Blue Angels CO relieved of duty

jason

jason

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Jason W (FlyNE)
Man, this had to be tough...

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=221655437862802

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blue Angels C.O. Relieved

Chief of Naval Air Training, Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore, relieved Cmdr. Dave Koss, Commanding Officer of the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Friday, May 27, at his request 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. I performed a maneuver that had an unacceptably low minimum altitude,” said Koss. “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 Capt. Greg McWherter, who was the previous Blue Angels’ Commanding Officer, 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.
-CNAF-
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Binnie would've made millions out of it.
 
This had much worse results in 1982 -

"In 1982, the Thunderbirds suffered a catastrophic loss, occurring during pre-season training on January 18. While practicing the four-plane diamond loop, the formation impacted the ground at high speed, instantly killing all four pilots: Major Norman L. Lowry, commander/leader, Captain Willie Mays, Captain Joseph N. "Pete" Peterson, and Captain Mark Melancon. The cause of the crash was officially listed by the USAF as the result of a mechanical problem with the #1 aircraft's control stick actuator, resulting in insufficient back pressure by the formation leader on the T-38 control stick during the loop. Visually cueing off of the lead aircraft during formation maneuvering, the wing and slot pilots completely disregarded their positions relative to the ground. "
 
Tom-D said:
These days you can count on your wing man to drop the dime on ya..
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Pretty sure the video cameras in the crowd took care of that part, actually.

The wingman could have called the Knock-It-Off for safety reasons and the entire unit could have clammed up about it, and the IG would have still seen it.
 
denverpilot said:
Pretty sure the video cameras in the crowd took care of that part, actually.

The wingman could have called the Knock-It-Off for safety reasons and the entire unit could have clammed up about it, and the IG would have still seen it.
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This is still a far better outcome than a 4 ship diamond impact like the t-birds once did.

This may show my ignorance of military matters but hope the former lead gets to finish his career instead of drumming out. One strike your out always has been overly harsh in my mind.

The system worked, team was empowered to abort and did so. Live and learn.
 
Some days you are the bat, some days you are the ball.
 
Doggtyred said:
This is still a far better outcome than a 4 ship diamond impact like the t-birds once did.

...
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'zactly. The civilians don't realize that the heroic deed was the "knock it off."

It's scary to me to think that when they have so little time at that speed and closeness, a radio call and brain processing still saves lives. They must train so that "knock it off" leads to a reflex reaction as much as any other task or maneuver.
 
Doggtyred said:
This is still a far better outcome than a 4 ship diamond impact like the t-birds once did.

This may show my ignorance of military matters but hope the former lead gets to finish his career instead of drumming out. One strike your out always has been overly harsh in my mind.
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I don't think that'll be an issue, here. The Navy didn't initiate any disciplinary action; the CO himself requested relief. He won't be "drummed out," but he's likely not going to get any more plum assignments.

Ron Wanttaja
 
An example of personal responsibility that's sorely lacking in many people in our society today. "I did it. My fault. I resign. No excuses."
 
wanttaja said:
I don't think that'll be an issue, here. The Navy didn't initiate any disciplinary action; the CO himself requested relief. He won't be "drummed out," but he's likely not going to get any more plum assignments.
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True. Big difference between leaving early and a DFC (detached for cause).
 
wanttaja said:
I don't think that'll be an issue, here. The Navy didn't initiate any disciplinary action; the CO himself requested relief. He won't be "drummed out," but he's likely not going to get any more plum assignments.

Ron Wanttaja
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Understandable. And I grasp that he appears to have fallen on his sword here.

What is not apparent is if there was a gentle nudge or if this CO realized that he just wasn't in the game (distracted??).

Either way. Glad these guys all went home that night
 
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