Lieutenant Amy Tomlinson is a native of Carlsbad, Calif., and graduated from San Dieguito High School in 1996 where she lettered in gymnastics and surfing. She attended the University of Southern California where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations in 2000.
In May 2000, Amy received her commission from the Navy ROTC program at USC. She reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., for aviation indoctrination and completed Naval Flight Officer Training flying in the T-34C Turbo Mentor, the T-39D Sabreliner and the T-2C Buckeye. She received her wings of gold in November 2001.
Amy then reported to Navy Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101), the "Grim Reapers," at NAS Oceana, Va., for training in the F-14D Tomcat. In August 2002, she reported to VF-213, the "Fighting Blacklions," where she completed two combat deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). She is a designated Forward Air Controller Airborne and Aircraft Mission Commander, and flew 33 combat missions, totaling 135 hours, during her deployments to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom. While with the "Blacklions," Amy served as the Public Affairs Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, Air-to-ground Weapons Training Officer and Personnel Officer.
In April 2006, Amy transitioned to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA-122), the "Flying Eagles," at NAS Lemoore, Calif. While at VFA-122, she served as a Forward Air Controller (FAC-A), Close Air Support Phase Head, Assistant Fighter Phase Head, and Schedules Officer in addition to her duties as a qualified Weapons System Officer (WSO) instructor.
Amy joined the Blue Angels in September 2008. She has accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours and 220 carrier arrested landings. Her personal decorations include two Strike Flight Air Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.
