Welcome to the exhilarating 2025 season of the Blue Angels! Since 1946, we’ve proudly represented the United States Navy and Marine Corps, bringing the thrill, precision, and sheer power of naval aviation to audiences across the nation and around the globe. We are often asked, What Do Blue Angels Fly? Let’s dive into the impressive aircraft that make our demonstrations possible.
Our team is composed of 140 dedicated, active-duty Sailors and Marines, each bringing invaluable experience from their service within the fleet. We are honored to represent over 800,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps serving worldwide.
Naval forces operate globally, often unseen by the citizens they protect. The Blue Angels bridge this gap, showcasing the critical role of naval aviation and honoring its rich history. We embody the heritage, agility, adaptability, and vital importance of naval aviation in modern 21st-century warfare.
So, back to the core question: what do the Blue Angels actually fly? Our breathtaking aerial displays feature two primary aircraft: the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the C-130J Super Hercules, affectionately known as “Fat Albert.”
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the backbone of modern naval air power, operating from the decks of U.S. aircraft carriers. This combat-proven aircraft is a twin-engine jet fighter that is incredibly versatile and powerful. It’s designed for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, strike warfare, and close air support. When you see the Blue Angels perform, you’re witnessing the same aircraft that is currently deployed around the world, safeguarding peace and protecting interests. The Super Hornet’s high maneuverability and thrust are key to the stunning formations and maneuvers you see in our air shows.
Complementing the Super Hornets is the C-130J Super Hercules. While not part of the aerobatic maneuvers, “Fat Albert” is an integral part of the Blue Angels show. This Marine Corps’ premiere logistics support aircraft demonstrates its own impressive capabilities during the performance. The C-130J is a large, turboprop aircraft used for cargo and personnel transport. For the Blue Angels, it carries all the necessary equipment and support personnel to air show locations across the country. “Fat Albert” also performs a short takeoff demonstration, showcasing its surprising agility for a large transport aircraft.
As we embark on our 79th year, our dedication to mission excellence, a strong work ethic, and a relentlessly positive attitude remain unwavering. These core values have been the foundation of every Blue Angels performance since our inception. Each team member is committed to embodying the teamwork, professionalism, and precision that define the United States Navy and Marine Corps. We are excited to share our passion for our profession and our nation with audiences worldwide.
It is a true privilege to perform for you and an honor to represent our fellow service members. We sincerely hope that whether you are a first-time viewer or a long-time fan, the spectacle and sound of a Blue Angels performance inspires exhilaration, pride in our defense forces, an appreciation for teamwork, and the drive to pursue excellence in all endeavors!
We are proud to present your 2025 Blue Angels!
