A Pensacola woman who spent 43 years creating the Blue Angels’ iconic ceremonial flight suits says she is heartbroken after the Navy awarded the work to another company.
Candy Whitehurst owns The Sewing Box, a small shop located near Naval Air Station Pensacola. For more than four decades, she says she made thousands of custom suits for members of the Navy’s legendary flight demonstration team, often working through the night when pilots needed emergency alterations or repairs.
But this year, the routine suddenly changed.
Whitehurst said the Navy had traditionally reminded her when the contract was approaching renewal and encouraged her to submit a bid. This time, she said no one called, and she did not know the contract was available until after it had been awarded.
“I would have never ever thought that my Blues would treat me like this,” Whitehurst said. “Not in a million years.”
The Navy awarded the new contract to Aquila International, a Virginia-based company that says it discovered the opportunity through the federal SAM.gov system and attended a Navy Industry Day for prospective vendors in February.
The agreement is valued at up to $1.69 million over five years and covers the manufacturing, alteration and repair of the Blue Angels’ custom suits. Aquila says every part of the suits, including the thread, will be produced domestically.
Company leader Todd Kelsey denied receiving special treatment and said Aquila won through the competitive bidding process. He also said the company is open to working with local businesses as subcontractors.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis is now asking the Navy to help connect Aquila with The Sewing Box and meet with Whitehurst about future contracting opportunities.
For Whitehurst, however, the dispute is about more than a contract. She says it is the painful ending of a relationship she devoted much of her life to building
Having followed this story, I feel deeply for Candy Whitehurst and her dedication to the Blue Angels. It’s extraordinary to think that for 43 years, a small local business like The Sewing Box could be so integral to such an iconic Navy tradition. From a personal perspective, maintaining a relationship with a prestigious client like the Blue Angels requires not just exceptional craftsmanship but also a deep sense of pride and connection to the work. When I learned that the Navy shifted their contract without notifying Candy, it struck me as more than just business—it’s a loss of heritage and trust. The awarding of the contract to Aquila International through a federal bidding process, as noted by the references to SAM.gov and the Navy Industry Day attendance, shows a shift towards formal competition and transparency. However, it might also overlook the intangible community and historical value that a long-term local business brings. Aquila’s promise to produce every part of the suits domestically, including thread, suggests they aim to uphold quality and patriotism, which is reassuring. What stands out is the hope expressed through Congressman Jimmy Patronis’ efforts to connect Aquila with The Sewing Box. This could pave the way for local subcontracting opportunities, blending new business models with established community expertise. For small businesses dependent on government contracts, it highlights the importance of staying engaged with federal procurement systems like SAM.gov and networking events like the Navy Industry Day. From my experience, when a cherished service relationship ends, it is vital to look for new opportunities to pivot. Candy’s decades of expertise and responsiveness—often working overnight to assist pilots—are invaluable assets. Collaborating with larger contractors like Aquila could keep her skills and heritage alive while adapting to changing procurement landscapes. This story reminds us how government contracting evolves and the importance of proactive communication and inclusion of local small businesses to preserve tradition alongside innovation.