Blues' new XO for 2020

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Greg Harris announced July 13 that Navy Cmdr. Todd Royles would become the new executive officer of the 2020 Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team. A native of Willow Grove, Pa., Royles attended flight school at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola and was then designated a Naval Flight Officer. He is a Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) graduate, who flew combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. He had previously served with the Blue Angels as events coordinator. Royles will be coming to the Blue Angels from duty as executive officer at Training Squadron 86 aboard NAS Pensacola. Royles will join Cmdr. Brian Kesselring to lead the Blue Angels beginning in November and for the 2020 air show season. “I cannot be more excited to be returning to the team to join Cmdr. Kesselring in guiding this amazing organization through its 74th season,” Royles was quoted in a Blue Angels media release. “I’m humbled to be welcomed back to this extraordinary group and join them in representing all those in our Navy and Marine Corps to the American public.” Royles will assume XO duties following the Blue Angels' Homecoming Air Show at NASP on Nov. 9. (Source: Blue Angels media release 07/13/19) The 2020 season's closest to Mississippi air show will be June 20-21 - Millington, Tenn.