Tipp native selected to join Blue Angels demonstration team
Lieutenant Junior Grade Mara Mason hails from Tipp City. She graduated with honors from The Ohio State University in 2018, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs Journalism and Vocal Performance.
During her undergraduate studies, she advocated for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, successfully lobbying for a 200% budget increase to establish rape crisis centers across all 88 counties of Ohio.
In 2018, LTJG Mason commenced her civilian career as a Marketing and Administrative Coordinator at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in Columbus. Her responsibilities included optimizing databases, managing advertising, social media, and public relations, significantly enhancing engagement in online, print, and community-driven seasonal promotions.
Transitioning to Tego in 2019, a technology startup specializing in safety applications for Apple iOS and Android, she served as Director of Marketing. Her strategic efforts led to increased application usage and downloads, ensuring user safety in high-crime areas.
Commissioned as a Supply Corps Officer on December 4, 2020, after completing Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, LTJG Mason excelled in the Navy Supply Corps Basic Qualification Course, graduating with the second-highest academic standing in her class. Recognized with the Leadership Management Excellence Award, she reported to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) VANGUARD on June 22, 2021, and subsequently completed the Joint Aviation Supply and Maintenance Material Management Course (JASMMM).
In her role as Supply Officer for HM-14, LTJG Mason supervised over 40 sailors across stateside and forward-deployed locations. She managed five command NAMP programs and three government purchase card hierarchies spanning two continents, maintaining accountability for squadron assets valued over $275M. Notably, she oversaw the disestablishment of HM-14, coordinating aircraft transfers and program closure procedures.
Achieving qualification as a Naval Aviation Supply Officer on June 22, 2022, LTJG Mason’s career continued to ascend, culminating in her selection to join the prestigious Blue Angels flight demonstration team in September 2023. Her commendations include the Navy Commendation Medal for outstanding service.
LTJG Mara Mason’s appointment as Supply Officer for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels underscores her exceptional leadership and dedication to naval aviation.