The Blue Angels are back and ready to kick off their 2025 airshow season! In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, we sit down with LCDR Lilly “Lunchbox” Montana, Blue Angel #8 and the Team’s Events Coordinator, to get an inside look at what it takes to make the Team and execute one of the most logistically complex schedules in aviation.In this episode, we discuss:
Winter Training in El Centro – How the team has been preparing for the seasonThe Role of an Events Coordinator – The behind-the-scenes work that ensures the Blue Angels’ successAdvance Site Visits – The airshow locations LCDR Montana visited and what goes into planningHer Road to the Blues – Applying three times before finally making the teamGetting the Call – The unforgettable moment she learned she was selectedCollaboration with the Thunderbirds – Her recent ride in an F-16From sharing the story behind her callsign, "Lunchbox," to giving us a firsthand look at life behind the scenes of the Blue Angels, LCDR Montana’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and passion for naval aviation.