The US Navy has removed Marine Corps Major Scott Laux from the Blue Angels, its flight demonstration squadron. Laux flew this season as No. 6, the opposing solo12. In a statement, the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) said Blue Angel No. 6 had been removed for failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron and would not take part in the team's remaining performance this season12.

The Navy has not said what Laux did, when the decision was made or whether it is connected to a disciplinary proceeding or an investigation12. His photograph and biography have been taken off the team page of the Blue Angels website12. The news emerged on Friday 6 November, the first day of the team's annual Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, which closes the season21. The team flew with five jets that day instead of six12.

What does the Navy ask of a Blue Angels demonstration pilot?

Only career-oriented Sailors and Marines can apply, and they need a recommendation from their current commanding officer3. Each team member is selected individually and serves a rotation of two or three years3. The team has flown the F/A-18 Super Hornet since 20214.

In its call for applications for the 2025 to 2027 show seasons, the Navy said F/A-18 demonstration pilot applicants had to be carrier qualified, with approximately 1,250 tactical jet flight hours by 30 September of the year of application. They also had to have completed an operational fleet tour and advanced flight training with an average or better composite score5. Pilots selected for the team must remain on active duty for two years after their assignment ends5. Our guide to assessments for experienced pilots explains how hour minimums and selection work in civil aviation.

Why are applicants encouraged to attend air shows?

The application package is only part of the process. Applicants are encouraged to attend two or three of the team's air shows in the spring, sit in on the pre-show briefings and join the social events afterwards6. The team's 2026 application guide says it wants to get to know candidates on a personal level, partly because team members may spend more than 300 days a year together6. For the 2026 cycle, completed applications had to arrive by 30 April 20266. Laux himself was named in that guide as the team's applicants officer, the point of contact for candidates6.

How did Laux reach the No. 6 jet?

According to his Blue Angels biography, Laux graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012 and went through Marine officer training at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. He flew the T-6B Texan II at NAS Whiting Field and the T-45C Goshawk at NAS Kingsville, and earned his wings in 20157. He then flew the F/A-18D and F/A-18C Hornet with Marine squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. In 2020 he deployed aboard USS Nimitz on what his biography calls the final aircraft carrier deployment of the Hornet7.

After that tour he was selected to transition to the F-35C and, in July 2022, reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 125, the F-35C fleet replacement squadron, for training and follow-on service as an instructor pilot7. He joined the Blue Angels in September 2024. His biography lists more than 1,300 flight hours and 169 arrested carrier landings7. He was the team's narrator in 2025 and moved to the No. 6 position in 202612. For military pilots weighing a later move to the airlines, see our report on how military pilots join Delta, United and American. The civil training routes are set out in our guide on how to become a pilot.