Pensacola Beach Week Includes More Than Just Precision Flying

The United States Navy Blue Angels kicked off Pensacola Beach Week this morning with Breakfast with the Blues. The team can be seen in the skies above their hometown throughout the remainder of the week. 

However, Pensacola Beach Week includes more than just precision flying. Each year during Beach Week, the Blue Angels invite a select group of finalists to join the team at their home base in Pensacola. 

There, the finalists endure an intensive interview process, and they get their first opportunity to see how the team operates on a daily basis. Each year, the Blue Angels generally select three tactical fighter pilots from both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, they select one C-130 pilot, and two support officers.

Commander Eric Doyle was announced earlier this year as the new Commanding Officer for the 2018 season. He will take over the role of Commander Ryan Bernacchi. A new Public Affairs Officer will be amongst those to join the team this November.

Lt. Joe Hontz, 2017 Public Affairs Officer, poses with 2018 Public Affairs Officer finalists.  

The 2018 selected officers are expected to be announced towards the end of the week, and we'll let you know as soon as that happens.