On Saturday the Blue Angels pull airplane #4 out of the flightline. It needs some work at the hanger to the north. #7 is renumbered, and towed back in time for the show.
F/A-18D 'Hornet' is a F/A-18D, a two-seat trainer; so the nose is longer.

If youÕve ever been to a Blue Angels air show, or any pre-show events, you might have seen a two-seat F/A-18 Hornet, number 7, sitting away from the precisely lined-up numbers 1 through 6. Number 7 usually arrives before the rest of the team so the pilot can help coordinate last-minute logistics and occasionally take select members of the media or special guests on a thrilling ride. Number 7 also serves as a backup plane, in case a mechanical problem grounds one of the primary jets from flying with the team. Two number 7s are actually on the tarmac, as well as an additional un-numbered jet that can be quickly re-numbered so the team never misses a beat. The show must go onÑand the crowds love them for it. [airportjournals.com]

Photo by Craig on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at the Fargo Air Museum.