Blue Angels Crew Chief, David Kent

David Kent was a crew chief for the United States Navy Blue Angels during the 1969 air show season.  1969 was the first year that the Blue Angels flew the F4 Phantom, where David worked on the #3 jet piloted by Ernie Christensen. 

During this interview, David discusses his humble beginnings in Vermont where he attended a one room school house and would eventually develop an interest in aviation after seeing a poster of Charles Lindbergh. He was later drafted in the Army but ended up enlisting in the Navy, where he was assigned to NAS El Centro during the heart of the Vietnam War.  Through a chance encounter with Blue Angels Boss, Bill Wheat, David would eventually be assigned to the Blue Angels.  

David shares his recollections of the team's transition from the F-11 Tiger to the F4 Phantom and the challenges that ensured.  He also details the responsibilities of a Blue Angels crew chief and what it is like to fly in the back of an F4 Phantom.  

David also provides insight on what it was like to work for Boss Bill Wheat and pilot Ernie Christensen. 

After his career on the Blue Angels, David eventually became a pilot and captain for United Airlines, where he would have a chance encounter with the Blue Angels delta formation at 30,000 feet.

1969 Blue Angels Team:

1. CDR Bill Wheat
2. Capt Vince Donile, USMC
3. LT Ernie Christensen
4. LT Rick Millson
5. LT John Allen
6. LT Steve Shoemaker
7. LT Rick Adams
8. LT Dick Schram
MO LCDR Bud Jourden
Doc LT Jim Linville
AO LT Mary Russell
SUPO CW02 Bill Thornhill