The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron was formed to improve Navy and Marine Corps recruitment and represent their aviation department to the U.S. Armed Forces and to other countries. The US Navy Blue Angels squadron has used the F/A-18 Hornet since 1986. The F/A 18 Hornet A and B models are usually flown by the Blue Angels at air shows and other special events not only in the US but also worldwide. The A variant was also seen in important operations such as in Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom operations.