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-Editorial
The unmistakable roar of the Blue Angels’ engines echoed across the Imperial Valley skies as the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron arrived at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro. Known as the “Pearl of the Desert,” NAF El Centro serves as the Blue Angels’ winter training home, where they prepare for the highly anticipated 2025 El Centro Air Show.
The annual air show, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, promises breathtaking aerial acrobatics and is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 8:30 AM, welcoming thousands of spectators eager to witness precision flying and daring maneuvers.
This year’s winter training is essential for the Blue Angels as they perfect their routines and maintain their reputation for excellence. Their arrival marks the beginning of months of intense practice, ensuring that each maneuver in their 2025 show season is performed with unmatched precision and teamwork.
NAF El Centro, with its clear skies and ideal training conditions, has been the Blue Angels’ winter home since 1967. The annual air show is a highlight for the community, offering an up-close experience of the Navy’s aviation prowess.
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, has selected five new officers to join the team for the 2025 air show season, including two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilots, a C-130J Super Hercules pilot, an Events Coordinator, and a Flight Surgeon. These officers will join the ranks of the Navy’s elite aviation team, alongside the ground support officers and enlisted maintenance personnel. The selection process, which takes place during the Pensacola Beach Air Show week, is highly competitive, with this year’s finalists chosen in July. The 2025 team includes Maj. Brandon Wilkins of Marine Aircraft Group 31 and Maj. Scott Laux of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 as F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots; Lcdr. Lilly Montana of VT-86 as Events Coordinator; Maj. Joshua Horman of VMGR-252 as the C-130J Demonstration Pilot; and Cmdr. Jen Murr of VR-56 as the Flight Surgeon. These new members will report in September for a two-month turnover period, with rigorous training beginning after the 2024 season concludes in November. As Cmdr. Alex Armatas, commanding officer and flight leader stated, “We are thrilled to introduce the new officers for the 2025 show season and excited to see what each of them brings to our demonstration team.” The Blue Angels continue their mission to inspire excellence, teamwork, and service through thrilling flight demonstrations and impactful community outreach.
The Blue Angels, stationed at Forrest Sherman Field, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, during the air show season, spend January through March training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. Serving as ambassadors of goodwill, the team brings naval aviation to men, women, and children across America through precision flight demonstrations that highlight the professionalism, excellence, and teamwork of Navy and Marine Corps units. Since their inception, they have performed for more than 500 million spectators worldwide, thrilling audiences with the magic of flight.
Beyond their aerial displays, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Blue Angel is connecting with communities by visiting hospitals, schools, and local events. At schools, they engage with students to discuss the excitement of naval aviation and the benefits of military service, aiming to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams. Through their performances and interactions, the Blue Angels strive to motivate tomorrow’s leaders and showcase the dedication of the men and women who make up the squadron.
