Lieutenant Robert Kurrle, Jr

Rob Kurrle, Jr is left wing in the Blue Angels. He is Blue Angel Pilot #3

Pre-Navy
Lieutenant Rob Kurrle, Jr. is a native of Statesville, N.C., and graduated from Statesville High School in 1997 where he lettered in tennis. He attended New Mexico Military Institute through the Naval Academy foundation program, which he completed in 1998. Rob then attended the United States Naval Academy where he played tennis and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2002, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

In the Navy
Rob reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., for aviation indoctrination in June 2002. He completed primary flight training in the T-34C Mentor at NAS Whiting Field, Fla., and transferred to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for advanced flight training in the T-45A Goshawk. He received his wings of gold in January 2004.

In February 2004, Rob reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) "Gladiators" at NAS Oceana, Va., for initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet. In February 2005, Rob remained at NAS Oceana and reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 34 (VFA-34), the "Blue Blasters." While assigned to the VFA-34, Rob completed the last at sea sustainment for USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and a Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). He also participated in several multilateral international exercises FOAL EAGLE, VALIANT SHIELD and RIM OF THE PACIFIC. Rob also served as Navigation Officer, Schedules Officer, Line Division Officer, Air to Air Weapons and Tactics Officer, and Landing Signals Officer (LSO).

In February 2008, Rob reported back to VFA-106 for transition to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. While serving as an Instructor Pilot with the "Gladiators" for the Hornet and Super Hornet, Rob was the Legal Officer and LSO.

In the Blue Angels
Rob joined the Blue Angels in September 2009. He has accumulated more than 1,400 hours and 250 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various personal and unit awards. He is #3 in the Blue Angels, and is the left wing.