Blue Angels fly with five jets after Scott Laux's removal: What happened to No. 6 pilot ahead of final Pensacola air show and why Navy hasn't revealed reason?

The US Navy has removed Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux, the Blue Angels' No. 6 opposing solo pilot, from its flight demonstration team. The Navy cited a failure to meet the standards expected of squadron members but has not disclosed further details about the decision.

Announced on November 6, 2026, Laux's removal means he will miss the Blue Angels' annual homecoming air show at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. The team performed with just five jets during the opening day of the two-day event.

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What happened to Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux?

According to Newsweek, Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux, who flew the No. 6 jet as the team's opposing solo pilot, will not participate in the squadron's remaining performances of the 2026 season.

The circumstances surrounding his removal remain unclear, as Navy officials have not provided additional details. The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) public affairs office said Laux was removed from the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron for “failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.”

“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,” the CNATRA public affairs office said in a statement provided to the Pensacola News Journal.

Following the announcement, Laux's photograph and biography also appeared to have been removed from the Blue Angels' official website.

The air show at NAS Pensacola, marking the Blue Angels' final performance of the season, is being held on November 6 and 7. The team flew with five jets on the opening day, November 6, according to the Pensacola News Journal, which first reported Laux's removal.

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What does Blue Angels' No. 6 pilot do?

The No. 6 position is assigned to the Blue Angels' opposing solo pilot. Unlike the four pilots who fly in the team's signature diamond formation, the opposing solo performs individual manoeuvres and high-speed demonstrations alongside the main formation.

The role showcases the aircraft's speed, agility and flight capabilities through a series of coordinated aerial stunts. The opposing solo pilots perform manoeuvres that include high-speed passes, rolls and other precision flying demonstrations.

Laux's removal therefore leaves a notable gap in the team's demonstration lineup. The Navy has not publicly announced a replacement for the No. 6 position.

Who is Scott Laux?

Scott Laux, from Chantilly, Virginia, graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chinese. He graduated from Chantilly High School in 2008.

Immediately after graduating from the Naval Academy, Laux reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia for basic Marine officer training at The Basic School (TBS).

After completing TBS, he proceeded to flight school, beginning with introductory flight screening and aviation preflight indoctrination at NAS Pensacola. He then completed primary flight training on the T-6B Texan II at NAS Whiting Field before moving to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for intermediate and advanced jet training on the T-45C Goshawk.

Laux earned his naval aviator wings in 2015 and subsequently reported to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach for training on the F/A-18 C/D Hornet. He later joined Marine Aircraft Group 11 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

When did Scott Laux join the Blue Angels?

Laux joined the Blue Angels in 2024 and served as the team's narrator in 2025 before taking on the No. 6 opposing solo pilot position.

The narrator typically serves a three-year stint with the team: one season announcing the performances and two seasons flying during air shows.

The Blue Angels, formally known as the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are based at NAS Pensacola, Florida. The team flies the F/A-18 Super Hornet and performs aerial demonstrations across the United States.

Laux's removal comes as the team wraps up its 2026 performance season. However, Navy officials have yet to explain the specific circumstances behind the decision or announce who will take over his position.