1973 was a bleak year for the Blue Angels with exacting consequences. Three distinct incidents resulted in the destruction of six F4 Phantoms and the tragic loss of three team members, including flight leader LCDR Skip Umstead. The future seemed uncertain for the Navy’s Flight Exhibition Team, which had showcased demonstrations worldwide for the last quarter-century. However, Navy Leadership recognized the Blue Angels' significant recruiting potential and initiated a plan to reorganize the Team, aligning them more effectively with the demands of their high-performance culture.

In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, you'll hear from Boss Tony Less, the first appointed Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels in 1974, as they transitioned from an Exhibition Team to an official Naval Squadron. Boss Less not only delves into his personal transition within the Blue Angels but also offers valuable insights into the Team's choice of the sleeker McDonnell Douglas A4 Skyhawk as their new platform, the modifications involved in becoming a squadron, and the evolution of the flight demonstration during his tenure.

This interview, conducted over 25 years ago, is courtesy of aviation author and historian Nick Veronico, for his book "Blue Angels: A Flyby History." The captivating pictures in this presentation were provided by Jim Preston, the Blue Angels' official photographer during their initial years with the A4 Skyhawk. Video of the Skyhawk demonstration is from the archive of Boeing Images.

Credits:

Produced & Edited by Ryan Nothhaft
Interview Conducted by Nicholas A. Veronico
Photos by Jim Preston
Skyhawk Video Footage by Boeing Images

Interview Timestamps

0:00 Introduction
1:11 Selecting the A4 Skyhawk
3:58 Commissioning as a Squadron
4:50 2 Seat TA-4J Skyhawk
5:48 Training in Pensacola & El Centro
6:33 Changes in the Squadron
11:21 Demonstration Formats
12:51 Evolution of New Maneuvers
18:37 A4 Skyhawk as a Demo Aircraft
20:29 Credits

About Boss Less:

Tony Less was born in Salem, OH on 31 August 1937. Upon graduating from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH, he completed the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was commissioned as Ensign in April 1960. He earned his naval Aviator’s wings in June 1961.

Subsequent operational and combat tours included five Light Attack squadron assignments, flying primarily the A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair aircraft. VADM Less has logged more than 6,200 hours and over 1,000 arrested carrier land- ings in navy frontline tactical jets. His sea assignments have included command of Attack Squadron TWELVE, Carrier Air Wing NINE, USS Wichita (AOR-1), USS Ranger (CV- 61), Carrier Group ONE, Joint Task Force Middle East and Middle East Force, and duty as Chief of Staff to Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet.

Shore assignments have included duty as an A-4 Skyhawk weapons instructor, Aviation Assignment Officer, Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare (OP-05) in Washington, DC, Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to the Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Pacific Command in Honolulu, HI, Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate of the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) (OP-068), and as Acting Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) (OP-06). In his last assignment prior to retirement, he served 32 months as Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. VADM Less retired from active duty on 1 May 1994, after completing 34 years of naval service.

VADM Less is authorized to wear the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of second award), Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf cluster in lieu of second award), Legion of Merit (with Gold Star in lieu of sec- ond award), Air Medal with 10 strike/flight awards, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon and other campaign awards.

1974 Blue Angels

1. CDR Tony Less
2. LCDR Marlin Wiita
3. LT John Chehansky
4. Capt John Fogg, USMC
5. LT Jerry Tucker
6. LT Vance Parker
7. LT John Patton
8. LT Chuck Newcomb
Maj Don Stiegman, USMC
Capt Al Coley, USMC
1stLt Joe Rodgers, USMC
Capt Ron Fleming, USMC
MO LCDR Fred Wiggins / LT Mike Deeter
Doc LCDR Bob Randolph
AO LCDR Leo Boor
SUPO CW04 Clinton Swartz

1975 Blue Angels

1. CDR Tony Less
2. Capt Bill Holverstott, USMC
3. LT John Patton
4. LT John Chehansky
5. LT Vance Parker
6. LT Denny Sapp
7. LT Al Cisneros
8. Jim Bauer
Capt Ron Fleming, USMC
Capt Steve Petit, USMC
MO LT Mike Deeter
Doc LCDR Bob Randolph
DOC LCDR Tim Peterson
AO LCDR Leo Boor
SUPO CW02 Chinton Swartz