Sat, May 28, 2011
Lower-Than-Normal Maneuver Leads To Cmdr. Dave Koss' Request To
Be Relieved
The commanding officer of the Naval Flight Demonstration
Squadron was relieved of command by chief of naval air training May
27.
Cmdr. Dave Koss requested that Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore relieve
him of his command following a lower-than-normal maneuver during
the team's last performance at the Lynchburg Regional Air Show May
22.
"With deep personal regret I shared with my command today that I
will be voluntarily leaving the greatest flight demonstration
team," said Koss. "I performed a maneuver that had an unacceptably
low minimum altitude. This maneuver, combined with other instances
of not meeting the airborne standard that makes the Blue Angels the
exceptional organization that it is, led to my decision to step
down. I have the utmost respect for the Sailors and Marines of the
Blue Angels organization and all that they embody. The reason this
team is so successful, brings thrills to millions of fans across
America, and represents the U.S. Navy so superbly, is because of
the absolute commitment to safety and perfection by every member of
the team. I am honored to have been a part of this organization,
and I look forward to watching its success in the future."
Koss will be replaced by the previous Blue Angels' commanding
officer, Capt. Greg McWherter, for the duration of the season.
This move requires the cancellation of the Blue Angels'
scheduled performances at the Rockford Airfest June 4-5, and the
Evansville Freedom Festival Air Show June 11-12. The Blue Angels
will remain in Pensacola for additional training and air show
demonstration practice. Any potential changes to the team's future
schedule will be announced at a later date.
The Blue Angels regret any inconvenience and look forward to
continuing to represent the Navy and Marine Corps service members
serving around the world.
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