British Couple Reacts to the US Navy Blue Angels!

[@dallasarnold8615]

There is no video that can do justice to the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds. It is an absolute must see in person.

[@MarcKiella]

Absolutely!! Feeling your chest vibrate and the sound gives me goosebumps.

[@jrabbit7721]

So true I've seen the thunderbird a couple of times. Video doesn't do any justice to the real thing

[@dannyhinton6140]

I seen both they are amazing it something you have to be in person there is no words to describe it

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I agree. They are absolutely incredible live.

[@ghstdnsr]

The rarest of all is to see the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds perform together.

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

My dad retired from the military after 30 years then spent the remainder of his working life in charge of the Blue Angels' avionics equipment. He used to get teased by the Blue Angel guys a lot because he spent four years in the Army then switched over to the Air Force for the remaining 26 (of his military career) before going to work for the Navy for another 20 years. The man LOVED airplanes! ;-) Cheers from Florida.

[@nA-kc1lx]

Cheers from P-Cola!!!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

@@nA-kc1lx Haha. Small world.

[@user-fs4eo]

Cheers from Pcola via my son :-) I'm a little further east in Crestview

[@jamesradcliffe2496]

If your father is still alive, please tell him that I appreciate his service to Americans and to the rest of the Western World.

[@tylerfriske955]

Cheers from Jacksonville

[@epa316]

I’ve seen them live many times. One thing they do is keep the crowd looking forward, while one jet sneaks around behind the crowd, then roars over the crowd from behind, low and loud. Scares you in the best way.

[@tommyhawks856]

True. Been there several times and I learned to expect it. The 1st time will completely catch you off guard. The Thunderbirds also put on a great show. The Snowbirds (Canadian version of precision flying) are also very impressive in their formation flying, but they do it at lower speeds than The Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds.

[@Ethan_FPV]

I got to see the Thunderbirds recently and they did the exact same thing. There was a rehearsal day before the show that I got to see. A stranger walked up to me and said, “watch out, they like to scare ya”. The moment he finished his sentence, a thunderbird screamed over us from behind at mach 0.95. That was the first plane I saw that day. My ears were ringing because I was not expecting at and was out over the water on a pier to watch the show.

[@lindae2524]

Yes! I was stationed in Pensacola where they are half the time. The best shows & the first time they have that one sneak around and turn on the afterburner just as they fly over your head freaks you out. 😅 During covid they did a fly over north Jersey & NYC. Everyone stood out on their balconies to watch. Awesome and it did make us feel better.

[@scottteams3361]

To see it on video is one thing. However to see them in person is truly awe inspiring! If you ever get a chance to see them take the opportunity.

[@MarcKiella]

Absolutely!! Feeling your chest vibrate and the sound gives me goosebumps.

[@annasouto37]

@@MarcKiella and you can never hear them coming until they're overhead. I can imagine the terror an enemy must feel when they find themselves in that situation.

[@MarcKiella]

@@annasouto37 Yes because when you're close to or over the speed of sound the aircraft will be almost a quarter of a mile past you until the sound has time to catch up to you. The Air Force uses the B1 bomber to fly low and to use just the deafening engine sound and the sonic boom to scare the crap out of their enemy without having to use any ordinance. Pretty amazing stuff.

[@angelamiller6275]

Agree 100%! And, you don't get the true sound in the videos. I haven't seen the show at Dobbins AFB in many yrs, but, I have never forgotten the sound, or, the heart racing moves.

[@Roh_Echt]

Applicant's qualifications are: Jet pilots must be carrier-qualified Navy or Marine aviators with at least 1,250 tactical jet flight hours, whereas C-130 pilots must be an aircraft commander with at least 1,200 flight hours. You must also be career oriented...in that they want you to be in it for the long haul. In the 80's, I was stationed, briefly, at NAS Pensacola in Florida...the home of the Blue Angels. As a jet mechanic; I spent most of my Navy time stationed at Miramar and Alameda, both in California.

[@ronluk76]

James and Millie, if you think this video is good you should definitely react to the video: US Military Power- "This Blue Angels Cockpit Video is Amazing and Terrifying". It's an amazing video. Shot inside the cockpit of one of the pilot! It's insane ! You get to see him while he is flying upside down. It's so cool!

[@mil2k11]

I've seen it - incredible!

[@michaelmacdermott6340]

Even better is Blue Angels a Year in The Life. Give it a watch.

[@MarcKiella]

@@michaelmacdermott6340 The documentary, Around the world at the speed of sound is very cool as well. It is old, around 1993 but they flew to Moscow after the fall of the Soviet Union and were the first Demonstration team to perform in Russia. The Angels got to fly the MiGs and SU-27 and the Russians flew the Hornets. Very interesting to watch them go to some of the European countries and Russia so they can see how amazing the Blues are.

[@NoelMcGinnis]

I grew up as an Army brat until I was 18 and then I did 10 years of active duty myself. As a result I was able to see both the Blue Angels (US Navy) and even more often, the Thunderbirds (US Airforce) many times. I was present for one unfortunate accident during an air show, but mostly they are just jaw dropping amazing. Even though I have been out of the military for many years, I live about 8 miles from Wright-Patt Airforce Base, and I still get to see the Thunderbirds almost every year.

[@derekchubeck4428]

I lived on miramar San Diego up till 1997, and every summer, they did the air show, and I could watch them from my house since the runway was like 4 miles away, i believe

[@randytownsend8833]

Beesleys the way they communicate with each other is diliberate.draging out words to create a cadence to their voice during particular moves.

[@jodyarrington8555]

In order to be a Blue Angels applicant, you must be an active-duty Navy or Marine Corps pilot. You must also be carrier-qualified with at least 1,250 tactical jet flight hours or 12,000 flight hours as a commander and career-oriented.

[@cjpreach]

When you attend one of these air shows they sneak one jet behind the crowd, then they ZOOM! over your heads. Awesome sound and vibrations.

[@canada4311]

The big plane at 7:30 is "Fat Albert". It's their logistics plane, that carries spare parts, equipment, and all the support personnel. It's used in part of the show and they used to demonstrate JATO or RATO takeoffs (where they strap a bunch of rocket engines to it and take off on a very short runway).

[@JustMe-gn6yf]

And it's piloted by Marine Corps pilots

[@michaelmacdermott6340]

I served 20 years in Naval aviation, and trust me you need to see the video Blue Angels a Year in The Life. It will answer all your questions from behind the scenes.

[@christianoliver3572]

I'm lucky enough to live in a city that has yearly performances either here in Corpus Christi, Texas or down at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville which is about a 45 minute drive. These guys fly directly over my house and I'm only about 1/2 mile from Corpus Christi Bay which is where most of the action is. It's amazing they fly so low that it's advisable to take precautions because there's a lot of vibration when they fly over plus it's so loud it'll scare the hell out of you if you're not expecting it.

[@nannerz1994]

There's nothing like feeling the vibration of the jets move through your body at an airshow It's so cool

[@The_actual_kenny]

The skills and discipline of these pilots is unmatched

[@greggwilliamson]

(7:37) That is "Fat Albert". A standard C-130 that hauls spares, tools, clothes, sound system, and all the people and their "stuff". You should check out the RATO takeoffs!! RATO = Rocket Assisted Take Off. They strap rocket packs to it for short field use. Look up "Fat Albert RATO"

[@kentbarnes1955]

I got to see the Blue Angels this past summer (in St. Louis MO....and also the Thunderbirds in Kansas City later in the summer). They are ALWAYS a treat to see. It's hard to conceive of the fact they are down to 18 inches apart when doing the diamond four passes. And the sound is INCREDIBLE. Thanks for reviewing this. (FYI: I've also been blessed to see the British Red Arrows and the Canadian Snow Birds). They are all amazing....and all unique.

[@mil2k11]

Every 4th of July when i was a kid, we'd drive to my grandmom's house and climb up on her rooftop. She lived about 1-2 miles from Willow Grove Naval Air Base in PA and we got to see almost everything for free. We couldn't see much of the very low level stuff, but anything done over 500 feet - we saw it all. We were also on the entrance path for most of their mid-air runs, so they flew right above our heads. It was awesome for me as a 10 year old back then. Mad respect to these guys/ladies who perform. The detail to precision and commitment to excellence is top-notch.

[@ptournas]

The UK Red Arrows are quite impressive too. I saw them performance in Iceland while I was stationed there in 1970. The amazing thing is that they were there the same time as Led Zeppelin and went to the concert and the huge after party with the band. From all accounts, they were among the hardest partying there, but they did awesome job precision flying at noon the next day!

[@kdrapertrucker]

U.K. team is the Red Arrows.

[@ptournas]

@@kdrapertrucker Thank you. I know that and mistyped it, obviously with the the Blue Angels also on my mind. I corrected it, but thanks again for pointing it out to me.

[@edabillano106]

I grew up watching the Blue Angels fly over San Francisco/Bay Area. They were just here just a couple of weeks ago for our Fleet Week. On Thursday & Friday, the Angels have practice run over the City. On the Fleet Week weekend, they would have 2 shows and people can see them on SF Wharf/Waterfront. A must see. The roar of the engines and planes zipping by. Thanks for the video.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I did the same thing in San Diego back in the 1960's and we also were able to watch them practice at times. Always a good show and you could also walk around the planes on the ground.

[@margaretstutts4362]

Me too over Gulf Shores, Alabama from Pensacola NAS.

[@margaretstutts4362]

And I’ve seen the show at NAS Meridian

[@faithjones881]

Such a beautiful thing to witness! Mad respect to the pilots and our Military 🙌🏻🙌🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸. I could watch them all day ! So amazing

[@angelamiller6275]

AMEN!

[@denisebaran2746]

I have seen both the Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds perform at air shows. Both teams are truly amazing.

[@sherrybarnes4486]

Oh the Blue Angels performed at the air base about a mile from my house this summer over the 4th of july. And they practice for about 4 days before the show on Saturday and Sunday and I tell you my house shook it was so unbelievably loud. you just can't imagine by watching the TV unless you're there in person it's just earth-shattering. It's amazing all their stunts they do and it's just really fascinating to watch. I work from home as a customer service rep for a major insurance company and a few times I was on the phone and they fly over, the person I was on the phone with was like is there a war or something? Lol. My family flies smaller planes than they used to do tricks and those like barrel loops and stuff I I did it one of those planes and never again

[@Devila103]

I had the Blue Angels flying over my house for a few days a little over a week ago. They were the star performers at the Wings Over Houston air show this year. Next year, we will most likely have the Air Force Thunderbirds performing. The Navy and Air Force switch up every year, although sometimes the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds occasionally perform. FYI - a few of the planes have a backseat and do give flights to civilians, although it's mostly celebrities or journalists who get the experience.

[@Cowboysfan4ever]

My dad retired in the 70’s and he worked on the blue angels aircraft in Pensacola Florida for several years

[@videoluvr2]

I love the Blue Angels! Here in Cleveland Ohio, there is an Air Show every September; The Blue Angels perform every other year and they switch with the Airforce Thunderbirds!

[@veteranhoffman6776]

Here in the California “Bay Area”, we get a special show by the Blue Angels every year in San Francisco for “Fleet Week”. We also get (the week leading up to Fleet Week) to see them practice for the show, you could be walking along near SF Bay and out of nowhere (it seems) the Blue Angels scream by doing their practice runs, absolutely amazing to watch.

[@greenbay3158]

I have seen them a couple times fly over one was at a sporting event and other at EAA air show

[@libertarianguy5567]

Before I joined the Navy I went and saw several of their air shows. My parents were huge fans. However, once I was in the Navy, I never got to see a single show. But my buddy I had joined the Navy with got to see a show they did while they were out on a West Pac. Apparently, the hard deck is lowered when there are no civilians around and the show is just amped up to 11. These pilots are truly amazing.

[@mortensen1961]

I was 'buzzed' once by the Blue Angels. It was at the former Orange County International Raceway in Irvine, CA. They were nearby in El Toro, and they decided to buzz the grandstands. Damned near shook us into the dragstrip. . .

[@jamesgeorge2852]

You guys should check out the Royal Canadian Air force snow birds next

[@jamesradcliffe2496]

I was in the US Air Force for 12 years. I am just as impressed now with these very skilled pilots, as I was then.

[@momclg]

I seen the blue angles & thunderbirds multiple times, we have an air show and they take turn every year and they fly over my house. All pilots are active military in the squanders

[@beachbunnie5413]

I have the privilege of living just outside the home base for the Blue Angels in Pensacola Florida. We see them practicing at least once a week without leaving home , from March until November and it's usually the whole show(45 minutes). When they return home from doing a show in other places, they always do 3 flyovers (,downtown, the beach and the base) This weekend is their final show of the season here in Pensacola . Then they are off the California for winter training . It never gets old seeing them but it does get loud .

[@milomurphy9178]

The Blue Angels are based in my hometown of Pensacola, FL. There are three Blue Angel jets on permanent display at the Florida Welcome Center as you enter the state from Alabama.

[@jodan4]

My Hometown also. I used to watch them practice back in the fifties over the Bay.

[@apex_blue]

7:30 that’s actually fat Alberta C-130(he just got retired recently also yes it’s the airframe that the AC-130 was based on on this I recommend not what you think’s video on the American aircraft designation system kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYbcYpSpibRnnK8), but he transported the Blue Angels spare parts as well as apart of the air show itself.

[@ranger-1214]

The two who are often not with the four are soloists. The "knife edge" they did toward each other were them; and then it didn't finish showing it but the one that was barely staying aloft with the nose high would then have the other soloist scream past it just below the speed of sound. Demonstrates the difference in speed and flying ability. The soloists give the 4-flight time to move around and set up for their next flyover, keeping the crowd engaged. Everything is times and scripted down to the second. Later the soloists join in a 6-ship. They have two with 2-seats that are usually referred to as "media flights" that some days prior to the show will take local personalities up to create news stories & interest, and also sometimes they fly movie stars, ball players, and maybe just lucky civilians from the area, etc.

[@andrewmorehead8710]

I live in Annapolis, Maryland. I see them every year for the Naval Acadamy graduation. I used to work at a golf course that was their turn around point. They fly so low that you can actually see the pilots faces when they turn.

[@angelamiller6275]

That would have been sooo freakin AWESOME!

[@andrewmorehead8710]

@@angelamiller6275 Yes it was. If you wave to them or salute them, they would do the same.

[@boondoggled1]

Loved watching you guys react. I’m an Air Force brat. My father worked on these planes a long time ago. I’ve grown up watching the Thunderbirds practice and performing at air shows. The Blue Angels I’ve seen a lot since my father retired and they’re both amazing. ❤❤

[@CarlD70]

Saw this show live in Myrtle Beach SC few years back and there is absolutely nothing like standing next to the runway when these beauties fly over.....an experience of a lifetime.

[@RichardinNC1]

I've seen the Blue Angels perform 3 times. Goose bumps for the entire performance, especially the near ground level high speed passes. They usually follow the bi-planes, the stunt planes, and WW II aircraft but the Blue Angels speed and precision is truly next level. Their introduction and closing ceremonies are also a theatrical performance, cool to watch in itself.

[@ronaldthibodauxjr]

Always love the videos!! A couple of interesting facts for you guys, 1) the F-18 Super Hornet isn't known for having the most precise control with the stick. The Blues add springs to the stick that apply about 40 pounds of force pulling the sticks forward. Their shows last about 45 minutes. Imagine having to hold a 40 pound weight for 45 minutes straight while pulling up to 7.5 times the force of gravity! 2) Every maneuver is done based on the cadence of jet # 1, that is why the comms sounds kinda funny. 3) There have been times when those wing tips actually touch the canopy of the other jet. and finally, they do not wear the standard suits to fight the effects of G forces so a 45 minute show has been described as just as tiring as running a marathon.

[@mike28003]

The wingtip never touches the canopy that would scratch the hell out of the canopy if not break it, and more than likely cause a crash.

[@tamaramcfarland8677]

I got the pleasure of seeing the Blue Angels here in Myrtle Beach a few years ago. They are a sight to behold.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

The Blue Angels were performing in Nevada when I lived there...and they flew over our home when practicing... It was awesome!! ❤️🇺🇸

[@janetjohnson2162]

Im 65 years old and have watched the Blue Angels since i was 3 years old.. some have died in the shows,some have retired..but they will all ways and always be spectacular..the one that flies apart from the rest is to honor for a fallen Angel..or mussing Angel.

[@DianeEllis-xk1jj]

I love it when the Blue Angels do one of they're famous Sneak Passes!!

[@Brian_Combs]

I grew up in Pensacola in the 80s where they are based. They would practice over our house every Wednesday. I have seen them many times. Always impressed. I want to say they flew 18 inches apart wing tip to wing tip.

[@papamaniac2410]

I was stationed in Pensacola and never once did I get tired of watching them practice. Every time, I was still in awe of their skills.

[@justintb96]

Most of the coms is the number 1 plane giving commands which mostly consist of "a little pull" "more power" "easing off" "bring it in" "ready, hit" as well just giving the name of the trick theyre about to do "loop abreast" followed by the other 3 acknowledging the trick with their call signs

[@sherryarflin726]

They are even more amazing in person….

[@bill.godwin-austen]

The Blue Angels (US Navy), Thunderbirds (US Air Force), and the Snowbirds (Canadian) are all incredible pilots who perform similar routines of precision close formation flying. It's absolutely spectacular to watch them in person.

[@derekchubeck4428]

For the blue angles there are total of 6 plans for the group. 1 through 4 do the 4 plan maneuvers while 5 and 6 do other tricks and surprise you while you are paying attention to the 4 plans

[@codyrooker4551]

It’s always a big deal when the angels come to our local air show. They practice over our farm the week leading up to the event. A few years ago one of them crashed during a practice. The town paid tribute to the pilot by building a statue of the plane in his honor.

[@vinnydelvecchio4362]

Blue Angels advertise a distance of 18 inches from wing tip to canopy, but in actuality they're MUCH closer. About six inches. And they sometimes swap paint (although rare).

[@earlharman2040]

I used to be stationed aboard the USS Lexington, in Pensacola, Florida in 1971. Pensacola is the home of the Blue Angels and we could see them practice over the water. The pilots are Navy and Marine aviators. They do have one of the planes that is a two seater. They take celebrities, both national and local, like local television reporters and scare the crap out of them.

[@f4ephantom]

Fat Albert is the Blue Angels logistics C-130 and it often uses rocket assisted takeoff when launching during the show. Way back in 1982 or 3 the Red Arrows came to perform during the Moody AFB Open House in Valdosta Georgia. They also had a C-130 supporting the flight team and when the Herky Bird departed, some Red Arrow ground crew were hanging out the open back door and waving to the crowd as they departed..very cool. What was even funnier is thast we also had a Georgia Air National Guard C-130 thetre and they were inspired by the Arrows to buzz the field waggling their wings on their departure. Was a fun day.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I actually attended a Blue Angels show back in the late 90s when the USS America (CV-66) pulled into Norfolk for her final homecoming. My older brother was in the Navy at the time and had been stationed on that ship.

[@fgoogle5576]

HELL YES I WOULD TAKE THAT RIDE. I've seen Blue Angels (USNAVY), Thunderbirds (USAF) and the Snowbirds (RCAF). T-Birds are my favorite because they fly the more nimble F-16.

[@robertlake7819]

I use to drink beers with these pros ,, they enjoy their drinks as much as flying ,, absolutely wonderful people

[@jeffridgeway7474]

This is something you have to see in person to truly appreciate.

[@kdm71291]

"Fat Albert", their C-130, is their support aircraft...carrying ground crew, parts, etc. It also, sometimes, performs some maneuvers...separate from the rest of the team in the F/A-18s. The team is comprised of Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Most of the show is done with 4 in formation and performing other maneuvers together, and two solo pilots.....when all 6 are together, as you saw, it is usually at the beginning and end of the show! It's basically the same for the Thunderbirds of the USAF. You really need to see a show live and in person to get the full affect....it's amazing and unforgettable! They do, traditionally, tour in the UK....look up their schedule to see!

[@ratlips4363]

For your review, there are quite a few videos of Blue Angels ride along. Usually a local reporter (woman) that has a GoPro mounted on the dash capturing her expressions as well as sometimes them passing out. Very entertaining

[@DisneyWish2023]

As a person who’s seen them many times it never gets old hearing them roar by

[@ronstevens4009]

That was a great view of and your reaction to these amazing pilots, jets, and ground crews!! My uncle Herbert Hunter was a captain of a Blue Angels team prior to his service in the Vietnam War, and it was so fun to watch him fly and also to listen to him talk about some of the things that happen during their shows. Also, there have been training accidents at times, one of which was when the lead plane pilot became disoriented and the entire team followed him straight into the ground 😮😢 - so what they are doing is truly extremely risky and dangerous! Thanks so much for your reaction!

[@calebbarron6614]

As someone who's been born and raised a fan of the Blue Angels... It looks so much closer in person, believe me. This video is very well put together, but if you ever had the chance to see it in person, I'd highly recommend it. The USN Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds are insane!

[@MommaBird52]

Two neighbors are Blue Angels here on NAS Pensacola. Their final show is here this weekend! They fly over our house regularly. Naval Aviation Museum is here.

[@nflr92]

Fighter jets flying very fast and very low is the coolest thing that exists. The sound as they go by at 500 mph is unbelievable 👍🏻

[@johnsmith2046]

I saw them in March of nineteen eighty six when the Van Halen video about them was big. It was amazing.

[@CaddyJim]

We (The US) have two groups these are the *Blue Angels* but we also have the *Firebirds*

[@andregourdine8353]

Fat Albert (C-130) is the Blue Angels Support Aircraft. It flies with the Blue Angels ground crew and equipment (spare parts and tools). It is always part of the air show. The USAF version are called the Thunderbirds. Their aircraft are painted red, white and blue. They are the first air demonstration team. The Blue Angels followed them. I am an Air Force veteran and have seen the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds on several occasions. Since I was stationed in England 🇬🇧 for 5 years, I also had the opportunity to see The Red Arrows also. All are amazing.

[@stevehibbeln5745]

I worked next to Boeing airport for years and the Blue angels would perform most years for Seafair. I loved the sound and power of these jets. ❤️

[@beckiru]

This goes on pretty much every Tuesday and Wednesday just a couple of miles down the road from my house in Pensacola, FL. - home base for the Angels. If they're not doing a show elsewhere in the country, you can watch them doing a practice performance from pretty much any local parking lot that's not surrounded by trees. Or you can just go to the base and see them up close from the airfield.

[@willyjoesal2741]

I also live in Pensacola and have watched the practices and shows many times. I get excited every time!

[@DianeEllis-xk1jj]

If you notice, the Blue Angels have numbers 1-6 or 7. Number one is the highest rank. And so it goes! Number 4 is flown by Amanda Lee!!! You just don't apply as well. There are special qualifications! If you ever see them in person, it would be a good idea to take ear protectors! They ARE LOUD

[@merlinathrawes746]

Back when I was in the US Navy stationed aboard a ship homeported in Norfolk, Virginia in the 1970's The Blue Angels appeared at a Navy air show at the Oceana Naval Air Station. The local pilots did a show first showcasing what many of the other types of aircraft could do, then The Blue Angels did the finale. All of the pilots/crews were fantastic.

[@TristanRTX_TV]

im from Pensacola FL the home of the blue angels. they fly over my house on a daily bases. ive been to several shows i absolutely love it

[@StevesFunhouse]

At 4:11, they had just said, "More Power" as they were climbing. Also, they fly 18" (inches, Ent-Chez) apart when in close formations. At 7:45. they showed "Fat Albert", which is the Transport (and "Chapparone") plane that tours with the Blue Angels. Iti is a "special" C-130J, and the reason it is a show favorite is because it has 4 JATO (Jet Assist Take-Off) rockets mounted to the rear of each side of the plane ... the reason for the "J" in the plane's model. It's trick is to get rolling about 20 MPH, and then fire up the rockets, pull the nose up and climb to about 40 feet using JUST the rockets (NO LIFT WHATSOEVER), and then continue to fly as a normal plane after leveling off and turning off the rockets. It's pretty cool 😎 to see. Now, what they DIDN'T show you, which is an airshow favorite, is a special trick they do. It really wouldn't lend itself well to this video, so that could be why they left it out, or simply because they want to maintain the surprise factor. Anyway, you noticed that most of the stunts were done with 2 or 4 places, and only occasionally all 6. That is because at least 2 planes are lurking around, usually just to keep/stay out of the way for the ones doing the current stunt, but they're also usually getting ready for the next stunt they'll be in. However, this gives them another "gem" in their show ... the sneak attack. What they do is to get you so involved with the current stunt, that you forget those other 2 planes are out there somewhere, and just when you least expect it, at least 1 will sneak up and do a flyover, coming from behind you and flying directly above your head. It is designed to scare the living sh*t out of you while also showing how effective they can be to the enemy. They never see us coming, not unless we WANT them to.

[@RicardoRamirez-us7hf]

All my life I've loved air show's. I remember the sound being real loud but the vibration in my chest was unreal and fun. Loved it thank for the memories.

[@Jordashian93]

I remember seeing the Blue Angels at a big air show a long time ago and it was really cool.

[@Patsy_Parisi]

The US Air Force also has a flying demonstration team called The Thunderbirds. They are equally amazing.

[@brewpackfan]

I used to be part of an organization that had the Blue Angels every other year. I was on a committee that would host them in our city. There are seven planes. The seventh plane has two seats. It is their media plane that gives the rides to people on the committee, the mayor, news, or radio personalities. The bigger plane is called Fat Albert he carries the maintenance crew, as well as all of what they need in case a plane goes down. I was able to be in their briefing and debriefing meetings, and in both, they will sit there with their hands between their legs and moving as if they’re moving the joystick in their plane flying. I enjoy seeing them. I’ll be watching them next year. Every year they are in the city that I used to see them because I have moved. I will take vacation and go watch them, and they are worth every penny to get it.

[@Skybolt211]

They are based out of the town I live in... Pensacola, FL. Just saw them at the Homecoming Show this past weekend.... absolutely love them. One thing to note, some of this was not filmed from an actual show but a practice. You can tell because the individual planes turn off their smoke occasionally. That means they feel they are slightly out of position and they can easily come back and check it out on film. All practices are videoed and gone back over in minute detail, maneuver by maneuver to fine-tune the tiniest imperfections. There are the most meticulous pilots in the world.

[@4theloveoflife]

the red arrows are like the D squad of the blue angels. Even one of the red arrow pilots said they would never make it to a blue angel.

[@jasonbaker8262]

There are some really good videos that show the behind the scenes stuff...the "code" words are just regular words...in this video you heard "more power"...the rate at which the Lead is speaking indicates timing of how to add more power. There is a million little things. They can "fly" their performance around a table and after every flight they debrief on any safety issues that they may have caused. This mean mistakes they recognize that they made...they are unbelievable. They are about 18" apart when they are shown close...so close that they do not wear normal flight suits that actually blow up to keep blood flowing to their brain in high G maneuvers. They use only breathing techniques and fitness to prevent blacking out. There is a million details in their stuff. The maintenance and planning and logistics are also impressive.

[@Navybrat64]

I live in San Francisco and they perform here from the 3rd to the 11th of October every year. It's crazy to see them flying over your house. This video doesn't give the live event justice. It's def a must see.

[@tommyhawks856]

I just saw them perform on October 29 at Ellington Field during the "Wings Over Houston Airshow". I have actually seen them perform 5 times and their performance never gets old. It is truly an impressive show to watch.

[@kevinjohnson211]

They fly as 4 diamond and 2 solo most of the show, fun when one of the solos sneaks over the crowd at some point

[@johnspikes8102]

Been there: Done that. Not in an F18 Hornet like the Blue Angels but in a Cessna T-37 Jet Pilot trainer (this was back in '78) sitting side by side with the pilot, going 450 mph. It was their job to make all the non-pilot candidates sick (they were wearing G-suits so it didn't really affect them) so we did all these same maneuvers; Barrel rolls, Aileron rolls. Zero-G Maneuvers you name it. Almost all of us threw up, I managed to keep lunch down but still felt queasy. All in all though, I loved it. Amazing what a 21 year old thinks is fun. Now that I'm 65, those same maneuvers would probably break bones.

[@jeffclendenin6770]

I have seen them in person 7 times, amazing. My Dad was in the air force and loved to go to air shows when he got older. We went to many shows together.

[@Fku1mbatman]

I've seen the Blue Angels twice so far and they are absolutely incredible to see live.

[@saintseer9578]

They’re from my city. When they come home and have the show over the beach it’s absolutely phenomenal the whole beach is packed out and it’s a good time.

[@IanCaine4728]

You can't get how loud these things are in person. We're all used to big turbofans on airliners, but pure jets absolutely scream!

[@valerieburris607]

Valerie Burris There is also the "Thunderbird s which is the Air force.,I have also seen the Thunderbirds and Blue Angeles flying together.

[@justinschwendiman7911]

I'm glad you reacted to this. Seen James reaction to this before. Good to See Millie's reaction. Seen The Blue Angels perform at least a dozen times. Last time was about 4 years ago. Not only seeing them in the air show but practicing. Seeing and hearing them is just plain awesome.

[@billbrasky1288]

I remember being ~6 years old and seeing the Blue Angels’ air show in Pensacola, Florida.

[@MiguelSilva-ty5do]

These videos do no justice because you have to see them in person. To hear the roar of the engines when the fly over and feel how loud they are. I was in the Air Force and had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Angels and The Thunderbirds at the same Air Show and it was amazing. If I had the chance I definitely would have done a ride along in one of those jets.

[@TYoung023]

I just went up in a WWII open cockpit trainer biplane a couple months ago. Even did an inverted loop. So…sure! I fly with these guys any day!

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hi guys. The Angels got their name kind of oddly. Years ago one of the pilots was in New York on a holiday and found a place called the Blue Angel Lounge. He told the guys about it when he got back and they adopted the name. As for close flying, they were doing a training run in California and 2 of the aircraft actually touched wings. No damage done all were safe and sound. They are based in Florida, and spend the winter training in California for the air show season which starts in March or April. While there have been female members of the support staff, there had never been a female pilot among the ranks of the show team. Well this year there is a female trraining with the team making ready for the upcoming season. Lt. Amanda Lee (callsign Stalin) is the first woman to fly with the Angels demonstration team.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

@@Josiris218 You are right of course. Tripped over my written words. Have made the correction. Thanks.

[@Hazen75]

My skydiving buddy, Marine Corps Major Jeff Mullins, was flying Blue Angel #3 (left wing) in this video. He retired a few months ago and is now flying for FedEx here in Memphis.

[@bfun4615]

I work near an US Air Force Base and when the yearly show takes place and the planes "practise" the show it's loud in my building when they fly close to the ground. We did have one year the Blue Angels and they are fantastic!

[@thumper7047]

They do give rides (Usually to VIPs) you can find videos of those. In Filming Top Gun, they were all sitting in the 2nd seat to get the realism of the g-forces. It takes getting used to, almost everyone either pukes, or blacks-out or both. Plane #7 is the one with 2 seats (maybe #8 also). "Fat Albert is a C-130 with the Blue Angles, it flies the ground-crew and equipment to the shows. And for what it is work, they do crash sometimes. I was at the show in Beaufort, SC when we lost plane #7. The man's family came to that show to watch him perform, he was right at the end, then blacked out pulling too many g's (You can find that on KZbin - Blue Angels Crash Beaufort, SC).

[@bw8483]

Seeing them live is the only way to see them. Feeling that roar go thru your body 🤯 is mind-blowing!