The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) is accepting Marine officer applications for one C-130 demonstration pilot billet covering the 2027-2029 show seasons. Final selections happen in July 2026. Applications are due 30 April 2026.
Heads up: This MARADMIN explicitly does not apply to the Marine Corps Reserve.
Who it affects
Active-duty Marine captains and majors who are C-130J aircraft commanders. Reserve Marines (SMCR, IMA, IRR) are not eligible. This one is not for you.
What you need to do
If you are an active-duty C-130J aircraft commander and you want to apply:
- Contact your MMOA monitor first to get concurrence before starting your application. No monitor concurrence, no application.
- Confirm you meet the eligibility cut: 24 months TOS completed by 1 September 2026 (36 months if currently OCONUS).
- Confirm you have an aircraft commander rating in the C-130J, roughly 1,000 flight hours, and completed Advanced Flight Training with an average or better composite score.
- Submit your application package to the Blue Angels Applicants Officer by 30 April 2026 (address depends on submission date, see below).
- Also submit your application electronically to
smb_officer_aviation@usmc.milwith your PMOS monitor CC'd.
Mailing addresses by date:
Applications submitted through 1 March 2026:
Commanding Officer
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
Attn: Maj Scott Laux
Naval Air Facility El Centro
1605 Third Street Hangar 5
El Centro, CA 92243
Applications submitted 2 March through 30 April 2026:
Commanding Officer
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron
Attn: Maj Scott Laux
390 San Carlos Road, Suite A
Pensacola, FL 32508-5508
In-person delivery is available starting 15 March 2026.
Note: MMOA must approve all selectees before orders are issued. Selected pilots must remain on active duty for two years after completing the Blue Angels assignment.
Key dates
- 30 April 2026: Application deadline
- 1 September 2026: TOS/Tour Control Factor eligibility cutoff
- July 2026: Final selections announced
- 15 March 2026: In-person delivery opens
The official version
This is MARADMIN 021/26. The application procedures are governed by CNATRAINST 1301.4PCH1. Personnel assignment policy is covered under MCO 1300.8 CH-1.
MMOA monitor contacts:
- Aviation LtCol Monitor: LtCol Eben Buxton,
eben.buxton@usmc.mil, (703) 784-9267 - Fixed Wing Major Monitor: Maj Adam Chase,
adam.l.chase@usmc.mil, (703) 784-9269 - Fixed Wing Company Grade Monitor: Capt Maverick Santamaria,
maverick.santamaria@usmc.mil, (703) 784-9267
Blue Angels Applicants Officer: Maj Scott Laux, scott.j.laux.mil@us.navy.mil, (850) 452-4650 (Pensacola) or (760) 339-2509 (El Centro, Jan through mid-March).
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.