Tipp native selected to join Blue Angels demonstration team

Lieutenant Junior Grade Mara Mason is a native of Tipp City. She is a 2018 honors graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Affairs Journalism and Vocal Performance.

While completing her undergraduate education, she served as a legislative advocate for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, working in the state and federal legislatures to gain approval of a 200% budget increase to provide rape crisis centers in all 88 counties in the state of Ohio.

LTJG Mason began her civilian career in 2018 as a Marketing and Administrative Coordinator for Columbus hospitality group, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. During this time, she was responsible for database streamlining, advertising, social media and public relations management. Her efforts impacted engagement in online, print, and community participation in seasonal promotions and guest attendance.

In 2019, she joined Tego, a technology startup and safety-driven application for Apple iOs and Android users. As the Director of Marketing, she increased usage and downloads of the application, protecting users while traveling alone in high-crime areas.

In 2020, she was selected for Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, where she was commissioned as a Supply Corps Officer on December 4 2020. She graduated from the Navy Supply Corps Basic Qualification Course on June 18, 2021 with the second-highest academic performance in her class, and was the recipient of the Leadership Management Excellence Award. She reported onboard to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) VANGUARD on June 22, 2021. Shortly after, she attended the Joint Aviation Supply and Maintenance Material Management Course (JASMMM).

She served as the final Supply Officer for HM-14 and as the division officer for Material Control and Tool Room divisions. She oversaw more than 40 sailors stateside and forward-deployed, and was the program manager for five command NAMP programs and three government purchase card hierarchies across two continents. She maintained accountability and operated the squadron’s FDNF aircraft and mine countermeasures Pack-Up-Kits (PUKs), worth over $275M. She oversaw the disestablishment of HM-14, including all aircraft transfers, asset management, and program sundown.

LTJG Mason qualified as a Naval Aviation Supply Officer on June 22, 2022.

Mara joined the Blue Angels in September 2023. Her decorations include a Navy Commendation Medal.

LTJG Mara Mason was selected in September 2023 to serve as supply officer for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team.