Wings of Blue take first and second place at nationals

by Bekah Clark
12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

11/2/2012 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The U.S. Air Force's Parachute Team, the Wings of Blue, placed first and second in the U.S. Parachuting Association Nationals Competition's 4-Way Formation Skydiving (Advanced Category) event this week.

The Air Force Paradigm team took first place, the Air Force Legacy team placed second.

The Wings of Blue accomplish more than 40 worldwide demonstrations and competitions annually to an estimated audience of 12 million. The Wings of Blue is operated by the 98th Flying Training Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

The squadron's 110 member team leads the Air Force's most prolific parachute program. Each year they execute 18,000 jumps and 3,500 UV-18B flight hours annually and allow more than 800 students per year the opportunity to earn their basic parachutist badge.