Florida State alumnus selected as Blue Angel pilot

A Blue Angel pilot is one of the most coveted positions in the flying world. Roaring through the air at 700 mph (twice as fast as a commercial airliner) while a mere 3 feet apart from each other is just another day at the office for a Blue Angel. And, now, Navy Lt. James Tomaszeski, of Coronado, California, a 2000 Florida State Alumnus, will join the Blue Angel team.

On July 10, 2009 the Blue Angels announced their 2010 team members. There are numerous highly qualified officers who apply for these positions each year and only seven pilots are chosen. "The competition was extremely tough," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Brantuas, the Blue Angel squadron's applications officer. "Over the course of four months, we invite them to attend our shows so the team can get to know each of them personally before we select the finalists. Once selected, we bring the finalists down to Pensacola during the Pensacola Beach show to interview them and make a final selection. It's a very thorough and fair process designed to select only the best officers to represent the Navy and Marine Corps." Lt. Tomaszeski was selected to be an F/A-18 Hornet pilot. He can be seen flying in the 2010 Blue Angel diamond formation.

Lt. James Tomaszeski grew up in Orange Park, Florida where his father was in the Navy. His family then moved to San Diego where he attended High School, but Lt. Tomaszeski returned to the sunshine state to attend The Florida State University. Lt. Tomaszeski's dedication and discipline was apparent even during his days at Florida State. He was able to graduate in just three years and one summer with his bachelor's degree in creative writing. Upon graduation, Lt. Tomaszeski followed in his father's footsteps by joining the U.S. Navy, and began flying jets in 2001.

The word "destiny" comes to mind when discussing Lt. James Tomaszeski's journey to the Blue Angels. He explains, "I was assigned to fly jets one week prior to 9-11. At this point in time, everyone started joining the military; people with more qualifications to fly than I had at the time. Had I stayed at Florida State and done my fourth year, I would have been part of this wave and most likely not been given the opportunity to fly jets." Fortunately, fate took charge and Lt. James Tomaszeski was able to reach his full potential as a jet pilot.

In order to be considered for the Blue Angel team, a pilot is required to have 1,250 hours of tactical jet flight prior to consideration. Lt. Tomaszeski has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours and has 271 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit awards.

The training involved for the Blue Angel pilots is grueling; this is because of the precision and speed of their maneuvers. According to Lt. Tomaszeski, becoming a Blue Angel was not something he envisioned himself doing. He explains, "In this business, the Blue Angels are the end all be all. But now that I'm on the other side you see these guys are just regular squadron pilots."

On average, 15 million spectators watch the Blue Angels each year. The sheer amazement of the 90 degree vertical climbs, the roar of the four-plane Diamond Formation, and the moment every spectator waits for: the astonishing six-jet Delta Formation is something every American should experience.

To be a Blue Angel is to be among the most elite pilots on earth. Their mission is to serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. They are truly the representation of American pride. The Florida State Alumni Association is proud to have Lt. James Tomaszeski displaying the strength, skill and character of a true Seminole.

We would also like to congratulate Lt. James Tomaszeski and his wife, Michelle, on becoming parents this month of November.

Learn more about the Blue Angels and their flight schedule at the Blue Angels Official Website.

This article appears with permission from the FSU Alumni Association.