A Final Salute: The Blue Angels' Farewell to the Legacy Hornet
The Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, hit a milestone in their 2020 season. Following 34 years of service and performing for literally millions, the Legacy Hornets used by the squadron made their final launch and recovery from NAS Sherman Field, Pensacola, Florida. Like many aviation enthusiasts, I’ve never seen The Blues in anything but the Legacy Hornets. To see the end of the season is bittersweet.
November 4, 2020, the team announced one last legacy tribute flight and final farewell for the Pensacola area. I chose the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier as the backdrop for this final salute. I’ve seen the blues return home many times from this spot. For many, the team “smoking the beach” upon return from air shows over the years is a Sunday tradition. As the group approached, I heard Boss Kesselring call “Smoke On” for one last pass over the pier. It was a sight to take in. Perfect Sky. Perfect Delta. The perfect way to say Goodbye.
Airspeed - The Magazine for Aviation Photographers (December 2020 issue Page 22)
Airspeed - The Magazine for Aviation Photographers (December 2020 issue Page 24)
The Iconic Blue Angel Delta Formation one last time. Imagine the millions that have seen that formation of the legacies. On this picture-perfect day on Pensacola Beach, the Blue Angel faithful gathered once more to honor the legendary jets and all the team members who have flow demonstrations around this great nation and the world. The Blues did not disappoint those who came for them.
It’s been a joy and a privilege to share segments of time through images of this remarkable Boeing aircraft.
Blue Angels Delta crosses over the Pensacola fishing pier for the last time in the Legacy Hornet.
November 4, 2020: The Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels In Delta Formation in the FA-18 Legacy Hornet.
Sunset Flight. Rest well. You have earned it.
Final Flight with the Blues
Many Thanks to all the pilots who shared this great aircraft with us from 1986-2020.
November 4, 2020: And so it goes. The end of an era. 2020 marks the Legacy Hornets’ end of service life with the Blue Angels—a final salute.
1986-2020 For 34 years, the Blues have flown the Legacy Hornet,
She’s been a good ship and will be missed.