Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. Shortly after arriving at VF-124 in 1985, Captain Cochran applied for and was selected as a Blue Angels pilot. Greg McWherter, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, is interviewed by a TV.jpg, US Navy 100321-A-4584J-010 Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, center right, and Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, pose with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team,.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-274 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulates Cmdr. Tom Winkler signs autographs for Virginia Beach resident Matt and his son.jpg, US Navy 061025-N-5060B-100 Mass Communication Specialist Heather Ewton interviews Blue Angel's pilot Lt. Kevin Davis after giving a media ride to local VIP personnel prior to the 2006 Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Sh.jpg, US Navy 061027-N-1810F-039 Raleigh Dusty Rhodes, one of the first pilots and commanders of the Blue Angels, autographs a poster for Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Olivares before the practice air show aboard Nav.jpg, US Navy 070203-N-6652A-074 Blue Angels Public Affairs Chief Brabble holds a meet and greet with local law enforcement agencies and their families before an air performance.jpg, US Navy 070422-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration pilot, Lcdr. They also represent the US Marine Corps. Lt. Amanda Lee will soon train for the 2023 air show season. Cochran at the dedication ceremony for the A-4 static display on the Campus of Savannah State University on May 10, 1991. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. see less The Blue Angels serve as ambassadors of U.S. naval aviation. Blue Angels -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The squadron has had more than 260 demonstration pilots and 37 flight leaders and commanding officers since its inception in 1946. Greg McWherter, commanding officer and flight leader of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Ange.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-047 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepare to recover six F-A-18 Hornets.jpg, US Navy 111015-N-IR859-049 Capt. Blue Angels The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. This story has been shared 119,201 times. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. With World War II fresh in the memories of the public when the Navy established the Blue Angels in 1946, the first flight leader Lieutenant Commander Roy Butch Voris created a show segment in which the teams F6F Hellcats pursued an airplane playing the role of a Japanese fighter and shot it down. The first plane to fill this role was an SNJ Texan advanced trainer nicknamed Beetle Bomb., North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (National Naval Aviation Museum). His next assignment was as an instructor pilot at the F-14 Replacement Air Group Squadron (RAG) VF-124. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. In August 2015 Donnie Cochran was honored by Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal in the renaming of the old Pelham's Detention Center to the Donnie Cochran Community Complex and in December 2016 he was recently inducted into the Georgia Military Veteran Hall of Fame. Kevin J. Davis' flag-draped casket is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels salute.jpg, US Navy 070509-N-0696M-040 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen visits Sailors assigned to the Blue Angels at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.jpg, US Navy 070704-N-2888Q-006 Carl Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, receives a safety briefing from Staff Sgt. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. Brian Kesselring, the commanding officer and flight leader of the team. After 16 months as XO, Cochran assumed command of VF-1 as commanding officer (CO). Greg McWherter for a job well done, following the Blue Angels' six performances during the 2010 Joint Service Open House Air Show at Joint Base Andr.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-299 Cmdr. They are flying the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Lt. Amanda Lee will be the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, the Navy announced Monday. He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 Lt. Cmdr. The Dirty Loop maneuver, introduced in 1969, allowed aircraft landing gear and flaps to be left down as they climbed directly into a loop. That means that they have been, and are, fighter pilots. Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. For more news from the Blue Angels, visitwww.blueangels.navy.mil/. New National Museum of the U.S. Navy-October 2020, New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - October 2022, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy, Exhibits: New National Museum of the U.S. Navy - Main, The American Revolution and the French Alliance, The Forgotten Wars of the Nineteenth Century, Civil War: Securing the Seas for Union Victory, Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities), Education Resources (Lesson Plans and Class Activities) - Main, Sailor's Life at Sea & Poetry (Grades 4-6), DIVE! -LT Scott Goossens, of San Francisco, California, is an F/A-18 Pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Blue Angels WebList of Current Pilots. There have been female and racial minority staff officers as official Blue Angel members, in support of the Blue Angels recruiting for the Navy and Marine Corps. [This quote needs a citation]. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: 2023 Stars and Stripes. John Saccomando, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs after their performance.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-3874J-002 Crew Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Eric Velazquez of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, moves to a safe location, as his Blue Angel F-A-18A Hornet starts to taxi prior to take off.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-8977L-004 A crew coordinator for the Blue Angels prepares to taxi four of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets prior to launch for a morning training exercise during their annual winter training on board Naval Air.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-170 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott climbs from the back seat after taking a flight in an F-A-18D Hornet while visiting the Blue Angels' winter training facility on board Naval.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-204 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facili.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-209 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facil.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-1539M-006 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry D. Scott answers questions from members of the Blue Angels maintenance team.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-8977L-003 Sailors of the Blue Angels Power Plants Department remove the engines from an F-A-18A Hornet for maintenance during their annual winter training on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-013 Dallas Cowboy football legend, Roger Starbach, presents the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, with autographed footballs.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-014 James Reagan and Rebecca Bennet receive signed lithographs from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, as congratulations for their achievements.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-8110K-058 U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels Maintenance Master Chief, William Casttilla, left, and Command Master Chief, Kevin Harris, center, greet retired Tuskegee Airman Dick Macon.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-631 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. (U.S. Navy photoby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix). Lt. Cmdr. Blue Angels announce new pilots, officers for 2021 season [citation needed]. Blue Angels Grumman F9F Cougars (National Naval Aviation Museum). Watch What Happens! The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. Over the years, two former Blue Angels were killed in action. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. (Chris Williamson/U.S. For Captain Cochran, it meant another year flying the number 3 jet in 1987 and a normal rotation to the number 4 jet as slot pilot in 1988. Theodore Steelman, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-029 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, conducts a post flight inspection of the vertical stabilizer on the team's Opposing Solo F-A-18A Hornet aircraft du.jpg, US Navy 050416-N-0295M-507 Opposing Solo, Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. This began a practice that continues to this day of operating a two-seat aircraft for show support and VIP rides. MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team. Brian Kesselring, the Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader, said in a statement. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. [1] He is a 2022 inductee to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. As the U.S. Navys flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels mission is to showcase the skill and teamwork of the Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander. ", "Former Blue Angels pilot tells what inspired him to fly", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Donnie_Cochran&oldid=1137292325, African-American United States Navy personnel, BLP articles lacking sources from November 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2015, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Mariner that equal opportunity wont be in our vocabulary in future generations.. Allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously by the Navy but it would be inappropriate at this time to comment on an ongoing investigation, Tucker said. You must take actions and hold offenders accountable. Three years later, in April 2016, Lee was designated a naval aviator, the U.S. Navy said. Four of the five were announced by the Blue Angels in July, and the newest member,F/A-18 demonstration pilot and Navy Cmdr. the Blue Angels Fight in Combat Marine Maj. Frank Zastoupil, of Kingwood, Texas. In January 1986, the navy announced that the Blue Angels would be transitioning from the A-4F to the F/A-18 Hornet. When in a leadership role or command, you cannot accept or accommodate any behavior, comments, or actions that undermine your authority as the leader. Blue Angels The most recent minority Blue Angel pilot was LCDR Keith Hoskins on the 2000 team. Current Blue Angel Pilots | Blue Angels Wiki | Fandom He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. The closest the diamond will fly to each other is 18 inches during the Diamond 360 Craig Olson.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-023 Blue Angel Plane Captains run from the runway as part of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team The Blue Angels performance at The Great State of Maine Air Show.jpg, US Navy 090502-N-9712C-001 Lt. Manuel Sanchez, a maintenance officer assigned to the Blue Angels, administers the oath of enlistment to delayed entry program recruits from the New Orleans area.jpg, US Navy 090530-N-1928O-163 Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, receives a gift of appreciation from Marine Corps Maj. Drew Hess, and crewmembers of the Blue Angels C-130 Hercules.jpg, US Navy 090829-N-1928O-113 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares for take-off during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show at Offutt Air Force Base as part of Omaha Navy Week.jpg, US Navy 090916-N-6220J-003 Cmdr. Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013. The Blue Angels Blue Angels Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (NA 330-CFD-DN-SC-85-00472) F/A-18 Hornet Flown by the Blue Angels for over three decades, longer than any other [2], Donnie L. Cochran was born July 6, 1954, on a farm near Pelham, Georgia. Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. Blue Angels Through the 2006 season there have been 262 pilots in the squadron's history, giving the job a 10% fatality rate. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron Donnie Cochran - Wikipedia Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. WebU.S. He is assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 and is a 2009 graduate of the U.S. They transitioned to the aircraft beginning in 1954 during their first winter training carried out at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. After serving with the Blues, members return to fleet assignments.