Carmel Foundation Wednesday Program: Precision, Purpose & Community: Our Blue Angels Journey

Join three former members of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — Amy Tomlinson, C.J. Simonsen, and Ben Blanton — for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. All served with the Blue Angels between 2009 and 2012, supporting some of the team’s most memorable seasons. In this engaging talk, they’ll share what it was like to train, travel, and perform with a team known around the world for precision, discipline, and teamwork. Amy served as “Blue Angel #8” (Events Coordinator), C.J. as F/A-18 demonstration pilot, flying as a Solo Pilot (Blue Angel #5 and #6), and Ben as the pilot of “Fat Albert,” the iconic Blue Angels logistics support C-130 aircraft. Now raising their families on the Monterey Peninsula, they’ll reflect on the lessons they carried forward into life after the military — leadership, resilience, humility, and connection — and answer audience questions. A unique chance to meet your local Blue Angels and hear stories you won’t find on TV.