History
History of the Blue Angels
In 1946 at the end of World War II, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz,* had a vision to create a flight exhibition team to raise the public’s interest in naval aviation and boost Navy morale.
Later that year, Original Flight Lead Capt. Butch Voris and Right Wing Pilot Lt. Maurice “Wick” Wickendoll came across the Blue Angel nightclub in a New Yorker Magazine column called Goings On About Town and decided it was the perfect name for their team, and thus the Blue Angels were born. Navy, Blue, and Flying!
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
Brief History
1940’s
Blue Angels Early Beginnings
The Blue Angels thrilled audiences with their precision combat maneuvers in the F6 Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat and the F9 Panther.
1950’s
Blue Angels Refine Their Demonstration
The team refined their demonstration with aerobatic maneuvers in the F9 Cougar and F-11 Tiger and introduced the first six-plane delta formation, still flown to this day.
1960’s
Blue Angels fly the F-4J Phantom II
At the end of 1969, they were flying the F-4J Phantom II, the only two seat aircraft flown by the delta formation.
Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for nearly 500 million fans and continues to amaze airshow spectators today.
Source: U.S. Navy Blue Angels website.
*Admiral Nimitz is the namesake of Nimitz Highway, which runs past the Honolulu International Airport and under the H1 viaduct.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Since the first permanent garrison of Marines was established on Hawaii in 1904, the Marine Corps has proudly maintained a presence on the island of Oahu.
The mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii is to provide forward-based, sustainable and secure training and operational support, facilities, and services to enable operational forces to accomplish their mission.
Key Highlights:
1918
Installation Commisioned as Fort Kuwaaohe Army Military Reservation
The installation was commissioned as Fort Kuwaaohe Army Military Reservation, consisting of 332 acres, later to be named Fort Hase, and served as a defense battalion of the Windward Coastal Artillery Command.
December 1941
Attack on Air Station
December 7th, the Japanese Navy attack the air station at 7:52 a.m., 8 minutes prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
1952
U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay was officially commissioned.
1960 – 1990
Succession of Marine Corps Fighters
Marine Corps Air Station was home to a succession of Marine Corps fighters including F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 Hornet.
After decades of modernization, MCBH provides a broad range of support functions and facilities on one of the farthest extensions of American soil, producing readiness, promoting resiliency, protecting resources and projecting power into the Indo-Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Now, home to almost 10,000 Marines, sailors and over 6,000 family members, MCBH continues to play a significant role in Hawaii.
Source: Marine Corps Base Hawaii website.
(IMAGES: mcashistory3, mcashistory4 and/or usmchistory5)
