Lead Solo

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

As you may already know, I've been collaborating with former Blue Angel-turned-screenwriter/actor Len Anderson on a project dubbed Out of the Blue. When we did the first set of images, Len's Blue Angels flight suit was three hours ahead of us in Pensacola, FL. Undoubtedly, a shot of him in the legendary blue suit was a must. So upon his return to Los Angeles after the holidays, he brought the whole get up to the studio for a portrait to lead the series.

Growing up in a Navy town like San Diego, I've been a lifelong Blue Angels fan. The annual Miramar Airshow with the Blues headlining was second only to Christmas morning in order of importance to me and my brothers. Finally seeing the suit and helmet close-up, with it's unmistakable gold visor, was pretty damn epic.

Len, call sign "Loni," did a full three year tour with the team. He finished as a solo pilot in the #5 aircraft, also known as the "Lead Solo." Before that he flew combat missions over Iraq, attended Top Gun and has logged over 250 carrier landings—widely regarded as the "quickest way to shit your pants on the job." The question now is, has all that prepared him for battling Hollywood?

At least F-18s have ejection seats.