The Blue Angels Double Farvel, meaning double farewell in French, is a thrilling maneuver to observe. Blue Angel #1, "Boss," and Blue Angel #4, "the slot" position roll inverted simultaneously approximately one nautical mile before entering the airshow box. Blue Angel #2, Left Wing, and Blue Angel #3, Right Wing, remain upright.

No, later than one nautical mile past center point, Blue Angel #1 and Blue Angel #4 simultaneously roll upright into a climb for the break. The break out of the Diamond is as dynamic as the maneuver itself. The coordination and timing to properly execute this maneuver are very complex and layered with details. Nevertheless, this formation provides a clear view of the jet's topside and bottom side with remarkable fluidity.

The Double Farvel is incredible to watch and, according to some pilots, is one of the more difficult maneuvers for the Diamond pilots to perfect. It is a fan favorite and a staple of the squadron's demonstration. True to the Blue Angel mantra to pursue perfection and continually make the presentation its best, The Blue Angel Double Farvel lends an opportunity to witness the pilots' remarkable talents.

The demonstration was no small task on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Blue Angels beach week airshow. With Hurricane Barry's waves and wind building just off Pensacola Beach's shore, the perfect execution of this maneuver was even more of a challenge.

The Blue Angels Diamond formation approached from the west along the shores of Pensacola Beach. Through the camera's viewfinder, I could see the formation closing on my position just east of the Pensacola Pier. You could see the pilots battle the crosswinds coming onshore from The Gulf. I admired the skill of holding a formation like the Double Farvel in the incoming storm's building winds. Boss Doyle and the Diamond did not disappoint.

This image was taken during Blue Angel Pensacola Beach week on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

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Home for the Blue Angels is Forrest Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, Florida. In July 2019, the Pensacola Beach Week Airshow provided the Team a chance to perform for their hometown. For the Blue Angel faithful, this annual pilgrimage to the Gulf Coast to view their favorite team is a must. Inside the squadron ranks, Beach Week is highly anticipated within their season. For this event, thousands pack the beaches and the waterways around Pensacola. Hurricane Barry had other plans!

On this day, as practice time neared, Barry's outer bands threatened Pensacola Beach. It was questionable if the Blues would be able to proceed with the practice due to the 17-plus knot winds. As the practice began, a brief rain shower soaked the crowd, but it did not drive the die-hard fans away. As the Team battled through inclement weather, the skies began to clear. With the Blues driving away Barry, clearer skies and high humidity were left behind. The yield was some spectacular jet vapor.

The team started the Barrel Roll break over the Gulf of Mexico’s churning waters. After the diamond completed a flawless loop, Boss Doyle led the team down the shoreline to the Airshow center. I steadied myself, took a deep breath, and got ready for the big moment: The break. I chose one target as all four jets departed the diamond in multiple directions. In this image, Blue Angel #3, LT James Cox, Left-Wing, executes a hard break as he departs the diamond formation.

This image was taken during Blue Angel Pensacola Beach week on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

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