From the encouragement of Tom I will post an image of Blue Angel Lt. Dave Rottgering in his Blue Angels Grumman F-11F Tiger. He is holding his Model 18. 5 1/2 Crutch tip with a wrapped handle. The photo is from the photo boards just outside of the old Randall Museum that I shot several years ago. Love to know Dave’s story and his service. Did he pass this service knife on to a son? Did he go on to fly heavy jets for a domestic air carrier? By the way Lt. Dave Rottgering, thank you for your service.

Found this shot of Dave and his team in 1967.
Before Paris performance, Blue Angels posed for a photo at Arc se Triomphe. From left: Lt. Fred Wilson, Lt. Vince Donile, Lt. Hal Loney, Capt. (USMC) Fred Craig, LCdr. Bill Wheat (OinC), Lt. John Allen, Lt. Red Hubbard, Lt. Norm Gandia, and Lt. Dave Rottgering (PAO).