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Blue Angels Seeking Officers and Enlisted for 2008
Story Number: NNS070122-07
Release Date: 1/31/2007 1:28:00 PM
By Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is encouraging qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers and enlisted to apply for the 2008 season.
According to the Blue Angels Opposing Solo pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Davis, this season’s applications officer, the squadron is seeking three tactical jet pilots, a Marine C-130 pilot and a maintenance officer, and an administrative officer for the 2009 season.
The squadron’s enlisted applications chief petty officer, Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AW) Bob Sadak, said the team has a variety of positions available for Navy and Marine Corps members at paygrades starting as junior as petty officer second class and sergeant.
Outstanding third class petty officers also may be considered for the following rates or NECs: aviation machinist’s mate, aviation electrician’s mate, aviation structural mechanics (AM), aviation structural mechanic (equipment), aviation ordnanceman, aviation electronics technician, aviation maintenance administrationman (AZ), aircrew survival equipmentman, mass communication specialists, storekeeper, and yeoman. The team also is looking for a hospital corpsman first class with an 8406 NEC, and chiefs in the AZ and AM ratings.
“The application process is easy,” said Davis. “However, the selection process is what’s difficult. It is an extremely fair and time-consuming process, but that is what is required to uphold our 61-year tradition of excellence.”
Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Eric Hodge said that enlisted applicants should be exemplary Sailors and Marines, who are willing to work outside their area of expertise and enjoy traveling.
“Our command mission is to enhance recruiting and retention efforts,” Hodge said. “But we also serve as ambassadors of goodwill, and bolster pride and patriotism in American citizens. It takes a special person to be able to do that naturally.”
Hodge said that the command is unique because the enlisted selection process includes a majority of input from the Sailors and Marines currently assigned to the team.
“Essentially, the crew members nominate their reliefs,” Hodge said. “Therefore, it’s important that we have many applicants to consider.”
“We have a very comprehensive indoctrination program, and we will properly train our selectees. We’re simply looking for the best and brightest young men and women in the Naval service,” Sadak said. “We want team players, who are excellent communicators and who really want to be the backbone of the Blue Angels organization.”
Davis said he hopes that Sailors take this opportunity to apply.
“We are encouraging all qualified officers to consider applying for the team, or at least visit the application page on our website,” Davis said. “The more applicants we have, the tougher it is for us to make a decision – but that’s exactly what we want to happen. We have a legacy to uphold, and that is why we hand-pick the most well-rounded, professional and charismatic aviators and support officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.”
Information on how to apply can be found in NAVADMIN 22/07 for enlisted applicants and NAVADMIN 23/07 for officers. The application deadline for enlisted applications is April 1. Applications for officers are due no later than April 30.
For more news from the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.
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