The Blue Angels

The Blue Angels formed in 1946 and is the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, second only to the Patrouille de France which was organized in 1931. The team is made up of six pilots from the U.S. Navy and one from the U.S. Marine Corps. An estimated 11 million people view the squadron during their shows from March through November each year. In the cities where they perform the Blue Angels visit schools, hospitals, and community functions. Their current team includes: Commander Lilly “Lunchbox” Montana- Events Coordinator; Captain Adam “Gilligan” Bryan- Flight Leader/Commanding Officer; Lieutenant Cam “Starlazer / Hatfish” Schneider- Right Wing; Lieutenant Chris “SadClam” Houben- Left Wing; Lieutenant Colonel Brandon “Wobbly” Wilkins- Slot; Lietenant Commander Connor “Buddy” O’Donnell- Lead Solo; Major Scott “Goldie” Laux- Opposing Solo; and Lieutenant Ronny “Downy” Hafeza- Narrator. This was the second time I have seen the Blue Angels perform (the other time in Pensacola their home base). The pictures and short videos were shot by me on September 19th and 20th, 2026, at their airshow in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Their schedule for the remainder of the year is shown below.