Elevate your LEGO collection and assemble a piece of aviation history with a Custom U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet! Crafted from 100% authentic, brand-new LEGO bricks, this meticulously designed set lets you build your own airshow icon. Measuring a compact 6 inches in length, this small yet mighty model comprises 85 pieces, including 43 unique LEGO elements, delivering a satisfying and creative challenge for builders of all skill levels. Each set is made exclusively with brand new LEGO, ensuring quality and compatibility with your existing collection. Also included is a buildable display stand to show off your build! Packaged in a full color resealable Stand Up Pouch, this set arrives un-assembled and includes printed, easy to follow instructions that take you step by step through this fun build! Great for gifting, or collecting- start building up your BLOCK Jets AirPower Collection today!
The Blue Angels were established on April 24, 1946, by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, then Chief of Naval Operations, to boost Navy morale and public interest in naval aviation post-World War II. Based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, the team was initially led by Lt. Cmdr. Roy “Butch” Voris, a WWII ace. They debuted on June 15, 1946, at NAS Jacksonville, flying three Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats in a tight diamond formation—a signature move that showcased precision and skill. Named after a New York nightclub Nimitz had read about, the Blue Angels aimed to demonstrate the Navy’s cutting-edge capabilities and inspire recruitment during peacetime.
The team quickly evolved, transitioning to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat in August 1946 for greater agility, then to jets with the Grumman F9F-2 Panther in 1949, reflecting the Navy’s shift to jet propulsion. Their first jet show was in 1950, and by 1951, they adopted the F9F-5 Panther, painted in their now-iconic blue-and-yellow scheme. The Korean War briefly paused public performances as the team was reassigned to a combat squadron, but they resumed in 1951 from NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, before returning to Pensacola in 1955. Over the decades, they upgraded aircraft—F11F-1 Tiger (1957), F-4J Phantom II (1969), A-4F Skyhawk (1974)—each chosen for maneuverability and visibility, refining their aerobatic displays.
In 1986, the Blue Angels adopted the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, a versatile fighter still in use today (transitioning to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 2021), capable of speeds near Mach 1.8 and maneuvers within inches of each other. Their shows, performed by six jets (four in the diamond, two solo), feature daring stunts like the “Dirty Loop” and “Sneak Pass,” thrilling over 11 million spectators annually across the U.S. and abroad. The team’s pilots, all carrier-qualified naval aviators with at least 1,250 flight hours, undergo rigorous training, including a 10-week winter stint at NAS El Centro, California. Since 1946, they’ve flown over 500 million spectators, though the precision comes with risk—28 personnel have died in crashes or training incidents.
The Blue Angels’ legacy extends beyond entertainment, serving as a recruiting tool and symbol of naval excellence. They’ve inspired generations, from their WWII-era roots to modern airshows, and even influenced pop culture, appearing in films and video games. Headquartered at NAS Pensacola, with a museum showcasing their history, they remain a volunteer unit within the Navy, funded partly by the Department of Defense. Celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2021, the Blue Angels continue to embody teamwork, discipline, and the Navy’s aviation prowess, captivating audiences worldwide with every heart-pounding performance.
