There was a local pilot flying yesterday with the Blue Angels. Lieutenant Commander Adam Kerrick, a native of Huntingdon Valley and graduate of Abington Senior High School in 2001, was among the pilots entertaining onlookers across the region. The flight was to honor frontline workers responding to the pandemic.

While at Abington Senior High School, Kerrick lettered in football and lacrosse. Off the field, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 72 of Overlook Hills and served as a fireman at McKinley Fire Company.

He then when on to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2005, and earned his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

The following is from his biography on the Blue Angels’ website:

Adam then reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for aviation indoctrination. He completed Naval Flight Officer training in the T-6 Texan, T-1 Jayhawk, T-39 Sabreliner, and the T-2C Buckeye. He earned his wings of gold in April 2007.

Adam then reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, the “Vikings”, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial training in the EA-6B Prowler. He then reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, the “Shadowhawks,” at NAS Whidbey Island in 2008. While assigned to VAQ141, Adam deployed with Carrier Air Wing Eight aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and flew the EA-6B in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following this deployment, Adam transitioned with VAQ-141 to the EA-18G. He participated in the first carrier deployment of the EA-18G aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Adam returned to VAQ-129 in 2012 as an Electronic Warfare Officer instructor and also served as a Naval Air Training and Operation ProceduresStandardization (NATOPS) Evaluator.

Adam joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in April 2013. He served in Civil Affairs Squadron Two aboard Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, for one year until being selected to VAQ-209, based in Whidbey Island, Washington. He completed two deployments in support of Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the Western Pacific.

Adam joined the Blue Angels in September 2018. He has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours and has more than 250 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include three Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.

Photo: United States Navy