What it Takes to Lead the Blue Angels with Boss Russ Bartlett
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- Опубліковано 26 січ 2024
- Assuming the prestigious roles of Flight Leader and Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is a testament to unparalleled expertise and leadership. The position mandates not only orchestrating over 60 flight demonstrations in 30 different locations annually but also the meticulous management of the squadron's 100 dedicated members. Entrusted with this responsibility, the Commanding Officer epitomizes the pinnacle of naval aviation excellence.
This newly crafted short documentary offers a rare glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding world of leading the globe's most revered military flight demonstration team. It features an in-depth interview with Boss Russ Bartlett, who adeptly helmed the Blue Angels during the 2003 and 2004 airshow seasons.
The film delves into Boss Bartlett's comprehensive naval journey-from his formative years to his distinguished combat deployments, culminating in his selection and subsequent triumphs as the Blue Angels' Commanding Officer. Viewers are treated to a narrative that encompasses the initial hurdles of mastering the demonstration maneuvers, captivating anecdotes from airshows, and the formidable challenges posed by Hurricane Ivan.
About Boss Russ Bartlett:
Raised in Nantucket, Russ Bartlett's early life was steeped in outdoor adventures. Encouraged by his mother, he pursued and secured an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1983.
Post-graduation, Bartlett underwent flight training at NAS Whiting Field in Pensacola, Florida, and NAS Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. His initial assignment was flying the Lockheed S-3 Viking, a four-crew, twin-engine turbofan-powered jet designed for anti-submarine missions. He was deployed twice with the VS 24 “Scouts” to the Mediterranean in 1989, later transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet.
During Operation Desert Storm in May 1990, Bartlett was deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with the VFA 15 “Valions,” completing 33 combat sorties. He then served stateside as an instructor pilot with VFA 106.
In 1993, he reported to NAF Atsugi, Japan, participating in two Arabian Gulf deployments aboard USS Independence (CV-62) with the VFA 195 “Dambusters”.
After earning a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, he joined the Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. as the Navy Tactical Air Representative.
Returning to Japan with VFA 195, Bartlett first served as the Executive Officer before assuming command in December 2000, deploying twice aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).
With a remarkable record of 3,400 flight hours and 840 carrier arrested landings, Bartlett was selected for the pinnacle role as the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Boss Bartlett's time as the leader of the Blue Angels was prominently featured in the Discovery Channel's four-part documentary, "Blue Angels: A Year in the Life." This series provided a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of the 2004 season, highlighting the operational intricacies of the squadron. Additionally, it captured the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, which struck Pensacola, the Blue Angels' home base. Despite the cancellation of several airshows, the Team showcased their resilience in the face of adversity and returned to finish their season.
The Blue Angel Phantoms UA-cam channel is owned and produced by Ryan Nothhaft
Visual Resources by:
Blue Angels: A Year in the Life | Discovery Channel
Clark Merritt | Blue Angels Association
Hugh Laughlin | DVIDS
Monster Energy Supercross | UA-cam
Moviemagg | UA-cam
Nantuckethistory | UA-cam
National Archives
Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Schumaker | DVIDS
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler John | DVIDS
Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Quinlan | DVIDS
RyNo Media Productions, LLC
Sgt. 1st Class Zachary VanDyke | DVIDS
Sgt. Amanda Wilkens | DVIDS
Steve Panico | UA-cam
Terry Murphy | UA-cam
Topics Entertainment
2003 Blue Angels:
1. CDR Russell Bartlett
2. LCDR Todd Abrahamson
3. LT David Varner
4. LCDR Jerry Deren
5. LCDR Dan Martin
6. Maj Len Anderson, USMC
7. LT Craig Olson
8. Maj Chandler Seagraves, USMC
Maj David Morris, USMC
Capt Eric Himler, USMC
Maj Ken Asbridge, USMC
MO LT Ed Twining
Doc LT Gary Mullen
AO LT Amy Alcorn
PAO LT Michael Blankenship
SUPO LT Derek Hotchkiss
2004 Blue Angels:
1. CDR Russell Bartlett
2. LT John Saccomando
3. Maj Dan Shipley, USMC
LCDR Jerry Deren
4. LCDR David Varner
5. Maj Len Anderson, USMC
6. LT Craig Olson
7. LT Justin Otto
Maj Eric Himler, USMC
Maj Ken Asbridge, USMC
Maj Stefan Mueller, USMC
MO LTJG Dwain Scruggs
Doc LT Gary Mullen
AO LT Mickey Morand
PAO LT Michael Blankenship
SUPO LT Derek Hotchkiss - Розваги
Great interview. I had the pleasure and privilege to meet Russ Bartlett in Pensacola in 2003 and to fly with the team during a practice. It was amazing. During my flight with the Blues I was so impressed at how close together they flew. I was a Snowbird pilot at the time and we loved taking the Blues for a flight with us in exchange. It was very kind of him to mention us during this interview. The entire visit was a remarkable experience. 15 years later I met Russ again at the Fort Worth airshow and he was just as friendly as we chatted about that shared experience.
When I was in college (early 70's), I worked Crash-Fire-Rescue at King County Airport (Boeing Field), Seattle. The Blues performed over Lake Washington at the Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane Races, their only off-airport performance. Whenever the Blues took off or landed, we rolled all the trucks to the flight line as a courtesy and show of respect, and to get a front row seat to see them in action. The airport was deserted on Saturday & Sunday, but the Blues performed their ground routine as if they were at a venue in front of a full crowd. After each landing, every pilot walked over to the trucks and shook the hand of every firefighter/EMT/Paramedic, thanking us for being there for them. Total class act. The ground crews, who we hung out with during the shows, were just as awesome..
In the early 80’s I was fortunate enough to see the Blue Angels perform over Clear Lake Texas (south of Houston) for a Hydroplane race where we tied up to the floating boom line and the Blue angels flew 100’ above us. Was incredibly amazing. Will never forget.
I bet I've watched that Discovery special "A Year In The Life" a hundred times. So getting the opportunity to watch this was a extra special treat. Thank You!
Me too! And you can find that here on the youtube too!
I had the honor of meeting Boss Bartlett in the San Diego air show long after his active time as Boss of the Blue Angels. He was modest, low profile, humble and I only recognized him since I had watched the series Year in the Life. He is so kind, generous, and took the time to talk to me. Boss Bartlett is so genuine and so sincere and what you see on camera is how he is behind the camera - a truly outstanding and wonderful leader and officer of true distinction
I met him at the Saturday and Sunday shows at NAS Oceana, and he remembered me Sunday! Really nice and humble guy!
This interview puts a human face on the Blues! Fantastic.
This was great! I remember Boss/the name....because I watched Discovery's 2004 production. What was even better in this was....his bio. Getting S3's, having to prove himself, GET into 18's, and then log a ton of hours....and STAND out in doing so. Very inspiring story of success and accomplishment.
I got married in Mankato, MN, June of 1979. Our "honeymoon" was a Blue Angel performance at Mankato Airport that weekend. Two months later I was at Air Force OTS, Medina AFB Annex, San Antonio, TX. When Boss Bartlett said he did a tour with SOF at Ft Bragg, my heart skipped. I too did a tour there in the late 90s. SOF is special as are the Angels and Birds; okay the Canadians too, eh. I finished my career at USNORTHCOM serving with some very special Canadian officers, one a 2-star, who took control of US airspace from Cheyene Mt during 9/11. God Bless America and Canada too!
This guy seems as cool and as down to earth as you can get.
My Boss, came to the team together in 2003. Great Boss
He was also in a cameo during the film: “Firefighter George and Amazing Airplanes” during the Blue Angels segment.
This was awesome! I am sure I met Boss Bartlett many times growing up as I had many opportunities to go see the Blues at that age while he was in charge. Getting my own copy of their documentary recently helped me overcome some learning plateaus when I learned how to fly myself. I now work for a major airline using the techniques the Blue Angels use to practice their flying skills! I’m extremely thankful to Boss Bartlett for letting the documentary crew in on their briefing/debriefing segments!
Boss Russ came to talk to my CAP unit on Monday, 29 January. Amazing guy
Awesome!
I was stationed at NAS Pensacola for my A school from 1999-2000 and used to watch them practice every day from the smoke pit.
USMC 1999-2007
As an Australian, I have never had the privilege to see the Blue Angels live. In any interview that I have watched, these men are total professionals and so humble, Cmdr Bartlett is a perfect example of this. Thanks for posting this.
Russ Bartlett - What a story of achievement and inspiration to others. Your'e a tremendous role model to others and clearly a very genuine, humble and friendly guy. From England - Good health !
I have lived in the Seattle area for 60 years. The best ever was in 2012. We were rebuilding a house on the shores of Lk. Washington and when the Blue Angels flew over, every tools was set down and the jobsite screeched to a halt until the show was over. Thank you, CDR Bartlett.
I was in VFA-131 Wildcats out of NAS Cecil Field fla 86/88 , Then LT Rob Ffield aka ( Iceman ) was an aviator in our squadron , He went on to be the blues boss im thinking 2002-2004 possibly right before CDR Bartlett , Great story and video !
Jacksonville, Fla rocks
@@livingadreamlife1428 Yep and sure miss those Navy days there , Thank you !
I had a friend Ken Nelson worked for them at this time
On Saturday was Russ Bartletts last flight we were driving in and he was behind us on his motorcycle and waited at his gate for my sister to catch up and get a picture with him that was a class act
My wife, son and I got a photo with Boss Russ and crew in Indy. I glad I stumbled on to this vid.
I have yet to listen to a Blue pilot interview that I didn’t love. These guys are just great people.
As a Pensacola native I've loved The Blues since the first time I saw them perform in the F-11Fs in Pensacola's Quadra-Centennial in 1959 when I was 12 years old. Had a 1/72 scale diamond formation of the The Blues hanging from my ceiling in my bedroom. Years later, I became a Marine pilot so, naturally, I love talking the technical stuff about aviation. But THIS interview with Cdr. Bartlett was the best type of interview of all because of how much I learned about the PEOPLE who make it all happen. My personal regards, respect, and gratitude to EVERYONE who has ever been involved with The Blues in any way. I love watching the 'Year in the Life' series over and over. In my opinion, The Blues are the best example of the very definition of 'human perfection'.
Great great video. Thanks to all the men and women that have volunteered to protect us all and keep us all safe.
There is nothing like the beauty, grace, strength and power of seeing the Blue Angeles perform. I have to say, though, the A4s are by far the best planes the Blue Angles flew. In my never to be humbled opinion.
I have watched A year in the life many times , (notas many as Threshold) , but many times and loved Boss Bartlett's leadership style , demeanor and charisma . It was a treat to come across this video of more of the back story on Russ Bartlett . Once again Ryan , another home run ! I hope at some point you will be able to put all of these Blue Angel profiles into a chronological series of videos showing the history of the Blues as told by the men who actually made it . kudos ,👍👏 and best regards .
A great documentary! It was especially interesting to me as my brother, Skip Umstead, was in the Blues 1970 to 1973. I never was able to talk with him about the challenges of being a member of the Blue Angels as I was deployed in Germany most of that time. Thanks
Oh Wow
You’re Skip’s Brother?
That’s amazing. I have known of your brother since he was in THE original and best Blue Angel documentary- “Threshold.”
My favorite quote from that movie was his:
“If you’re trained right, and know what you’re doing, you shouldn’t really scare yourself every airshow. Just maybe…..one in five.”
I’ll never forget that. 😎
What a great pilot he was. I’m very sorry about the circumstances of his death.
Awesome interview Russ! Had the honor to serve with you in your joint assignment and will never forget you getting me up in the hornet at Oceana! What an airplane!! My best to Yuki and your family!
Cdr Bartlett, thank you for your service, guys you are different breeds, I don't know how you do it, so accurate and precise manuvers and without G - suit, you are really a legend, stay strong and keepted up.
What a joy working with Beef at NIPO!
Loved the series. Boss Bartlett is a nice guy!
Respected and appreciated from Tasmania, Australia 🦘🌏🇦🇺🌏🇺🇸❤️🙏
I remember Russ from the 2004 documentary on the blues. Was a very cool look into the life of a blues pilot! Pretty cool he transitioned from S-3 to the F-18👍.
All of you are my heroes along with the Thunderbirds…..I’m an AF vet!
Russ(or whoever is posting this), the 2004 Documentary was absolutely inspiring. I am in awe of what the “Blues” do. I am retired USAF. Could not fly because of my eyesight. So, I flew satellites. (No LSOs required!) But at the time it was the best the USAF could offer. If I ever “come back” I would like to be a USN aviator. The “Blues” are Sierra Hotel! Thanks for the “ride”!
What amazed me most about this video is that his original path in his career was not a straight line, contrary to what stereotypically believe about these pilots because they're near perfect, and yet it was precisely those in between things that happened that actually made him the perfect candidate and great leader. I guess there's always a way in life for things to work out if you keep at it enough.
Russ Bartlett has got to be my favourite boss of the Blues ever.
Live in Michigan and seen the Blue Angles in Traverse City for many years. I have the Discovery DVD and my kids played it for hours in the Suburban driving up north to our cabin. I did not get to watch it because I was driving but Boss Bartletts voice is very distinctive. Brings back a-lot memories of family trips.
More than I anticipated in who the people are flying the jets I've seen. Humbling to learn a fraction more about the dedication, intellect and skill of this portion of our armed services. Bless them all.🇺🇸
I watched the documentary like a million times!! His voice over the comms is cool….a little more puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllll!
My favorite flight team. I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen the Blue Angels perform. Thanks for your service! I have my private pilot certificate (license) and can’t imagine how much skill it takes to fly like the Blue Angels!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen you fly, but every one was special. Seeing the Blues inspires millions of people. Thank you! 🇺🇸
Great interview and also had the pleasure of watching him fly.
It was a blast going thru pilot flight training with Russ. We also had a blast riding a little bit of motocross in Pensacola on our time off.
This makes me want to go back and watch "A year in a life" all over again. Thanks for posting this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I could watch these videos all day. Thank you.
I met Boss Bartlett in Seattle. Great guy. Very professional and very humble. Still good friends with several of those guys on that team. Had them out for golf every year for several years when they came to town. Lots of fun and great memories! Have framed photos and I look at them all the time. Thanks Boss Bartlett!!
I watched that documentary, it was one of the first that profiled the Blues. Living in Jacksonville Florida we always have a very special place in our hearts for the Blue Jets. And man o man do I miss the JATO! Great interview with boss..
Awesome interview, Boss.
Had the honor of getting to see the 04 Blues in Alaska , ironically the same weekend they were in town was our graduation weekend from the Alaska Military Academy , couldn't have asked for a better graduation giift !
The documentary that Russ refers to is super awesome!
Love the Blues but love my Snowbirds so thanks for mentioning them
2004 was an awesome season to be a part of! One of the best tours of my career was with the Team.
I watched the video series with Cmdr Bartlet as "Boss." I loved that video series. I just purchased the 2 DVD set and will watch it over and over and over. I am a retired USAF avionics technician.
Russ- your armchair flying of the demo in the briefing room taught me so much. I do the same before every flight to this day.
Never had an engine failure yet but have flown it eyes shut . Keeps me passing sim checks , so thanks ❤
good stuff!
Nice guy and a great aviator . Respect from the uk
I stood plane guard for the blues as an E3 AO in 1987 at Mirimar NAS and got to meet the team and check out Fat Albert. It was amazing and super hot outside, but a real fun day.
Canadian guy here....just to clarify....the Snowbirds don't do a 9-plane Line Abreast Loop. They do however do a 5-plane Line Abreast roll AND loop combo. The 9-plane Line Abreast usually closes the show....but it's a flat pass.
I very much enjoyed the 04' documentary and the fact of seeing the one and only Russ Bartlett on Blue Angel Phantoms. Russ and the Blues flew our very first airshow we had in my hometown back in 2003. It makes me happy to have gotten to learn the crew through their documentary to see what great guys they are.
If I had to put this video into perspective in one word it would be: Beautiful. God Bless the Blue Angles.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms Thank you.
Much respect!🇺🇸🕊
Best show on the planet.
Looks like yesterday but 20 years now
I met Boss Bartlett at Montreal, Canada in summer of 2019. He had come to check out full flight simulators at work. Great individual and very easy to talk to.
Had the pleasure to meet Boss Bartlett in 2015 in the Charles D’ Legault International Airport in France on my way back from a PMC gig in Jordan. Totally cool guy. I told him I remembered him from the Discovery’s “A Year in the Life” as well as his blue flight suit. We laughed and boarded our flight back to Atlanta.
I was able to get some pretty good slide photos of The Blue Angels show in Salinas many years ago. As a kid, I remember racing BMX near the gigantic Moffit Field hanger and where I first saw The Blue Angles. Thanks for the memories Russ!👍
I've watched that documentary at least three times and am just always in awe.
Happy I got to see him perform.
Just brilliant, the interview, the gentleman and the Angels. :-)
One of the better bosses in my opinion!
Had the pleasure to checkout Len Anderson in my previous job.
I love the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.
Thanks for the interview! Remember those Blue Angels years while living in Florida and husband from Chicago. All the best to Russ and his family.
Thanks Russ, for all of your combat missions and precision flying. I’m thankful you are on our team.
I'll never forget being an Air Force kid at Eglin AFB and my Air Force Step Dad taking me to see the Blue Angels in Pensacola. The week they came and the Thunder Birds you better believe I was the best behaved kid in 100 miles. I remember the first time I got hit with the surprise BA that comes over the crowd. That scared happy laugh I let out is something I'll never forget.
Also what he said at the end with the Blue suit is 100% true. It was the same with the Thunder Birds Red suit. I remember being 8 years old and running away from my parents because I saw a Blue Angel Blue Suit. Who it was I can't remember, but I'll never forget running up to him and shaking his hand with my parents running after me. He smiled and talked to my Dad for a few minutes. My Dad was on the ground crew for the A/C-130 at Hurlburt, we lived on Eglin near the on base Library.
Just last week I was driving through El Centro, CA and seen the Blues practicing, they looked good!
Wow thanks!! I have been waiting for this one. The Discovery documentary really inspiered me. Russ is great. Please bring Craig Olson from the same team as well please. He is afterall the pilot with most hours in blue jets.
What a bad-ass.
Memories! Oh, and Bert!
I don’t think most people understand how much personal & family sacrifice there is to have a very successful navy career. I did 27 years and retired as a captain in the Navy, however, I never made as many tough sacrifices made by this guy, two years here, two years there overseas overseas again. I hope people appreciate how hard it is to be successful in the Navy.
Jeez Ryan this channel is blowing up. 77k subscribers, congrats. Great interview. Plane tickets are cheap, especially on the Max. Fly to San Diego, rent a car, drive to El Centro, catch the practice. Meet Mike, drive back and be home by 10. Do it the week of the 11th. It would be great to meet you.
As a Jar head for 32.5 years... this made me smile and laugh. BZ brother.
Great interview!
Thank you, my friend!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms Of coarse. I always like to keep this days date in more of a positive prospective, and the video added to that. So thank you R
I remember the documentary years ago.
Excellent Gentlemen and Ladies and an honor to be a Blue it must be.
The Blue Angels are the Elites of are sky’s. The Blue Angel Squadron Mechanics are the best! Knowledgeable and respectful! The U.S.A. Were very lucky to have Professional Aviators the Blue Angels. Thank you for your dedication, service, and amazing air shows. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✈️
I loved the nugget about how working with spec ops made him watch the news a little differently. He must’ve saw some cool shit working with those guys.
CHIPPY HO, MO B! I had the honor of serving with then LCDR Bartlett in VFA-195 in Japan. Great pilot, great leader!
That “suit”’was considered to be a SUPER HERO suit to most if not every single kiddo!! What an honor!!
I graduated HS with Russ in ‘79. We were on the track team together, he was the epitome of team mate and team leader before the Navy. We took different paths, me Law Enforcement and he in Military. Hasn’t changed a bit. Well, ‘cept for the gray….lol
You know its a good fishin' hole when you recognize it cruisin 390 knots, at 100', and inverted! Awesome story lol, thanks for sharing! :)
What a likable guy.
There is something so very special about these guys...the Blues, the T-birds, just so completely motivated and driven to excellence. If every American could summon up even half the level of dedication to bettering themselves every day, think of the possibilities. THANK YOU, Cdr. Bartlett and all those before you and working hard to carry on the tradition into the future!
Nice video. My Husband is Special Forces....was great to see he did time with them!
What great perspectives these interview videos provide by team alumni! I truly miss the base airshows as those were free for my family growing up. The best memories even though we could not afford a t-shirt. Nowadays you have to risk losing a lot well ahead of time for a possible rain out. Many of the static displays are gone and the flight line requires additional cost. I am truly sorry for anyone who did not get to experience a DoD facility airshow in your resident region as these were the best of the best with so much to do, see and feel. Keep up the good work!
I will ALWAYS REMEMBER Capt. Russ Bartlett❣️
Love these videos I never get tired of the stories.
this was fun watch thanks!
The highlight of my ATC career was representing the FAA at show center for the Naval Academy graduation show,
Ever since I was a child I wanted to fly an 18 in a Blue Angels formation. Instead, I became a JFO in the ARMY, (didn't have a 4 year degree). On my last check ride before I got my certification. I almost had a chance to sit back seat in a 16 (trainer), but it was down for maintenance. Done 2 combat tours, and all I did was talk to pilots for a 9 line CAS. But was always pissed that I wasn't the one hitting the release on the stick.
Love you guys, and please keep those Hornets rested in the hive.
- Will
Excellence is evident.
THANK YOU SIR