Blue Angels aerobatic team show (13 photos)

We present a series of photographs taken during the US Navy Blue Angels aerobatic display, which took place on November 7 in Homestead, Florida, as part of an air show.







1. The Blue Angels are the US Navy's aerobatic display team.





2. The group was formed in 1946.



3. In 1950, the group was temporarily disbanded, and its pilots were sent to the Far East to participate in the Korean War (this move was necessitated by a shortage of pilots.)



4. In 1951, the Blue Angels were reformed.



5. The team currently flies F/A-18 Hornet fighter-bombers.



6. Maximum speed during airshows: 700 mph (1,300 km/h) and minimum: 120 mph (220 km/h).



7. The Blue Angels aerobatic team's aircraft are painted in the official colors of the U.S. Navy (blue and gold).



8. The average age of the aerobatic team pilots is 33 years old. The average age of the technical staff is 26 years old.



9. The Blue Angels team receives a standard salary without any additional benefits, as being a member of the legendary aerobatic team is already a great honor.



10. There is fierce competition among pilots wishing to join the team.



11. Each applicant must serve in the Navy or Marine Corps as a jet pilot and have at least 1,250 flight hours.



12. Including the most recent season, the Blue Angels have had 231 pilots and 31 team captains. Twelve former Blue Angels pilots have become admirals. One even became an astronaut.



13. If necessary, the aerobatic team's aircraft can be prepared for combat operations within 72 hours.