--- title: "MIGHTY 25: Fighter Pilot Lt. Amanda Lee is flying through barriers" description: "U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee made history by becoming the first-ever female F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilot to fly with the Blue Angels." date: "2022-10-28" modified: "2022-10-28" authors: - name: "Jessica Manfre" job_title: "Coast Guard Spouse, Contributor" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/jessicamanfre.md" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty25/amanda-lee/" categories: - "Aircraft" - "History" - "Mighty 25" - "Navy" - "Tactical" --- # MIGHTY 25: Fighter Pilot Lt. Amanda Lee is flying through barriers ![amanda lee]() The Blue Angels were created in 1946 when the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, shared his vision of having an exhibition team. The goal was to encourage the public’s excitement and boost naval morale. And for over 70 years, it’s done just that! But in June of 2022 it added something new to the widely acclaimed show. U.S. Navy Lt. Amanda Lee made history by becoming the [first-ever female]() F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilot to fly with the Blue Angels. ## A New Kind of Show According to the official [statement](), it was a hard-earned position. “We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year,” Capt. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels said. “We look forward to training our fantastic new team members, passing on the torch, and watching the incredible things this team will accomplish in 2023.” Lee [grew up]() in Minnesota and while attending the University of Minnesota, decided she wanted to join the Navy. Though she initially went enlisted, she was so successful as an Aviation Electronics Technician she was able to go through the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program, becoming an aviator in 2016. She deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in support of Dynamic Force Employment Operation INHERENT RESOLVE not long after earning her wings. ![amanda lee pilot]() *Photo courtesy of DVIDs* 17 officers serve as Blue Angels for a two-year term. Once they complete their assignment, they return back to the fleet. But for everything she’s done and will continue to do as a badass fighter pilot, Lee is absolutely MIGHTY. To learn more about the Blue Angels and Lt. Amanda Lee, [click here](). ## Author Jessica is a clinical social worker, writer, and military advocate whose work for We Are The Mighty focuses on the lived realities of military service, especially the moments that come after the uniform comes off. Her writing centers on veterans, military spouses, and families navigating transition, identity, resilience, and healing, often blending clinical insight with deeply human storytelling. She covers leadership, service, community impact, and the cultural shifts shaping today’s military-connected population, frequently drawing from interviews with senior military leaders, influencers, and grassroots voices across the space. Beyond writing, Jessica serves as Director of MilSpouseFest and works as a Military Events Manager, leading national campaigns and large-scale events that bring military communities together. She is the author of Never Alone (Moody Publishers) and is currently developing her next book, After the Battle. When she’s not writing or advocating, Jessica can usually be found with a good cup of coffee in hand, tackling her ever-growing TBR, hiking with her dog, or spending quality time with her family. She is a proud military spouse of an active-duty U.S. Coast Guard member and draws inspiration from the resilience, humor, and heart of military life every day. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]()