TEAM | ENLISTED

The Blue Angels' enlisted maintenance and support team is comprised of approximately 100 Sailors and Marines. Alternating crews of about 45 team members travel to each show site. All career-oriented enlisted Sailor or Marine applicants come recommended for Blue Angel duty by their current commanding officer. Applicants go through extensive screening, including interviewing with the members of each of the 15 squadron work centers. The keen selection process secures the squadron's tradition of excellence, ensuring the Blue Angels are a direct reflection of the professionalism of today's Sailors and Marines. After completing their Blue Angel tour, individuals return to the fleet to continue their naval careers.

Selected enlisted personnel volunteer for a three-year tour with the squadron. Though every team member brings skills in a distinct job specialty, each is expected to work beyond that specialty, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Blue Angels. The squadron consists of seven distinct departments, jointly responsible for guaranteeing command readiness. A tribute to this dedicated team is the fact that the Blue Angels have never canceled an air show due to a maintenance problem.


CMDCM MATTHEW DAWSON | USN

// Command Master Chief
CMDCM Matthew Dawson

Command Master Chief Matthew Dawson is a native of Racine, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 1999 and attended recruit training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation, he attended Naval Aircrew Candidate School and then Hospital Corpsman "A" School.

Matthew joined the Blue Angels in September 2023. He has accumulated over 1,000 hours in various rotary- and fixed-wing naval aircraft. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), Army Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal and various unit and campaign awards. He is also a recipient of the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit and Red Cross Hero Award for lifesaving actions.

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MAINTENANCE MASTER CHIEF


Hector Viramontes

AVCM(AW/SW)
Hector Viramontes

Pico Rivera, CA

Master Chief Avionics Technician (AW/SW) Hector Viramontes is a native of Pico Rivera, California. He graduated from El Rancho High School in 1995. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1995, where he completed Basic Training and Airman Apprenticeship Training at...

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CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS & GUNNERY SERGEANTS


The squadron's senior enlisted Navy and Marine Corps personnel ensure day-to-day operations while providing key leadership, guidance, and training to enlisted personnel in the areas of maintenance, logistics, public affairs, and administration.

Jose Pulgarin

ATCS(AW/SW)
Jose Pulgarin
Maintenance Chief

Medellin, Colombia
Jeramy Rouse

ADCS(AW/SW)
Jeramy Rouse
Maintenance Chief

Boring, OR
Alejandro Benito

AECS(AW/SW)
Alejandro Benito
Maintenance Chief

Houston, TX
Carolina Berrio

AMCS(AW/SW)
Carolina Berrio
Maintenance Chief

Armenia, Colombia
Joseph Bishop

ATC(AW)
Joseph Bishop
Maintenance Chief

Cedar Key, FL
Justin Delacruz

LSC(AW/SW/IW)
Justin Delacruz
Logistics Chief

San Diego, CA
Shawna Diggins

NCC(AW)
Shawna Diggins
Cmd. Career Counselor

Oakdale, CA
Dana Foley

AMC(AW/SW)
Dana Foley
Maintenance Chief

Sutherlin, OR
Bradley Jordan

ADC(AW/SW)
Bradley Jordan
Maintenance Chief

Jacksonville, FL
Bill Kelly

LSCS(AW/SW)
Bill Kelly
Logistics Chief

Long Branch, NJ
Kerry Koepke

AZC(AW)
Kerry Koepke
Maintenance Chief

Kearny, NJ
Joseph Long

GySgt. | USMC
Joseph Long
C-130J Maintenance GySgt.

Knoxville, TN
Michael Russell

MCC(AW/SW)
Michael Russell
Public Affairs Chief

Selma, AL
Felicia Swaner

YNC(AW/SW/IW)
Felicia Swaner
Administration Chief

Waco, TX
Jeromy Watts

AMCS(AW)
Jeromy Watts
Maintenance Chief

Rosamond, CA

FAT ALBERT AIRLINES


The all-Marine flight crew assigned to the squadron's Lockheed-Martin C-130 J Super Hercules is responsible for transporting road-crew personnel, supplies, and equipment to and from each show site throughout the season.

Brandon Wishard

GySgt. | USMC
Brandon Wishard
Fat Albert Flight Engineer

Tacoma, WA
Colin Handlen

SSgt. | USMC
Colin Handlen
Fat Albert Flight Engineer

Michigan City, IN
Lauren Song

SSgt. | USMC
Lauren Song
Fat Albert Flight Engineer

Aurora, CO
Matthew Thompson

SSgt. | USMC
Matthew Thompson
Fat Albert Flight Engineer

Woodstock, GA

FAT ALBERT MAINTENANCE


The Fat Albert Maintenance work center maintains the airframe, life support, engine, hydraulic and avionics systems of the Blue Angels C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft, Fat Albert.

Patrick Angles

SSgt. | USMC
Patrick Angles

Newburgh, IN
Adam Gresham

Sgt. | USMC
Adam Gresham

Williamston, SC
Joseph Gunther

Sgt. | USMC
Joseph Gunther

Long Island, NY
Guillermo Hernandez

SSgt. | USMC
Guillermo Hernandez

Heredia, Costa Rica
Daniel Knutson

Sgt. | USMC
Daniel Knutson

Eagan, MN
Payton Lopez

Sgt. | USMC
Payton Lopez

Abilene, TX
Kenneth Smith

Sgt. | USMC
Kenneth Smith

Derry, NH

CREW COORDINATORS


The Crew Coordinators are selected from the team after their first year and can be E-6 personnel in any rate. They are responsible for the overall training of the maintenance and support team on all the squadron procedures, and they coordinate ground operations necessary to facilitate a Blue Angels performance.

Tanner Bayles

AS1(AW/SW)
Tanner Bayles

Colorado Springs, CO
Baylee O'Donnell

AZ1(AW)
Baylee O'Donnell

Champaign, IL

ADMINISTRATION


The Administration department is responsible for executive and official correspondence, squadron records, pay, and travel orders. Administration maintains instructions and notices, handles promotions and awards, and controls legal and security concerns.

Daniel Alvarez

PS1(AW/SW)
Daniel Alvarez

Dallas, TX
Justin Asuncion

YN2(SW)
Justin Asuncion

Lynnwood, WA
Matthew Jefferson

YN2(AW)
Matthew Jefferson

Los Angeles, CA
Morgan Riney

YN1(AW/SCW/EXW)
Morgan Riney

Yuba City, CA

AIRFRAMES


The Airframes work center comprises Navy Aviation Structural mechanics and Marine Corps F/A-18 fixed-wing aircraft airframe mechanics specializing in hydraulics and aircraft structure. These personnel maintain flight controls, hydraulic systems, landing, arresting and catapult gear, and perform composite/sheet metal structural repairs of the F/A-18 Super Hornet. During the air show season, an airframes representative accompanies the C-130 crew as a safety observer in the Fat Albert portion of the flight demonstration.

Ross Alexander

AM1(AW)
Ross Alexander

Summerville, GA
Ashley Del Orbe

AM2(AW)
Ashley Del Orbe

Santo Domingo, DR
Spencer Graybill

AM2(AW)
Spencer Graybill

Dothan, AL
Joshua Harris

AM1(AW)
Joshua Harris

Rochester, NY
Nick Kaminski

AM1(AW)
Nick Kaminski

Mount Airy, MD
Tristan Lafferty

AM1(AW)
Tristan Lafferty

Grand Junction, CO
Tony Munoz

AM1(AW)
Tony Muñoz

Tampa, FL
Kyle Newton

AM2(AW)
Kyle Newton

Decatur, IL
Travis Noland

AM1(AW)
Travis Noland

Carrollton, AL
Brad Powell

AM1(AW)
Brad Powell

Greenville, SC
Jerry Rumbaugh

AM2(AW)
Jerry Rumbaugh

Pecos, TX
Adriana Sanchez

AM1(AW/SW)
Adriana Sanchez

Brooklyn, NY
Andrew Stiltner

USMC | Sgt.
Andrew Stiltner

Eastpointe, MI
Wes Tegtmeyer

AM1(AW)
Wes Tegtmeyer

Dayton, OH
Alejandro Verduzco

USMC | Sgt.
Alejandro Verduzco

Morehead City, NC
Gabe Whisman

AM2(AW)
Gabe Whisman

Wasilla, AK

AVIATION MEDICINE


The Aviation Medicine Department is responsible for the health and wellness of each team member. The medical team performs annual physical examinations and emergency medical procedures, keeps medical and dental readiness up to date, and acts as a liaison for advanced medical care.

Brandon Crawford

HM1(AW/FMF)
Brandon Crawford

Tacoma, WA
Aaron Lewis

HM2(AW)
Aaron Lewis

Newport News, VA

AVIONICS


Navy Aviation Electronics technicians and Aviation Electricians, as well as Marine Corps F/A-18 aircraft electrical systems technicians and squadron aircraft communications/navigation radar systems technicians comprise the Avionics work center. They are responsible for the performance of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and timely troubleshooting of F/A-18 and C-130 electronic flight controls, communication, navigation, radar, mission computers, display systems and fuel quantity.

Jonathan Kiesznowski

AE1(AW)
Jonathan Kiesznowski

Brooksville, FL
Kyle Beck

AE2(AW)
Kyle Beck

Mesa, AZ
Ryan Hernandez

AE1(AW)
Ryan Hernandez

Hacienda Heights, CA
Blade Hiatt

AE2(AW)
Blade Hiatt

Morganton, NC
Chelsie Jenkins

AE1(AW)
Chelsie Jenkins

Duval County, FL
Mychael Kisling

AT1(AW)
Mychael Kisling

Murfreesboro, TN
Hunter Lumley

AT2(AW)
Hunter Lumley

Middletown, MD
Cameron Myers

AT1(AW/SW)
Cameron Myers

Atlanta, GA
Alex Portillo

SSgt. | USMC
Alex Portillo

Winchester, VA
Shyhiem Rhodes

AT1(AW)
Shyhiem Rhodes

Rochester, NY
Matthew Rowe

AE1(AW)
Matthew Rowe

Harbor City, CA

CREW CHIEFS


The Crew Chief work center is composed of Navy and Marine Corps maintenance technicians in various aviation specialties. Two crew chiefs are assigned to each pilot, and they are responsible for performing engine turn-up operations and flight controls/instruments checks, as well as daily turn-around and preflight inspections of the aircraft. Each crew chief goes through extensive training to get a working knowledge of the aircraft and its systems.

Edwin Nolasco

AT1(AW)
Edwin Nolasco

Los Angeles, CA
Oleg Berenzon

AE2(AW/SW)
Oleg Berenzon

Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
Taylor Craig

AO1(AW/SW)
Taylor Craig

Stillwater, OK
Sean Donoghue

AE2(AW)
Sean Donoghue

Santa Clarita, CA
Brandon Franciscy

PR1(AW)
Brandon Franciscy

Sandwich, IL
Leon Grant

AO2(AW/SW)
Leon Grant

Fayetteville, NC
Aaron Gutierrez

AD1(AW)
Aaron Gutierrez

Goodyear, AZ
Marcos Ivey

AO2(AW/SW)
Marcos Ivey

Keystone Heights, FL
Chelsea Kendrick

AE1(AW)
Chelsea Kendrick

Aurora, CO
Rachel Luckett

AO2(AW/SW)
Rachel Luckett

Detroit, MI
Nick Otteraaen

AT1(AW)
Nick Otteraaen

Salida, CA
Michael Patterson III

AT2(AW)
Michael Patterson III

Columbus, OH
Tamara Perez

AS1(AW/SW)
Tamara Perez

Hillside, NJ
Andres Widhalm

AM1(AW)
Andres Widhalm

Medellin, Colombia

EVENTS COORDINATION


The Events Coordination office schedules preseason visits with show site sponsors and secures accommodations and ground support for each air show. Events personnel also create all air show schedules and coordinate team commitments, including school and hospital visits, and manage the Blue Angels Key Influencer rider program.

Kianna Blake

YN1(AW)
Kianna Blake

Brooklyn, NY
Yvonne Renteria

YN1(SW)
Yvonne Renteria

El Paso, TX

LIFE SUPPORT


The Life Support work center comprises Navy Aviation Structural Mechanics - Safety Equipment technicians and Aircrew Survival Equipment technicians. They maintain and repair the systems that support the life of the pilot in normal and emergency situations. These systems include air conditioning, avionics cooling, heating, liquid oxygen, and canopy and ejection seat emergency escape systems. They also maintain the personal flight gear the pilots must wear, such as helmets, oxygen masks, inflatable flotation devices, and ejection seat flight harnesses.

Jordan James

AME1(AW)
Jordan James

Xenia, OH
Grant Causey

AME2(AW)
Grant Causey

Jackson, OH
Kollyn Ellegood

AME2(AW)
Kollyn Ellegood

Gallatin, TN
Jose Figueroa

PR2(AW)
Jose Figueroa

Carolina, Puerto Rico
Brandon Gatewood

PR1(AW)
Brandon Gatewood

Camden County, GA
Theresita Jarret

AME1(AW)
Theresita Jarret

Rio Rico, AZ
Darren Johnson

PR2(AW)
Darren Johnson

Spanish Fort, AL
Bret Lynch

AME1(AW)
Bret Lynch

Fallon, NV
Casey Smith

AME1(AW)
Casey Smith

Phoenix, AZ
Tredino Taylor

AME1(AW)
Tredino Taylor

Nassau, Bahamas

LOGISTICS


The Logistics Department researches, procures, stores, and dispatches spare parts, tools, and uniforms. Logistics personnel also research future squadron logistical needs, and initiate contracts for services required to support daily operations.

Kristin Ceresola

LS1(AW/SW)
Kristin Ceresola

Oak Harbor, WA
Masha Burger

LS1(AW/SW)
Masha Burger

Virginia Beach, VA
Tyler Collins

LS2(AW/SW)
Tyler Collins

Albany, GA
Crystal Gillespie

LS1(SW)
Crystal Gillespie

Deltona, FL
Jacques Holder

LS1(AW/SW/IW)
Jacques Holder

Washington, D.C.
Justin Magdaraog

LS1(AW/SW)
Justin Magdaraog

Taguig, Philippines
Chris McEvoy

LS1(SW)
Chris McEvoy

Rising Sun, MD
Alisea Meza

LS2(AW)
Alisea Meza

Miles, TX
Blake Thompson

LS1(SW)
Blake Thompson

Loretto, KY
Cristin Turner

LS1(AW/SW)
Cristin Turner

Portland, ME

MAINTENANCE CONTROL


The Maintenance Control work center is comprised of Navy Aviation Adiminstrationmen. They manage aircraft maintenance and technical support for the squadron's assigned aircraft and maintenance personnel. They coordinate, direct and manage scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on squadron aircraft and ensure aircraft records are accurate.

Joey Willis

AZ1(AW/SW)
Joey Willis

Savannah, GA
Sarah Clapp

AZ1(AW/SW)
Sarah Clapp

Palm Coast, FL
Hannah Jeffery

AZ1(AW)
Hannah Jeffery

Portland, OR
Fredy Lopez

AZ2(AW)
Fredy Lopez

Torrance, CA
Diego Solorzano

AZ2(AW)
Diego Solorzano

Brawley, CA

PAINT SHOP


The Paint Shop work center is composed of maintenance technicians from various aviation ratings. Team members assigned to the Paint Shop are responsible for painting operations, corrosion control, and corrosion removal on the F/A-18 Super Hornet and Fat Albert, the C-130 transport aircraft.

Shelby Parker

AM1(AW)
Shelby Parker

Redford, MI
Cody Farrell

AM2(AW)
Cody Farrell

Long Island, NY
Chui Ying Ma

AM2(AW)
Chui Ying Ma

Hong Kong
Renei Pamintuan

LS2(AW)
Renei Pamintuan

Santa Clara, CA
Alex Rodriguez

AM2(AW)
Alex Rodriguez

Houston, TX
Kevin Zabojnik

Sgt. | USMC
Kevin Zabojnik

Burleson, TX

POWER PLANTS


The Power Plants work center is composed of Navy Aviation Machinist Mates and Marine Corps F/A-18 and C-130 fixed-wing aircraft mechanics. Power Plants personnel adjust, maintain, replace and service Blue angel aircraft engines, accessories and fuel and smoke systems. They also maintain the secondary power systems of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, which allows the aircraft to be started anywhere, without external power.

Michael Donaldson

AD1(AW)
Michael Donaldson

Ripon, CA
Lorenzo Arevalo

AD1(AW)
Lorenzo Arevalo

Daly City, CA
Dustin Beck

AD1(AW)
Dustin Beck

Greenville, NC
Jose Cruz

AD2(AW)
Jose Cruz

Corpus Christi, TX
Joey Domicoli III

SSgt.(AW) | USMC
Joey Domicoli III

San Pedro, CA
John Funescruz

AD2(AW)
John Funescruz

Dallas, GA
John Russell

AD2(AW)
John Russell

Montgomery, AL
Jose Sanchez

AD1(AW)
Jose Sanchez

Lincolnton, NC
Zach Summers

Sgt. | USMC
Zach Summers

Salem, AL
Helbert Urrutia Jr.

AD2(AW)
Helbert Urrutia Jr.

Middletown, NY
Josh Watson

AD1(AW)
Josh Watson

Maryville, TN
Richard Wiese

AD1(AW)
Richard Wiese

Hopkins, MN

PUBLIC AFFAIRS


The Public Affairs Office documents and promotes the Blue Angels. It designs, writes, photographs, edits, publishes and distributes news and promotional materials for the squadron. The Public Affairs Office also coordinates promotional coverage and interviews with local, national and international media, and manages the Blue Angels VIP rider program.

Cody Deccio

MC1(AW/SW)
Cody M. Deccio

Yakima, WA
Joe Cardona

MC2(AW/SW)
Joe Cardona

Isabela, Puerto Rico
Crayton Agnew

MC2
Crayton Agnew

Starr, SC

QUALITY ASSURANCE


The Quality Assurance work center is composed of maintenance technicians in various aviation ratings. These individuals administer and prepare maintenance instructions, review incoming technical directives, and participate as members of a technical task force that investigate trouble areas in fleet-wide aircraft maintenance. They also supervise and inspect the squadron's aircraft maintenance regime and regularly complete audits on work centers for specific maintenance programs.

A.J.  Acosta

AME1(AW)
A.J. Acosta

San Angelo, TX
Cyrus Brown

AT1(AW)
Cyrus Brown

Antelope, CA
Matthew Burciaga

AD1(AW)
Matthew Burciaga

Sandy Springs, GA
Hyland McNaughton

AM1(AW/SW)
Hyland McNaughton

Huntington Beach, CA
Taylor Miller

AT1(AW)
Taylor Miller

Appleton, WI
Holly Phibbs

AZ2(AW)
Holly Phibbs

Seminole, FL
Michael Sullivan

AM1(AW)
Michael Sullivan

Dallas, TX

VIDEO


The Video work center comprises Navy and Marine Corps maintenance technicians in various aviation specialties. The personnel are responsible for filming each training flight and flight demonstration for use by the pilots during debrief. They also maintain the communications cart, which allows support officers to communicate with the pilots during flight, and they simulcast the demonstration music and narration.

Bailey Cole

AT1(AW)
Bailey Cole

Granbury, TX
Angela Arriaga

AE1(AW/SW)
Angela Arriaga

Los Angeles, CA
Kyler Carpenter

AM2(AW)
Kyler Carpenter

Morgantown, WV
Huy Huynh

AE2(AW)
Huy Huynh

Philadelphia, PA
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