Illinois
Blue Angels at the 2008 Chicago Air and Water Show
August 2008
These photographs document the Blue Angels during the 50th-anniversary Chicago Air and Water Show in August 2008. Established in 1946, the Blue Angels are the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, representing both the Navy and Marine Corps. The 2008 demonstration team flew six F/A-18A/B Hornets, combining close formation flying with maneuvers by its solo pilots.
The jet demonstration pilots are commissioned Navy and Marine Corps officers. Enlisted Sailors and Marines maintain the aircraft and provide technical and operational support. Officers generally serve with the squadron for two to three years, while enlisted members typically serve for three to four years before returning to fleet assignments.
Current Context
The Blue Angels used F/A-18A/B Hornets from 1986 through 2010 and later F/A-18C/D Hornets through 2020. The squadron introduced the larger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet for the 2021 demonstration season.
