Blue Angels Hold Change of Command Ceremony Following Conclusion of 2022 Show Season

NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. — The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, held a change of command ceremony Nov. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Commander Alex Armatas relieved Captain Brian Kesselring as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels.

Capt. Kesselring assumed command of the Blue Angels Nov. 10, 2019. As the Blue Angels' Commanding Officer, Kesselring led a squadron of 154 personnel and served as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. In Kesselring’s next assignment, he will serve as Deputy, Carrier Air Wing 5 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

“Serving alongside the phenomenal Sailors and Marines of the Blue Angels has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Kesselring. “Over the past three years, this team paid tribute to healthcare workers around the Nation during Operation America Strong, successfully transitioned two new aircraft platforms, and celebrated 75 years of Blue Angel history and heritage with millions of spectators throughout the country. I look forward to seeing what the
future holds for Cmdr. Armatas.”

Armatas, a native of Skaneateles, New York, joins the Blue Angels after serving as the Commanding Officer of the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, where he deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation FREEDOM’s SENTINEL. His previous
assignments include multiple squadron tours.

Armatas graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and has 911
carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal, unit and service awards.

“I look forward to learning from returning team members these next few months,” said Armatas. “It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of leaders that have has shaped this squadron into what it is today. and I am excited to see what the 2023 show
season will hold.”

For the latest information regarding the 2023 Blue Angels, stay tuned to our website and social media.