View allAll Photos Tagged Maj Chris Collins
The Blue Angels have developed powered flight into an art.
This was taken during a mid-week show that The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron performs at their base during the show season - Pensacola NAS.
The squadron CO - Number 1, traditionally called "Boss" flies more than just his F/A-18 Hornet, he flies the entire formation. Look at Number 3; his head is swiveled, fixed on his aiming point on Bosses left wing. Number 3 (who is a Marine Aviator) flies almost all of the show with his head in this position; glued on Boss, maintaining position and demonstrating the precision flight that the Squadron has become world-famous for.
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Cmdr. Greg McWherter and Maj. Chris Collins go head-to-head in a series of aerobatics performed by the United States Navy Blue Angels.
Major Christopher Collins is a native of Darien, Connecticut and graduated from Darien High School in 1993. He attended Norwich University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1997.
Chris was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Course and reported to Quantico, Virginia for The Basic School in July 1997. He reported for aviation indoctrination at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida in February 1998. Chris completed primary flight training in the T-34C Mentor at NAS Whiting Field and transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi for intermediate flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye. Chris was then assigned to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for advanced flight training where he flew the T-45A Goshawk. He completed his flight training in April 2000 and received his wings of gold in May 2000.
In July 2000, Chris reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California for training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In September 2001, he joined VMFA-323, the “Death Rattlers.” Chris deployed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) in October 2002, flying combat missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. Chris also deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flying combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. While serving with VMFA-323, he served as the logistics officer, schedules writer, powerline division officer, administrative officer and the assistant aviation maintenance officer. While there, the “Death Rattlers” received the 2003 Robert M. Hanson Award as the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year.
In October 2005, Chris returned to VMFAT-101 “Sharp Shooters” as an F/A-18 instructor pilot. During his tour, Chris was selected to attend the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN), and graduated in July 2007.
Chris joined the Blue Angels in September 2008. He has accumulated more than 2,400 flight hours and 350 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include three Strike Flight Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.
This shot fulfills a long-held goal of getting a shot sufficient to read the name script on the side of the cockpit.
Maj. Collins is one of two Blue Angels pilots this season who is a U.S. Marine. Surrounded here by his crew - AME2 T.J. Coots (left) and Crew Chief AM1 Matthew Bellin (right).
Blue Angels at Miramar Air Show - Oct. 3, 2010:
1 - Captain Greg McWherter
2 - Lieutenant Commander Jim Tomaszeski
3 - Lieutenant Rob Kurrle, Jr.
4 - Major Christopher Collins
Capt. Chris Ericson, center, receives a “Gold Star” award for his hard work and dedication while deployed to Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Collins, left, and Col. Richard Dean, presented the award during a 579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M) social event. (Photo by Mark Abueg)
Capt. Chris Ericson, center, prepares to receive a “Gold Star” award for his hard work and dedication while deployed to Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Collins, left, and Col. Richard Dean, presented the award during a 579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M) social event. (Photo by Mark Abueg)
Capt. Chris Ericson, center, prepares to receive a “Gold Star” award for his hard work and dedication while deployed to Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Collins, left, and Col. Richard Dean, presented the award during a 579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M) social event. (Photo by Mark Abueg)
the funny thing about this picture is not that glazed look on Jamie's face (or is it?), but the fact that USMC Maj Chris Collins looks incredibly like Jamie's Dad once upon a time. it's really uncanny...WOW
Jacksonville Airshow 09
Blue Angels 2009
1) Cmd Greg McWherter
2)LT Cmd Paul Brantuas
3)Maj Chris Collins USMC
4)LT Mark Swinger
Col (R) Wendell Shawler (56A)
Maj Gen (R) Michael Collins (60C)
Col (R) Roy Martin (74B)
Gen (R) Kevin Chilton (84A)
Lt Col. Mark Stucky (89B)
Maj Gen Chris Azzano (99B)