Page "Blue Angels" Paragraph 69

In 2006, the Blue Angels marked their 60th year of performing.

On 30 October 2008 a spokesman for the team announced that the team would complete its last three performances of the year with five jets instead of six.

The change was because one pilot and another officer in the organization had been removed from duty for engaging in an " inappropriate relationship ".

The Navy stated that one of the individuals was a man and the other a woman, one a Marine and the other from the Navy, and that Rear Admiral Mark Guadagnini, chief of Naval air training, was reviewing the situation.

At the next performance at Lackland Air Force Base following the announcement the No. 4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation.

A spokesman for the team would not confirm the identity of the pilot removed from the team.

On 6 November 2008 both officers were found guilty at an admiral's mast on unspecified charges but the resulting punishment was not disclosed.

The names of the two members involved were later released on the Pensacola News Journal website / forum as pilot No. 4 USMC Maj. Clint Harris and the administrative officer, Navy Lt. Gretchen Doane.