The Pivot: Amanda Lee's Unlikely Journey to the Blue Angels

Amanda Lee dreamed of becoming a doctor and had little exposure to air shows, making a future in aviation seem unlikely. However, a life-changing decision led her not only to a career in military aviation but also to make history as the first female pilot of the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.
In this video, you'll get a firsthand account of LCDR Lee’s journey from her upbringing in Mounds View, Minnesota, to her unexpected path to the Navy. Discover her pursuit of becoming an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot and gain insight into the rigorous Blue Angels application process.
You'll also hear candid reflections on the challenges LCDR Lee faced during her first winter training in El Centro, California, and what it’s like to fly a sequence of maneuvers known as “the gauntlet” due to their extreme difficulty. Through her hard work and dedication, Amanda has fully embraced what it means to be a Blue Angel, continually striving for excellence in every aspect of her career.
MORE ABOUT LCDR AMANDA LEE
Growing up in Mounds View, Minnesota, LCDR Lee had little exposure to aviation or air shows. It wasn't until middle school that she took her first commercial flight to Orlando to visit Disneyland. As a result, aviation didn't capture her imagination during her formative years. Instead, she aspired to a medical career and enrolled in the University of Minnesota in Duluth for Pre-Med. However, seeking a change, Amanda made the difficult decision to pivot career directions and enlisted in the United States Navy in 2007. She initially served as an Aviation Electronics Technician, excelling as part of VFA-136 "Knighthawks."
In 2009, Lee's Division Chief encouraged her to apply to the Seaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) commissioning program. She earned her commission in August 2013 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Amanda then attended primary flight training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, progressing through the program and flying aircraft including the T-6B Texan II and the T-45 Goshawk. She earned her designation as a Naval Aviator in April 2016.
With a desire to fly the same aircraft she had worked on as an Aviation Technician, Lee was assigned to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, where she trained in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. She then deployed on combat missions aboard the USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) with the "SUNLINERS" of VFA-81.
Returning to NAS Oceana in 2020, Amanda rejoined VFA-106 as an Instructor Pilot in the F/A-18 E/F. During this time, she was also named the lead East Coast Rhino Demo Team pilot, showcasing the capabilities of the Super Hornet at air shows across the country. This assignment introduced her to the Blue Angels. Enjoying the public outreach aspect of the Rhino Demo Team, Amanda applied to the Blue Angels to continue these efforts.
Amanda officially joined the Blue Angels in September 2022, taking on the responsibilities of the Left Wing (#3) for the 2023 airshow season. Prior to her selection, she accumulated over 1,800 flight hours and 225 carrier-arrested landings.
As part of the traditional progression of the #3 pilot, Amanda transitioned to the role of Slot Pilot (#4) in 2024 and now serves as the Team’s Safety Officer.
Produced by: Ryan Nothhaft
Special Thanks to:
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
LCDR Amanda Lee
LT Ben Bushong
MCC Michael Russell
MC1 Cody Deccio
MC2 Crayton Agnew
Footage & Photos By:
ABC News
Hun Chustine Minoda
Lance Cpl. Jackson Rush
Laura Bogan
LCDR Lydia Bock
Matthew Callahan
MC2 Scott Swofford
Mike Bilek
Petty Officer 3rd Class Connor Loessin
Ryan Nothhaft | RyNo Media Productions LLC
Spencer Hughes
Staff Sgt. Ryan Gomez
Sgt. Taylor Zacherl
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
2023 Blue Angels Team:
1. CDR Alexander Armatas
2. LCDR Chris Kapuschansky
3. LT Amanda Lee
4. LT Scott Goossens
5. LCDR Julius Bratton
6. LCDR Griffin Stangel
7. LCDR Thomas Zimmerman
8. LCDR Brian Vaught
XO CRD Jon Fay
M1 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMC
M2 MAJ Joshua Soltan, USMC
M3 CAPT Samuel Petko, USMC
MO LT Henry Cedeno
Assistant MO LCDR Gregory Jones
Flight Surgeon LT Philippe Warren
SO LT Paul Kruger
2024 Blue Angels
1. CDR Alex Armatas
2. LCDR Jack Keilty
3. LT Wes Perkins
4. LCDR Amanda Lee
5. LCDR Griffin Stangel
6. CDR Thomas Zimmerman
7. LT Connor O'Donnell
8. LCDR Brian Vaught
XO CDR Bryce Aubuchon
Maj Josh Soltan, USMC
Cast Sam Petko, USMC
Capt Isaac Becker, USMC
MO LCDR Greg Jones
Assistant MO LCDR Natalia Luchetti
DOC LCDR Philippe Warren
SUPO LTJG Mara Mason
PAO LT Ben Bushong

[@Delatta1961]

Thank you Amanda. You’re an awesome role model for everyone you encounter

[@rogerkober9836]

By far the best interview I’ve seen of Lcdr Lee. What an inspirational story. I can’t imagine the impact she is having performing for and meeting countless young people across the country. 🇺🇸

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Another fabulous one. I hope you get the opportunity for a less formal interview with her when she leaves the team and can tell some funny stories or just fun stories from her enlisted to officer and in the cockpit sea stories.

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

I am incredibly grateful to LCDR Amanda Lee, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and their Public Relations team for their support in producing this project. I also want to give a shout-out to a few content creators who generously shared their footage featured in this video, including Laura Bogan, Mike Bilek, and Spencer Hughes! Thank you!!

[@FlyFarwithChar]

Great video documentary and this Lady Vet is overjoyed to hear this story of LCDR Amanda Lee & The Blue Angels. Coming from the era where women were just being allowed into the Service Academies & Commissioning sources, this story has more meaning & hits very deep for our generation of servicewomen. Well done & YES! Amanda, we never know WHO we're going to inspire by doing our best in the lane God has us in! Keep Flying High, Young Lady!! Blessings Always!!!

[@silverfox9621]

Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee, you are an inspiration. I am a facilitator over at the NFA. I don’t know if the hierarchy here has asked you to come speak at our weekly graduation. But I would love for you to do so because we have so many young women here from all over the US and countries abroad, and your story is inspirational. Please think about it.

[@icypictures]

Well done piece and a great follow up to her story that we saw in the Blue Angels IMAX.

[@CAPEjkg]

I'm glad to always see former enlisted go officer in aviation. You had a great chief who saw the potential!

[@hoopsheavenpa]

She’s in an exclusive class and she deserves it. Way to go Amanda!

[@user-ew8ed1mm3t]

Thank you for doing this video. I was already wondering when we might see more of Amanda. Good job!

[@dougthomas7852]

Congratulations LCDR Lee. You are an inspiration to all of us!

[@jetjaguar5198]

All I can say is WOW! After watching the documentary and now watching it live for the first time yesterday in Pensacola gave me goose bumps and a new appreciation for the enter team.

[@user-lg7dw7ze8j]

Had family in Pensacola for years, right out the back gate of NAS. I was very impressed when I heard of you making the Blue Angels! Girl(s) dad so I’m all for motivated, inspirational ladies doing amazing things!

[@richkuban2027]

Incredible interview providing tremendous insight into this remarkably talented aviator. Her journey to the slot position IS so amazing and inspiring. I am sure she can do anything she sets her sights on. Thank you!

[@spencerhughes2255]

Great video Ryan!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thanks, Spencer! Really appreciate the fantastic footage you shared with me for this video. Much appreciated!

[@lindachildress7901]

Another amazing job Ryan..Always look forward to your videos. ❤

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thank you, Linda! I’ve always appreciate your support over the years! Hope you’re doing well!

[@larry5508]

That is simply wonderful, and inspirational to anyone! The Blues always make me PROUD to be a Naval Aviator, continued good luck and best wishes Lcdr Amanda Lee.

[@jacobdenman134]

Awesome video as always. Can’t wait to see LCDR Amanda Lee and the rest of the Blue Angels in Cleveland.

[@roberth6375]

This is so epic. She's very humble. Love our first female blue angel pilot 🙏

[@markbowling3475]

What a awesome female aviator, thank you LCDR for your service to our beautiful Nation, The States of America 🇺🇲 Tks for sharing your story , Godbless

[@aerospacehorizons]

Love this one. Great work Ryan! And thank you Stalin for the phenomenal interview!

[@JBAlternate]

Saw her and the rest of the Blues fly in Milwaukee last year. I haven't missed a show there since 2010 aside from rain-outs and the covid-cancelled years. It's a great location for an air show!

[@paulhewson4600]

Congrats to you and your Mustang Journey, You are very Lucky you had a Chief that recognized your attributes and future contributions to the US Navy. And to fly fixed wing and go to the Blue Angels is a testament to your hard work. I had a CO CDR. Jeff Lee in our Detachment many years ago.

[@LIZA8030]

Thank God for that Chief who saw her potential! Awesome interview! Can anyone explain why they use the 40lb stick spring?

[@lizusborne8279]

LCDR Amanda Lee, USN is an incredible role model. Thank you for this intro.

[@johnwoodall3791]

Congratulations to Lt. Commander Amanda Lee, This Lady is a Shining light in the Aviation World & by that I mean the Lady has Concur Ed the Elements once bound by us Boys in the Field of Flight. May you be the First of many to come Young Lady. A Credit to the Service you are & that shining light for not Just the Girls but us Guys to Ascend to as well. Respectfully...

[@_wingflexaviation_]

Awesome video Ryan! Good stuff

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thank you, alway enjoy your airshow videos!

[@_wingflexaviation_]

@@BlueAngelPhantoms Thank you Ryan, that means a ton!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Are you on Instagram or any other social platforms where we can DM?

[@bmezay2003]

Good stuff chillin to watch while at work

[@flightscapeaviationphoto]

You never fail to deliver Ryan 🏆 🙌

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Much appreciated, Mark! Hope all is well!

[@craignorsten14]

Looking forward to seeing you in Fargo later in July. From a fellow Minnesota resident, we're proud of you.

[@Coxfamuhlee]

Loved hearing your story cousin. We are so proud of you! ❤️

[@brmam1385]

Ma’am you are an inspiration to boys & girls who just want to fly! As a retired RN, NP I can absolutely concur that learning to “speak” medical or aviation or any of hundreds of careers ABSOLUTELY IS learning to speak another language! So glad you speak Blue Angels & FA-18’s so well! ♥🇺🇸👍

[@jessicam9121]

Today was amazing for the Milwaukee Air and Water show but we missed you guys this year. 😢💙💙💛💙💙💛7/28/24

[@stephanromeo684]

Ah I gotta say, she is a badass pilot. I saw her fly at MCCPAS and it was impressive

[@DiamondPaintWithDiamondDave]

From one AT to another. GO NAVY!!

[@gryhze]

This is why the US Navy is the best in the world. If you show a desire to demonstrate the best of your talents through hard work and commitment, the US Navy will answer your dream.

[@albradley6634]

I saw the Blue Angels in Binghamton, NY last week. On takeoff Lieutenant Commander Lee has to slot into the diamond formation. I know just a little about how navigating an aircraft works. That maneuver is incredibly complex. She is just an incredible Navy Aviator. My Dad flew Hellcats during WW2 and served in the Reserves for 25 years. He would be so thrilled that women can serve in these rolls now.

[@knightslade2007]

You are Amazing ! Full respect

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Been a fan of the BA for 50+ years growing up in a Navy family. I spend a week in El Centro watching practices every year. I also watch MKBlues YT channel he films the daily practices there. I was talking with him this year. We concluded you must love barb wire. No slot pilot liked getting closer to that runway fence than you did. Incredible. Looking forward to seeing you in Seattle.

[@ndirangugichuki6260]

That is a really nice story about how she got into aviation and the blue angels 👍

[@paulhutton8462]

Amazing story. From the girl next door to one of the elite pilots of world. Class

[@gweggorz]

Great interview. I got to see them at Montgomery earlier in the year - they looked amazing as always. And unsurprisingly, she was the hardest autograph to get after the show lol.

[@PaulBeaudoin]

Great video. Love stuff like this. New subscriber!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Awesome, thank you!

[@anitajinfla9762]

Great interview.... You GO Girl!

[@Universal_exports87]

Thank you for your service to this country Ma'am.

[@marionpartin6179]

An admirable young woman, and an awesome role model for girls and boys.

[@scottmeyer9196]

Awesome video!

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

Thank you, Scott!

[@beckyumphrey2626]

She is awesome. From enlisted to LtCdr is awesome!!!

[@harperg7756]

She is so inspiring 💙💛

[@billwalker7556]

I met her at the Blue Angels performance in Vidalia, Ga in April this year. She was very nice. She is tall and we joked about having a special seat made for her.

[@steffey14]

VERY IMPRESSIVE. CONGRATS.

[@slacker7781]

What was truly enjoyable, a pleasant change and I listen closely. Amanda never played the gender card in any comments. I’m an F-18 oilot/naval aviator who is fortunate to put on a Blue Suit and having a blast. Amen, former Navy A-4 pilot, Vietnam.

[@ddvan001]

Nice job Ryan!

[@michaelgohlke3168]

Former Navy ATC here. Impressive aviator!

[@rudy1380]

Made it with SKILL 💪🏼

[@Carlos27thFS]

They may never get perfection in the air. But the Team year after year picks perfection in their personnel to carry on the legacy.

[@alangil3493]

Well done Commander. You owe your first chief several beers for his guidance

[@ShannonMorey-gx1kn]

Turn and burn!! It's Women like this who kids SHOULD be looking up too, literally 😉 🔥 !!! We need more positive stories like this!!! ❤❤❤ 😊... the lil girl in me is so Happy right now!!! I always wanted to be a Pilot, but God lead me another way!! The tin blue line way!❤ 🙏 Can't wait for me and the kids to see you in OKC...

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

The blue angels are in town this weekend. Is she still on the team?

[@kevinmadore1794]

Yes, flying the slot machine #4.

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

@@kevinmadore1794 That's great we're going tomorrow.

[@byronjaffe518]

Very impressive individual

[@dirtyketchup]

1:00 I happened to spot the diamond had two #7 jets. Must have been a backup/media jet that had recently been painted?

[@garudain77]

May all USN pilots be as cool as you, Commander!

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

Senior Non-Coms make all the difference in the world in any unit. They can make it excel or crash and burn.

[@johnlang150]

So Flew for 3 days up o Canada for the Toronto show, is that why you all left so quick without the monday Fat Albert show??

[@lenn55]

Why do the Blue's now have an F/A-18/F in the shows? The 2 seat aircraft just used to be for VIP rides or in case one of the single seat jets had a maintenance issue. thx

[@kevinmadore1794]

They only bring 7 jets. So if one breaks, the F is in the show. They will also use it if there is a distinguished rider during the practice or show. That privilege is typically only afforded to military aviators of O-6 rank or higher.

[@siouxperb5570]

The squadron has roughly an equal number of E and F models. Therefore, there will by default have to be some F models in the demo. This also happened late in the legacy hornet tenure when the available aircraft coming from the fleet were more D models than C models.

[@55Reever]

Amanda could one day lead the Blue Angels.

[@AudreyRSmith]

She most likely won’t because she is not qualified for the boss roll it’s a lot More work she has done so far maybe one day 😊

[@12345fowler]

Finally a women in the team - it was about time.

[@siouxperb5570]

It was bound to happen, but the timing is about right, more or less. Remember, they have to volunteer first, and then be selected. Given the fewer number of female aviators in the Navy vs the Air Force, it isn't much of a surprise that it took the Navy longer to get its first female demo pilot. She's also simply the first Jet demo pilot. They've had C-130 female pilots, female NFOs, filling the #8 position, and many other female members of the team in various duties, both officer and enlisted dating back to 1969.

[@M1903a4]

The Blue Angels finally get an Angel

[@MattTee1975]

😒

[@phillipware9681]

HAND SALUTE 🫡🇺🇲

[@indy500tabasco8]

u r pride and envy for millions humans