Two Worldwide Graduates Named to 2018 Blue Angels
Embry-Riddle Worldwide graduates, Marine Corps Maj. Jeffrey Mullins (’06, WW) and Navy Lt. Garrett Hopkins (’09, WW), have been selected to be part of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, for the 2018 air show season.
Selected as a 2018 F/A-18 Demonstration Pilot, Mullins is an F/A-18 Hornet pilot currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31. Hopkins, a maintenance officer currently assigned to Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Detachment (SFWPD) Fallon, will be the Blue Angels’ Maintenance Officer.
According to the official statement from the U.S. Navy, each officer was recommended for selection by Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. James Bynum, and ultimately approved by Chief of Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, for final selection to the 2018 Blue Angels team.
"I am incredibly impressed by the quality, professionalism and talent of the Sailors and Marines who apply for this team," said Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. "We’re going to field a superb team next year, and I am excited to see them continue the legacy of representing the pride and professionalism of the Navy and Marine Corps."
