Whether you’re watching one of their aerobatic maneuvers at an airshow or on an IMAX movie theatre screen, it’s easy to see the skill and passion of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team. They continually surpass onlookers’ expectations – all made possible by the pilot inside the cockpit and the crew that supports them.
“The Blue Angels” comes to IMAX theatres May 17th, then it will stream on Amazon Prime from May 23rd. The documentary follows aviators who are new to the Blue Angels, showing how they perform with the team and keep up with the quick pace of the airshow season.
Maj. Frank Zastoupil served with the Blue Angels squadron; he is featured in the documentary film. A 2009 graduate of Texas A&M University, he serves his country with pride and thanks those who have influenced him.
“I joined the Marine Corps for the opportunity to serve our country based on the values instilled in me by my parents, family and time spent at Texas A&M University,” notes Zastoupil.
He now serves as a F-35 pilot at Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542, which operates out of Cherry Point, North Carolina.
“I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Blue Angels during the filming of the IMAX documentary,” said Zastoupil. “I was part of the F/A-18 Super Hornet Delta formation as #4, the Slot Pilot and Training Officer, as well as the Senior Marine Representative for the team. I am now back in the Marine Corps fleet flying the F-35B and filling a Department Head position,” said Zastoupil.
Zastoupil stands tall with hundreds of naval aviators and maintainers who have served with the Blue Angels since 1946. After nearly 80 years of service, one thing rings true: the precision, teamwork, and professionalism of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is unrivalled.
“The Blue Angels provided an incredible and humbling experience that demonstrated how elite teams operate by working together to achieve something more than what one person can accomplish alone,” said Zastoupil. “I consider it an honor to have been able to take part in bringing the Blue Angel magic of airshows to help inspire the community to achieve their own culture of excellence and service to the country.”
Zastoupil is proud to represent the Navy and Marine Corps during their time with the Blue Angels. He added,
“The opportunity to serve as a member of the Blue Angels was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. I remember seeing the Blue Angels fly at an airshow in Fort Worth, Texas, when I was around four years old and never imagined I would actually accomplish the dream of becoming a team member myself. The relationships and places that we saw will forever hold a place in my heart.”
