat at Sunset

If that didn’t get your heart moving check your pulse. To bring you back down a bit as the name suggests, this video depicts F-14Bs flying during dusk and/or dawn. The footage was captured over several years, again during the late 1990s and early 2000’s. The video is set to Joe Satriani’s song “Cryin.”

Next F-14 Tomcats Video: Airshow at Sea

Let’s get back to low and fast. This video is pieced together from two VF-11 F-14B demonstration flights- the 1998 USS Stennis (CVN-74) and 2000 USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) Tiger Cruise and Dependents Day cruises.

F-14 Tomcats in formation. Image: DoD
F-14 Tomcats in formation. Image: DoD

The first performance was shot from the Stennis and the second from the rear cockpit for the F-14B. Then both performances were edited together and set to Joe Satriani’s song “Surfing With the Alien.” The uploader informs us that for both performances the pilot was LCDR ‘Opie’ Taylor and the RIO for 1998 was LCDR ‘Bobdog’ Hennessy.

F-14B Tomcat Cockpit

This F-14 Tomcats video, shot in a VF-11 F-14B cockpit in 2000, should bring back some memories for you Tomcat crew dogs. Note that this particular Tomcat had the new Programmable Tactical Information Display (PTID) update in the rear cockpit for the RIO, but was still equipped with the old Heads Up Display (HUD) for the nose gunner.

WATCH: This is How the Air War in Vietnam Was Photographed

Bill Walton
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WATCH: This is How the Air War in Vietnam Was Photographed

Just One Command, Spread All Over Southeast Asia, Chronicled the Air Force’s War

This 1968 US Air Force Film Report is a mix of gun camera, strike camera, and handheld photography shot by the 600th Photo Squadron. The 600th was responsible for most of the Air Force combat footage shot during the war in Vietnam between 1966 and the end of the war. Detachment 5 of the 1352nd Photographic Group, based at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam, became the 600th Photo Squadron on 8 February 1966. The 600th was given responsibility for all USAF photographic services in Southeast Asia, except tactical reconnaissance photography, which was still handled primarily by Air Force Martin RB-57 Canberras, Douglas RB-66 Destroyers, McDonnell RF-101 Voodoos, and McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom IIs. This outstanding film was uploaded to YouTube by US National Archives.

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Making Movies in Entirely New Ways

Over time the 600th Photo Squadron’s operations expanded to include combat documentation, automatic gun-camera and high-speed pod and blister photography of ordnance deliveries, still photography, and photographic support of the Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF). In order to accomplish their mission they pioneered the use of several handheld camera mounts and supports, camera pods, blister camera mounts, and other methods of mounting cameras for shooting combat photography. The 600th Photo Squadron lost 11 combat cameramen killed-in-action between 1966 and 1976. Four were killed in 1968 at the height of U.S. combat operations in Vietnam.

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image via us air force

A Widespread Command

As of 1968, the 600th Photo Squadron consisted of nine detachments located at US Air Force bases in South Vietnam:  Detachment 4 based at Cam Ranh Air Base (AB), Detachment 5 based at Phan Rang AB, Detachment 6 based at Bien Hoa AB, Detachment 7 based at Da Nang AB, Detachment 8 based at Tuy Hoa AB, Detachment 13 based at Nha Trang AB, Detachment 14 based at Pleiku AB, Detachment 15 based at Binh Thuy AB, and Detachment 16 based at Phu Cat AB.

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image via time

Working With the Brass

The 600th Photo Squadron was also responsible for supporting Operating Location 1 (OL-1), which was referred to as the MACV Team and assigned to HQ Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in Saigon. The MACV Team consisted of journalists and cameramen who covered the US Air Force, US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, the Royal Thai Air Force, and Allied combat units from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the Philippines. The 400th Aero Squadron handled film processing for the 600th on a 24 hour turnaround.

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image via us air force

Thailand Times

To compliment the 600th Photo Squadron, the 601st Photo Flight was created and headquartered at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAB). The 601st Photo Flight consisted of six detachments located at Royal Thai Air Force Bases or Royal Thai Navy Airfields at which US Air Force tactical squadrons were based:  Detachment 1 based at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) (redesignated Detachment 17 in 1971), Detachment 2 based at Takhli RTAFB, Detachment 3  based at Ubon RTAFB, Detachment 9 based at Udorn RTAFB, Detachment 10 based at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Base (RTNB), Detachment 11 based at Don Muang RTAFB, and Detachment 12 based at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB.

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image via us air force

Meet the Blue Angels “New” Super Hornet Jets

Bill Walton
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Meet the Blue Angels “New” Super Hornet Jets

These Experienced Rhinos Are Anything But New and They All Have a History

The US Navy Flight Demonstration Team, AKA the Blue Angels, traded in their high-mileage legacy F/A-18A, F/A-18C, and F/A-18D Hornets at the end of 2020. One went to Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in San Diego; another to NAS Corpus Christi in Texas. The rest went to museums across the country. The jets had worked hard, and their retirement was overdue. The Blue Angels fly the F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet (Rhinos) these days. But how much do you really know about their current steeds? We crunched the numbers and extrapolated the following information about the Rhinos the Blues are flying now.

Some of the Oldest Rhinos in the Fleet

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image via dVIDS

First, the Blues are flying (with one or two notable exceptions) the oldest currently airworthy Super Hornets in the world. Every one of their jets came from the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) batches. In order, the E model jets are numbers 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, and 26 off the production line. The F models are numbers 8, 10, and 18. So to say the Blues are flying “new” jets is inaccurate. The jets might be “new” to the Blues, but they’ve all been thoroughly flown before. Most of them were actually new back in the 1999-2000 timeframe. It’s also important to note that the jets, like their legacy Hornet predecessors, sometimes wear different tail numbers during service with the Blues. Where possible that information is included below.

F/A-18E-52-MC LRIP 1 Super Hornets

165534
165534 image via dvids

F/A-18E BuNo 165534 (MSN 1454/E006) served with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE (VX-9) Vampires at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in California for the majority of its service prior to being assigned to the Blue Angels. The jet wore side number XE 505 with VX-9. With the Blue Angels 534 has been seen wearing tail numbers 1, 4, and 6. 

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165536 image via imdb

F/A-18E BuNo 165536 (MSN 1460/E007) served with VX-31 Dust Devils at NAWS China Lake as the squadron color bird wearing side number DD 200 for many years. In 2019 this jet was one of two F/A-18Es and an F/A-18F dressed up as Maverick’s mount(s) for the movie Maverick: Top Gun II. After the jet’s duties as a movie star concluded it was assigned to the Blue Angels, where it will continue to star. With the Blue Angels 536 has been seen wearing tail numbers 1 and 5.

165538
165538 image via DVIDS

F/A-18E BuNo 165538 (MSN 1477/E011) served with Strike Fighter Squadron ONE TWO TWO (VFA-122) Flying Eagles out of NAS Lemoore in California. VFA-122 is the West Coast Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). While with VFA-122 the jet has worn side number NJ 100 as the squadron color bird, slightly more subdued colors as side number NJ 204, and a striking blue/gray camouflage scheme as side number NJ 101. Thus far 538 has been observed wearing only tail number 4 with the Blues.

165536
image via dvids

F/A-18E BuNo 165539 (MSN 1486/E012) also served with VFA-122 out of NAS Lemoore. This Super Hornet often wore side number NJ 201. Since being assigned to fly with the Blue Angels this jet has only worn tail number 5.

F/A-18E BuNo 165540 (MSN 1488/E013) served with VFA-106 Gladiators out of NAS Oceana in Virginia. VFA-106 is the East Coast Hornet FRS. While assigned to the Gladiators the jet wore side number AD 201 as recently as 2017. 540 has been observed wearing tail numbers 4 and 6 with the Blue Angels 

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image via dvids

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Blue Angels Arrive at Sun ‘n Fun to Kick-off their 75th Anniversary

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Arrive at Sun ‘n Fun to Kick-off their 75th Anniversary

LAKELAND, Fla. — The thrust of six blue and gold Super Hornet jets blended with the cheers from thousands onlookers on Thursday as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels arrived at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo.

Sun ‘n Fun marks the Blue Angels’ first public air show performance in the last 17 months. This season is special to all involved as the squadron celebrates their 75th anniversary with new aircraft.

This weekend marks the public debut of the squadron’s more powerful F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron upgraded last autumn to the larger and faster jets.

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The Blue Angels new C-130J Super Hercules “Fat Albert” arrived Thursday at Sun ‘n Fun. This is the aircraft’s first airshow and the first time Bert has attended a show since 2018. (Charles A Atkeison)

“We are honored to be the first airshow performance site for the Blue Angels to help launch this exciting new era of their 75-year history,” Sun ‘n Fun director Greg Gibson said Thursday.

The Blue Angels’ jets were smoke-on as their signature delta formation arrived high over the airfield. Minutes later, each jet touched down, one by one, at Lakeland Regional Airport.

As the Super Hornets parked, the aircraft maintainers greeted the arriving pilots. The canopy’s of the aircraft opened in unison and the pilots egressed in a synchronized formation.

The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform a practice flight on Friday afternoon. Their full formal demonstration is scheduled for about 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The team’s opposing solo pilot LCDR Cary Rickoff is excited to perform for the crowds each day. A Super Hornet pilot prior to joining the Blues, Rickoff looks forward to showcasing the aircraft.

“The jets will look a new shiny blue and the delta formation will look a little bit bigger,” LCDR Rickoff explained to AvGeekery.com following their arrival. “You will notice about a 30% size increase — the jet is bigger.”

A fully upgraded ‘Fat Albert’ also touched down at Sun n’ Fun on Thursday. The Blue Angels new C-130J Super Hercules cargo transport is a huge crowd favorite not seen at air shows since 2018.

“This is one heck of a venue!” Blue Angels executive officer Cmdr Todd Royals said. “I was looking out the window of Fat Albert as we were coming in and it’s just a sea of airplanes. It’s so amazing to be back on the road displaying our aircraft and our people to represent over 800 thousand sailors and marines.”

The squadron’s air show schedule lists 29 locations, including their annual flyover of the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation. One visit will include the interior of Alaska to perform at Eielson AFB, on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

The Blue Angels aircraft have gone from the single prop aircraft and mature into a jet plane with an increasingly faster thrust. The aircraft and personnel have changed during their 75 years, but their pride and teamwork continues to endure.

The professionalism of the Blue Angels has been handed down from generation to generation. From their ground show to their flying, professionalism will be on full display as they celebrate their 75th year.

(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

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