Seeking Qualified Sailors And Marines For 2007 Season

The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron -- better known as the Blue Angels -- is encouraging qualified Sailors and Marines to apply for the 2007 season. Representatives with the elite group tell Aero-News the application deadline is April 1, and selection results will be available in June 1.

Alas, if you're not already in the military -- and have some serious seat time in an F/A-18 -- you're not likely to get past the application phase (you probably won't get past the gate, for that matter.)

According to Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (AW) Robert Sadak, however, there are other positions open -- including open billets for E-5 and E-6 journalists, illustrative draftsmen, storekeepers, photographer’s mates, aviation maintenance administrationmen, aviation electronics technicians, aviation ordnancemen, aviation structural mechanics, aviation electrician’s mates and hospital corpsmen with an 8406 Navy enlisted classification (NEC).

Interested Marine applicants with 6257 and 6217 military occupational specialties (MOS) are needed as well, according to Sadak, who is the Blue Angels’ applications chief petty officer.

"We are looking for motivated, hard-charging Sailors and Marines with outgoing personalities to represent the pride and professionalism found throughout today’s Navy," Sadak said. "Our team of Navy and Marine Corps professionals are a direct reflection of personnel currently stationed around the world displaying Honor, Courage, and Commitment on a daily basis to uphold our nation’s values and ideals."

"We display teamwork for the crowds who come to see the Blue Angels," Sadak said. "The high caliber of Sailors and Marines we are looking for are the same caliber of who we represent."

Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Eric Hodge said applicants have to take pride representing the Navy to the public.

"We are all volunteers," Hodge said. "But we’re looking for those special volunteers who proudly serve our country and represent our shipmates who are out in the fleet."

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil/