OFFICER APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON (BLUE ANGELS) FOR 2026-2027 SHOW SEASONS

[Tony]

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SUBJ/OFFICER APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION 
SQUADRON (BLUE ANGELS) FOR 2026-2027 SHOW SEASONS// 
 
REF/A/DOC/CNATRA/25JAN23// 
AMPN/REF A IS CNATRAINST 1301.4P, APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND QUALIFICATIONS 
FOR OFFICERS OF THE NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON// 
 
RMKS/1.  The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) will select: 
    a.  For 2026-2027 show seasons: 
        (1) Three F/A-18 demonstration pilots.  Navy and Marine Corps pilots 
are encouraged to apply. 
        (2) One Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilot. 
        (3) One Supply Officer. 
        (4) One Public Affairs Officer. 
    b.  For 2026-2028 show seasons: 
        (1) One F/A-18 demonstration pilot.  Navy and Marine Corps pilots are 
encouraged to apply. 
        (2) One Maintenance Officer. 
 
2.  Interested officers, submit applications in line with reference (a) 
by 30 April 2025.  All applicants must contact their detailer/monitor 
prior to applying to ensure adequate timing to complete a two or three 
year tour without impacting career milestones.  Manpower Management 
Officer Assignments (MMOA) will release a separate MARADMIN that 
outlines Marine applicant eligibility requirements.  Final selections 
will be made in July 2025. 
 
3.  Qualifications.  Applicants should be career-oriented, Navy and 
Marine Corps Officers with the following specific qualifications: 
    a.  F/A-18 demonstration pilot applicants: 
        (1) Must be, or have been, carrier qualified with a minimum of 
1,250 tactical jet flight hours by 30 September of the year applying. 
        (2) Have completed an operational Fleet tour. 
        (3) Have completed Advanced Flight Training with an average or 
greater composite score. 
    b.  Marine C-130 demonstration pilot: 
        (1) Must have an aircraft commander rating in the C-130J. 
        (2) Should have a minimum of 1,200 total flight hours. 
    c.  Maintenance Officer applicants: 
        (1) Must be designated Aviation Maintenance Officers 
(152X/633X/734X) (CWO3/CWO4/LTJG/LT/LCDR). 
        (2) Be on, or have completed, an operational Fleet tour. 
    d.  Supply officer applicants: 
        (1) Must be designated as Naval aviation supply officer 
(310X/651X) (LTJG/LT/LCDR). 
        (2) Be on, or have completed, an operational Fleet tour. 
    e.  Public Affairs Officer applicants must be designated as Naval 
Public Affairs Officer (LTJG/LT/LCDR). 
 
4.  Selectees will be approved by Chief of Naval Air Training with 
BUPERS/MMOA review and concurrence on suitability prior to public 
notification.  Navy and Marine Corps pilots will be required to remain 
on Active Duty for a period of two years following completion of their 
assignment with the Blue Angels. 
 
5.  Reference (a) details application procedures. 
    a.  Applications submitted via mail through 1 March 2025, address to: 
      Commanding Officer 
      Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron 
      Attn:  LT Connor O'Donnell 
      Naval Air Facility El Centro 
      1605 Third Street 
      Hangar 5 
      El Centro, CA 92243 
    b.  Applications submitted via mail from 2 March 2025 through 30 April 
2025, address to: 
      Commanding Officer 
      Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron 
      Attn:  LT Connor O'Donnell 
      390 San Carlos Road, Suite A 
      Pensacola, FL 32508-5508 
    c.  Applications may also be delivered in person beginning 15 March 2025. 
 
6.  For additional information, visit the Blue Angels website at 
https://www.blueangels.navy.mil/, or contact the Blue Angels Applicants 
Officer, LT Connor O'Donnell, in Pensacola, FL at (850)452-4650, or in El 
Centro, CA (January through Mid-March) at (760)339-2509 or via email at 
connor.j.odonnell3.mil@us.navy.mil. 
 
7.  This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or 31 August 2025, 
whichever occurs first. 
 
8.  Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// 
 
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