The US Navy Blue Angels recently celebrated their 71st birthday. Enjoy the history of the Blue Angels through the pictures below courtesy of the US Navy.

Who can answer this question? What years did the Blue Angels fly the F-4 Phantom and why did they stop flying it? (There is also a video at the bottom of this post you WILL want to see!)

first-woman-pilot-blue-angels

Featured image of the first Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Squadron, 1946-1947, assembled in front of one of their F6F Hellcats. From left: Lt. Al Taddeo, solo; Lt. j.g. Gale Stouse, spare; Lt. Cdr. R.M. “Butch” Voris, flight leader; Lt. Maurice “Wick” Wickendoll, right wing; Lt. Mel Cassidy, left wing by US Navy photo