There's a new flight leader coming to the Blue Angels next year, a 2003 Top Gun grad and former instructor who's currently a military fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi is set to take over the Navy flight demonstration team for the 2016 and 2017 show seasons, according to a Monday new release.

"It is an absolute honor to have been selected for this prestigious position," Bernacchi said in the release. "There is a legacy of tradition and excellence within the Blue Angels squadron, and I look forward to maintaining the high standard of excellence set before me by Capt. [Tom] Frosch."

Frosch has been credited with turning the squadron around following the tenure of Capt. Greg McWherter, whose command climate tolerated pornography, lewd comments and other offenses cataloged in a 2014 command investigation.

Bernacchi joined the Navy in 1996 and has flown missions in support of operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

He last deployed in 2012 as executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 192, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, before taking command of the squadron in 2013.

Bernacchi's shore duty includes a tour as a Naval Fighter Weapons School instructor pilot and subject matter expert for GPS weapons, following his graduation from the program, according to his MIT bio.

A selection panel of 10 admirals and former commanding officers selected Bernacchi from a pool of candidates with at least 3,000 flight hours and experience commanding a tactical squadron, the release said.

In addition to his flight hours, Bernacchi has more than 600 carrier landings to his name. His awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, and Individual Air Medal with combat "V" and four Navy Commendation Medals (one with combat "V").

"Commander Bernacchi has a proven record of excellence and will be both a strong flight leader and commanding officer for the 2016 team," said Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Roy Kelley in the release.

Bernacchi will fly the No. 1 jet in 69 scheduled shows at 36 locations in 2016.

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