Cmdr. Stephen R. Foley Leads The Pack

The Navy's Chief of Air Training, Rear Adm. George E. Mayer, has made his decision. He's picked Cmdr. Stephen R. Foley to lead the Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, for the 2005-2006 show seasons.

Foley, selected April 21st, will take command of the Blue Angels during a change of command ceremony scheduled for Nov. 14 at the completion of the 2004 show season.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and other countries as international ambassadors of goodwill.

"The Blue Angels serve as role models and goodwill ambassadors for the US Navy and Marine Corps. They represent the best of naval aviation, and Cmdr. Foley will make a superb addition to the team," said Mayer. "Selecting the one person from the seven finalists to lead the Blue Angels was a difficult decision because they were all exemplary officers, skilled aviators, and proven leaders."

More than 15 million people attended Blue Angels air shows during the 2003 show season. Since 1946, the team has performed for more than 380 million people.

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil