Two second class petty officers from the combat-proven Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 were selected to
be a part of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team for 2009. 
Most of the selectees for the team had a background of working with the F/A18 Hornet. Aviation Electronics Technician (AW)
2nd Class Meredith Ansley and Aviation Machinist’s Mate (AW) 2nd Class Zackary Gruwell were the only selections from the
EA-6B Prowler community.
Ansley has been interested in the Blue Angels since she was a child. She is from Rome, Ga., but spent her childhood summer
days in Perdido Key, Fla., where she vividly remembers watching the Blue Angels practice and perform shows across the
Pensacola bridge.  From that moment on, she knew she wanted to work in aviation when she grew up.  She reported to the
Lancers in September 2004 as an airman
“I was expecting to find out through an official Navy message. I had to double check the e-mail address to make sure it was
a certified Blue Angels e-mail address and not from someone on the boat goofing around or pulling my leg,” said Ansley.
The whole process turned out to be a blessing in disguise because she is now re-enlisting to execute her orders and is eligible
for a re-enlistment bonus. In addition, she is going back closer to home to fulfill her next tour of duty in Pensacola, Fla.
Gruwell has been in love with planes ever since he was a child. When he discovered through the Lancer Plan of the Week that the
Blue Angels were taking applications to fill their roster for the 2009 Team, he decided to look it up and see if he would qualify
for it.  He learned of his acceptance through an e-mail from his Blue Angel leading petty officer.
“I am looking forward to showing people what naval aviation is all about, what the jets can do and making a difference, even in
a little way for somebody,” Gruwell said.