LCDR Monica Borza is the current Flight Surgeon for the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, LCDR Borza was exposed to the Navy at a young age through her father’s service as a Flight Officer attached to an E-2 Hawkeye squadron. Living in close proximity to Naval Air Station Oceana, Borza’s enthusiasm for naval aviation grew as she enjoyed watching aircraft circulate in the landing pattern above her family’s home.
After graduating from Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in 2008, Borza attended Virginia Tech University and began volunteering at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA. Inspired by the Hospital’s staff and their efforts to medically change people’s lives, Borza applied to and was accepted at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and earned her commission as an Ensign in the Navy in 2012.
Graduating with a D.O. in 2016, Borza reported to Naval Medical Center San Diego, California for an internship before being accepted to attend the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida. As part of her education to become a Naval Flight Surgeon, Borza and her classmates participated in flight training alongside aviation cadets to better acclimate the physicians to the mental and physical demands placed on the aviators.
Borza received her Naval Flight Surgeon wings in June of 2018 and reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMAF) 314, the “Black Knights” at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAR) Miramar, California. During her tenure with VNAF 314, Borza attended the 2018 Miramar Air Show, where she met LCDR Juan Guerra, who was serving as the Flight Surgeon for the Blue Angels at the time and shared insight about his role on the Team.
With her interest piqued, Borza submitted an application for the Flight Surgeon of the Blue Angels and was assigned to the team for the 2021 and 2022 air show seasons. In her role as Flight Surgeon, LCDR Borza serves as the primary care physician for the pilots and crew on the Team.
The Flight Surgeon is also charged with being the lead ground safety officer for all Blue Angel practices and demos. As such, LCDR Borza observes the demos from the ground and listens to all communications, where she is able to radio feedback in real-time to mitigate any possible safety issues. Following each demonstration, the pilots will debrief the flight which includes an assessment by the Flight Surgeon.
LCDR Borza’s role also extends to community outreach, which she cites as one of the more fulfilling aspects of her job. On most Fridays throughout the air show season, Borza and other members of the Team make visits to local schools, veteran organizations, and hospitals around the country. “It is so special and rewarding to have that time on the road and engage with someone that may not be having the greatest of times and hopefully uplifting their spirits. It’s truly special”.
Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
email: [email protected]
This activity supports the U.S. Military and its Veterans; however, it is not officially connected to or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any of its branches.
2021 BLUE ANGELS
1. CAPT Brian Kesselring
2. LCDR James Haley
3. MAJ Frank Zastoupil, USMC
4. LCDR James Cox
5. CRD Ben Walborn
6. LCDR Cary Rickoff
7. LCDR Julius Bratton
8. LT Katlin Forster
XO CRD Todd Royles
M1 Maj Rick Rose, USMC
M2 CAPT William Huckeba, USMC
M3 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMC
MO LT Brian Abe
Assistant MO LT Henry Cedeno
Flight Surgeon LT Monica Borza
SO LTJG Kristin Toland
PAO LT Chelsea Dietlin
2022 BLUE ANGELS
1. CAPT Brian Kesselring
2. LCDR Chris Kapuschansky
3. LT Scott Goossens
4. MAJ Frank Zastoupil, USMC
5. LCDR Cary Rickoff
6. LCDR Julius Bratton
7. LCDR Griffin Stangel
8. LT Katlin Forster
XO CRD Jon Fay
M1 MAJ William Huckeba, USMC
M2 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMC
M3 MAJ Joshua Soltan, USMC
MO LCDR Brian Abe
Assistant MO LT Henry Cedeno
Flight Surgeon LCDR Monica Borza
SO LT Paul Kruger
PAO LT Chelsea Dietlin
Video Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
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