US NAVY Blue Angels announced the new boss for the 2013-14 seasons, during a press conference at the National Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla.
A panel of admirals and former Blue Angel commanding officers selected Cmdr. Thomas Frosch to succeed Capt. Greg McWherter, who leads the Blue Angels for a fourth year. Capt. McWherter was recall to lead the Blue Angels again after CDR Dave Koss leave the squadron following the Lynchburg Regional Air Show incident on May 22, 2011.
Frosch, a native of Clinton Township, Mich., joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146), onboard NAS Lemoore, Calif. His previous assignments include four squadrons, where he flew the F/A-18 Hornet and deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. Frosch was also selected to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan as an Individual Augmentee with the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Frosch attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he lettered in football, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. He also attended the Naval War College, where he earned his Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Frosch has more than 3,000 flight hours and 830 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, six Strike Flight Air Medals, two Individual air Medals with Combat "V," three Navy Commendation Medals, one with Combat "V," as well as various campaign and unit awards.
The change-of-command ceremony is slated for November 4, 2012 at the National Museum of Aviation.
