After approximately 50 years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have a new flight suit maker. On May 14, 2026, the Navy awarded the contract to Virginia-based Aquila International—ending a decades-long partnership with Pensacola’s “Sewing Box” that began in 1976 and shifting the team’s uniform production out of Florida for the first time since the mid-1970s.
The five-year deal is worth up to $1.69 million, according to federal contracting records on SAM.gov. The Navy held an industry day in San Diego last February, where officials met with potential vendors to find a new manufacturer for the team’s custom ceremonial flight suits. The transition was complex because the Sewing Box held exclusive licensing rights and approved manufacturer status under the naval aviation safety manual—making them the only legally authorized producer. The Sewing Box, which had handled the work since 1976, wasn’t invited to the table.
End of an Era — The Sewing Box Steps Aside
The Sewing Box sits in a strip mall on North Navy Boulevard, just minutes from Naval Air Station Pensacola. Owner Candy Whitehurst had been the Blue Angels’ exclusive tailor for approximately 50 years—and she found out about the change through the news.
“I would have never ever thought that my Blues would treat me like this,” Whitehurst told WEAR-TV. “Never have they did that for me ever. I’m making pennies compared to what they’re doing.”
The numbers back up her frustration. Since 2008, the Sewing Box collected roughly $700,000 in federal awards for Blue Angels work. Aquila’s new five-year ceiling sits at $1,691,506.40—nearly 2.5 times higher. Contract ceilings don’t guarantee spending, but the gap illustrates the scale of what the Sewing Box is losing.
Aquila Steps Up — Domestic Production Pledged
Todd Kelsey runs Aquila International, a company he founded ten years ago. He told WEAR-TV his company plans to keep everything made in the U.S.—including the thread itself. Aquila isn’t exactly new to the Blue Angels. Since 2024, they’ve supplied flight gloves, compression garments, and other athletic gear, so there’s already a working relationship in place.
“We’re proud that we won the bid,” Kelsey said. “I think that we’re excited to be able to make an impression in Pensacola.”
The contract calls for Aquila to manufacture, alter, and repair the team’s specialized ceremonial flight suits. Measurements and fittings happen at NAS Pensacola and Naval Air Facility El Centro. But here’s the catch—Aquila must complete repairs and alterations within 14 days to keep up with the Blue Angels’ punishing demonstration schedule. That’s a sharp change from having a tailor right down the street. Aquila personnel will have to fly in from Virginia for fittings.
Kelsey left the door open to hiring local subcontractors for specific work. The Navy can’t force him to partner with the Sewing Box or anyone else in Pensacola—that’s entirely up to Aquila.
Congressional Response and Path Forward
U.S. Representative Jimmy Patronis (FL-1) fired off a letter to the Navy. He asked for support for the Sewing Box and wanted to know if the local shop could work with Aquila as a subcontractor. He also requested a meeting between Navy brass and Whitehurst to explore future contract options.
The Navy defended the industry day as necessary to “promote competition, encourage innovation, and ensure the best value solution for the fleet.” They haven’t answered questions about the transition of the exclusive licensing rights and approved manufacturer designation or why production is leaving Pensacola—home to the Blue Angels since 1954.
Aquila’s contract is active now. The company is responsible for keeping the Navy’s most visible aviation demonstration team fitted, repaired, and ready for the 2026 air show season and beyond.
Stay in the loop
Get the latest airshow spectacle updates delivered to your inbox.