The U.S. Navy’s demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, will return to the skies in time for the July 4th weekend following a fatal crash that killed Blue Angel pilot Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss earlier this month, according to a Navy release.
“The team is proud to resume the Blue Angels mission, representing the pride and professionalism of the Navy and Marine Corps, and inspiring a culture of excellence,” Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi, the squadron’s commanding officer said in a statement. “Our fans and the entire air show industry have been extremely patient as we have navigated through this very difficult loss of our teammate, and for that, we will always be grateful.”
The Angels will fly over Traverse City, Mich., this coming weekend in a modified five aircraft formation, alongside the squadron’s C-130 transport aircraft affectionately known as Fat Albert.
The squadron will complete its season after the appearance in Traverse City with two final shows in Gary, Ind., and Pensacola, Fla.
Kuss was killed June 2 while practicing for an airshow in Smyrna, Tenn. The 32-year-old Colorado native flew in the No. 6 aircraft. While it is unclear what caused the crash, amateur video shot from the scene shows Kuss’s F/A-18 climbing rapidly moments after takeoff before appearing to lose power and free fall. The aircraft crashed in a residential area two miles from the airfield.
[Video reportedly shows fatal Blue Angels’ crash]
The Navy is currently investigating the incident.
Kuss’s remains were transported from Smyrna to Dover Air Force Base before being flown to Pensacola, Fla — the Blue Angels’ home station — for his memorial service. During the last leg of his trip, Kuss was escorted by his wingman, No. 5 pilot Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain.
The last time a Blue Angels pilot was killed was in 2007, when Navy Lt. Cmdr Kevin Davis lost consciousness and crashed during a demonstration outside of Beaufort, S.C.
(culled from washingtonpost.com)
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