For the first time in three years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have a new flight leader. Cmdr. Alexander Armatas officially took command of the Naval Flight Exhibition Team on November 13, 2022, at a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. He replaced Captain Brian Kesselring, who led the Team during its 75th anniversary and the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
In this interview, Boss Armatas discusses his priorities and focus as the new commanding officer and flight leader for the Blue Angels, including getting to know each member of the Team, mastering the 45 minute air show demonstration, and ensuring his fitness and nutrition are optimized for high intensity flying and a rigorous schedule. With winter training in El Centro, California just weeks away, Boss Armatas also provides insight into the current flying syllabus and milestones the Team are focused on achieving, including flying the first Delta Formation for the 2023 Blue Angels.
A native of Skaneateles, New York, Boss Armatas cites flyovers by a formation of F-16 Falcons from the New York National Guard and exposure to cargo operations at the Syracuse International Airport as early influences that sparked his passion for aviation. He also attended a number of airshows in London, Ontario, Canada during his informative years where he witnessed the Blue Angels perform for the first time.
Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a degree in aerospace engineering, Boss Armatas earned his Wings of Gold in June of 2005 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi. Initially assigned to NAS Lemoore, California, he served in a variety of different roles as part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, the “Eagles” and deployed three times on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In 2009, Boss Armatas graduated from the world famous TOPGUN course at NAS Fallon, Nevada before joining VFA-122 the “Flying Eagles” where he was named the 2010 VFA-122 Instructor Pilot of the Year.
Transferring to VFA-14 the “Tophatters”, Boss Armatas supported Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013 aboard the USS John C Stennis (CVN-74). Following this tour, he reported to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia to serve as the Department Head for FVA-143 the “Pukin’ Dogs” and deployed aboard the USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
After serving as a Strike Fighter Placement Officer for the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) in Millington, Tennessee in 2017, Boss Armatas reported to VFA-105 the “Gunslingers” where he served as both Executive Officer and Commanding Officer during his tenure and deployed twice aboard the USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
With the encouragement of former Blue Angels pilot, John Hiltz, Boss Armatas submitted his application for the Blue Angels after accumulating more that 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landing. He was announced as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels in April of 2022 and officially joined the team in August.
2023 Blue Angels Team
1. CDR Alexander Armatas 2. LCDR Chris Kapuschansky 3. LT Amanda Lee 4. LT Scott Goossens 5. LCDR Julius Bratton 6. LCDR Griffin Stangel 7. LCDR Thomas Zimmerman 8. LCDR Brian Vaught XO CRD Jon Fay M1 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMC M2 MAJ Joshua Soltan, USMC M3 CAPT Samuel Petko, USMC MO LT Henry Cedeno Assistant MO LCDR Gregory Jones Flight Surgeon LT Philippe Warren SO LT Paul Kruger
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