Last modified Wed., June 25, 2008 - 05:52 PM
Originally created Thursday, June 26, 2008

CNATTU Jax instructor selected for the Blue Angels

By AEC Raymond Derrick, CNATTU Jax PAO

(Left) AM1 Vincent Stolp, airframe instructor for The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jacksonville (CNATTU Jax) teaches "A" School student AMAR Joshua Bringham how to properly use a box and pan break to make a metal box during a hands-on metal fabrication lab. Stolp will report in November to the Blue Angels. File Photo.

AM1(AW) Vincent Stolp recently received word that one of his dreams will soon come true. He landed a spot as a crewmember for the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, the "Blue Angels." He will be joining the elite Navy and Marine Corps flight demonstration team headquartered at NAS Pensacola this November.

Stolp, an instructor with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Jacksonville, said, "I felt a major sense of accomplishment when I got word of my selection. To become a Blue Angel and serve with such an elite group has always been a goal of mine. The opportunity to represent the United States Navy to so many people in our country and around the world will be an unforgettable experience," said Stolp.

The rigorous Blue Angels application process began April 8. With recommendations from his chain of command at CNATTU Jacksonville, Stolp participated in the grueling interview process. During the first two days, he was interviewed throughout the squadron; worked on the aircraft, and manned the flight schedule. The third day began at 5 a.m. with prepping the aircraft for a fly-off, morning turns, and then the flight schedule. Later, he interviewed with the airframes branch chief petty officer, maintenance master chief petty officer and finally the command master chief.

The process was long and hard, but all his efforts paid off. On June 13, he received a call from his detailer with the news that he had been selected to the Blue Angels team for the 2009 season. He will be assigned to the airframes division.

Stolp moved with his parents to Jacksonville in 1988 from Tamuning, Guam. He enlisted in the Navy Aug. 9, 1993, and attended boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Orlando. Following boot camp, Stolp attended Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) "A" school at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Memphis, Tenn.

He then reported to VFA-86 in April 1994. During this tour, he made two deployments on board USS America and one on board USS George Washington, all to the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. In November 1998, he received orders to the Search and Rescue Organizational Maintenance Department at Naval Air Facility Key West, where he maintained the H-3 Sea King. He then reported to VP-45 in December 2001. After a successful tour in VP-45, he received orders to CNATTU Jacksonville in December 2005 as an AM "A" school instructor. Prior to arrival to CNATTU, Stolp completed Basic Instructor Training in January 2006.

During his tenure at CNATTU Jacksonville, Stolp has qualified as a master training specialist and selected as the command Senior Instructor of the Quarter (second quarter 2007) and Senior Sailor of the Month (January 2008). Also, Stolp completed a four-month temporary additional duty assignment to instruct AM "A" school at Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC) Pensacola.

"Petty Officer Stolp has worked very hard to obtain this goal and we are all very proud of his accomplishment. I have every confidence he will be a great asset and do very well with the Blue Angels," said Cmdr. John Newcomer, CNATTU Jacksonville's commanding officer.

CNATTU Senior Enlisted Leader AFCM Pat Dronkers added, "The CNATTU Jacksonville staff would like to wish AM1 Stolp, congratulations on an outstanding job well done, and the best of luck as he soars with the Blues."