Blue Angels announce team’s airshow return Independence Day weekend

The Blue Angels announced
on Saturday plans to resume their 70th anniversary season on July 2,
four weeks following the loss of the team’s solo pilot after his crash
during a practice flight in Smyrna, Tennessee.The U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron issued a statement late
Saturday of their plan to return to performing at airshows beginning
with the National Cherry Festival Air Show in Traverse City, Michigan. The Independence Day weekend shows will be filled with the squadron’s own five jet tribute to Marine Capt. Kuss during the three day event.”The Team is proud to resume the Blue Angels
mission, representing the pride and professionalism of the Navy and
Marine Corps, and inspiring a culture of excellence. The Blue Angels are
looking forward to flying in Traverse City, Michigan Fourth of July
weekend, and are also honored to have the opportunity to perform in
celebration of our great nation’s Independence Day,” Blues Flight leader
Cmdr. Ryan Bernacchi said. “Our fans and the entire air show industry
have been extremely patient as we have navigated through this very
difficult loss of our teammate, and for that, we will always be
grateful.”

On social media, the Blue Angels commented, “Blue Angels friends and
family we are excited to announce the return to the 2016 demonstration
schedule beginning next weekend in Traverse City.” The news was a
welcome sight for organizers of the Cherry Festival airshow, “We can’t
wait to see you over Grand Traverse Bay! Welcome back to the skies Blue
Angels.”

In addition to the team’s five F/A-18 Hornets, the crowd favorite
C-130T Fat Albert will make it north for the show. Bert will open the
squadron’s performance as the all-Marine crew puts the aircraft through
several flat passes and a few deep banking turns.

“The loss of any airshow performer deeply affects our tight-knit
community,” Larry Arken, Lead Pilot of the GEICO Skytypers said on
Saturday. “While Capt. “Kooch” Kuss will continue to be missed, sharing
his love for aviation by returning to flying is one of the best ways to
honor his memory. We’re happy to see the return of the Blue Angels and
are honored to perform with them later this season.”

The U.S. Navy also announced that the Blue Angels will continue the
season with performances over Gary, Indiana, Pensacola Beach, Florida,
and South Dakota. The team will conclude July in Alaska at Elmendorf
AFB.