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. 

Locals are 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.

Last year a military veteran in the Seattle area wanted to ground the Blues. You can read the article below.

Related Articles: Air Force Vet Wants Blue Angels Grounded

Here's a closer look at the individuals who comprise the 2025 Blue Angels team.

#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.

#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.