Final Flight of the Blue Angels' F-4 Phantoms: A Comprehensive Account with John Fogg
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Published 2024-02-17
Fresh from a European tour that showcased the high-performance prowess of their formidable Phantoms across seven countries, the Team was midway through their season when they embarked on their journey to Lakehurst that Thursday. A refueling stop at NAS Oceana was necessary before their arrival, during which the #2 jet, flown by Lt. Marlin Wiita, experienced mechanical issues. Faced with a shortage of replacement aircraft and a tight schedule, the squadron decided to proceed without their key right wingman. Nonetheless, the crew chiefs, who customarily traveled to show sites in the rear seats of the F-4s, accompanied the Team.
Upon reaching NAS Lakehurst, the Blue Angels executed several flybys over the airfield to perform standard reconnaissance, pinpointing key landmarks for use as visual cues during their forthcoming performance. With the landmarks identified, they shifted their focus to executing "arrival maneuvers," showcasing a series of aerial stunts before landing.
With Wiita's #2 jet missing, the formation adapted into a compact "V" with Flight Leader LCDR Skip Umstead at the helm. Marine Captain Mike Murphy filled in on Umstead's right, and Marine Captain John Fogg maintained his usual position on the left.
During the "Diamond Roll" maneuver, Umstead noticed the formation was lower than expected and radioed his wingmen to tighten up. They quickly found themselves skimming the treetops.
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Thomas, seated behind CAPT Murphy, initiated an ejection, causing his jet to collide with Umstead's. This led to both aircraft spiraling out of control. Umstead ejected next, successfully launching his crew chief, Petty Officer 1st Class Gerald Harvey, who astonishingly survived without grave injuries.
Regrettably, Umstead could not complete his ejection and died on impact. CAPT Murphy and Thomas also lost their lives in the crash.
Following this tragedy, the U.S. Senate launched an inquiry into the operational sustainability of the Blue Angels and their Air Force counterparts, the Thunderbirds. Despite calls for their disbandment, it was concluded that their value in recruitment far surpassed other methods. Consequently, the Blue Angels were restructured as a Naval squadron for the 1974 season and switched to the more fuel-efficient A-4 Skyhawk.
All Comments (21)
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I saw the Thunderbirds for the first time in 1969 at George AFB, California. I was 5 years old, and was so happy i was able to see the F-4 Phantom. It's the reason i did a 21 year career in the military, if you've never seen the F-4 fly you really missed out on watching that beautiful bird fly😊.
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I just visted Skip's grave a couple weeks ago at NAS Pesecola at Barrancas Cemetary to pay my respect. Skip grew up just a few miles from where I live in Michigan. Watching the Blue's in '72 at Willow Run is the primary reason I made my career in aviation. RIP
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Served with Maj Fogg in VMFA-451 MCAS Beaufort 1976-1979. Awesome pilot and a great leader. Semper Fi!
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I had the privilege of knowing Skip well - he was one of the outstanding Crusader pilots (VF-53, 'Iron Angels') aboard Bonnie Dick (USS Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31), 1968 WESTPAC (Tonkin Gulf) deployment, Vietnam. No finer Naval officer, pilot, gentleman anywhere. A professional's professional! Teammate, shipmate, & friend to all! Admired & loved by all! Loved his work! Devoted to his work & to all those who in any way contributed to it! Intensely proud of the U.S. Navy & its heritage & traditions! Utterly committed to the highest standards of aviation, & to good scholarship in all of its dimensions! Always a conscientious advocate for safety & welfare across all rates & ranks! His passing was a terrible loss for us all! Thank you, Skip, for the extra-special privilege of knowing you & serving with you! R.I.P., dear friend!
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You can't get a much better idea of what happened than from someone who was actually flying the mission.
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Grew up watching the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. It was the Blues in A4s at NAS Atlanta that got me in the Navy. Appreciate all the folks involved in those wonderful teams.
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I'm green with envy of anyone who got to see either the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels in F-4s. I started attending airshows in 1987, after both teams left their Talons and Skyhawks. The F-4 Phantom was still in service in some single aircraft demonstrations I attended and I loved the noise and smoke. Out here on spring break in Pensacola Beach right now and got to watch them practice today (4-3-24) from our 9th floor balcony. Fun stuff. Never gets old. Top Gun and airshows are precisely why I became an aviator. God bless these fine folks.
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Seen both of the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds when they used the F4's. NOTHING compares to the brute power of the Phantoms. RIP to all who lost their lives in service to our country.
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Heck of a story. Incredible & vivid memory! Passionate man. As an athlete, we remember things play by play. Those that are truly passionate about their endeavors, can recount every play. Every point. This is very apparent here. 🇺🇲 We salute you Sir.
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My dad was the crewmember that strapped Skip in for that flight.
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Major Fogg was the Senior Marine at MATSG NAS Pensacola when I arrived for AI. Great man who motivated all of us to earn our Wings of Gold.
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I was MOS-6657 on Marine F-4J's from 1976-1979 (VMFA-333) First cruise on the USS-Nimitz and many Cold War encounters. Imho, the most impressive Blue Angel and Thunderbird aircraft. But.......the equivalent of a Muscle car on a go cart track. Beast RIP
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I met Lt. Cmdr. Skip Umstead when I was a boy in 1972 at the Quad Cities Airport where the Angels did a show. He was so nice. I didn't get to meet Capt. Murphy. I felt so bad when I found out the news. Rest in honor men.
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My grandpa was Skips brother- And my dad was told a lot of Skip when he was younger. I would have loved to meet him, but he died before my dad was born. I also find it so fascinating- the Blue Angels, how much training they have to go through to be able to fly a plane like that! Also, thanks for making a video about Skip! They always take his name off of Wikipedia, no matter how many times my dad keep putting his name on there. He was actually really happy when he saw this video!!
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Thank you all for your service to our country. God Bless all
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I watched the blue angles by my home as a kid in willow Grove pa...saw the F4s many time and then the A4... They would fly right over my high-school on Friday practice day and right over my parents home...was so very special!!!
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Fascinating story and interview. Thanks for sharing!
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I've seen the Blue Angels perform in the F-11F Tiger, the F-4 Phantom, the A-4 Skyhawk and the Legacy F/A-18 Hornet. I know it was the thirstiest, and not the most maneuverable plane, but the Phantom was my favorite. The same goes for the Thunderbirds, of all the models they flew.
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Another great story from inside the formation, well done Ryan.
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I remember the event well. I was an Airman stationed at Oceana, VF-101 when the Blues went through the fuel pits. Sometime later on we got the word that they'd had a crash up at Lakehurst.
