IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen congratulates the “Blue Angels®” U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on their 75th Anniversary. Since 1946, the “Blue Angels®” are showcasing the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since it became an official licensee in 2019, IWC has launched two special edition Pilot’s Watches.
In 1946, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester W. Nimitz envisioned creating a flight demonstration squadron in the U.S. Navy. Today, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Blue Angels®, comprises 140 Sailors and Marines. Each member brings experience and expertise from their service in the fleet and strives to ensure the flight demonstration exemplifies the teamwork, professionalism and precision found in every facet of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The “Blue Angels®” demonstrate their impressive skills in front of approximately 11 million spectators every year. A relentlessly positive attitude, strong work ethic, and dedication to the mission are all values that have stood the test of time on the “Blue Angels®”.
Throughout their history, the “Blue Angels®” have flown an immense variety of aircraft. They started with the F6 Hellcat, the F8 Bearcat, and the F9 Panther. During the 1950s, they refined their demonstrations in the F9 Cougar and F-11 Tiger and introduced the first six-plane delta formation, a spectacular aerobatic manoeuvre that they still fly today. By the end of the 1960s, the “Blue Angels®” were flying the F-4 Phantom before transitioning to the A-4 Skyhawk. In 1986, the year of their 40th Anniversary, they transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. In 2021, the “Blue Angels® transitioned to and now perform in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Every one of their jets showcases blue and gold, the official colours of the U.S. Navy.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
GLEN POWELL TAKES OFF WITH THE “BLUE ANGELS®”
In this special year for the flight demonstration squadron, the “Blue Angels®” invited Glen Powell to spend a day at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. The American actor and new member of the IWC family was given the rare opportunity to fly in the back seat of the Blue Angels #4 jet. On a demonstration ride, he experienced highspeed fly-bys and thrilling aerobatic manoeuvres. While on-site, Powell also visited the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the world’s largest aviation museums. On display are more than 150 aircraft, including former Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawks. The videos can be watched via https://watches.iwc.com/blue-angels-part1 and https://watches.iwc.com/blue-angels-part2
Born in 1988 in Austin, Texas, Glen Powell has been a big fan of aviation all his life. He recently obtained his private pilot’s licence, and his appreciation for aviation and the elaborate skills and utmost precision it takes to operate an aircraft grew even stronger afterwards.
He has known the “Blue Angels®” since he was a kid and always admired their mentality, passion, and relentless pursuit of perfection. As an actor, he demonstrates a similar mindset when immersing himself in new roles. A continuous strive for excellence and the ambition to be among the best in his craft are other values he shares with IWC Schaffhausen.
TWO SPECIAL EDITION PILOT’S CHRONOGRAPHS
IWC became an official licensee of the Department of the Navy in 2019. Since then, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has collaborated with the Navy to design two special edition chronographs. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” (Ref. IW389008) in black zirconium oxide ceramic marked the beginning of the licence agreement. To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the “Blue Angels®”, IWC has just released the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” (Ref. IW389109) with a case made of stunning blue ceramic.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
