September EAA 92 General Meeting — Gil Rud, Flight Leader of the Blue Angels
September 8 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
– Gil Rud, Flight Leader of the Blue Angels —
Our speaker, Gil Rud, will share his experience as Flight Leader of the Blue Angels, the world famous US Navy Squadron.
The Blue Angels mission is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
The team has six pilots from the U.S. Navy and one from the US Marine Corps. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows each year. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 505 million spectators.
Gil’s presentation will include a view of his experience transitioning the Blue Angels from the A4 Skyhawk to the F/A-18 Hornet. He will also discuss key moments of his fascinating career.
Rud first joined the Navy in 1967 and received his Wings of Gold one year later, where he was initially assigned to the A-4 Skyhawk, and deployed to the Mediterranean. Upon returning from his initial cruise, he transitioned to the A-7 Corsair II and deployed to Vietnam aboard the USS Oriskany in May of 1971.
Following his first combat deployment, Rud served as the Junior CAG LSO for the first cruise of the F-14A Tomcat and the first West Coast Cruise of the S-3A Viking. He would qualify to fly the F-14 prior to leaving for the cruise in order to do the job more effectively.
In April of 1975, he participated in Operation Frequent Wind, flying top cover for H-46 and CH-53 rescue helicopters during the evacuation of the embassy in Saigon.
Rud eventually became the XO/CO of VA-192, the World Famous Golden Dragons, where he finished as the Top Tailhooker in the Air Wing for the entire Westpac Cruise aboard the USS Ranger.
While serving as Head of Junior Officer Detailing in Arlington, Virginia, Rud was awarded the position of Flight Leader and Commanding Officer of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
MEETING DETAILS:
This in-person meeting will be held at the IRWD Community Room at 15500 Sand Canyon Ave in Irvine.
September 8, 2026.
Hangar Talk social period: 6:30 to 7:00 PM
Meeting begins at 7:00 PM
Presentation begins approx. 7:15 PM
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