Blue Angel Phantoms

Denny Sapp is a former Blue Angels solo pilot and served on the team for the 1975 and 1976 air show seasons.  

Born in Iowa, Denny graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1968 and joined the US Navy and received his wings in 1969. He made 3 deployments to Vietnam compiling 367 combat missions and receiving numerous personal decorations. Sapp then was assigned duties as a test and evaluation pilot at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California. From there he was selected as a member of the Blue Angels based in Pensacola, Florida where he flew as a solo demonstration pilot. Following this he was assigned to USS Eisenhower. Leaving active duty, he affiliated with the US Naval Reserves and became the commander of an F-18 squadron based in Point Mugu, California. Sapp retired from the Navy after 23 years' service with the rank of Captain (0-6). In civilian employment, he flew for Western Air Lines, Alaska Air Lines, and Delta Air Lines, where he retired as a Captain flying Boeing 767 out of JFK airport, New York.

Support the show

Doug Hill was the Blue Angels Maintenance Officer during the 1983 & 1984 air show seasons. On this episode of the podcast, Doug details his early career in the Navy as well as the incredible transformation he underwent in order to be considered for the Blue Angels.  Doug also shares stories from his time on the team, including the requirements to maintain the A4 Skyhawk, riding in the back of Fat Albert, and the interesting people he met along the way.    

Support the show

David Kent was a crew chief for the United States Navy Blue Angels during the 1969 air show season.  1969 was the first year that the Blue Angels flew the F4 Phantom, where David worked on the #3 jet piloted by Ernie Christensen. 

During this interview, David discusses his humble beginnings in Vermont where he attended a one room school house and would eventually develop an interest in aviation after seeing a poster of Charles Lindbergh. He was later drafted in the Army but ended up enlisting in the Navy, where he was assigned to NAS El Centro during the heart of the Vietnam War.  Through a chance encounter with Blue Angels Boss, Bill Wheat, David would eventually be assigned to the Blue Angels.  

David shares his recollections of the team's transition from the F-11 Tiger to the F4 Phantom and the challenges that ensured.  He also details the responsibilities of a Blue Angels crew chief and what it is like to fly in the back of an F4 Phantom.  

David also provides insight on what it was like to work for Boss Bill Wheat and pilot Ernie Christensen. 

After his career on the Blue Angels, David eventually became a pilot and captain for United Airlines, where he would have a chance encounter with the Blue Angels delta formation at 30,000 feet.

1969 Blue Angels Team:

1. CDR Bill Wheat
2. Capt Vince Donile, USMC
3. LT Ernie Christensen
4. LT Rick Millson
5. LT John Allen
6. LT Steve Shoemaker
7. LT Rick Adams
8. LT Dick Schram
MO LCDR Bud Jourden
Doc LT Jim Linville
AO LT Mary Russell
SUPO CW02 Bill Thornhill

Support the show