#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.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Conservation efforts on Alabama’s Gulf Coast have taken another major step forward with the protection of additional land on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Thanks to a donation from the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will permanently preserve 13 ecologically sensitive lots, safeguarding critical habitats from future development.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded the Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation by the League of American Bicyclists. This honor places Gulf Shores among a select group of U.S. cities committed to cycling.
The award highlights Gulf Shores’ efforts to create a safer, more connected place for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It also recognizes the city's major investments in bike trails and active transportation infrastructure.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 2025 Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama is only a week away, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest. Whether you're a seasoned tosser or a first-time visitor, this legendary beach party promises a weekend full of sun, sand, music, and, of course, flying fish. But before you pack your bags and head down to the Flora-Bama line, there are a few important things to know to help you make the most of your Mullet Toss weekend.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – In a move to preserve its natural beauty and maintain public safety, the City of Orange Beach has adopted new regulations restricting business activities on beaches, shorelines, and waterways. The ordinance, passed on April 15, 2025, amends the city’s Business License Code to prohibit most forms of commercial activity in these sensitive areas.
Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – The United States National Park System is a vast collection of protected lands and seas. While the National Park Service (NPS) oversees a network of over 433 distinct parks, including battlefields, monuments, seashores, and preserves. There are 63 National Parks in the United States. The first National Park in the United States — and the world — was Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley’s recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will begin with a commemoration of the Battle of Lexington.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is preparing to celebrate those who make a difference in their communities with a special event dedicated to local heroes. The evening will highlight individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and compassion along the Gulf Coast.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Twelve city streets in the Bear Point neighborhood are scheduled for resurfacing starting in late April, weather permitting, as part of Orange Beach’s 2025 Roadway Resurfacing project.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park has once again been honored as the best recreational trail in the United States, securing the top spot in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2024. This marks the third consecutive year the trail has received this national recognition, underscoring its status as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores has new owners. After nearly nine years of family operation, the local favorite changed hands on Monday, April 14.
