MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. – For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team.
Lt. Amanda Lee, of Mounds View, Minnesota will be one of the demonstration pilots for the 2023 show season.
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“For over 55 years, hundreds of women have served with the Blue Angels representing the very best of the Navy and Marine Corps,” according to a Facebook announcement from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
The Blue Angels were founded in 1946 and women started serving with the squadron some 20 years later.
“We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year,” said Capt. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “We look forward to training our fantastic new team members, passing on the torch, and watching the incredible things this team will accomplish in 2023.”
Texans will be able to see Lee and the rest of the Blue Angels fly at the Wings Over South Texas Air Show next year on May 6 and 7 in Corpus Christi.
Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman of Baltimore, Maryland, and Marine Corps Capt. Samuel Petko of Osceola, Indiana have also been tapped as demonstration pilots for the 2023 Blue Angels squadron.
New team members will report to the squadron in September for a two-month turnover period, according to the announcement.
“The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country,” U.S. Navy officials said.