by Chris “BeachAV8R” Frishmuth
We had the opportunity to interview Cdr. Jeremy “Alias” Keelin, the “Boss” of the amazing Virtual Blue Angels. The interview allows us to take a peek into the workings of this amazing group of virtual pilots that duplicate the exacting airmanship demonstrated by the real Blue Angels.
Q. Who are the “Virtual Blue Angels”?
A. The team was formed back in February 2004, a few months after Lock-On was released. Alias posted screenshots of a Blue Angels skin he was working on, and it turned out Kato was making his version of a Blue Angels skin at the same time. They compared notes, and decided that since Kato was a little closer to being finished, they would go with Kato’s skins. The flying started shortly after that. Alias and Kato started flying a 2 ship “Diamond” with two other guys from Alias’ former Falcon 4 days doing the solo routine. We added 2 more pilots to complete the Diamond, and went from there.
The 2006 team is as follows:
- Flying the #1 Jet:
Cdr. Jeremy “Alias” Keelin (also known as “Boss”)
Original team member from February 2004 - Flying the #2 Jet on the Right Wing:
Maj. Joe “Hollywood” LeMieux
Joined August 2005 - Flying the #3 Jet on the Left Wing:
Maj. Bob “Kato” Tyler
Original team member from February 2004 - Flying the #4 Jet in the Slot:
Maj. Bill “Trapper” Dykes
Joined from his former formation team “The Freebirds” in July 2005 - Flying the #5 Jet and the Lead Solo Position:
Lcdr. Dan “Brutis” Rozanski
Joined October 2005 - Flying the #6 Jet and the Opposing Solo:
Lcdr. Johnny “Tex” Scott
Joined October 2005 - Flying the #7 Jet and Narrator:
Lt. Jamil “Knight” Jeffers
Joined February 2006 - Flying the #8 Jet and our Event Coordinator:
Kevin “Dango” Nelson
Joined May 2006 - Flying The C-130 (also known as “Fat Albert”):
Capt. Michelle “Kwibi” Hayashi
Joined September 2005
