The Blue Angel Phantoms Project

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Ryan Nothhaft is the founder of Blue Angel Phantoms; a project he launched in 2016 with the goal of documenting the history of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels through first-hand accounts, short documentaries, and podcasts. His passion for the Blue Angels runs deep, as he is the grandson of Roy "Butch" Voris, the first flight leader of the Blue Angels in 1946. Growing up around his grandfather, Ryan was captivated by the remarkable stories and legacy of the Blue Angels.

Ryan’s enduring fascination with the Team deepened after watching the film "Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience," which offered an exclusive, behind-the-scenes view of the Team's inner workings. The movie showcased the significant sacrifices pilots make as they transition from fleet operations to join the squadron, only to return afterward. This exposure also sparked Ryan's passion for cinematic storytelling, prompting him to experiment with his family’s camcorder at an early age, ultimately shaping his journey into video production.

Before founding Blue Angel Phantoms, Ryan honed his skills by producing a diverse range of video content, including human interest stories for non-profits and marketing materials for B2B enterprises. He also showcased his work at the Santa Anita Film Festival, participating in both 2012 and 2013.

Through the Blue Angel Phantoms project, Ryan has published over 200 videos and garnered a following of more than 200,000 across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, with his videos accumulating over 70 million views. In recognition of his dedication to documenting the Team’s history, Ryan was named an honorary Blue Angel in November 2021.

Alongside his work on Blue Angel Phantoms, Ryan has built a successful career in marketing and currently serves as a Marketing Strategist for a global technology company,