AE3(AW) Lisa Drake of VAQ-133 was selected to be part of the 2006 Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels.

They selected 27 people this year Navy-wide. Cmdr. Stephen Foley, Commanding Officer of the Navy Flight Demonstration team said, “Congratulations to all those selected. Competition was extremely keen this year.”

Drake was among only four selected from a total field of 37 aviation electrician’s mates, as well as only one of six third class petty officers selected for the entire 2006 team.

“I’m so happy to represent the Wizards and the Prowler community in being part of the elite Blue Angel team,” she said. “It’s a dream come true. I grew up watching them every summer since I was very young. I wanted to take the challenge, and I look forward to the adventure and travel, as well as representing the Navy.”

The Blue Angels select approximately 25 enlisted members each year for this unique and demanding duty.  The team can expect to fly nearly 70 air shows at 37 locations in the United States and Canada each season.

They spend over 220 days a year away from their home base of NAS Pensacola.

Applicants must meet stringent requirements to be selected. Among the obvious are no NJP or court martial convictions, no alcohol-related incidents, no financial instability, no PRT/body fat failures and must be in compliance with the Navy’s policy on tattoos.

In addition, the member must submit their last five evaluations, and an endorsement from their commanding officer. Each applicant must also complete a challenging interview in person with representatives from the Blue Angels.