December 17, 2026 12:15 pm

Cary Rickoff - US Navy Blue Angels Pilot

Lieutenant Commander Cary Rickoff is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Riverwood High School in 2005, where he lettered in baseball. He attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy in 2009, and earned his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After reporting to NAS Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, Cary continued his flight school at Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) flying the T-34C Turbo Mentor. After graduation first in his class and being selected to carrier aviation he moved to Meridian, MS in Training Squadron NINE (VT-9), flying the T-45C Goshawk. Cary received his wings in March 2012 and reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX (VFA-106) to learn how to fly the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Completing the FRS in 2013, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ONE (VFA-11), where he participated in Operation INHERENT RESOLVE during their 2015 deployment around the world, aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. At the end of his operational tour, Cary moved to Training Squadron TWO TWO (VT-22) at NAS Kingsville where he served as an advanced flight instructor and Landing Signals Officer. Cary joined the Blue Angels in September 2018, and served until November 2022. During his tour he served as the Narrator/VIP Pilot, Opposing Solo, Lead Solo, and Operations Officer. After completing his tour in November 2022, he became an instructor at Training Squadron EIGHT SIX (VT-86), where he served as Safety Officer, and Standardization Officer. He has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours and over 180 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various other unit and personal awards.

After leaving active duty in April 2024, Cary moved back home to Atlanta, GA and began flying for Delta Air Lines. He is currently flying the Boeing 717 as a First Officer.

Civilian Version:

Cary Rickoff is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a 2005 graduate of Riverwood High School, where he lettered in baseball. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy from Duke University in 2009 before accepting a commission as an officer in the United States Navy.

Following his commissioning, Cary completed naval flight training, graduating first in his class and earning selection to fly carrier-based fighter aircraft. He received his Wings of Gold in 2012 and went on to fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

His first operational assignment was with Strike Fighter Squadron 11, where he deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Inherent Resolve during a 2015 around-the-world deployment. Following his operational tour, Cary became an advanced jet flight instructor at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, where he trained the next generation of naval aviators and served as a Landing Signals Officer, helping ensure the safe recovery of aircraft aboard aircraft carriers.

In 2018, Cary was selected to join the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. During his four-year tour, he served in several key roles, including Narrator and VIP Pilot, Opposing Solo, Lead Solo, and Operations Officer, helping showcase the professionalism and precision of naval aviation at airshows across the United States and abroad.

After completing his Blue Angels tour, Cary returned to naval flight training as an instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where he served as the squadron's Safety Officer and Standardization Officer while continuing to mentor and train future naval aviators.

Over the course of his military career, Cary accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours and completed more than 180 carrier-arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous unit and campaign awards.

After leaving active duty in April 2024, Cary returned to his hometown of Atlanta and joined Delta Air Lines. He currently flies the Boeing 717 as a First Officer. He remains in the Navy Reserves, and continues to instruct at VT-86 as well.

Rotary Club of Roswell
Roswell Area Park
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