Blue Angels Pilot, Ernie Christensen (1969 - 1970)
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- Опубліковано 9 кві 2021
- Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
Email: blueangelphantoms@gmail.com
Instagram: @blueangelphantoms
Videographer: Kate Gibson
Special thanks to the following organizations and people for access to video clips and photos used in this video:
Ardis Guyer (Photographer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa landing)
The Blue Angels Association
bluejacket.com
David Kent
The Gann Family
The National Archives
Richard Keane
Ron Rentfrow
San Diego Air and Space Museum Archives
Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience
Also make sure to check out the Blue Angels Association:
Twitter: @blueangelsassoc
Instagram: @blueangelsassociation
Facebook: Blue Angels Association
Ernie Christensen is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, who as part of his 35+ year military career, served as a pilot on the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team for the 1969 and 1970 air show seasons.
From a young age, Admiral Christensen developed an interest in aviation as a result of the exploits of both his grandfather, Rasmus Christensen, who was part of the first Atlantic crossing in 1919, and his father, Radm Ernest Christensen, who served as a Navy pilot during the Second World War.
Christensen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964 and became the first 3rd generation naval aviator, earning his wings in 1966 and being assigned to VA-113 aboard the USS Enterprise (CV 65).
Prior to joining the Blue Angels, Christensen served two combat deployments as part of VA-113 flying the A4 Skyhawk. In June of 1968, during his second deployment, he suffered an engine failure that required him to eject into the Gulf of Tonkin. Rescued shortly after, Christensen would fly another mission just hours later.
After returning from his second deployment, Christensen was selected as the Left Wing pilot (#3) for the 1969 Blue Angels team, the same year that the team transitions from the F11 Tiger to the F4 Phantom. With just 10 hours of flight time in the F4 Phantom, Christensen and the rest of the team traveled to El Centro, California in January of 1969 and built the F4 demo over the course of two and a half months. Led by Boss Bill Wheat, the team then went on to fly air shows across North America, including at the dedication of the Houston International Airport, a tour of Alaska, Kelowna British Columbia, and NAS Moffett Field in Mountain View, California.
For the 1970 season, only Ernie Christensen and Steve Shoemaker would return to the team, with the other pilots rotating back into the fleet. Now flying as the slot pilot (#4), Christensen also took on the role as Safety Officer. Harley Hall took command of the team and served as Officer in Charge, leading the Blues on tours of Hawaii, Panama and Ecuador.
After his tour with the Blue Angels, Christensen returned to the fleet and served two additional combat tours in Vietnam as part of VF142. His long naval career is highlighted by several other milestones including as Commanding Officer of TOPGUN in the early 1980s, and commanding the USS Ranger (CV61) during Operation Desert Storm.
1969 Blue Angels Pilots & Officers
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
1970 Blue Angels Pilots & Officers
1. CDR Harley Hall
2. Capt Kevin O'Mara, USMC
3. LT Jim Maslowski
4. LT Ernie Christensen
5. LT Steve Shoemaker
6. LCDR Skip Umstead
7. LCDR JD Davis
8. LT Dick Schram
MO LCDR Mack Prose
Doc LCDR Jack Keen
AO LT Mary Russell
SUPO CW02 Bill Thornhill
2021 Blue Angels
1. CDR Brian Kesselring
2. LCDR James Haley
3. MAJ Frank Zastoupil, USMC
4. LCDR James Cox
5. CRD Ben Walborn
6. LCDR Cary Rickoff
7. LT Julius Bratton
8. LT Katlin Forster
XO CRD Todd Royles
MO LT Brian Abe
Assistant MO LT Henry Cedeno
Flight Surgeon Lt Monica Borza
SO LTJG Kristin Toland
PAO LT Chelsea Dietlin - Авто та транспорт
My only interaction with ADM Christiansen was as a young Lieutenant Topgun student in Mar of 1978. Coming from VF 161 in Japan, we were borrowing an F4 from VF 121 RAG where Ernie was Ops officer. On one of my training flights I overstressed the aircraft breaking the wing locking lug nuts. It could have been labeled as an accident and I was scared out of my wits when I had to go see the OPS O. Not until several years later did I come to find out who this very forgiving officer was. He admonished me, but understood the nature of my training and told me to continue my training but don’t break any more of his airplanes. I was very relieved but it wasn’t til years later did I learn who this wonderful man was.
Ernie was the Ops Officer on VF121 when I was on loan from the Royal Navy. He was the smoothest formation flyer you could ever wish to see. He tucked the right wing of his F4 so far under my left wing that all that I could see, looking back over my left shoulder, was his cockpit, the fuselage and his left wing! Also one of the greatest people you could wish to know.
Love these recollections of the former Blues pilots. I joined the Navy in 1965 after getting a draft notice. I went to AE school at NAS JAX and then got orders to VA 174 at Cecil Field and worked on the new A7’s. One of my closest friends was an AE at VA 44 on the A-4’s that was in the hangar right next door to us. We dated two beautiful sisters from New Orleans and both married them in Aug of 1969, two months before our 4 years was up. My wife and I will be married 52 years this year. I became a full time Air Technician aviation electrician with the 102nd Fighter Wing at the Mass Air Guard after the Navy. I retired after 31 years and was the Master Sgt electric shop chief. When I first joined, we had F-84’s. Quite a change from Brand New LTV A-7 Corsairs! Our Wing Commander was Maj. Gen. Charlie Sweeney who dropped the bomb on Nagasaki. Over the years, we had the F-100, F-106, and the F-15. Two of our 15’s were scrambled on 9-11 and were the first fighters at the twin towers.
Phantastic interview. What a great guy, very humble.
STEVE SHOEMAKER...STEP FORWARD...PHANTOM...BLUES SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART
As Blues maintenance chief I was present for that Cedar Rapids event but this video reveals significant details that I saw for the first time. Thanks Admiral for your service and bravery. That "team" was as amazing as described in this video. I am so proud of the opportunity to have served with them.
What an amazing story of courage in the most extraordinary of times. The Angels brought together a group of battle scarred pilots and offered friendship instead of trauma,and healing instead of loss, even though loss would continue to beset them with Harley and Skip. Ernie's own legacy and background as an aviator is incredibly rich, and he's proof that while even the greatest of pilots make sometimes costly mistakes, his evasion of true tragedy at the airshow means that personal bravery can forgive error. He's absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing his story, Ryan; his story is a reflection of one of the most amazing iterations yet of the Blue Angels.
I really appreciated how Mr. Christensen articulated the combat experience of each of his teammates prior to joining the Blues. It really put into perspective how incredible the individuals that server on the Blue Angels are. As always, thanks for supporting the work on this channel!
Ryan, you're doing God's work with all of these interviews. I thoroughly enjoy listening to all the stories.
@@Collateralcoffee it’s not that deep bruh
Thank you Ryan.
I just met this man today in Annapolis by happenstance when he asked me about my USNA car sticker and I asked about his Blue Angels polo shirt. Heard his legacy and how much he loved all of his time in service and fond thoughts of his wing men and enlisted comrades. Also, turns out how we have more than a few people we know in common. The world is a very small place at times. I feel fortunate to have met ADM
Watching the Blue Angels perform as a child I still remember the crash in Cedar Rapids just made me want to see more of them to watch him survive a crash like that just amazed me and I still love the work these pilots do everyday to perform their “magic” in the sky for us. Thank you for the wonderful look at these great pilots and those who support them!
I was there too. I was 8 and just remember people screaming and running, I had no clue what was going on.
Imo the F4 drivers are the benchmarks for all others. Ryan I hope when it's all said and done. They make you an Honorary Blue Angel!!
If I could get in a time machine, I'd go back to see the Blues in the F4. It must have been an incredible thing to witness. Thanks for always supporting the work I do here on this channel. It is an honor to be able to document these stories in video format and share them with all of you. Cheers!
It was a High Honor to serve with RADM Christensen when he was Commanding Officer of USS KANSAS CITY (AOR-3) in ‘87 - ‘88 during Operation Ernest Will in the Persian Gulf AOR as a part of his Navigation Team.
I still remember our Low-Visibility Anchorage Drills off Ra’s Al Masirah, Oman for Airhead Operations, with all the Pilothouse windows covered with Kraft paper, in preparation for our eventual return to the foggy San Francisco Bay Area!
You know every once in awhile you find yourself among greatness without knowing ones history. You just sense it. This was introduced to me as fact while serving under then Captain Christensen Commanding Officer, USS Kansas City AOR-3. This became apparent while doing airhead ops off Oman and the Secretary of the Navy had to make a point to stop off and meet him. I remember a time only he and I (your Qm2) were standing on the port bridgewing when a request for a flyby was granted. This F14 came down our port quarter passed at 40 feet off the water and 100 yards out came to the breast of us, yanked the yoke and shot straight up and outta sight. I am absolutely ecstatic screaming about what I had just witnessed and he looked over at me, didnt say a word, nodding his head smiling. Some things stick with you a lifetime. My favorite ship, the best crew and Commanding Officer in my 20 yr career. Truely a privilege and an honor. Following my career I looked up facts on my Commanding Officer and now with awe, I say nothing, nod my head and smile. Thank you Admiral.
Fantastic Ryan, another great one.
Can't wait to see who's next.
Keep em coming.
Thank you! Hopefully more to come... and hopefully a couple my F4 drivers!
Honestly, this is the best interview of all of the BA pilots
Thanks for sharing..
What a history...
I saw the Blues fly the Smokin' Thunderhog F-4 in 1970. My mom and dad were both pilots and these influences made me the Airplane Nut I am today. The Blue Angels continue to inspire and awe audiences and Aviation enthusiasts today. God bless you Admiral C. You too Ryan for getting his take on a less than stellar CID airshow landing.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed listening to Mr. Christensen as much as I did!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms We took our grandson Russell to see The Blues in 2019. You should have seen his 10-year old face light up when Angel 5 did his sneak pass in Davenport Iowa! So continues the tradition of Naval Aviation in our family. Sierra Hotel Blue Angels!
It was such a pleasure to speak with u tonight Mr. Ernie !! I could have talked to u all night. I took your reservations ! Would love to hear all your stories! I will always remember you Xoxo Candy
Watching the Blue Angels as a teen in 1969 added to my desire to become a pilot. Thanks for the show Mr. Christensen. And thanks for making the video.
Your story is incredible thank you for your service you certainly are a hero you all are
Great story and I'm glad you ejected safely from the aircraft. Most importantly, you stayed safe and on the team .
These are absolutely amazing videos and interviews, thanks for doing such a great work and please keep on doing!👍🤘
Thank you, Juha. It is not lost on me the great opportunity that I have to interview these incredible individuals. Glad you're enjoying the videos!
Flew with Steve Shoemaker at the airlines. Super cool guy and great pilot.
Hopefully I can convince Mr. Shoemaker to participate in an interview.
Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for your service!
What a great and noble person!
The best❤
Absolutely fantastic Ryan! What a tribute to Harley Hall too! Need to get an interview with Steve Shoemaker. Thank you for your great work!!!!
what a LEGEND!
Couldn’t agree more!
That plane is, in my youth in front of the Franklin Museum in Philadelphia. I know it well. My father was also a Naval Aviator.
Really enjoyed this episode. You saw more than some of them. You saw a naval officer make a terrible mistake, take responsibility, was given the opportunity to stay on the team which meant so much to him. You also saw amazing humility. Thank you both for the great insight into the accident and the aftermath.
Always appreciate your support of this channel. No doubt, Mr. Christensen is extremely humble considering all that he has achieved in his career. The Blue Angels was only a 2 year stop in a 35+ year career that include 4 combat tours in Vietnam, being the CO of TOPGUN, and commanding a ship in Desert Storm. He couldn't be any nicer of a guy as well!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms thanks Ryan. I agree it was a stop in an amazing career. These men flew their tails off in their careers often at high risk. Hopefully there is a part 2 at some point.
1st aircraft i saw the blue angels fly in,the F-4 and those drag shoots they use when Landing
Awesome to hear Ernie tell this.
Excellent video! I hope Ernie makes more of them.
Mr. Christensen and I spoke for close to 3 hours, so there is probably a good chance of additional footage being used in different ways across this channel. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you, Ernie.
Great story....thank you Sir!
I was at the air show, about 11 or 12 years old (I may have just turned 12 a few days before) . We had just moved to Iowa from upstate New York. The main thing I remember is when he was making his approach, I could see that the landing gear wasn't down, and I thought they were going to do a trick or something, but when the plane hit the runway and the sparks started flying I knew there was something wrong. When he ejected after passing the control tower I was relieved, but I did wonder what the airplane was going to do after that. I guess there's a lot of runoff space in the cornfields and it didn't do any serious damage. I'm not sure, but this may have been one of the things that inspired me to pursue a career in aerospace, helping to design and test the flight control system for the B-2, avionics for the B1-B, GNC systems for the International Space Station and other space and aircraft. I also recall working with people who worked on NASA test vehicles where a software engineer bypassed a bunch of hardware safety systems, causing an unmanned vehicle to belly flop like this on their first flight, fortunately causing only minor damage. Odd that the Wikipedia page doesn't mention this...
I remember the show at Moffett Field when the Blues had the F4s.. Those were the days of great shows now with the F18s it's just not the same.. They seem so careful now not the balls out flying the old shows had.. Very good video thanks all.
Axel,.......Thanks
I believe I was there in Hawaii to be privileged to be a part of the audience to experience the air show that you and the team performed. (Ewa Beach?) I was 'blown away' by your performance.
Great Man,,, Great Talent,,,
I still have my copy of him sliding down the runway . Erie left just after I arrived on the team in the seat shop . Harley , Don Bentley used our seats . We lost Larry Watters at El Centro who didn't eject because I found a piece of his canopy hook and roller was still attached, indicating he didn't eject
My POW bracelet I still have Harley H. Hall my Hero
At 1.30, let's be clear that on June 15, 1919, Alcock and Brown were the first people ever to fly nonstop across the Atlantic.
He might have been one of the first Americans to do so.
Yes. One of the first Americans. But Alcock and Brown were the first, period.
Hats off to skip Harley 🎩
ERNIE WHAT SHIP DID YOU COMMAND , MY SON WAS A MARINE ON ENTERPRISE IN OPERATION DESERT FOX VMFA 312 CHECKERBOARDS
Are the Phantoms were equipped with landing gear up warning during landings?
Not sure about the Phantom but in the A-4 if the flaps were down and throttle retarded beneath 70 percent you got a warning ton and a "Gear" light.
Bill Porupsky AME-2 Blue Angels 71-72 team
I didn't know they did the six ship landing with F-4's.
When the Blue Angels flew the F-4, did they have two men in the plane, or only one?
Great question. During air shows, just the pilot would fly in the aircraft, however, while commuting to show sites, crew chiefs would ride in the back.
@@BlueAngelPhantoms Thanks! I just always wondered, since most of the time, the BA used one-man aircraft.
Did you ever know L/Col Kevin O’Meara ?