Navy pulls a Blue Angels pilot from the team for "failing to uphold" its standards

A Blue Angels pilot has been removed from the Navy's flight demonstration team for "failing to uphold the standards expected" of its members, Fox News reported Sunday. The team flew a five-jet show instead of its usual six at its season-ending homecoming air show in Pensacola, Florida.

The pilot is Marine Corps Maj. Scott Laux, Blue Angel No. 6, the opposing solo. The Chief of Naval Air Training confirmed the removal to the Pensacola News Journal on Friday. "Blue Angel #6 was removed from the team for failing to uphold the standards expected of members of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron and will not participate in the team's remaining performance this season," its public affairs office said.

The Navy has not said what prompted the decision or when it was made. Laux's photo and biography have been taken off the team's website.

Laux had publicly defended the team's low pass over Pensacola Beach in July, which sent tents, chairs and umbrellas flying. Navy leaders said at the time there would be no reprimands over that flyover.