The Team Has Never Selected A Female Pilot

The Navy's investigation into sexual harassment charges against a former Blue Angels commander has caused a delay in the announcement of the team's 2015 lineup.

The Blue Angels have never had a female pilot. The Pensacola News-Journal reports that the investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct against Capt. Gregory McWherter initiated by four-star Admiral Harry Harris has delayed the announcement of all positions in the 2015 team; both pilots and ground crews.

Cmdr.  Jeannie Groeneveld, a spokeswoman for the Navy aviation command based in San Diego, said the delay was a direct result of the investigation.

Groeneveld said the selections would be announced August 16, but not before the process for selecting team members had been reviewed and approved by Navy leaders in San Diego.

The paper reports there are some 98 female pilots qualified to fly F/A-18 Hornets or other jets that would put them on a list of potential candidates for the team. A spokeswoman for the team would not say if there are any women on the current list of those eligible for selection. Groeneveld said the Blue Angel's procedures require them to select applicants who are the "most qualified and the best fit."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil