Tough week for the Navy - Marine Corps team following the untimely death of Capt Jeff "Kooch" Kuss, USMC. As reported earlier this week by GoBucks10, Capt Kuss died while flying an F/A-18 with the Navy's flight demonstration team on June 2nd. Yesterday evening, Capt Kuss returned to his family and the Blues' home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL on board their supply C-130, Fat Albert.
RIP "Kooch".
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 2016
Release #: 2016-018Blue Angels Statement from Commanding Officer
Blue Angels Public AffairsNAS PENSACOLA, Fla. – Good afternoon to all of the Blue Angels friends and supporters in Pensacola, Florida.
Presently, our number six pilot, the Opposing Solo, Capt. Jeff Kuss, is returning to Pensacola aboard Fat Albert, where he will be reunited with his family, friends, teammates, and the Pensacola community. Jeff absolutely loved our Sunday evening arrivals. Flying in over downtown, “smokin’ the beach” from Pensacola to Perdido, and then the hitting the Delta Pitch Up Break at sunset into Naval Air Station Pensacola. The smile I would see radiating under that gold visor was truly spectacular. It emanated the pride, passion, and pure joy that he felt representing the Navy and Marine Corps, flying Blue Angel 6.
Tonight, I hope you will join the team in saluting him as he flies that special route home to Pensacola again. He is flying in Fat Albert – callsign “Blue Angel 6”, and escorted by the Lead Solo, in Blue Angel 5.
As Jeff’s family and the Blue Angels have navigated this immensely difficult time, a constant gift has been the unwavering support from our hometown of Pensacola, and from all across this great nation.
This great city, and also this great nation has lost a Blue Angel. We are all grieving this tremendous loss, and inspired by the life he lived so incredibly well.
Our number one priority now is to assist the Kuss family in honoring Jeff and returning him to Durango, Colorado, where he will be surrounded by his beautiful family. We thank you for your continuous support, and will honor Jeff with you at the Candlelight Vigil.
When you see the Solos overhead tonight, please send him your thoughts, prayers, and a Semper Fi. ~Boss
When you see the Solos overhead tonight, send him your thoughts, prayers, and a Semper Fi (https://t.co/oaetOOXYaN) pic.twitter.com/KHJWaP8ggK
— Blue Angels (@BlueAngels) June 7, 2016
