MILAVIA > Aviation News Last updated: 29 May 2011
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Blue Angels C.O. Relieved

27 May 2011

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.



2024

9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News

Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans

SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.

A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.

Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News 

2022

12 January 2022 | ACC

Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.

Read Full Article @ ACC 

2021

20 May 2021 | RAF

Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows

Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years. 

Read Full Article @ RAF 

14 March 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces

RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

11 March 2021 | USAF News

Air Force receives first F-15EX

The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.

Read Full Article @ USAF News 

25 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight

The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

17 February 2021 | RAF

RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year

RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

2020

23 March 2020 | RAF

Training update for the Red Arrows

… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.

Read Full Article @ RAF 

21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News

Air Show Cancellations

The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.

Read Full Article @ MILAVIA News 

13 March 2020 | ACC

U.S. Air Force update for air show support

"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "

Read Full Article @ ACC