This book contains 224 pages, 225+ B&W and color photos and is 10inches x 10 inches. It has 10 chapters and 4 appendices. It is a thorough examination of what it took to form the Blues and what it has taken to maintain one of the best aerobatic display teams in the world.

The book begins with the 1946 formation of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron in Jacksonville Florida. Beginning with the Grumman F6F Hellcat, the Blues have flown 5 total Grumman designs. These include the F8F Bearcat, F9F Panther and Cougar and the F-11 Tiger. There have been 3 designs from McDonnell Douglas. The F4 Phantom, A-4 Skyhawk, and the F-18 Hornet. Currently they fly the Boeing produced F/A-18 Super Hornet.

One of the best parts of this book is the firsthand accounts of what it takes to become and stay a member of the Navy and Marine Corps best. The Angels demand high professionalism, skills, and dedication to maintain their excellence. This is true of all the crew and not just the pilots. In addition to the main display aircraft the book covers the training aircraft and support aircraft the squadron has used throughout its history. There is an entire chapter dedicated to the C-130 known as Fat Albert. The book is a wonderful history of the Blue Angels.

The book concludes with 4 appendices. The first lists all Blue Angels that died while on the team or in combat. The second lists all officers that have served the Angels in any capacity. Third is a listing of all aircraft flight demo and support, which flew with the Angels by type and serial number. The last appendix is a photographic collection of some of the preserved former Angel’s airframes around the USA. Lastly, there is a conclusion covering the Blue Angels Foundation and its work!

This is a fantastic book!! The book is beautifully illustrated and is an interesting and comprehensive history of the team. There is much here for the modeler and historian alike. All aircraft flown by the Blue Angels are available in ki form and decals to the 1/72 modeler as well as to the 1/48 modeler, although the FM or Collectaire F-11 Tiger are both out of production. For the 1/32 modeler again most are available with the Fisher F9f being out of production and no F-11 Tiger in this scale. I really cannot recommend this book enough!

My thanks to Casemate for the review copy and IPMS/USA for the opportunity!