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FReeper Canteen~The Blue Angels~9 Aug 2007
The Canteen Crew
Posted on 08/08/2007 6:00:42 PM PDT by AZamericonnie
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The Freeper Canteen Presents The Blue Angels
On April 24, 1946 Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester Nimitz issued a directive ordering the formation of a flight exhibition team (the first such official venture by any of the Armed Services) to boost Navy morale, demonstrate naval air power, and maintain public interest in naval aviation. However, an underlying mission was to help the Navy generate public and political support for a larger allocation of the shrinking defense budget. In April of that year, Rear Admiral Ralph Davison personally selected Lieutenant Commander Roy Marlin "Butch" Voris, a World War II fighter ace, to assemble and train a flight demonstration squadron, naming him Officer-in-Charge and Flight Leader. Voris selected two fellow instructors to join him (Lt. Maurice "Wick" Wickendoll and Lt. Mel Cassidy, both veterans of the War in the Pacific), and the three spent countless hours developing the show. The group perfected its initial maneuvers in secret over the Florida Everglades so that, in Voris' words, "...if anything happened, just the alligators would know." The team's first demonstration before Navy officials took place on May 10, 1946 and was met with enthusiastic approval.
*Roy Voris US Navy Ace, First Leader of The Blue Angels*

On June 15 Voris led a trio of Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats, specially modified to reduce weight and painted sea blue with gold leaf trim, through their inaugural 15-minute-long performance at Craig Field, Florida. The group, known simply as the "Navy Flight Exhibition Team," thrilled spectators with low-flying maneuvers performed in tight formations, and (according to Voris) by "...keeping something in front of the crowds at all times. My objective was to beat the Army Air Corps. If we did that, we'd get all the other side issues. I felt that if we weren't the best, it would be my naval career." The Blue Angels' first public demonstration also netted the team its first trophy, which sits on display at the team's current home at NAS Pensacola.

On August 25, 1946 the Blue Angels transitioned to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat and introduced the famous "diamond" formation at the World Air Carnival in Birmingham, Alabama.The team soon became known worldwide for its spectacular aerobatic stunts. During a trip to New York, Lt. Wickendoll came across an advertisement in The New Yorker for the city's popular "Blue Angel" nightclub. Voris liked the name and on July 19 officially made it the team's moniker. On August 25 the squadron upgraded their aircraft to the F8F-1 Bearcat. Though Voris left the team on May 30, 1947 the "Blues" continued to perform nationwide (including one year, 1949, in a blinding all-yellow scheme with blue markings[1]) until the start of the Korean War in 1950, when (due to a shortage of pilots) the team was disbanded and its members were ordered to combat duty. Once aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton the group formed the core of VF-191 (Satan's Kittens).

The Blue Angels were officially recommissioned on October 25, 1951, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Lt. Cdr. Voris was again tasked with assembling the team (he was the first of only two commanding officers to lead them twice). By the end of the 1940s, the Blue Angels were flying their first jets, the Grumman F9F-2 Panther, but soon would be utilizing the improved F9F-5. The Angels remained in Corpus Christi until the winter of 1954, when they relocated to their present home at NAS Pensacola. It was here they progressed to the swept-wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. The ensuing 20 years saw the Blue Angels transition to two more aircraft, the Grumman F11F-1 Tiger (1957), which would be best known for its use as a demonstration plane, and the huge double-sonic McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1969), the only plane to be flown by both the "Blues" and the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

All six Blue Angel A-4F Skyhawks fly in delta formation, smoke on.In December, 1974 the Navy Flight Demonstration Team downsized to more economical subsonic McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II and was reorganized into the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. This reorganization permitted the establishment of a commanding officer, a flight leader, added support officers, and further redefined the squadron's mission emphasizing the support of recruiting efforts. Commander Tony Less was the squadron's first official commanding officer.

On November 8, 1986 the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the sleek McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, the first multi-role fighter/attack aircraft now serving on the nation's front lines of defense since the F-4 Phantom. The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow high angle of attack "tail sitting" maneuver, and to fly a loop with landing gear down in formation, neither duplicated by the Thunderbirds. The Blue Angels also operate a Marine Corps C-130T Hercules nicknamed "Fat Albert" to provide support and (at selected venues) put on a show of its own with a jet-assisted take off (JATO) before the "Blues" begin their demonstration. "Fat Albert Airlines" flies with an all-Marine crew of three officers and five enlisted personnel.

The Blue Angels perform more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still employ many of the same practices and techniques in their aerial displays as in 1946. Since their inception, the "Blues" have flown for more than 427 million spectators worldwide. The Blue Angels often perform directly over major cities such as San Francisco and Seattle during "Fleet Week" maritime festivals, such as Seafair.

The "Blues" aircraft are completely combat-ready, and can be repainted and armed for combat service in just 72 hours.
The Blue Angels' crest changes with every new aircraft type they acquire. When they flew A-4s, in the upper right corner, was an outline of the A-4s in formation. Since then, the crest has been modified with the F/A-18's outline.
The video for the American rock band Van Halen's 1986 release "Dreams" is comprised of Blue Angels performance footage. The video was originally shot featuring the Blues in the A-4 Skyhawk. It was later reshot after the transition to the F/A-18 Hornet.
*Van Halen's Dream Video*
The Blue Angels don't wear G-suits, because the air bladders inside them would repeatedly deflate and inflate. That would interfere with the control stick between a pilot's legs. Instead, Blue Angel pilots tense their stomach muscles and legs to prevent blood from rushing from their heads and rendering them unconscious.
*Passenger Rendered Unconscious*
The Blue Angels Creed, written by JO1 Cathy Konn, 1991-1993:
Today is a very special and memorable day in your military career that will remain with you throughout your lifetime. You have survived the ultimate test of your peers and have proven to be completely deserving to wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The prestige of wearing the Blue Angels uniform carries with it an extraordinary honor one that reflects not only on you as an individual, but on your teammates and the entire squadron. To the crowds at the air shows and to the public at hospitals and schools nationwide, you are a symbol of the Navy and Marine Corps' finest. You bring pride, hope and a promise for tomorrow's Navy and Marine Corps in the smiles and handshakes of today's youth. Remember today as the day you became a Blue Angel; look around at your teammates and commit this special bond to memory. "Once a Blue Angel, always a Blue Angel," rings true for all those who wear the crest of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Welcome to the team.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: blueangels; canteen; freepercanteen; military; troopsupport
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To: AZamericonnie
2
posted on
08/08/2007 6:01:12 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
To: AZamericonnie
3
posted on
08/08/2007 6:01:28 PM PDT
by
Randy Larsen
(I'M WITH FRED!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All


Supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen at more than 1,000 places across the U. S. and around the world.
~Tribute to Our Troops~
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To: AZamericonnie
5
posted on
08/08/2007 6:01:42 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: AZamericonnie
6
posted on
08/08/2007 6:01:46 PM PDT
by
mylife
(The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
To: AZamericonnie
7
posted on
08/08/2007 6:02:05 PM PDT
by
gate2wire
To: AZamericonnie
TOP TEN!
Great thread, as always!
8
posted on
08/08/2007 6:02:13 PM PDT
by
Old Sarge
(This tagline in memory of FReeper 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub)
To: SandRat
Good evening Sandy...you are first in show!:) *Hugs*
To: AZamericonnie
August 9, 2007
Beautiful Feet
READ:
Romans 10:14-18How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
Recently, I met the man who introduced me to Jesus 35 years ago. Warren Wiersbe, former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago and Bible teacher for the Back to the Bible ministry, had preached the gospel at a Bible conference in 1972. It was the first time I heard the good news of Gods love for me as shown in Jesus death on the cross. The Spirit opened my eyes and heart that night, and I received Jesus Christ as my Savior (John 1:12).
We praise the Lord for people like Warren Wiersbe who faithfully preach the gospel and introduce others to Christ. According to the apostle Paul, they have beautiful feet: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom. 10:15).
But spreading the gospel isnt just the responsibility of Bible teachers and pastors. All who know Jesus can share on a personal level with friends, co-workers, family members, and strangers. Its our privilege and duty. Otherwise, how will people believe in Him of whom they have not heard? (v.14).
Lets make our feet beautiful by bringing the good news of Jesus to others.
Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet to lead men in His way;
He has no tongue but our tongue to tell men how He died;
He has no help but our help to bring them to His side. Flint
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news! Isaiah 52:7
10
posted on
08/08/2007 6:03:04 PM PDT
by
The Mayor
( A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.—Proverbs 16:9)
To: AZamericonnie; tomkow6; LUV W; All
Breaking news off BBC wire look like Pakstein going for it they going impose state of emegercny in next three months
And another report off BBC wire claim Kremlin going take over Russia vodka company this company keep losing its vodka in Caspian sea or Tomkow stomach
11
posted on
08/08/2007 6:03:17 PM PDT
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: SandRat
12
posted on
08/08/2007 6:03:22 PM PDT
by
puppypusher
(The world is going to the dogs.)
To: AZamericonnie
13
posted on
08/08/2007 6:03:38 PM PDT
by
MS.BEHAVIN
(Women who behave rarely make history)
To: AZamericonnie
Dang, I really need to log-in before I claim 1st...
Anyway, good evening everyone.
To: Randy Larsen
Hey Randy...good to see you! I see you have placed second! *Hugs*
To: AZamericonnie; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; tongue-tied; laurenmarlowe; StarCMC; MS.BEHAVIN; fatima; ...
Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's thread

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD

CLICK FOR Current local times around the world
CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage
To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open. The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.
CLICK BELOW to ENTER the
FR Canteen Post Office, Support Our Military and Vets Links and Info
FR Canteen Post Office Established November 30, 2001
Will You help keep the Candle Lit for our service men and women?
Can you spare a few moments today to either
e-mail them or learn about sending packages to them?
Many of them are away from home for the 1st time.
PLEASE Click on the graphic and help cheer them up.
You will stay right where you are on this thread while you write them. Some links are broken. These are being worked on.

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.
16
posted on
08/08/2007 6:04:09 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: ConorMacNessa
Good evening dear Conor....hope your week is going well! *Hugs*
To: AZamericonnie
18
posted on
08/08/2007 6:05:14 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: AZamericonnie
19
posted on
08/08/2007 6:06:15 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
To: mylife
Fourth...but still a place & show!:)
How ya doing My.....week going well? *Hugs*
To: puppypusher
21
posted on
08/08/2007 6:06:43 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
To: AZamericonnie
It’s going great, Connie, thanks! How are you doing tonite?
22
posted on
08/08/2007 6:06:45 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: gate2wire
Howdy Gate....even better....7th!!!:)
Very good to see you!
To: AZamericonnie
24
posted on
08/08/2007 6:08:17 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: Old Sarge
{{{Sarge}}}
Top ten indeed! lol
Someone mailed these great photos of the Angels so I just had to find a way to use them.
If you get a chance watch the video of the G’s conking that poor guy out....that would be me for sure!:)
To: AZamericonnie; All
This Day in U.S. Military History August 9
1813 - After reports that British naval vessels were nearing St. Michaels, Md., to attack the shipbuilding town that night, the county militia placed lanterns on the tops of the tallest trees and on the masts of vessels in the harbor; and had all other lights extinguished. When the British attacked, they directed their fire too high and overshot the town.
26
posted on
08/08/2007 6:10:50 PM PDT
by
gpapa
To: AZamericonnie; All
To: AZamericonnie
28
posted on
08/08/2007 6:11:11 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: The Mayor
Good evening Mayor & much appreciation to you for the daily devontionals!
Hope you & the family are doing well...*Hugs*
To: AZamericonnie; Kathy in Alaska; Soaring Feather; Bethbg79; bitt; blackie; Boazo; CelticLass; ...
30
posted on
08/08/2007 6:12:36 PM PDT
by
Lady Jag
(The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.)
To: SevenofNine; tomkow6
LOL....how much Vodka can Tomkow’s stomach store???
To: AZamericonnie
32
posted on
08/08/2007 6:14:06 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: AZamericonnie; All

Photo by Pvt. Kirby Rider August 09, 2007 Soldiers from the 175th Infantry Regiment train for an upcoming deployment at Fort Dix, N.J., July 12. A presidential order authorized the Army to call on individual ready reservists to fill jobs like those at Fort Dix and other mobilization centers left vacant by Soldiers deploying into operational theaters. Though the assignments were expected to be short term, many Soldiers have served on assignments requiring them to extend in TCS status for years.

Photo by Spc. Olanrewaju Akinwunmi August 08, 2007 Pfc. Jason Denson pulls security during a patrol in Arab Jabour, south Baghdad. Pfc. Denson is from Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller August 08, 2007 Soldiers from Company A, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, greet Ahaip Najim in Hollandia, Iraq, on June 2 as they make final coordination with his family for his transport to al Sadr Hospital in Najaf for a life-changing surgery.
To: puppypusher
Good evening puppypusher & how very nice to see you! Hope all is well your way....*Hugs*
To: AZamericonnie
35
posted on
08/08/2007 6:15:47 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: sneakers; vigilante2; Jade Falcon; Laurita; txradioguy; tongue-tied; SoldierDad; KB4W; ...
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Honoring Our Heroes Allegra 3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad) Brett (CindyDawg) Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee) Cannoneer No. 4 Col Mike (gpapa) CMS David (LUV W) Defender2 Ev (MozartLover) Future Snake Eater (RightOnline) Jade Falcon JemiansTerror (Jemian) Jet Jaguar Joel (NEMDF) Jonathan (AZbushgal) Josh (doug from upland) Karen (fatima's granddaughter) KB4W (arbee4bush) Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim) Kevin (skimask) Kevin and David (vigilante2) Laurita LCpl Carter Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim) Capt Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou) M1Tanker MEG33's Navy Grandson Mike1Sg (mystery-ak) Milo828 (mystery-ak) Nate (sneakers) Old Sarge OneLoyalAmerican Robert, Jeremy & Daynnis (SoldierDad) Sgt Sean Reed (preed) Son (GodBlessUSA) Terrence (LadyPilgrim) The Sailor tongue-tied Tonkin txradioguy Victor and Tony D (weldgophardline) William (jackv)
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36
posted on
08/08/2007 6:15:55 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: AZamericonnie; tomkow6; All
YOu have ask Tomkow TOMKOW how much your stomach stored LOL!
Does that mean all his voices TOO MAYBE?????
37
posted on
08/08/2007 6:16:30 PM PDT
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: AZamericonnie
Anyone who can’t comprehend the dedication of our military to their mission only need to look at these pilots and their support staff to begin to understand.
38
posted on
08/08/2007 6:16:38 PM PDT
by
steveo
(Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.)
To: AZamericonnie
39
posted on
08/08/2007 6:17:35 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: AZamericonnie; All
Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.* * * * * * * * * * * *
Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.
40
posted on
08/08/2007 6:20:30 PM PDT
by
HopeandGlory
(Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
To: All
A PRAYER OF PROTECTION
The light of God surround you The love of God enfold you The power of God protect you The presence of God watch over you Wherever you are, God is, And all is well. Amen.
BLESS THIS HOUSE Bless this house O Lord we pray; Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout, Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall, Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove ever open to joy and love.
Bless these windows shining bright, Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there, with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within, keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we May dwell O Lord with thee.
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(Click on graphics for music)
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41
posted on
08/08/2007 6:22:42 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: AZamericonnie
Connie!things are going great here. Its been hotter than I care for but I can’t complain.
I hope You and Your’s are doing well Also.
42
posted on
08/08/2007 6:22:43 PM PDT
by
puppypusher
(The world is going to the dogs.)
To: ConorMacNessa
Very cool picture!
All is well here & thank you for asking.
I mean't to post this link...Blue Angles
This site shows the different planes & the corresponding crests.
To: AZamericonnie
44
posted on
08/08/2007 6:23:13 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: MS.BEHAVIN
You are always the top twenty in my book hon!:)
How you doing tonight? *Hugs*
To: SandRat
46
posted on
08/08/2007 6:23:39 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: StarCMC; Bethbg79; EsmeraldaA; MoJo2001; Kathy in Alaska; Brad's Gramma; laurenmarlowe; ...
47
posted on
08/08/2007 6:24:08 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
To: gate2wire
To: Randy Larsen
49
posted on
08/08/2007 6:24:14 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: ConorMacNessa
50
posted on
08/08/2007 6:24:48 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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