A UC San Diego graduate will soon take off as the next commanding officer of the Navy’s Blue Angels.
Navy officials announced Monday that Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi was chosen to lead the flight demonstration squad headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, succeeding Capt. Tom Frosch.
"It is an absolute honor to have been selected for this prestigious position," said Bernacchi in a news release. "There is a legacy of tradition and excellence within the Blue Angels squadron, and I look forward to maintaining the high standard of excellence set before me by Captain Frosch."
A native of Los Altos, Bernacchi got his Bachelor of Arts degree from UC San Diego in 1996. He received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program.
Since then, Bernacchi has logged more than 3,000 flight hours and 600 carrier-arrested landings. He flew F/A-18 Hornets in five squadrons and was deployed to support Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
He will now serve as the CO and flight leader for the 2016-2017 Blue Angels air show season, looking after 130 personnel. It also means he gets to fly the #1 jet.
A selection panel made up of 10 admirals and former commanding officers picked Bernacchi to serve in the role. Leading the panel was Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Roy Kelley.
Local
"We prioritized selecting an officer who is an outstanding example of the pride and professionalism of the Navy and Marine Corps," said Kelley. "Commander Bernacchi has a proven record of excellence and will be both a strong flight leader and commanding officer for the 2016 team."
Training begins in Florida in September, and Bernacchi will take the helm by November. His team is scheduled to perform 69 shows in 36 locations in 2016.
Bernacchi has been awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Air Medal with combat V, three Strike/Flight Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals (one with combat V), three Navy Achievement Medals and more.
