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The Blue Angels are flying with just five jets at their 2026 Homecoming Airshow after one of the team’s pilots was removed for failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron.
Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux, the team’s No. 6 opposing solo pilot, was removed ahead of the Homecoming Airshow at Naval Air Station Pensacola, according to a November 6 report from the Pensacola News Journal.
The Navy confirmed the removal Friday, stating that Laux will not participate in the team’s remaining performance this season.
The announcement comes during one of Pensacola’s largest annual events, as the Blue Angels celebrate NAS Pensacola’s 200th anniversary with their final airshow of 2026.
Navy Confirms Blue Angels Pilot Scott Laux Was Removed
The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) confirmed Laux’s removal in a statement provided to the Pensacola News Journal on Friday, November 6.
“Blue Angel #6 was removed from the team for failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron and will not participate in the team’s remaining performance this season,” CNATRA’s public affairs office stated.
Laux was serving his second year with the Blue Angels and held the position of opposing solo pilot, flying the No. 6 F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The Navy did not specify which standards Laux allegedly failed to uphold or provide details about the circumstances leading to his removal.
A CNATRA public affairs officer was also unable to immediately confirm when the decision was made.
The Pensacola News Journal reported that Laux’s photograph and biography appeared to have been removed from the Blue Angels’ official website.
Blue Angels Perform With Five Jets Instead of Six
The removal resulted in a noticeable change to the Blue Angels’ traditional demonstration during the NAS Pensacola Homecoming Airshow.
The team flew five jets instead of its standard six-aircraft formation.
Ordinarily, the Blue Angels’ flight demonstration features four aircraft flying together in the Diamond Formation, while two additional jets perform high-speed solo maneuvers.
Laux served as the opposing solo pilot, flying No. 6 alongside the lead solo pilot in aircraft No. 5.
With Laux no longer participating, the team has had to adjust its demonstration to accommodate five aircraft.
Although the formation is different, the Homecoming Airshow continues as scheduled.
Who Is Maj. Scott Laux?
Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux joined the Blue Angels in 2024 and served as the team’s opposing solo pilot during the 2025 and 2026 demonstration seasons.
Originally from Chantilly, Virginia, Laux graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012 and earned his naval aviator wings in 2015.
Before joining the Blue Angels, he served as a Marine Corps fighter pilot, flying aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet and F-35C Lightning II.
His military aviation experience includes carrier operations, deployments and instructor assignments.
Laux was one of the six demonstration pilots representing the Blue Angels during their 2026 season.
His removal comes as the team concludes its 80th anniversary season.
Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Continues November 6–7
Despite the unexpected personnel change, the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow is continuing at NAS Pensacola.
The two-day event celebrates the 200th anniversary of Naval Air Station Pensacola and marks the end of the team’s 2026 demonstration season.
Event Details
Dates: Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location: NAS Pensacola
Gates Open: 8 AM
Airshow Begins: 9:30 AM
Blue Angels Performance: Approximately 2 PM
Admission: Free
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the show, which also includes other aerial demonstrations, military aircraft displays and activities throughout the day.
For parking information, base entry requirements, performance details and other important information, read our Complete Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Guide.
Visitors interested in watching the demonstration from the water can also explore available Blue Angels Homecoming Boat Cruises.
Reason for Removal Remains Unclear
While the Navy has confirmed that Laux was removed for failing to uphold team standards, officials have not publicly explained what actions or circumstances led to that decision.
The date of his removal also remains unconfirmed.
There has been no publicly confirmed explanation establishing whether the decision involved professional conduct, administrative matters or another issue.
For now, the Navy’s statement confirms the removal and Laux’s absence from the remaining 2026 performance.
The Blue Angels are concluding their season in Pensacola with a modified five-jet demonstration.
For more Blue Angels coverage and local updates, visit Must Do Pensacola.
Source: Pensacola News Journal, November 6, 2026. Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, including the official statement from the Chief of Naval Air Training.
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