Amanda Lee began her journey as a college student working at UPS before leaving school. In 2007, she joined the U.S. Navy, hoping to find a way to return to college.
She became an aviation electronics technician, maintaining F/A-18 aircraft with a squadron in Virginia Beach while continuing her studies. A senior officer noticed her dedication and introduced her to the Seaman-to-Admiral programme, which allowed enlisted sailors to become officers.
Lee graduated from Old Dominion University in 2013 with a biochemistry degree and was commissioned as an officer. Three years later, she earned her wings as a naval aviator and began flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
She completed two combat deployments aboard USS Harry S. Truman, later becoming an instructor and solo demonstration pilot.
In July 2022, the Blue Angels selected Lee for the team. She flew the 2023 season as No. 3, becoming the first woman to fly a jet in a Blue Angels demonstration since the squadron was established in 1946.
Her historic journey was later featured in the 2024 documentary “The Blue Angels,” highlighting her remarkable transition from maintaining Navy jets to flying them before huge crowds.
