Saw the Blue Angels fly in Rochester, NY in ‘71 and had the honor of dining w them later that evening as a 12 yr old. Wonderful gentlemen and still a thrill 50 yrs later
I arrived at VMFA-531 (El Toro) spring of 1978. My first gun squadron flight as a new RIO was with Lt.Col. O’Mara who was the Squadron XO. Smoothest stick and coolest demeanor of any pilot I ever flew with in the F-4.
Kevin was my F-9 Cougar transition instructor at VT-21 in early '69. You taught me well, Marine. I got E's both in rockets (17') and bombs (12.5'). Semper Fidelis.
Kevin O'Mara RON'd at our Buckley ANG, CO Marine Reserve Unit in the Fall of 1973. I was a young Aircraft Mechanic Reservist at that time, but I knew him from his Blue Angel days and was awestruck with his presence and the fact I got to service his aircraft. 5 years later I was designated a Marine Naval Aviator myself and assigned to tactical jets, but never thought I had the physical appearance to apply to be a Blue Angel Pilot, though I was a good "stick"...all of those were handsome and dapper dudes, I was not! lol Love watching these Blue Angel videos, may eventually watch the T-Birds, as well.
I first saw the Blue Angels in 1974 in Newport R.I. I believe that was the last year that they flew the F-4 Phantom. It was amazing and it was loud! I believe they even shattered some windows at the old Naval Air Station that day. I would later try to enter the Navy, as my father, a submariner, had done. I was unsuccessful in that endeavor due to the cancelation of the AVROC (Aviation Reserve Officer Corps) program in 1982. So, I settled on the Air Force and spent 10 years flying AC-130H/A Specter gunships out of Hurlburt Field and Duke Field near Fort Walton Beach Florida. I have spent the last 24 years flying for Southwest Airlines. The point is, is that flying is a wonderful, rewarding and important job in great country. Any young man or woman, who has wondered if they have the necessary 'right stuff' to become a professional aviator will never know unless they try, reach for your dreams and never give up. It is demanding at times and obviously can be hazardous, but the rewards and satisfaction, and the pay, make it all worth the tremendous work and effort that is required.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for your service to this country. I love Southwest airlines and there have been a couple Blue Angel pilots from the F4 days that spent some time with the airline. Do you ever fly into SJC? That's my home airport.
My late dad ( 22 years in the Navy ) worked on the F-4's and A-7 Corsairs during the Vietnam War from the mid 60's into the early 70's.. He was a Chief Aviation Electrician;s Mate.
Awesome story thanks for posting. I was born in 72, but saw the last of the show with the F4's. I still remember it. So it had to be in 74? I was only 2. After that day I wanted to do that when I grew up. Fast forward to 1990. Had a accident and couldn't join any of the armed services. Boy was I crushed. Still am to this day. I'd do anything to fly in a jet now.
Early 70's The annual Point Mugu Navel air station air show , I saw the Blue Angels perform. I personally remember the F4 jets: They were loud!! Very professional crew and pilots. Nice video
My dad shared his love of aviation with me. I was sophomore in high school when our family went to Columbus Ohio airshow. Back then after the Blues landed you could walk around the jets and the pilots all stood at their aircraft and signed the programs. I never forgot and when Cmdr Hall was lost in VietNam I wore is MIA bracelet for years. My husband has gone to air shows in the 90’s and can’t believe we could get up to the jets and crew like that. Lol
Thanks, Craig! I can't agree with you more regarding the F4 Phantom. I am sure you've seen it, but if you haven't, check out the movie "Threshold: A Blue Angels Experience". I watched it when I was 3 and have been hooked ever since.
I have never seen a more majestic aircraft than the F-4. It's raw power and distinctive looks will never be duplicated. I wish they could rebuild it with today's materials, power plants, and fly-by-wire. It would be amazing.
Kevin Romero was a pilot in the Squadron I was in in El Toro California vmfa 323 he was a captain at the time and I went overseas in 72 and lo and behold the captain O'Mara showed up over there he was in our Squadron vmfa 115 just one heck of a pilot great individual
I saw the film 'Threshold' in a movie theater long long time ago. I'm so glad to see Mr.O'Mara talking about those days and Cdr. Hall. Thank you so much. I really love blue angels with F4. someday I'd like to visit HH Hall in WA.
Thanks so much for your comment. Rumor has it that Cdr. Hall's canopy from his 1971 Narragansett Bay airshow ejection is being transferred to the HH Hall Building very soon.
I had the pleasure of working for Lt Colonel O'Mara commanding officer of VMFA-232 as an enlisted Marine F-4J/S radar tech (fire control integrated weapons tech) at the most beautiful duty station in the Corps - Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. I actually worked on the flight line and hangar a stones throw from the bay (literally). Every day I could look across the bay and see Kaneohe and Kailua! In 1982 the Corps offered me re-enlistment at the same job and duty station - I said no. Biggest mistake in my life - especially when I had a car there and was single. Two Westpac tours including Japan, PI, Korea. In this video the Colonel looks to be well. There was a time when the F-4 was the most widely sold fighter in the world. Eventually over taken by the F-16 - I think. Looking back, I suspect I had one of the best jobs and duty station in the Corps. Would do it again in a heartbeat, almost for free. I attended the VMFA 232 Eighty year anniversary at Miramar back in 2005. I suspect in 2025 ( 7 years) they will have the 100 year anniversary. I keep checking the 232 webpage for any "get togethers" for former Red Devils. Wink - Wink 232 officials...... I was eventually re trained on USMC F-18 avionics and am happy to say I satisfied and enjoyed the F-4 avionics work more than the Hornet (flight line OMA level). The F-4 was more "hands on" and a bit more analog than the Hornet (digital}. Worked for Charlie and "Fighter Mike" in the 232 Radar Shop. Please leave a reply. Cheers!
Thanks, Fly Photography. More is on the way in the coming months. Just a matter of scheduling. I will be sure to check out your channel as well. Cheers.
The Phantom is a fabulous aircraft but a strange choice for the Blue Angels due to its size and sheer power, but i bet they were a fabulous sight back in the day.....
I got to see them in Europe, at RAF Bentwaters, at an international airshow, they flew in and buzzed our side, the Woodbridge side then over to Bentwaters. The airshow also had the Thunderbirds in their F-4s. This was back in 1973-74 period.
I'm 71 now and very glad I saw the Blue Angels fly the F-4s a few times at Point Mugu. I'm guessing those were the largest planes ever used by a precision flying team.
My dad flew RF-4s in VMCJ-1 back in the 60s before transition to A6Es .. they lost guys punching out of the phantoms.. seats weren’t that good back then.. that’s why a lot of pilots died trying to fly it.. they knew the seat would hurt them or kill them.. great planes..
Kevin mentions having to eject, along with Vince Donile, during that November 1969 training flight. For Vince, that was two ejections in barely a month and a half. On 9/19/1969 my old man saw CAPT Donile punch out of his damaged Blue Angels Phantom over San Francisco Bay. Pops worked construction along the waterfront so the event happened right in front of him. Vince Donile must've felt a bit sore after that rough stretch!
@@Skyhawks1979 I was thinking the same thing. Gauge not working? Fuel management issues? Or thought they had the bare minimum to destination but didn't expect strong headwinds.
I remember you Kevin ! I hope you remember flying into Midway Island and getting fuel . I was an AC1 stationed there . Also my father was one of the owners of Coastal airport (83J) and you flying in there in your Stearman .
Blue Angel Phantoms I wish I could have seen him. My first Blue Angels performance was at the 1996 Aerospace and Arizona Days Air Show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
Were the Blue Angels the only F4 team to fly with dummy sparrows?.. Looks like the Thunderbirds didn't choose that option. It is amazing to hear those aviators recalling their memories!..Give power to a brick and it will fly! For sure the mighty Phantom must have been something powerful to handle and a spectacular sight during air shows!
I only saw Blue Angel s F-4 Phantom Team 1 time fly over a OSU Stadium. My Father + was a USN ASWR Aircrew Glenview NAS. remember back in the middle 60 s My Father s Sq S-2F picked him up at Port Cols Airport for reserve duty. when his airplane was taxi out 2 USN Phantoms taxi to take off going west from the North American Airplane factory. that was something could see the aircrew in inside of jets It was so loud my mother was scared and crying sister where playing like nothing is happen. can remember plan as day that's what would like to do when grow up but was nt mean to be. built plastic models read in books . later in life got to see the 906th USAFR sq ( correct if wrong)at WPAFB those guys flew in all kind of weather. when was in school drive over to watch them take off and Land Thank You For Military Service F-4 Phantom Pilo t and video share.ps Father + too k me to see a movie " Threshold" in 75.
Yes, I'm really surprised by that. I would figure losing a jet to fuel starvation would be a job killer, especially when there are a whole lot of airports along that kind of distance.
Why would they have to trim their aircraft all the way forward or all the way to the right? I mean, arm wrestling with flight stick that has 20 lb force in level flight is nothing but torture?
Interesting that he mentiond the millitarys policy on ejection and flight status. Ive never heard of this, but it does make sence. I just find it kinda interesting that a modern fighter pilot might be grounded for 3 months after being shot down. There are nurmous ww2 pilots that got shot down and were back at it the next day.
I saw Kevin fly with The Blue Angels in 1971 when I was just 7 years old. I believe Cdr. Harley Hall was the #1 that show. It was the biggest thrill!
all these Aviators are such gentleman humble and great human beings, long live the blues!
My dad is a Navy vet and worked on F4's and would always tell me stories about the F4 Blue Angels. It's such a awesome machine!
Saw the Blue Angels fly in Rochester, NY in ‘71 and had the honor of dining w them later that evening as a 12 yr old. Wonderful gentlemen and still a thrill 50 yrs later
Just met Kevin today a true
American hero.
It was a pleasure.
God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for your service!
I arrived at VMFA-531 (El Toro) spring of 1978. My first gun squadron flight as a new RIO was with Lt.Col. O’Mara who was the Squadron XO. Smoothest stick and coolest demeanor of any pilot I ever flew with in the F-4.
Kevin was my F-9 Cougar transition instructor at VT-21 in early '69. You taught me well, Marine. I got E's both in rockets (17') and bombs (12.5'). Semper Fidelis.
Really, Kevin was your instructor?
Probably watched you fly in an airshow as a kid. Much respect Sir!
Kevin O'Mara RON'd at our Buckley ANG, CO Marine Reserve Unit in the Fall of 1973. I was a young Aircraft Mechanic Reservist at that time, but I knew him from his Blue Angel days and was awestruck with his presence and the fact I got to service his aircraft. 5 years later I was designated a Marine Naval Aviator myself and assigned to tactical jets, but never thought I had the physical appearance to apply to be a Blue Angel Pilot, though I was a good "stick"...all of those were handsome and dapper dudes, I was not! lol Love watching these Blue Angel videos, may eventually watch the T-Birds, as well.
I first saw the Blue Angels in 1974 in Newport R.I. I believe that was the last year that they flew the F-4 Phantom. It was amazing and it was loud! I believe they even shattered some windows at the old Naval Air Station that day. I would later try to enter the Navy, as my father, a submariner, had done. I was unsuccessful in that endeavor due to the cancelation of the AVROC (Aviation Reserve Officer Corps) program in 1982. So, I settled on the Air Force and spent 10 years flying AC-130H/A Specter gunships out of Hurlburt Field and Duke Field near Fort Walton Beach Florida. I have spent the last 24 years flying for Southwest Airlines. The point is, is that flying is a wonderful, rewarding and important job in great country. Any young man or woman, who has wondered if they have the necessary 'right stuff' to become a professional aviator will never know unless they try, reach for your dreams and never give up. It is demanding at times and obviously can be hazardous, but the rewards and satisfaction, and the pay, make it all worth the tremendous work and effort that is required.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for your service to this country. I love Southwest airlines and there have been a couple Blue Angel pilots from the F4 days that spent some time with the airline. Do you ever fly into SJC? That's my home airport.
Hi I Saw Them There To The Quansit Point Navel Airport
@@robertvitullo5526 They lost an F-4 in Narragansett Bay but the pilot got out ok.
My Dad was a Navy F-4 pilot... love that plane
My late dad ( 22 years in the Navy ) worked on the F-4's and A-7 Corsairs during the Vietnam War from the mid 60's into the early 70's.. He was a Chief Aviation Electrician;s Mate.
ponchai allen That's great, without great people like your dad these amazing planes would not fly!! 👍🏻😎👍🏻
Awesome story thanks for posting. I was born in 72, but saw the last of the show with the F4's. I still remember it. So it had to be in 74? I was only 2. After that day I wanted to do that when I grew up. Fast forward to 1990. Had a accident and couldn't join any of the armed services. Boy was I crushed. Still am to this day. I'd do anything to fly in a jet now.
Early 70's The annual Point Mugu Navel air station air show , I saw the Blue Angels perform. I personally remember the F4 jets: They were loud!! Very professional crew and pilots. Nice video
My dad shared his love of aviation with me. I was sophomore in high school when our family went to Columbus Ohio airshow. Back then after the Blues landed you could walk around the jets and the pilots all stood at their aircraft and signed the programs. I never forgot and when Cmdr Hall was lost in VietNam I wore is MIA bracelet for years. My husband has gone to air shows in the 90’s and can’t believe we could get up to the jets and crew like that. Lol
Saw them in 1970 while working on Phantoms with VF-32 at NAS Oceana.
Great story. I love the F-4 Phantom and always will. Best jet ever produced.
Thanks, Craig! I can't agree with you more regarding the F4 Phantom. I am sure you've seen it, but if you haven't, check out the movie "Threshold: A Blue Angels Experience". I watched it when I was 3 and have been hooked ever since.
I have never seen a more majestic aircraft than the F-4. It's raw power and distinctive looks will never be duplicated. I wish they could rebuild it with today's materials, power plants, and fly-by-wire. It would be amazing.
Kevin Romero was a pilot in the Squadron I was in in El Toro California vmfa 323 he was a captain at the time and I went overseas in 72 and lo and behold the captain O'Mara showed up over there he was in our Squadron vmfa 115 just one heck of a pilot great individual
@@mickeylinley9069 Thanks for sharing!
Lovely guy in interview,and he was a passenger on the ejection jet,
I saw the film 'Threshold' in a movie theater long long time ago. I'm so glad to see Mr.O'Mara talking about those days and Cdr. Hall. Thank you so much. I really love blue angels with F4. someday I'd like to visit HH Hall in WA.
Thanks so much for your comment. Rumor has it that Cdr. Hall's canopy from his 1971 Narragansett Bay airshow ejection is being transferred to the HH Hall Building very soon.
It is present at the H.H.Hall bldg. I am Harley Halls second cousin. I never got a chance to meet him. I was born in 1980
Another great interview!
My deepest respects to you, Sir! F-4 is an iconic plane and I am proud to have shared skies along with F-4.
I had the pleasure of working for Lt Colonel O'Mara commanding officer of VMFA-232 as an enlisted Marine F-4J/S radar tech (fire control integrated weapons tech) at the most beautiful duty station in the Corps - Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. I actually worked on the flight line and hangar a stones throw from the bay (literally). Every day I could look across the bay and see Kaneohe and Kailua! In 1982 the Corps offered me re-enlistment at the same job and duty station - I said no. Biggest mistake in my life - especially when I had a car there and was single. Two Westpac tours including Japan, PI, Korea. In this video the Colonel looks to be well.
There was a time when the F-4 was the most widely sold fighter in the world. Eventually over taken by the F-16 - I think. Looking back, I suspect I had one of the best jobs and duty station in the Corps. Would do it again in a heartbeat, almost for free. I attended the VMFA 232 Eighty year anniversary at Miramar back in 2005. I suspect in 2025 ( 7 years) they will have the 100 year anniversary. I keep checking the 232 webpage for any "get togethers" for former Red Devils. Wink - Wink 232 officials...... I was eventually re trained on USMC F-18 avionics and am happy to say I satisfied and enjoyed the F-4 avionics work more than the Hornet (flight line OMA level). The F-4 was more "hands on" and a bit more analog than the Hornet (digital}. Worked for Charlie and "Fighter Mike" in the 232 Radar Shop. Please leave a reply. Cheers!
thanks for this video. served in USAF from 1971-75. F-4 was super.
RIP Harley Hall
After watching 'THRESHOLD' all my life it's so cool to see him! OMG. He's like my grandpa.
I love your channel!! Keep up the excellent work!!
Thanks, Fly Photography. More is on the way in the coming months. Just a matter of scheduling. I will be sure to check out your channel as well. Cheers.
The first airshow that I went to was seeing the Blues fly the F-4. I remember it so well.
The Phantom is a fabulous aircraft but a strange choice for the Blue Angels due to its size and sheer power, but i bet they were a fabulous sight back in the day.....
That's why it was a good choice. Not only did you see and here them but you felt them lol. Miss watching f4s and f14s.
I got to see them in Europe, at RAF Bentwaters, at an international airshow, they flew in and buzzed our side, the Woodbridge side then over to Bentwaters. The airshow also had the Thunderbirds in their F-4s. This was back in 1973-74 period.
Super cool!!! Thank you for posting this 👍
My pleasure. You may also want to check out my interview with Jerry Tucker, who was also a Phantom pilot for the Blue Angels. Cheers!
One fine CO,He really knew how to make the F-4 do it's thing.
Phantoms for ever 😀😊
I'm 71 now and very glad I saw the Blue Angels fly the F-4s a few times at Point Mugu. I'm guessing those were the largest planes ever used by a precision flying team.
Awesome.. thank you.👍🇳🇿
Thanks
My dad flew RF-4s in VMCJ-1 back in the 60s before transition to A6Es .. they lost guys punching out of the phantoms.. seats weren’t that good back then.. that’s why a lot of pilots died trying to fly it.. they knew the seat would hurt them or kill them.. great planes..
That's my skipper from VMFA-232 in 1980 - 1981. Two West-Pacs.
served with VFMA 232 in Viet Nam and Thailand . . . Task Force Delta . . . 1972-73
How in the HELL can 7 individuals NOT like this? Must be Thunderbirds!
How can you see the #s? Just shows a thumbs down even if I click on it.
@@rvnmedic1968 I posted this 2 years ago, before YT changed it.
An example of the F4, F16 and T38 for empty weight and maximum takeoff weight.
F4 Empty weight: 30,328 lb. Max takeoff weight: 61,795 lb.
F16 Empty weight: 18,900 lb. Max. takeoff weight: 42,300 lb.
T38 Empty weight: 7,200 lb. Max. takeoff weight: 12,093 lb.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_T-38_Talon
Hey Kevin, I was in VT-4 in Pensacola in early 69, I probably saw you. Hello again.
When was the last time the Blue Angels flew over Detroit, MI and Windsor ON Canada? I think it was mid '70s. Loud as hell but we loved it!
Kevin mentions having to eject, along with Vince Donile, during that November 1969 training flight. For Vince, that was two ejections in barely a month and a half.
On 9/19/1969 my old man saw CAPT Donile punch out of his damaged Blue Angels Phantom over San Francisco Bay. Pops worked construction along the waterfront so the event happened right in front of him.
Vince Donile must've felt a bit sore after that rough stretch!
Its amazing that they ran a fully functioning Phantom out of gas on a routine cross country and continued on the team.
@@Skyhawks1979 I was thinking the same thing. Gauge not working? Fuel management issues? Or thought they had the bare minimum to destination but didn't expect strong headwinds.
Hugs!!!!
Total stud!
A lot of people think the F-4 Phantom is ugly but I think it is the best looking jet fighter of all time.
I remember you Kevin ! I hope you remember flying into Midway Island and getting fuel . I was an AC1 stationed there . Also my father was one of the owners of Coastal airport (83J) and you flying in there in your Stearman .
Coolest job ever
You know what would be awesome? An interview with Cmdr. Gil Rud; I’d love to know what he’s doing now!
I will see what I can do. Gil Rud was the first leader that I ever saw in a Blue Angels airshow. It was Moffett Field, 1987. Will never forget it.
Blue Angel Phantoms I wish I could have seen him. My first Blue Angels performance was at the 1996 Aerospace and Arizona Days Air Show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
Hey there, quick update.... interviewed Boss Rud last month. Will hopefully have the interview posted in early January. Cheers!
Would have loved to been there.....
Did he ever fly at China Lake Airshow? if so I saw him
Were the Blue Angels the only F4 team to fly with dummy sparrows?.. Looks like the Thunderbirds didn't choose that option. It is amazing to hear those aviators recalling their memories!..Give power to a brick and it will fly! For sure the mighty Phantom must have been something powerful to handle and a spectacular sight during air shows!
John Vega A joke among Air Force pilots is that at least 1/3 of the F-4’s fuel is converted to engine noise.
must be a hellova ride. Sure is a good looking jet.
1971 would have been Skip Umstead in number 5, not Shoemaker.
You're right, thanks for catching that!
I would like to interview you and ask you some questions. Did you fly over Losangeles in the 1970’s?
I know the crew chief for #6 during this time
F 4S WERE AWESOME!
VX-5
Harley Hall was lost in the very last hours of our involvement in Vietnam.
💚
verygood！
Thank you!
Wow, eject due to poor fuel planning? No alternate? Unforgivable.
Can you imagine punching out of an F-4
SALUTE US!🤗🌠🌟💚💙💚☺💙💚
Dr. Bergotsy might get in trouble for this :D
I only saw Blue Angel s F-4 Phantom Team 1 time fly over a OSU Stadium. My Father + was a USN ASWR Aircrew Glenview NAS. remember back in the middle 60 s My Father s Sq S-2F picked him up at Port Cols Airport for reserve duty. when his airplane was taxi out 2 USN Phantoms taxi to take off going west from the North American Airplane factory. that was something could see the aircrew in inside of jets It was so loud my mother was scared and crying sister where playing like nothing is happen. can remember plan as day that's what would like to do when grow up but was nt mean to be. built plastic models read in books . later in life got to see the 906th USAFR sq ( correct if wrong)at WPAFB those guys flew in all kind of weather. when was in school drive over to watch them take off and Land Thank You For Military Service F-4 Phantom Pilo t and video share.ps Father + too k me to see a movie " Threshold" in 75.
2:06 Jeez, had to eject and chuck the jet due to running out of fuel?? Why not anticipate and send up a tanker? or Bingo to a closer airport or base?
Yes, I'm really surprised by that. I would figure losing a jet to fuel starvation would be a job killer, especially when there are a whole lot of airports along that kind of distance.
No G suits?
🇺🇸🌎🌍🌏🇺🇸♥
The F4s were the the Dodge Charger, Mustang's and GTOs of the air. Big, powerful and Bad@$$ of the 60 & 70s.
Who thumb’s downs these videos??
Why would they have to trim their aircraft all the way forward or all the way to the right? I mean, arm wrestling with flight stick that has 20 lb force in level flight is nothing but torture?
To protect not ever to let treason on USA soil be ok this shit blow s my mind
Pardon my ignorance, but surely you would be aware, fuel is gonna be a problem and drop into an airport ( every 10 mtr in the US) for gas!!?
Phrarewell old phriend
The f4 is a ugly but beautiful airplane at the same time
Let me tell you something I told you the truth
Interesting that he mentiond the millitarys policy on ejection and flight status.
Ive never heard of this, but it does make sence.
I just find it kinda interesting that a modern fighter pilot might be grounded for 3 months after being shot down. There are nurmous ww2 pilots that got shot down and were back at it the next day.
The old Skool!!!!!!!!!