Blue Angels Pilot Removed for Not Meeting Standards

A pilot from the Navy’s Blue Angels was removed from the team for not meeting its stringent standards. This left the squadron with a five-jet performance for their show on Friday. The incident follows a controversial low flyover at Pensacola Beach in July. This flyover caused concerns about public safety as debris was scattered.

Major Scott Laux, who was part of the team for two years, was identified as Blue Angel No. 6. The Chief of Naval Air Training confirmed to the Pensacola News Journal that Laux’s removal was announced before the season’s final event in Pensacola.

The public affairs office of CNATRA stated that Laux was removed “for failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron” and would not participate in the remaining performances this season.

Fox News Digital has sought more details but has not received a response as of Sunday morning. Laux had previously defended the team’s low flyovers, stating that they perform with trust and support, ensuring safety. After the July incident, which caused beach furniture to be blown about, Laux expressed confidence in their operations.

Leaders from the Navy and the War Department had earlier supported the flyovers. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao remarked in July, “Flight debrief complete. No reprimands. No firings. No problem.” War Secretary Pete Hegseth also expressed support, suggesting that morale would improve with continued flyovers. The White House endorsed the flyovers, and a meme was shared from its official account.

The Navy has not specified when Laux was dismissed or the exact nature of his conduct leading to this action. His image and biography have been removed from the Blue Angels’ website. At the recent NAS Pensacola Homecoming Air Show, the team adjusted their performance to accommodate the absence of the sixth jet.

Laux, originally from Chantilly, Virginia, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012. He earned his pilot’s wings in 2015. Before joining the Blue Angels, Laux flew F/A-18 Hornets and was deployed to Japan and the USS Nimitz. His deployments contributed to operations such as Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and Octave Quartz.

In September 2024, Laux joined the Blue Angels after transitioning to the F-35C Lightning II, serving as an instructor pilot. Before his role as opposing solo, he was the team’s narrator. Laux has accumulated over 1,300 flight hours and accomplished 169 carrier landings. His commendations include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.