Blue Angels Leader Quits

[mirrodie]

I was a bit surprised....

Koss said in a written statement. "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."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011...#ixzz1NfhTKHni


I noted that part in bold. I wonder what else has been going on.

[NIKV69]

I was very shocked! WOW

[mirrodie]

Its similar to Japanese bushido, in a way, death (or in this case, quit), before dishonor, in a way. That one excerpt of the quote, "combined with other instances of not meeting the airborne standard" raises a lot of speculation IMHO. I hope its just a personal issue in the guy's life that he can rectify for his own good.

[moose135]

My suspicion is that he was permitted to resign as commander of the unit under threat of being fired if he didn't...

[mirrodie]

Moose, I have to agree, I think its a forced resignation. But still eye opening that he alluded to other episodes.

[Gerard]

Moose, I have to agree, I think its a forced resignation. But still eye opening that he alluded to other episodes.

From what I read they have cancelled their schedule through June.

[steve1840]

From what I read they have cancelled their schedule through June.

So much for getting to see them at the RI ANG Open House airshow. I was really looking forward to seeing them perform. Haven't seen them since I was a kid.

[mirrodie]

I'll tell you Gerard, it sounds odd, right? I mean you'd normally think their next in line would allow for it to become a seamless transition.

But im sure the schedule cancellations are to ensure safer flying and procedure for years to come.

[Derf]

the youtube video was CRAZY!!!

[flyboy 28]

Here's the vid. Sorry for the silly channel name, it was the only one I could find.



Personally, I applaud Cdr. Koss for his decision. They say that the rest of the team would have followed him into the ground, but the Commander made the right decision to call off the maneuver. I don't see what the fuss is about, honestly. But I guess that's why I'm not a naval officer...

Oh well, at least I get to keep watching them practice every week down here in P-cola. :)

[jerslice]

Moose, I have to agree, I think its a forced resignation. But still eye opening that he alluded to other episodes.

I agree too - though he might've tendered his resignation before superiors laid down his "choices" for him. I'm really curious, as I'm sure most of us are, what the other episodes were.

[gpalz1]

This is the video that NBC used. The first part shows the maneuver done correctly. The second part shows the low pass. Tough situation for all, but the right call to stand down and review.