Originally created Thursday, October 26, 2006
Third 'Boss' of Blues comes to air show
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Rhodes, a World War II hero and a former prisoner of war (POW) will be the guest of honor at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Blue Angels.
''Jacksonville holds a very special place in my heart. I was a cadet here and I also joined and flew with the Blues here,'' Rhodes said, enthusiastically. ''A lot has changed about the little town with just two bridges that I once knew, but it is a very special place for me and I am thrilled to be part of this year's air show.''
In 1942, at the height of WWII, Rhodes was a carrier-based fighter pilot with the ''Grim Reapers'' of VF-10, who was shot down during the Battle of Santa Cruz in an effort to seize Guadalcanal. He was captured and
remained a POW at various Japanese camps for three years. During this time, according to his biographical book - From POW to Blue Angel: The Story of Commander Dusty Rhodes - he endured unthinkable acts of brutality and credits his ''indomitable optimism'' to his survival.
Lt. Cmdr. Dusty Rhodes gets ready for a flight in 19. File photo
During captivity, Japa-nese Adm. Isoroku Yama-mato personally interrogated him. ''There were two of us. They took us to Truk Island where Yamamato questioned us individually,'' he said. ''I remember going over any and all possible questions with my comrade that may be asked to minimize the risk of revealing any useful information.''
Rhodes remained in Jap-anese custody for three years until he and his fellow POW's escaped from the camp and seized a train that took them to Tokyo. Dodging hospitalization that would delay his return to America, he found aid from a sympathetic skipper who made arrangements for Rhodes to get back home with the first group of POW's that were flying out.
After his return to the United States, there was an amazing new flight demonstration team known as the Blue Angels, which had just recently been established by the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Chester Nimitz.
Nimitz gave full direction to Capt. Roy ''Butch'' Voris, to comprise a team of fighter pilots that would serve as the Navy's flight demonstration team.
''The first time I saw the Blues perform was in Jacksonville. I thought to myself that I would have loved to do the same kind of thing if the opportunity ever arose and I said as much to Butch over a cup of coffee following the show,'' Rhodes stated.
Lt. Cmdr. Dusty Rhodes, left, is congratulated by USS Saipan (CVL 48) Commanding Officer Capt. after completing his 6,000th aircraft landing in 19. File photo
''Before I knew it, I had orders to the Blue Angels,'' Rhodes added enthusiastically.
As his destiny unfolded, it became more clear that he was born to fly and enhance the future of America's flying aces.
Rhodes was with the Blues from 1947-1950. During this time, the famed squadron made the transition from the propeller-driven F-8F Bearcat to the F-9F Panther jet fighters. Rhodes played a pivotal role in the development of the most famous aerobatics team ever formed.
''Formation flying was something new to everyone and there wasn't anything like that going on around then at that particular time. At any of the air shows, most of the participants were solo, acrobatics and so forth. We were the first outfit to fly formations and these various types of aerial maneuvers,'' noted Rhodes.
This was also the era in which the Blues found fame with the debut of their trademark diamond formation and barrel roll, which was designed and perfected under his dynamic leadership.
He was the team's ''Boss'' from 1948 to 1950. And in 1949, he and Virginia Por-ter, an illustrator assigned to Naval Air Advanced Training Command, de-signed the official Blue Angels insignia and patch.
When asked how he felt about being known as a legend in naval history, Rhodes humbly replied, ''It was a thrilling existence at the time. I can't speak for the guys today, but I am sure they probably feel the same way. It was an exhilarating part of my life and I enjoyed every single minute of it.''
His tour following the Blues included honorable and brave service in the Korean War where he flew 47 combat missions in the F-9F Panther of VF-112 on board USS Philippine Sea. He served as the squad-ron's executive officer, later becoming its commanding officer. Rhodes continued his distinguished naval career and retired in 1961.
For the next 32 years, the naval hero continued to serve his country as a project planner with Lockheed Martin.
In a recent article, Cmdr. Stephen Foley, the Blue Angel's current commanding officer, made a comment about the Blues. ''The purpose of the Blue Angels is to stir the patriotism locked away in the hearts of all Americans,'' said Foley,
''To encourage in the young men and women of this country the belief that they can attain anything they may dream of and that through training, discipline, and hard work, that they may glean the skills to realize their aspirations.''
After reading Foley's comments, Rhodes responded, ''It's so true. He is absolutely right. That was the Blue's purpose from the very first day. The young people of America are our future.''
NAS Jacksonville Histo-rian Ron Williamson feels that Rhodes' visit to NAS Jacksonville during Blues 60th Anniversary Celebra-tion will make this year's air show a memorable one.
''We are extremely pleased that Dusty Rhodes is visiting the station for the 60th Anniversary Air Show as our VIP guest,'' said Williamson.
''He has not been back to this station, where he was an aviation cadet and learned to fly, since he left with the Blue Angels in 1950. The remarkable achievements he has accomplished not only with the Blue Angels, but with his entire naval and civilian career should be a source of pride for anyone who gets the opportunity to meet him this weekend.''
Rhodes, 88, resides in San Jose, Calif. with his wife, Pauline.
