 The Blue Angels have announced the officers selected for the 2015 team. The squadron selected an executive officer, three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, an events coordination officer, two C-130 demonstration pilots, a flight surgeon, and a supply officer to join the 2015 team.
Commander Bob Flynn will serve as the team’s executive officer, a new position for the Blue Angels. A1992 graduate of the Naval Academy, Flynn is a S-3B Viking Naval Flight Officer and is currently assigned to the Naval War College.
Lieutenant Matt Suyderhoud will be one of three new F/A-18 pilots joining the team next year. Suyderhoud is currently assigned to Training Squadron 22 (VT-22) at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.
Lieutenant Andrew Talbott will also join the iconic Blue Angel delta in 2015. He is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) at NAS Oceana.
Marine Captain Jeff Kuss will be the third new Hornet demonstration pilot to join the team. Currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Kuss is a 2006 graduate of Fort Lewis College.
Marine Captain Corrie Mays will serve as the team’s new event coordinator beginning in 2015. She is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)-225) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego.
The team will also welcome two new C-130 pilots: Marine Major Mark Hamilton, currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point; and Marine Captain Katie Higgins, also currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
Lieutenant Joe Schwartz will serve as the team’s new flight surgeon. And Lieutenant Gregory Bollinger will join the Blue Angels as its new supply officer.
The addition of Captain Mays and Captain Higgins marks the first time that two female Marine Corps officers have been selected to serve on the team at the same time.
(Photo: Erik Hildebrandt)
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