Military Matters

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BLUE ANGELS HOLD CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, held a change of command ceremony Nov. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Cmdr. Alex Armatas relieved Capt. Brian Kesselring as the commanding officer of the Blue Angels. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Deccio.

BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS CODY HENDRIX, NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, held a change of command ceremony November 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Cmdr. Alex Armatas relieved Capt. Brian Kesselring as the commanding officer of the Blue Angels.

Capt. Kesselring assumed command of the Blue Angels November 10, 2019. As the Blue Angels’ commanding officer, Kesselring led a squadron of 154 personnel and served as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. In Kesselring’s next assignment, he will serve as Deputy, Carrier Air Wing 5 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. the past three years, this team paid tribute to healthcare workers around the Nation during Operation America Strong, successfully transitioned two new aircraft platforms, and celebrated 75 years of Blue Angel history and heritage with millions of spectators throughout the country. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Cmdr. Armatas.”

Armatas, a native of Skaneateles, New York, joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, where he deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation FREEDOM’s SENTINEL. His previous assignments include multiple squadron tours.

than 4,100 flight hours and has 911 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal, unit and service awards.

“I look forward to learning from returning team members these next few months,” Armatas said. “It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of leaders that have shaped this squadron into what it is today. and I am excited to see what the 2023 show season will hold.”

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 496 million fans.

For more information about the Blue Angels, including the 2023 and 2024 air show schedules, visit blueangels.navy.mil.

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