From Fleet to Formation: Armatas on Mastery in Naval Aviation
February 3, 2026
In this episode, Cmdr. Alexander “A-Train” Armatas, former Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — delivers a masterclass on precision aviation, leadership under pressure, and the mindsets that separate good aviators from elite ones. Drawing from his career as a fleet fighter pilot and Blue Angel, Armatas explains how focus, trust, and communication shape both combat aviation and world-class formation flying.
In this episode of the Naval Aviation Ready Room podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Cmdr. Alexander Armatas, former Blue Angels Flight Leader and Commanding Officer, to explore the craft, discipline, and leadership philosophy behind one of the most demanding jobs in the Navy.
Armatas breaks down the differences between high-end tactical flying in the fleet and the 45-minute precision demonstrations executed by the Blue Angels. He emphasizes that the Blue Angels’ requirement for continuous, unbroken focus across the entire demo is unlike anything else in aviation.
He also highlights the close relationship and friendly rivalry between the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, explaining how the two teams share training insights, collaborate annually, and push each other to new levels of performance.
Armatas reflects on iconic moments — flying low over major cities, weaving past national landmarks, and representing naval aviation in front of millions each year. His insights reveal the blend of humility, repetition, and cognitive discipline required for true mastery.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Blue Angels formation flying demands continuous, minute-to-minute focus
- Differences between combat aviation and demonstration flying
- Why trust and communication define elite team performance
- How the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds collaborate and improve together
- What it’s like to fly over major U.S. cities and national landmarks
- The cognitive load of 45 minutes of unbroken precision
- Leadership lessons from fleet to formation
Highlights and YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] Intro: From Fighter Pilot to Blue Angels Boss
[00:02] Early Aviation Dreams: The Syracuse Airport Connection
[00:04] The Naval Academy Path: Prep School to Flight Training
[00:08] Fleet Career: From Lemoore to Virginia Beach
[00:12] Leading VFA-105: Command During the COVID Deployment
[00:18] The Unexpected Call: How Johnny Kittens Changed Everything
[00:26] Blue Angels Selection: Seven Candidates, One Boss
[00:31] Stepping Into the Unknown: Nerves and Humility
[00:34] Precision Flying: Carrier Landings vs. Formation Flight
[00:36] Family First: The Two-Way Interview for Major Decisions
[00:39] Leading 160 Handpicked Professionals: Managing Excellence
[00:43] The Best Part of Being Boss: The People and the Mission
[00:50] El Centro Training: 15 Flights a Week for Two and a Half Months
[00:52] Timeline to CAG: November CQ, March DCAG, April Deployment
[00:55] Closing Thoughts: Gratitude and Looking Forward
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