Museum of Flight Puts Blue Angel on a Pedestal

Aircorps Art Dec 2019


Museum of Flight Puts Blue Angel on a Pedestal
Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet being lifted into place, and on its new pedestal. (Photo Ted Huetter/The Museum of Flight, Seattle.)

On Nov. 17 the Museum’s Navy F/A-18C Blue Angel was relocated from a corner in the Aviation Pavilion to its new home on free display atop a pedestal near the Museum’s south lawn entrance. Canted skyward to a height of almost 4-stories, the plane is a tribute to the Blue Angels and the spirit of flight.

This particular F/A-18 Hornet joined the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight team in early 2004, and served with them until 2016. Nicknamed Holly by its Blue Angels crew, Holly was a fixture in Seattle skies during the city’s annual Seafair air shows. The plane has been exhibited in the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion since August 2016. The new location is a fitting welcome to the Navy team and their fans who find a home at the Museum every summer during Seafair week.

Former U.S. Navy FA 18 Blue Angel is a new landmark next to Museum
Number 2 has a distinguished combat record. It was delivered to its first squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, in 1986. It was used in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Southern Watch over Iraq, and Operation Continue Hope in Somalia. The plane was also flown over Afghanistan after 9/11, and flew strikes over Iraq in 2003.

1024px US Navy 070412 F 3488S 011 Navy crew members from Strike Fighter Squadron VFA 87 ready an F A 18C prior to a mission during Red Flag Alaska 07 1
Navy crew members from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 ready an F/A-18C prior to a mission during Red Flag-Alaska 07

Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

Array
About Moreno Aguiari 3374 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

Be the first to comment

Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*