Flying on the Edge | The Blue Angels' Transition to the F/A-18 Hornet ft. ADM Pat Walsh, USN (Ret.)

In this exclusive interview, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Patrick Walsh shares his personal journey through one of the most significant transitions in the history of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. Serving as a Blue Angels pilot from 1985 to 1987, Walsh was part of a team that not only carried the legacy of naval aviation forward but also helped usher in a new era with the transition from the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. During his tenure, Walsh and his teammates faced the challenge of adapting to an aircraft with radically different flight characteristics while ensuring the Blue Angels’ aerial precision remained unmatched. However, this period was also marked by tragedy with the loss of Mike Gershon in a mid-air collision during an airshow in Niagara Falls. Walsh reflects on the lasting impact of this heartbreaking event and how it shaped the team’s resolve, professionalism, and dedication to honoring their fallen brother. Before joining the Blue Angels, Pat Walsh was already an accomplished naval aviator. He began his operational flying career with the "Golden Dragons" of Attack Squadron 192 (VA-192), where he honed his skills as a carrier-based pilot. He then served as an operational test director with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 5 (VX-5), where he was responsible for evaluating and improving naval aircraft performance—an experience that would later serve him well in the Blue Angels' transition to the F/A-18 Hornet. Throughout this interview, Walsh provides a firsthand look at his early years in naval aviation, his path to the Blue Angels, and the demanding world of demonstration flying. He offers insight into the mental and physical discipline required to perform at the highest level, the leadership lessons he carried forward, and the importance of teamwork in both military and civilian life. Beyond his time with the Blue Angels, Admiral Pat Walsh had a distinguished naval career. After serving with the team, he returned to the fleet as Operations Officer for Strike-Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87 “Golden Warriors”) and later commanded the “Gunslingers” of Strike-Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105). His leadership extended to Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and later to commanding Carrier Group 7 and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. He served as the 35th Vice Chief of Naval Operations and ultimately became Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, overseeing naval operations across the largest area of responsibility in the U.S. military. This in-depth discussion provides a rare, firsthand perspective on the evolution of the Blue Angels and the broader world of naval aviation, told by a pilot who lived through one of its most defining moments. Pat Walsh’s story is not just about flying—it’s about leadership, adaptation, and the pursuit of excellence under extraordinary circumstances. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro 1:36 Jesuit High School 1:59 United States Naval Academy 2:07 Flight Training 3:11 Golden Dragons (VA-192) 3:37 Applying to the Blue Angels 4:19 1985 Blue Angels 6:23 Tragedy at Niagara Falls 6:01 1986 Blue Angels 10:20 Skyhawk to Hornet 11:44 1987 Blue Angels Produced By Ryan Nothhaft Special Thanks To The Frontiers of Flight Museum - Dallas Love Field Anne-Marie Evans Andrew Kochie 1985 Blue Angels 1. CDR Larry Pearson 2. Capt Mark Bircher, USMC 3. LCDR Pat Walsh 4. LCDR Curt Watson 5. LT Andy Caputi 6. LCDR Mike Gershon 7. LCDR David Anderson 8. Maj Bill Campbell, USMC Capt Ben Wyatt, USMC Capt Pete Donato, USMC Capt Stan Graham, USMC MO LT Jim Anderson Doc LCDR Dwight Fulton AO LT Hans Fett PAO LCDR Doug Schamp SUPO LT Vance Moore 1986 Blue Angels 1. CAPT Gil Rud 2. Capt Mark Bircher, USMC 3. LCDR Donnie Cochran 4. LCDR Pat Walsh 5. LCDR Curt Watson 6. LCDR David Anderson 7. LCDR Wayne Molnar 8. Maj Bill Campbell, USMC Capt Pete Donato, USMC Capt Stan Graham, USMC Capt Mike Mullaly, USMC MO LT Jim Anderson Doc LT Wes Robinson AO LT Hans Fett PAO LT Doug Hocking SUPO LT Sam Walke 1987 Blue Angels 1. CAPT Gil Rud 2. Capt Mark Bircher, USMC 3. LCDR Donnie Cochran 4. LCDR Pat Walsh 5. LCDR David Anderson 6. LCDR Wayne Molnar 7. LCDR Cliff Skelton 8. LCDR Mike Campbell Maj Frank Welborn, USMC Capt Mark Mykityshyn, USMC Capt Mike Mullaly, USMC MO LT Jim Anderson Doc LT Wes Robinson AO LT Jim Hawthorne PAO LCDR Doug Hocking SUPO LT Sam Walker #blueangels #navy #aviation #airshow #militaryaviation