IT’S A SMART MOVE: Blue Angels Reveal Commanding Officer for 2025-2026 Show Seasons just….
NAS PENSACOLA, Fla.– On April 16, at a press conference at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as the Blue Angels, revealed the commanding officer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Cmdr. Adam “Gilligan” Bryan will take over from Cmdr. Alex Armatas, assuming command at the end of the 2024 show season in November. To be eligible, applicants must have at least 3,000 flight hours and have current or past command experience of a tactical jet squadron.
“What I’ve always really enjoyed is being a part of an incredible team and seeing them succeed,” Cmdr. Adam Bryan stated. “I put the success of the team as my personal goal and what I’ve always strived for. If they’re doing well, then I’m doing well.”
Originally from Canton, Connecticut, Bryan joins the Blue Angels after leading the “Kestrels” of VFA-137. His previous roles include various squadron tours, including deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
Bryan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy. He has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours and more than 625 carrier arrested landings. His awards include multiple unit and personal commendations.
“This year, we had an exceptional pool of highly qualified and skilled leaders apply for the position,” remarked Cmdr. Alex Armatas, the current commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “I have complete confidence in Cmdr. Bryan to guide this team through the 2025 and 2026 show seasons.”
Cmdr. Bryan will undertake the role of Commanding Officer and Flight Leader for the 2025 and 2026 Blue Angels air show seasons. He will begin initial training in Pensacola, Florida in September and officially assume command of the squadron at the end of the 2024 air show season in November. The change-of-command ceremony is scheduled for November 3, 2024, at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
As the Blue Angels’ commanding officer, Cmdr. Bryan will lead a squadron of 160 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, piloting the #1 jet. The Blue Angels perform for 11 million people annually across the United States and are set to perform 64 shows in 32 locations during the 2025 season.
