Behind the Blues Interview Series

On the morning of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were in the middle of a routine practice when the world changed forever. In this powerful conversation, we hear directly from those who were there—Boss Rob Ffield, the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader in 2001, and Scott “Intake” Kartvedt, the Opposing Solo Pilot at the time.

In November 1998, just days after taking command of the team, Commander Patrick Driscoll became the first—and only—Blue Angels pilot to land an F/A-18 Hornet aboard an aircraft carrier. The ship was the USS Harry S. Truman, making its maiden deployment 200 miles off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida.  This video offers an exclusive look at that unprecedented event, featuring archival footage from both the flight deck and inside the cockpit, where viewers can listen in on the real-time radio communications between CDR Driscoll and the ship.

Captain Harley H. Hall was the Flight Leader and Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels—a decorated combat pilot, father, and husband. On January 27, 1973, he became the last U.S. Naval Aviator shot down during the Vietnam War. Despite being seen alive on the ground, Harley was never returned with the other POWs.  In this rare and deeply personal interview, Mary Lou Hall—Harley’s wife—shares her powerful story. She recounts how they met, what it was like supporting Harley during his time with the Blue Angels, and the devastating day she learned he had been shot down. Most importantly, she speaks to the decades-long battle she fought for answers—not just for herself, but as a leading advocate for POW/MIA families across the country.

What really separates the U.S. Navy Blue Angels from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds? In this exclusive episode, we dive deep into the history, aircraft, training, team culture, and yes—a bit of the friendly rivalry—between America’s premier flight demonstration teams.  Joining me are two pilots who lived it: 

🔵 Matt Seamon, Blue Angels Pilot (1989–1991) 

🔴 Mike “Mo” Beale, Thunderbirds Pilot (1990–1991) and President of the Thunderbird Alumni Association  

Together, they share never-before-heard stories, unique insights on what makes each team special, and personal reflections on how their time on the teams shaped their lives.