Assuming the prestigious roles of Flight Leader and Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is a testament to unparalleled expertise and leadership. The position mandates not only orchestrating over 60 flight demonstrations in 30 different locations annually but also the meticulous management of the squadron's 100 dedicated members. Entrusted with this responsibility, the Commanding Officer epitomizes the pinnacle of naval aviation excellence.

This newly crafted short documentary offers a rare glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding world of leading the globe's most revered military flight demonstration team. It features an in-depth interview with Boss Russ Bartlett, who adeptly helmed the Blue Angels during the 2003 and 2004 airshow seasons.

The film delves into Boss Bartlett's comprehensive naval journey—from his formative years to his distinguished combat deployments, culminating in his selection and subsequent triumphs as the Blue Angels' Commanding Officer. Viewers are treated to a narrative that encompasses the initial hurdles of mastering the demonstration maneuvers, captivating anecdotes from airshows, and the formidable challenges posed by Hurricane Ivan.

About Boss Russ Bartlett:

Raised in Nantucket, Russ Bartlett's early life was steeped in outdoor adventures. Encouraged by his mother, he pursued and secured an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1983.

Post-graduation, Bartlett underwent flight training at NAS Whiting Field in Pensacola, Florida, and NAS Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. His initial assignment was flying the Lockheed S-3 Viking, a four-crew, twin-engine turbofan-powered jet designed for anti-submarine missions. He was deployed twice with the VS 24 “Scouts” to the Mediterranean in 1989, later transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet.

During Operation Desert Storm in May 1990, Bartlett was deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with the VFA 15 “Valions,” completing 33 combat sorties. He then served stateside as an instructor pilot with VFA 106.

In 1993, he reported to NAF Atsugi, Japan, participating in two Arabian Gulf deployments aboard USS Independence (CV-62) with the VFA 195 “Dambusters”.

After earning a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, he joined the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. as the Navy Tactical Air Representative.

Returning to Japan with VFA 195, Bartlett first served as the Executive Officer before assuming command in December 2000, deploying twice aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

With a remarkable record of 3,400 flight hours and 840 carrier arrested landings, Bartlett was selected for the pinnacle role as the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Boss Bartlett's time as the leader of the Blue Angels was prominently featured in the Discovery Channel's four-part documentary, "Blue Angels: A Year in the Life." This series provided a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of the 2004 season, highlighting the operational intricacies of the squadron. Additionally, it captured the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, which struck Pensacola, the Blue Angels' home base. Despite the cancellation of several airshows, the Team showcased their resilience in the face of adversity and returned to finish their season.

The Blue Angel Phantoms Youtube channel is owned and produced by Ryan Nothhaft

Visual Resources by:

Blue Angels: A Year in the Life | Discovery Channel
Clark Merritt | Blue Angels Association
Hugh Laughlin | DVIDS
Monster Energy Supercross | YouTube
Moviemagg | YouTube
Nantuckethistory | YouTube
National Archives
Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker | DVIDS
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler John | DVIDS
Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Quinlan | DVIDS
RyNo Media Productions, LLC
Sgt. 1st Class Zachary VanDyke | DVIDS
Sgt. Amanda Wilkens | DVIDS
Steve Panico | YouTube
Terry Murphy | YouTube
Topics Entertainment


2003 Blue Angels:

1. CDR Russell Bartlett
2. LCDR Todd Abrahamson
3. LT David Varner
4. LCDR Jerry Deren
5. LCDR Dan Martin
6. Maj Len Anderson, USMC
7. LT Craig Olson
8. Maj Chandler Seagraves, USMC
Maj David Morris, USMC
Capt Eric Himler, USMC
Maj Ken Asbridge, USMC
MO LT Ed Twining
Doc LT Gary Mullen
AO LT Amy Alcorn
PAO LT Michael Blankenship
SUPO LT Derek Hotchkiss

2004 Blue Angels:

1. CDR Russell Bartlett
2. LT John Saccomando
3. Maj Dan Shipley, USMC
LCDR Jerry Deren
4. LCDR David Varner
5. Maj Len Anderson, USMC
6. LT Craig Olson
7. LT Justin Otto
Maj Eric Himler, USMC
Maj Ken Asbridge, USMC
Maj Stefan Mueller, USMC
MO LTJG Dwain Scruggs
Doc LT Gary Mullen
AO LT Mickey Morand
PAO LT Michael Blankenship
SUPO LT Derek Hotchkiss