#1 | Flight Leader / Commanding Officer: Commander Adam Bryan, from Canton, Connecticut. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and assumed command in November 2024.
Blue Angels 2025 Roster Ready for Spectacular Air Performances
R. Ken Cooper • March 21, 2025
The Blue Angels are set to return to NAS Pensacola next week
NAS Pensacola, Fla. – (OBA) – The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, is still at their winter base in El Centro, CA. We expect them to return to NAS Pensacola after their Sacramento, CA Air Show this weekend.
We’re hoping to see the first Beach Buzz of the 2025 Season on Monday afternoon, March 24th. We will update our best guess on timing when the Blue Angels take off from Sacramento, CA.
The 2025 team is being led by Commander Adam Bryan, and this year's squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and newly selected officers, all showcasing the skill, precision, and teamwork that define the Blue Angels' legacy. Flying the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, these pilots will be performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers across the country, thrilling audiences with their unmatched expertise.
Alongside them, the dedicated C-130J "Fat Albert" crew and support officers play a vital role in ensuring the success of each performance.
Related Articles: Blue Angels Coverage By OBA News
Here's a closer look at the individuals who comprise the 2025 Blue Angels team.
#2 | Right Wing: Commander Jack Keilty, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in History and joined the Blue Angels in September 2023.
#3 | Left Wing: Major Brandon Wilkins, from Beaufort, South Carolina. He graduated from The Citadel in 2007 and joined the Blue Angels in September 2024.
#4 | Slot: Lieutenant Commander Wes Perkins, born in Pordenone, Italy, and raised in Georgetown, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2014 with a degree in Ocean Engineering and joined the Blue Angels in September 2023.
#5 | Lead Solo: Commander Thomas Zimmerman, from Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and joined the Blue Angels in September 2022.
#6 | Opposing Solo: Lieutenant Connor O'Donnell, from Freeport, Maine. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Operations Research and joined the Blue Angels in September 2023.
#7 | Narrator: Major Scott Laux, from Chantilly, Virginia. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Chinese and reported to the Blue Angels in September 2024.
#8 | Events Coordinator: Lieutenant Commander Lilly Montana, from Vienna, Virginia. She graduated from Auburn University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is currently assigned to VT-86.
Executive Officer: Commander Bryce Aubuchon was born and raised in Washington, MO. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2005 with a BS in Marketing and captain of his college hockey team for his final two years. In 2006, after working in the civilian world as a physician recruiter, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, and was designated a Naval Aviator in July of 2008.
Lead C-130J Pilot: Captain Samuel Petko, from Osceola, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and joined the Blue Angels in 2022.
C-130J Pilot: Captain Isaac Becker, from Austin, Texas. He graduated from Colorado College in 2017 with a degree in Geology and reported to the Blue Angels in September 2023.
C-130J Fat Albert Pilot: Major Joshua Horman was born in Smithville, Missouri. After graduating from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri with a degree in Business Administration, Josh completed Officer Candidate School and commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. In The Basic School, Josh picked up a competitive Naval Flight Officer (NFO) contract and began his journey into Naval Aviation.
These officers, along with the dedicated enlisted personnel, uphold the Blue Angels' mission to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Click here to view the 2025 Blue Angels Flight and Maintenance Team with links to full bios.
Visit our
Blue Angels Air Show & Practice Schedule page for a list of all of their 2025 air show and practice dates. And stay tuned to our OBA Facebook Page for weekly forecasts for possible Beach Buzzes.
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Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International will host their third annual Gulf Coast Classic fly-fishing festival on May 2-3, 2025. The event will take place at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach will host a free professional development workshop focused on service dog regulations. The event aims to help local professionals understand ADA compliance and reduce liability risks. Knowing how to handle service dog rules properly and ADA compliance is important for keeping customers safe and businesses protected.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new glamping site named "Young's Hideaway" in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young. The project adds a unique accommodation option to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A new public boat ramp on County Road 6 in Bon Secour was officially opened today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Young anglers will have the chance to cast their lines and learn from local experts at the Gulf State Park Kids Surf Fishing Clinic this summer.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – At around 2:45 a.m., Foley police responded to a burglary call on State Highway 59. Officers found a man inside the business and apprehended him.
The suspect, 52-year-old Patrick Odell Levens from Pensacola, Florida, had used a power tool to cut a hole in the back wall to get inside.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor.
Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
