Surprise twist in ousters of Blue Angels pilot and public-affairs chief

The Navy has confirmed that Blue Angels pilot Maj. Scott Laux was removed from the team for failing to meet its standards, while a source says public-affairs chief Capt. Danielle Cribb was removed separately and earlier. The clarification matters because the two departures, and their vanished profiles on the team’s website, had fuelled speculation that they were connected.

The Navy has not said when or why Cribb left, and has offered no further detail on Laux’s dismissal. His departure came to light after only five jets flew at a Pensacola air show instead of the usual six; both officers had joined the team within the past two years. Cribb previously served in the Marine Corps, while Laux was a solo pilot and had narrated the team’s performances in 2025.