Naval Air Forces announced that the Tactical Demonstration Team (TACDEMO) stand down ended on June 10, allowing all demonstration teams except the Growler team to resume air sho...
Naval Air Forces announced that the Tactical Demonstration Team (TACDEMO) stand down ended on June 10, allowing all demonstration teams except the Growler team to resume air show participation. The Growler demonstration team, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129, remains grounded pending a safety review. Two Growler aircraft from the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 crashed during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho in May; all crew ejected safely. The “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron 106, the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron 122, and the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 have been cleared for air shows after NAVAIR determined they met established naval practices. The “Gladiators” and “Flying Eagles” operate F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, while the “Rough Raiders” fly the F-35C Lightning II. The units serve as all‑fleet replenishment squadrons. The Blue Angels aerial demonstration team was not affected by the safety stand down. The review of the Growler team’s status is ongoing, and no timeline for resumption has been provided.
- Publisher
- usni
- Reliability
- high
- Published
- 8/27/2026, 10:00:21 AM
- Retrieved
- 8/27/2026, 10:00:21 AM
- Relevance
- 80%
- Confidence
- 85%

