Navy Flight Demonstration Team Stand Down Ends, Growler Team Still Grounded
The Navy has allowed some of its tactical demonstration teams to resume participation in air shows, Naval Air Forces recently confirmed to USNI News. All TACDEMO teams – minus the Growler demo team – have been able to participate in air shows since June 10, Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Commander, Naval Air Forces, told USNI News on Aug. 19. The Growler demo team – from the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 – is still grounded pending review. The “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 and the “Rough
A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler attached to the “Vikings” of the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 taxis in front of spectators at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, May 16, 2026. US Air National Guard photo The Navy has allowed some of its tactical demonstration teams to resume participation in air shows, Naval Air Forces recently confirmed to USNI News.
All TACDEMO teams – minus the Growler demo team – have been able to participate in air shows since June 10, Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Commander, Naval Air Forces, told USNI News on Aug. 19.
The Growler demo team – from the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 – is still grounded pending review.
The “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 and the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 have been cleared for air shows after NAVAIR determined they were in compliance with established naval practices, Umayam told USNI News.
The “Gladiators” fly one- and two-seater F/A-18E and the F/A-18F Super Hornets. The “Flying Eagles” also fly Super Hornets. The “Rough Raiders” fly the F-35C Lightning II.
Outside of providing demo teams, the units are all-fleet replenishment squadrons.
The TACDEMO safety stand down began in May after two Growlers from the “Vikings” crashed during the Gunfighter Skies air show at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. All air crew safely ejected.
The Blue Angels – which is an aerial demonstration team, not a tactical demonstration team – was not affected by the safety stand down.
