06/12/2026
On June 12, 1946, the Blue Angels performed their first public flight demonstration at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The Blues performed with three F6F-5 Hellcats, painted the iconic blue and gold that the Blues still adorn today.
Since that day, the Blues have flown air shows and performances across the world. The aircraft flown by the Blue Angels has changed as naval aviation advanced (four of the six models are aircraft that can be seen on the flight line). In 1986, the team unveiled the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet as the newest aircraft for their 40th anniversary, upgrading to the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2021.
75 years after the Blue Angels’ first flight, Blue Angel No. 7 returned to NAS Pax River. Before becoming a Blue, F/A-18B Bureau Number 162885 flew at the US Navy Test Pilot School for 17 years. There, it helped train numerous Test Pilots Under Instruction (TPUIs). In 2015, it was finally assigned to join the Blue Angels as No. 7!
On Saturday, June 12, 2021, No. 7 was welcomed to join PAX Museum’s flight line! Since then, the museum has maintained the aircraft, washing, treating, and displaying it proudly on the flight line. In September of 2024, the museum worked to bring No. 7 into the Test and Evaluation Hall, where it still sits now!
Almost 80 years after their first flight, NAS Pax River and PAX Museum are proud to welcome the Blue Angels to soar over the skies of St. Mary’s County. We hope you join us June 20-21 for this historic event!
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