Who are the Blue Angels?

A friend of mine mentioned the 'Blue Angels' when discussing the military. Who exactly are they and what branch of the military they represent?

The Blue Angels are the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron. Founded in 1946, they're one of the world's oldest performing flight demonstration teams. This team is renowned for their jaw-dropping aerial performances which include maneuvering fast jet aircraft in tight formations and executing high precision aerial acrobatics.

The Blue Angels are composed of officers from both the Navy and the Marines. Typically, the Blue Angels' team includes three tactical jet pilots, two support officers, and one Marine Corps C-130 pilot. The unit utilizes F/A-18 Hornet aircraft for their performances, the MC-130J Super Hercules for logistics and transport, and occasionally, the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The Blue Angels serve several purposes. They perform at air shows across the United States and sometimes overseas to showcase the precision and professionalism of the Navy and Marine aviators. They also aim to inspire a culture of excellence and service to the country through their performances and support of various community outreach initiatives, particularly those that aim to motivate students to pursue careers in the aviation industry and the armed forces.

It's worth noting that becoming a Blue Angel is a highly competitive process, as the pilots are among the best in the Navy and Marine Corps, with substantial operational experience and demonstrated skills in their field. While being a part of the Blue Angels is a temporary duty assignment (usually two to three years), these officers return to the fleet after their time with the Blue Angels, where they continue to serve in operational or instructional roles.