Flying High With the Blue Angels and Amanda Lee
On Thursday, March 6, Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee, a trailblazing aviator, came to Saint Patrick Catholic School to speak to Third through Eighth Grade students. In 2022, Lieutenant Commander Lee became the first female F-18 demonstration pilot selected to join the renowned Blue Angels team for the 2023-2024 show seasons. She has since returned to the fleet, currently serving as a department head at VFA-87, with an upcoming deployment aboard the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.
Lieutenant Commander Lee began by thanking the students from military-connected families for their sacrifice and service. She understands the strength and resilience it takes to have one or both parents serving in the armed forces. She then shared how she originally thought she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and that she was in the pre-med program at the University of Minnesota before deciding to “pivot” and join the Navy. She had only flown once - and that was to boot camp - before becoming an aircraft mechanic. It was at this time that someone saw her potential and encouraged her to fly the F-18, rather than repair them. This turned out to be a turning point in her life, so she encouraged all students to step out of their comfort zone because they’ll be surprised by what they’re capable of.
After a brief video, Lieutenant Commander Lee eagerly took questions from students, where we discovered that she grew up as a competitive swimmer and her favorite Blue Angels “trick” is the Double Farvel Maneuver. We also learned that the Blue Angels do not wear g-suits - they rely on special breathing and muscle exercises to combat g-forces - and that when the team is flying in tight formations, they are often only 12-18 inches apart!
In closing, Lieutenant Commander Lee thanked all the courageous servicewomen that came before her, noting it was because of their sacrifice and bravery that she “instantly felt a part of the team” when she joined the Navy. She continued by reminding the students to not be afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone and, even if they think they know what they want to do in life, it’s okay to “pivot” and follow a different path.
Over her distinguished 18-year career, Lieutenant Commander Amanda Lee has been awarded four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to aviation, she will be inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame and honored as a Living Legend of Aviation in April 2025. We are so grateful to Wolfhound parent and fellow Navy pilot Janis Harrington for reaching out to Amanda Lee and for having this remarkable leader and pioneer speak to and inspire our Wolfhound students, faculty and staff!
