How Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux’s ouster was discovered by eagle-eyed onlookers

Marine Maj. Scott Laux has been removed from the Blue Angels, the US Navy’s flight demonstration team, after spectators noticed one jet missing from its usual six-plane formation at a Pensacola air show. The Navy confirmed he would not take part in the team’s remaining performances this season, but has not publicly explained when or why he was dismissed.

Five jets flew on 6 November at an air show marking the 200th anniversary of Naval Air Station Pensacola. The Navy said Laux was removed for failing to meet the standards expected of squadron members. His profile was also taken down from the team’s website; another officer’s profile was removed too, but Cribb’s family said that was unrelated to Laux. Laux, 37, joined the Blue Angels for a second year after serving as a Marine aviator, including flying F/A-18s and F-35Cs.