BREAKING NEWS: Blue Angels Announce New Commanding Officer for 2025-2026 Show Seasons
NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, announced the selection of Cmdr. Adam “Gilligan” Bryan as the commanding officer for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola on April 16.
Cmdr. Adam Bryan will assume command following the conclusion of the 2024 show season in November, succeeding Cmdr. Alex Armatas. Candidates for the position were required to possess a minimum of 3,000 flight hours and current or past command experience of a tactical jet squadron.
Reflecting on his appointment, Cmdr. Adam Bryan shared, “What has always been most fulfilling for me is being part of a remarkable team and witnessing their achievements. I view the team’s success as my primary objective and lifelong pursuit. When they excel, I excel.”
Originally from Canton, Connecticut, Bryan joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of VFA-137, known as the “Kestrels.” His career includes multiple squadron assignments, including deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the United States Naval Academy and boasts over 3,200 flight hours, along with more than 625 carrier arrested landings. His accolades encompass numerous unit and personal awards.
Commenting on the selection process, Cmdr. Alex Armatas, current commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels, stated, “This year, we had an outstanding pool of highly qualified and skilled leaders apply for the position. I have full confidence in Cmdr. Bryan’s ability to lead the team through the 2025 and 2026 show seasons.”
Cmdr. Bryan is scheduled to begin initial training in Pensacola, Florida in September and will officially assume command of the squadron at the conclusion of the air show season in November. The change-of-command ceremony is set for November 3, 2024, at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
As the commanding officer and flight leader for the 2025 and 2026 Blue Angels air show seasons, Cmdr. Bryan will oversee a team of 160 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader flying the #1 jet. The Blue Angels perform annually for 11 million spectators across the United States, with plans to execute 64 shows in 32 locations during the 2025 season.