Changes

The ensuing 20 years saw the Blue Angels transition to two more aircraft, the Grumman [[F11F-1 Tiger]] (1957) and the [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[F-4J Phantom II]] (1969).

The ensuing 20 years saw the Blue Angels transition to two more aircraft, the Grumman [[F11F-1 Tiger]] (1957) and the [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[F-4J Phantom II]] (1969).

[[Image:Blue Angels.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Blue Angels in their current aircraft, the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet]]

[[Image:Blue Angels.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Blue Angels in their current aircraft, the [[McDonnell Douglas]] F/A-18 Hornet]]

In December 1974, the Navy Flight Demonstration Team began flying the McDonnell Douglas [[A-4F Skyhawk]] II and was reorganized as the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. This reorganization permitted the establishment of a commanding officer vice a flight leader (Cmdr. Tony Less was the squadron’s first official commanding officer), added support officers and further redefined the squadron’s mission, emphasizing the support of recruiting efforts.

In December 1974, the Navy Flight Demonstration Team began flying the McDonnell Douglas [[A-4F Skyhawk]] II and was reorganized as the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. This reorganization permitted the establishment of a commanding officer vice a flight leader (Cmdr. Tony Less was the squadron’s first official commanding officer), added support officers and further redefined the squadron’s mission, emphasizing the support of recruiting efforts.

On November 8, 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the new sleek [[Boeing]] [[F/A-18 Hornet]], the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft now serving on the nation’s front lines of defense.

On November 8, 1986, the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the new sleek [[F/A-18 Hornet]], the first dual-role fighter/attack aircraft now serving on the nation’s front lines of defense.

In 1992 more than one million people viewed Blue Angel’s performances during a 30-day European deployment to Sweden, Finland, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain. This was the first European deployment in 19 years.

In 1992 more than one million people viewed Blue Angel’s performances during a 30-day European deployment to Sweden, Finland, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain. This was the first European deployment in 19 years.