Experience the Blue Angels in 360-degree video

Chris Sweigart | Gannett Video Production Center

Precision, teamwork and trust are three words often used to describe the United States Navy's Blue Angels demonstrations. Now, USA TODAY is bringing you closer than ever before to the action, putting you in the Blue Angels' cockpit for a 360-degree view.

Climb aboard a Blue Angels jet in the "slot" position. Situated at the back corner of the Angels' signature diamond formation, you'll see the F/A-18 Hornets flying inches from each other as they execute breathtaking maneuvers.

"It's a tremendous thing to see up close," said Blue Angels Commanding Officer Captain Tom Frosch, who pilots the lead jet in the diamond formation.

"One of our signature maneuvers is our first maneuver," Frosch said. "It's called the 'Diamond 360.' It's essentially a parade pass when we come around in front of the crowd and demonstrate how close we can fly."

Blue Angels pilots are renowned for their flying skills and physical fitness. Their bodies endure as many as 8 g's during the demonstration. "It's very hard forces on your body," Frosch said.

USA TODAY caught up with the Blue Angels at the Great Georgia Airshow in late-October. The Blue Angels agreed to mount one of USA TODAY's specialized camera rigs, designed to capture video in 360 degrees, inside the cockpit of one of their jets. The Blue Angels released the video exclusively to USA TODAY after it was reviewed by the pilots and team.

For more 360-degree videos, check out the VR Stories application for iPhone and Android.

So grab your VR headset and buckle in! You're about to take a ride with the Blue Angels that few have ever experienced!

Don't have a VR headset? No problem. Click to watch the video above. Use your mouse to look left, right, up and down to take in the entire scene.

The Blue Angels' 2016 season kicks off on March 12 in El Centro, California.