Blue Angels 7 and 8 get new Cougar "2 Up"

Grumman Cougar F9F-8T v3.1 BuNo 131231 at Miramar on final prototype trials. Assigned to Angel 7 this Season.

Carpool Aircraft completes delivery of 2017 Cougar "2 Up".
The new Cougar F9F-8T v3.1 replaces the v3.0 that was flown for the second half of last Air Show Season as the Naval Flight Demonstration Team main aircraft. With the adoption of the single seat F9F-6, the "2 Up" will become exclusive to Angels 7 and 8, just as in real life. To celebrate the occasion, all the aviators in the squadron that made it to the last team composition in full active status and were selected for the first composition of 2017 will receive the 2017 F9F-8T, but from this point on, new team members will only receive them if they are assigned numbers 7 or 8.

In 2017, Blue Angel #7 is again CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron, who leaves her alternate post in the Diamond to assume the 5 bravo position, flying for LT. Johnny "V" Five who is usually the team's Lead Solo, and remains as the Blue Angels all round alternate when needed.
This Season, Blue Angel #8's position is open until a suitable Naval Aviator fills the shoes of LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow, last year's "Eight", now brought into the Solos act as 6 alpha, Opposing Solo. "Mistell" is no stranger to the front line positions having flown as Right Wing alternate for a great part of last Season.

As usual, click on any photo to see enlarged version.

 

"Cougar" & Cougar. CDR. Kron gets to fly the v3.1 8T model in 2017.

The "2 Up" number 7 will remain the team's V.I.P. ride in 2017, and number 8 will remain her back up. The first air show for this Season is Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, at N.A.S. Miramar, 27 and 28 of this month.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
Angel 7