The commanding officer of the Blue Angels has been relieved of his duties at his request.
The request comes after the Blue Angels canceled their flyover at the Naval Academy's graduation following a lower-than-normal maneuver during the team’s performance at the Lynchburg Regional Airshow in Lynchburg, Va., May 22.
Navy Cmdr. Dave Koss will be replaced by former Blue Angels' commander Capt. Greg McWherter for the remainder of the season.
Koss, who took command of the Blue Angels in November, released the following statement:
“With deep personal regret I shared with my command today that I will be voluntarily leaving the greatest flight demonstration team. 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.”
Because of the command change, the Blue Angels are canceling their shows 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.
Blue Angels commander relieved of duties at his request
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Days after the Blue Angels canceled their flyover at the Naval Academy's graduation because of a lower-than-normal maneuver, their commanding officer has stepped down.
/ Source: WPMI-TV
