I live in Pensacola. When the news came out that #6 went down, I swear the entire city wept. To this day, on every emergency vehicle in the city, if not the county, you will find a small 6 in the lower left hand side of the rear windshield.
My wife and I were on our way into Smyrna when we saw the plane go down and the huge pillar of black smoke. Immediately, we were afraid that the pilot had been killed. We had front row tickets for the Smyrna Air Show that weekend but we gave them away because we just couldn't go. The new memorial to Captain Kuss on Sam Ridley is wonderful. I urge you to consider visiting it to pay tribute to him.
@@understoodoutput8869 You can clearly see them fly up to and right over and straight through the smoke from the crash site. Don't try explaining to me that that is not visible. When flying you absolutely can see what is on the ground ahead of you at those low altitudes. And when about to travel over a particular areas banking left or right will also allow you to see what is below.
@@jamstagerable Boss certainly saw the plume as the diamond overflew, but no way 2,3 and 4 did. Not while in formation. Not a snowball's chance in hell.
@@jamstagerable A few of points to clarify... 1) They didn't fly through the smoke. They flew over the crash site at just about the moment of impact. The smoke had only just begun to billow. 2) They weren't flying glass bottom Hornets. While they do have a pretty large field of vision because of how the canopy and seating is designed, that vision supports the topside 360. The underside is still a huge blind spot. 3) They are trained professionals who will not deviate from how their flight plans were designed - even when they know their brother was going down. They can't stop it. They can't help it, and especially in the case of the diamond flyover, unplanned deviation could cause impact and further devastation. That's why the didn't bank their wings to get a view. They absolutely knew he was down. I'm certain they knew from radio communications. They (at the time) probably didn't realize he was initially too low and fast for the Split-S, so they wouldn't have been on the lookout for him crashing, and they certainly didn't have time to initiate a contingent plan to deviate from the formation in time. It's a testament to their professionalism because any human being (not in their shoes) would naturally gravitate to try to help, get a view, etc.
Jeff Kuss was a neighbor of me and my Husband, his Aunt and Uncle are very close Neighbors of ours. We attended the Memorial'Parade' in our City for him. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 For Captain Jeff Kuss and the Blue Angels. God Bless You.
No offense but you just said they were the Blue Angels Thunderbirds the Blue Angels are Navy and the Thunderbirds are Air Force they are not the same thing
@@nateklol I think he missed putting a comma in between the two of them, and was supposed to be supportive of both branches of service flight teams that has lost lives. That's all.
Beautiful. As a 20 year navy retired AO "IYAOYAS" veteran who grew up watching the Blues at every airshow I could get to here. Thank you for this great memorial.
in 1952/53 the Blue Angels flew over my childhood home in Farmingdale Long Island. They flew out of Grumman down the road from us. That rainbow is a sign a promise from God that He would not destroy the earth with water but i took it as if to say this Pilot, Husband & Dad is in heaven ...
Always Remember Him as a Great Dad , Husband and Friend and family members who love him for what he love to do is being Part of a tremendous team called the Blue Angels, Number 6
Having lost my only son in an auto accident 11 months after this tragedy on May 20 2017 I know the constant pain of sorrow the family will always be feeling. My prayer is the hope of this family being united once again together when Our Lord Jesus returns and wipes aways ever tear from every eye through all of history. RIP Sir and thank you for your service to our country paying the ultimate price for our freedoms less we forget which we shall not. Thank you city of Smyrna Tennessee for honoring this brave young man and ensuring his memory will never be taken for granted or forgotten . God bless you all
RED CHERRY 69 I’m sure Buddha and Jesus are homies and will wipe every tear together. It’s only us that unjustly fight about silly things like this. They both/all have the same theory, be nice, don’t be dick and help each other ✌🏾
thank you Papa it's hard to believe it will be 2 years that my son Justin left me in 12 days but I keep going best I can and if you should ever know anyone that has buried a child then please be kind and know they may never fully recover from that. We're just not suppose to bury our children and a part of us dies with them and I don't think anyone will ever be the same after suffering such a great loss as that.. God bless you and again thank you for your kindness towards me.
@@duncanny199 I am sorry for your loss. My mother, after losing my brother, said she has lost a father and a husband, but there is nothing like losing a child. I hope one day we will see all our loved ones again.
Probably because the web-site person put it under the category "comedy" -- there is nothing remotely funny about pilots who risk their lives for their country, either in war, practice, or entertaining people like the Blue Angels do!
No what it is, is that these ass holes that disliked this is a very miserable person they hate there own lives so they want to bring everyone else down with them they are probably an most likely lonely an pathetic
Those people who dislike these videos would be the very FIRST ones who demand defense and protection from our military services -- and expect to get it, even if their taxes are not paying for it! Pathetic? Yes indeed.
How tragic.. Dear Mrs. Kuss and your children, The dreadful day that you lost your husband and father to your children, is so painful. I feel so bad for you and your children. Great sorrow and sadness fills our heart. Your entire family will forever be in our hearts.
The same day this happened a Thunderbird also crashed (although the pilot ejected safely). That Incident happened after the Thunderbird plane did a flyover of an event that then President Obama was attending. Apparently national news thought a plane going down after flying over the president was more worthy of a news story than this. I saw a 30 second clip of it on ABC news that night. Of course the Thunderbird one got several minutes on every pundit on every channel.
My daughter was part of their ground crew and I know the pain of the loss of Capt Kuss. We all sense the tragic loss and pray for his family and for the rest of the fliers.
As a GA pilot, I don't think there is anything more impressive (or dangerous) than flying in tight formation like these pilots fly. I worked in a high-rise building in downtown San Francisco, and during "Fleet Week" the Blue Angels came to practice before the weekend events. I was on the 31st floor, on a Friday before Saturday's show, as they zoomed around the buildings headed for the Bay, and we could look DOWN on them! Below us! Amazing. I always admired these U.S. Navy pilots, but never more than that day! We laud them all and wish them well, as they fly for our Country! Happy landings, Blue Angels!
I've been a Blue Angel fan most of my life. First time I saw them they were flying the A4 Skyhawk. In 1986 they changed airplanes to the F 18 A I believe they are flying the F18 C now. It's been one of favorite things to look forward too each year. Every thing they do is actual Combat maneuvers. 6 planes fly the delta formation ,then 5 and 6 breakoff becoming the opposing solos leaving 1234 as the small diamond. They appear on radar as one big plane. Salute to all Blue Angels past and present.
I attended the Blue Angles show at the Fort Worth Airshow just a few weeks before this horrible tragedy. Like the gentleman in this video I live very close to the airport and I can watch them practice from my back yard. I’ve watched them practice many times over the last 15 or so years. There must be a ground reference near my home because they make their turns directly over my house. So close you can see the pilots looking back at you. Based on my familiarity with the shows this crash would have been very close to my home had it happened at our show. We always go to the airport to watch the shows and we always take my son to the meet and greet line after the show. We met and spoke to Capt Kuss and my son got his autograph and a photo with him. It was very sad to hear about this accident and the loss of this hero. He could have ejected but he stayed with his plane to make sure it wouldn’t hit homes and possibly hurt or kill people on the ground. He fought it all the way to the ground to protect people in that neighborhood. God bless him and his family and all those who serve to protect our great country.
Jack G. I don’t remember when I went to the air show but my mom Dad sisters and I sit out in the hot sun just to see the blue Angles they are amazing and it’s really sad that one of them passed but he’s flying a new jet up in the sky. But I remember on my way to my Aunts a cousins apartment and seeing all the American flags at half flag even the flags some people have on their trucks or car was down to when I asked my mom she said one of the blue angle pilots crashed and died in the jet. When I heard that I got the chills and my heart sank.
Jack G. And that makes sense if he ejected from the jet it would fly and crash some where else and destroy homes or kill people and he could never live like that. But he did what he had to do he save a lot of lives and he will be remembered for that R.I.P
No.....He should have ejected immediately when he seen that there was no chance of him recovering the plane....It not worth losing your life over because no one else would have died anyhow being he crashed in a field with a bunch of trees in there also.....He could have been saying as he made the misjudgment that if he ejects and loses this plane because of his error in judgment he would lose his pilot license to fly a F1-18 Hornet anyhow.....on the flip side of the coin he would be alive today and he would maybe not would won't to face his commander of losing a $50 million plane......
Hate to be the one to say this... but I live close by and my father-in-law knows someone who was in the know. He did eject, though, it was too late. He was decapitated by the power line you see down in this video. Very sad, but it would be nice if people knew the truth. While I do believe he did hold on to point his jet into the field, nature did take over and he did try to eject. Who wouldn't?? I'm still saddened by this. The memorial is wonderful, I see it all the time. I live close by and love the blues... having one of the jets here is amazing but it is under unfortunate circumstances, I never forget that it's about showing respect.
I'm the granddaughter of a Navy Capt who is buried at the USNA. As I was growing up I can't count the amount of times I went to events at USNA & spent time there with him. My father was a Fire Capt at Water Witch, literally steps feom Gate 1. Between the amount of time I was there for my granddad, just hanging out there to playing on the sea wall or going ice skating after visiting my dad & of course being at every practice & show they ever put on for USNA, they have a very special place in my heart. I cried for him, his family & his Blue Angel family when we heard about this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this piece and to all the citizens there for the support. Any Annapolitan that see's this will be greatful for the love & respect you have shown our Blue Angel family. #6 #BlueandGoldForever
I remember I was present at an air show in Puerto Rico where the Blue Angels performed back in the mid 80’s. I was about 10 years old and one of the Blue Angels crashed as well. The emotion I felt as a boy back then was relived watching this memorial video. God bless the Captain and his family. God bless that community for how they honored this warrior and American hero.
I was at work about ten minutes away from the scene when it happened. I still remember standing at the register ringing people up and everyone was talking about the blue Angels and how amazing they were. We were all so excited to see them. Then we heard a boom and I was hoping that it was maybe a car crash or something. Then emergency personnel kept going by and kept going by. With no one telling me I just had a gut feeling one of them went down. Sure enough, a customer gave us all the news and when I got off my shift a few minutes later I went home and turned on the news. That was a hard day to be a resident in Nashville and the surrounding communities. Also sidenote, I am an Aerospace student at MTSU (school mentioned in the video) and the Blue Angels always did a symposium for us. Man they were nice people.
While I was stationed in Pensacola I would watch them practice on my lunch breaks. This happened before my time but it's still such an eye opener. Growing up you always see the Angels as immortal pilots. I can't imagine what was going through his mind. I know the Captain's in God's arms now, though. Rest in peace, Captain.
Thank you for this heart-felt tribute memorializing Captain Kuss. Very well done! My sympathy to his wife and children and to the greater "Blue Angels community."
Being a navy et I can say the airforce gets alot of shit and rightfully so but your the youngest brother taking the most shit but we love them. Nothing can bring a battle hardened person to tears faster than the sound of a helo or jet. Secretly we all love the airforce but will never say it.
@@unitedwestand5100 Your a true Dumbass. These are not just any "Formation flying" people they are part of the Navy and also marines maby pay better attantion and dont judt be a jack off
@@LiveStockman Hes got a point, as much as we all are devastated by a tragedy of any kind where a life is taken, I would not go as far to say that they protect our country. There a symbol for sure, thats shows American pride, but they are not on the front lines. So its all about perspective
First when this happened. I was born during WW2. Born in Brooklyn. I learned, like all of us then, what real heroism was. I grew up with the annual July 4 air show at Coney Island. And it it was a doozey. Air sea and paratropers. The beach was jammed with people. And we new that we couldn't tolerate dissension in the ranks or in the home front because it weakened us all. And we had great leaders. I followed the Blue Angels all my life. Once on a trip to LasVegas, I had the priviledge to be granted a tour of the Angels home base at Nellis Air Base. We met several of the flyboys and saw their aircraft up close. It was a high moment of my life. Today I learned they were disbanding. There are clearly many reasons this is happening now. But this not an appropriate place for this discussion. Thank you for posting this. Marty
I am Australian and I have watched these magnificent pilots and I have had the most awesome pleasure in watching these videos,my heart hurts that this wonderful pilot was taken,the rainbow shows he's is definitely with you all much love to you
I grew up in the Air Force 🇺🇸 Lived on base. Couldn’t tell you how many hours I have watched the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels not including air shows. ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
I live 10 minutes from fightertown usa (miramar nas) now MCAS and I am also an aviator. This was a tragic story beautifully told by this town. Thank you for telling this story.
I was looking over videos and came across this tragedy. You see on June 2, 2015, I lost my wife suddenly and raised my daughter alone and seeing another tragedy on that date. But what hit home to me was seeing my former Chaplin Harrell. We served together with the 155 AS in Memphis TN. It's comforting to know he was there to help.
I was a maintainer on fighter jets for 35 years and we are all one big family. This tragedy really hits home. Devastating for his wife, kids, and the entire Smyrna community.
Rip Captain Kuss. Thank you for your service and sacrifice..we will always remember you. Bless your family. May they find peace in your everlasting love for them.
As someone who also witnessed a Blue Angels crash while stationed at NAS Miramar (76-80). It is something that will never fade away. I worked in Aviation for 14 of 20 years in the U.S. Navy. I witnessed many mishaps aboard aircraft carriers. None are so impactful as seeing a Blue. Life is fragile and even the Best of the Best make mistakes. Memories of life will be with us till our last breath. Salute Brother, You stand relieved!
Breaks my heart. A wonderful man died and children will grow up without him.and a loving wife will be lonely and miss him. Their earthly dream ended. A puzzle why good Fathers are taken so soon and bad worthless Fathers are left on earth to keep multiplying.???
May Capt. Koos fly w/ the "angels" at this very moment. Such a tragedy, there are no words to describe the anguish & the tears. My condolances to his wife, his children , his family, his friends & the Blue Angels team. Always will he be remembered by the fans of the blue Angels too.
Having been an aviation electrician in the MC during the early 50's, maintaining the F4U Corsairs, I have a place in my heart for those Marine pilots. My prayers are with the family of Captain Kuss.
We lived in Knoxville at the time, and had just ween Captain Kuss a few weeks earlier at the Smoky Mountain air show. How fitting I would come across this video heading into the Memorial Day weekend....it still tares me up to be reminded me of this...may the Lord continue to comfort all familyvand friends!!!
Born and raised in East Tennessee spent 21 years in the Navy actually was involved with the F18 community for over 24 years. Anytime we lose a pilot of anyone else it's like losing family. I am proud of Smyrna and how they responded to this tragedy. To the fine people of Smyrna, bless each and every one of you.
May Jeff K. REST-IN-PEACE. May he always be remembered for the hero that he was. Thank you for your service. May time help ease some the pain. God Speed 🇺🇸🌈🛩
I used to watch the blue angels practice every day for about half a year in 2015 and 2016 back when I was training at NAS Pensacola. What a privilege. Every day, go get my lunch, sit outside on a bench and watch them play. Much love for his family and community.
@@theflyer101 oh did one of them actually die...i heard alot about the crash cuz it wasn't to far away from us but they (from what i heard) did not actually clarify that he died.
I have yet to watch the Angels in person but as a former soldier with 3 combat deployments to record, this video brings tears to my eyes to see the love and support even a year later for the great pilots and hero’s. God bless the United States
I watched the Blue's every year at MCAS El Toro (Anaheim, CA) 3rd MAW: I was an F-4 Plane Captain. During our 1988 Air Show we nearly lost our C.O., Colonel Jerry "Kami-Kazi" Caddick during the show. Let's always remember our Marine and Navy pilots. GOD bless you Marine #6! NOTE: Kuss could have ejected; but, he chose to ride the bird to avoid human tragedy--crashing into homes--just like Caddick did during the '88 Show. Amazing people!
That’s not true. He did eject, but he was already too low and his chute was engulfed in flames from the crash. Perhaps you’re right in the sense that he waited until the very last second to eject and make sure he didn’t crash into anything, but he did in fact eject.
Lot of my footage in this story, they did a fantastic job with this. I flew a photo shoot for the air show with Capt Kuss, BA 5 & Sean Tucker, just before Capt Kuss was lost.
Thank you, Mike. Based on this comment, you've gained a subscriber. I went to your channel...WOW. I wish I'd made a point to get into shooting that kind of video. I made commercials for years, but would have preferred to be recording in and out of jets and other aircraft. I thought the producers of this video did a great job too. Footage is EXCELLENT.
Great example of how small market TV stations can put together something epic out of a relatively 'small' event (not small at all but in the cutthroat world of TV markets, 'small') - this is great journalism that helps keep the memory of an American hero alive.
I’m 57 & some of my best memories of time spent with my Dad, God rest his soul, were at the airfields here in California, watching The Blue Angels💙💙💙 I’m deeply saddened by this as I didn’t know that a pilot was lost 😞 My deepest sympathy to his family, his Airforce brothers & friends🙏🙏🙏
I never new this happened. I've been a Blue Angels fan since I was a kid. This is one of my brothers by way of the Marine Corps. God rest his soul. Semper Fi Devil Dog.
RIP Capt Kuss, I remember as a child living in San Diego, late 50's, I witnessed a crash of the Angels practicing and I saw the midair collision. I rushed in to tell my mom and she said wait till dad gets home. When he did, we went out to see and it was true. So tragic that happening. May #6 always be remembered.
That was too bad about the crash but the rainbow 🌈 was God's way of saying now he's soaring in heaven , may he rest in peace !!! 😀☝❤💚💜💙💛 Blue Angel 😇 No. 6 ✈ 🇺🇸
@@redcherry6914 God loves us so much that he gave us free will. The freedom to make our own choices. This also means we have the ability to make choices that ultimately lead to our destruction, either physically or spiritually. If God swooped in to change every unfavorable outcome, we wouldn't have free will over anything. Death, struggle, suffering, and toil are all part of this world; brought on by man's sin. God didn't make it that way, we corrupted His creation with the free will He gave us. We made it that way. So when you ask why terrible things happen, my answer is look in the mirror. We're all responsible. That's why Jesus came, to live to life we couldn't and make the sacrifice so we don't have too. Accepting Christ as your savior and being born again is the only way to Heaven and eternal paradise, all other paths lead to Hell and eternal torment.
Jay割 when I lived in Michigan I never got to see them but my parents moved our family to Arizona and whenever they come for the air show I get to see them. That’s pretty much the only reason we go to the air show and sit out in the heat is just so we can see them.
I fly RC jets and acrobatic planes! They are a thrill. Got to fly a extra 330 once, my Daughter bought me a 2 hour flight experience for my Birthday one year. That was a real blast!!! Thanks Vanessa!
This is what it means to be a United States citizen! Pride of our people & the way we show respect to our military & the people in all branches of law enforcement. What a wonderful city to have and honor a legendary “Blue Angel”! Thanks so much for this documentary.
I do miss my hometown of Tishomingo MS, there appears a quality of citizenry exhibited with a graceful, benevolent character in the southeastern U.S. which is genuine. Smyrna Tennessee displays this here. God bless Smyrna, I salute you. My prayers are with all touched by this horrific reminder of freedom's high price, most especially the surviving family.
First of all let me say, Semper Fi Brother, Rest In Peace Marine. Secondly, as of 5-6-2020 there are 449 thumbs down for this tribute to Captain Cuss. Why in God's name?
2013 I had the pleasure to eat breakfast at the same table with the Blue Angels while they were in Pensacola, FL. Darn shame to see one of their own go down like this. Such kind people.
That was a bad day across the country and across the branches. In a separate incident one of the Air Force Thunderbirds crashed. The pilot was able to safely eject thankfully. Also 9 Army soldiers were killed at Fort Hood when they attempted to cross a flooded creek in an LMTV and it was washed away.
@@adamlavalleur3389 How do you know this? I am curious what your source is. It is not always possible to eject, especially if he had still been trying to bring the plane out of its trajectory.
@@adamlavalleur3389 I have read several other comments since I posted mine. If the sources are credible, they say he had stayed with the plane trying to direct it to crash into a field away from buildings and people, and that he did try to eject at the last moments, but unfortunately when he ejected he hit power lines. If that's true, it is sad, but maybe he died instantly. Either way, it's sad.
I can't remember the year it was in 93 or 94 but the Blues came to Liberal Kansas to the air show there. I was working there as a line guy. As the days came near it was getting real. On Wednesday after noon the first jet flew in. I showed him where to park and walked away per told by them what to do. Thursday morning the rest were to arrive. I can't remember the Pilots name but I can remember what he ask when he came in the office. He said good afternoon my name is ....... who is the main fuel man. Both my Bosses pointed at me. Now we were kinda confused at this point cause a truck from the military was to show up to fuel them. He looked at me and we introduced each other and he said. Are you going to be here tomarrow through Sunday afternoon. I said I'm supost to be off Saturday and Sunday. He look back at me and said are you going to be here at work through Sunday afternoon. Because if your not we will not be flying. Then we found out the truck was not coming. Long story short he drilled train me over 8 hours of vedio and hands on to refuel the Blues. I was the only one that could walk up to the jet and touch them with out getting into big trouble. I was a proud man. I could not take the ride because of all the trouble that was going on at that time with them but me being a pilot I did get a big suprise. They got with my instructor and got it set up that on Sunday afternoon when the last 2 left that the plan hit. I was to be in the 172 ready to take off behind them. They took off and we waited for when wash to disappear then we took off to hold runway heading and hold 500 feet. I had no clue what was going on. I started take off roll and then was told my my old Instructor again to hold runway heading and hold 500 feet after take off and not make any changes no mater what. I said ok. Took off. 500 feet leveled off. See 2 dots. Dots got bigger. Dots turned into jets. Jets coming at me. Instructor voice. Hold heading and 500 feet. I soiled my shorts by now. One flipped over and in the picture that burned on the FBO fire a few year later it looked like one upside down on top of me. One right side up under me and me going between them in the middle going the other way. We were around 150 feet apart by my guess. That was my thanks from them for all the work and long hours I had to put in to let them fly. I will never for get how they all treated me. Very proud of all of them past present and future.
The life of a military pilot, especially that trained for combat is extremely high risk .. You are told and know that the moment you sign up .. As imperfect human beings we strive for perfection knowing we live in an imperfect world .. Despite our best efforts, with the best in the business .. Things can ( and will) go wrong .. It is a product and consequence of our free will .. I was a recruit at MCRD, San Diego in the summer of 1980 .. The hostages in the US Embassy in Tehran were still held captive as I trained .. During NATO operation, Northern Wedding / Bold Guard (1982) .. A CH-53A went down in the North Sea, all crew lost .. (no troops aboard) That same 53 I had embarked/disembarked on the USS Nassau (LHA-4) the day before .. (fully loaded) That same week, we lost an AV-8A (Harrier) on the Nassau .. Tragedies do happen during peacetime, under intense training .. Semper Fi Capt. Kuss! Job well done ..
Some years ago. I was at Air Station Willow NAS. I witnessed a F-14 demonstration end in tragedy. Something went terribly wrong. It almost looked he flew the plane into the ground. It was such a surreal experience. The pilot and his REO did not survive.
My son-in-law is a Marine 2nd Lt training at Pensacola. This is omnipresent for those who volunteer and for their families. The Blue Angels are a demonstration team but they symbolize a much wider capability. The freedoms we all enjoy aren't free; they have been and continue to be paid for with lives.
when i see video of them flying, then only see the 4.... i almost feel like they jets are alive like a flock of birds... and they are devastated theres 1 missing
My heart is heavy and aches every time I watch this tribute. My father and father in law who have both passed away, we’re navy men. I have the utmost respect for our military and I love this beautiful country and the us navy blue angels!! You men and women are true heroes. And to you Jeff, you are also a hero and will never be forgotten!! And to Jeff’s family, my heartfelt thoughts are with you!! You will always be in my heart. God bless you and god bless the USA!! We love you Jeff!! R.I.P.
If you are ever in Durango, Colorado, you can drive on the Jeff Kuss Memorial Highway. It is Highway 160. God Bless You. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸. 🇺🇸 This Flag is for Captain Jeff Kuss, May he Rest in Peace. I do still cry.
This hurt me a lot when it happened because I was stationed in Pensacola as a Navy SEABEE back in 1995 with CBU 402 that when I first saw the blues and fell in love with the noise and precision of flight. Then CBU-402 moved to key west. Fast forward to 2016 I had been retired from the navy now for 5 years I take a job with NAVFAC Pensacola back with my SEABEES. I still remember the flight over Pensacola beach when they came home after the tragedy sadness is an understatement too how I felt. But I am still here on base and have the pleasure of seeing my blues almost every day practicing everywhere you look it is a #6.
My father was stationed at Mir Mar Navel Air Station in the 70's. I was a youngster and we would sit outside the house and watch the Blue Angels practice. The pride that comes from being a Navy family. God Bless Captain Kuss and his family. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I live in Pensacola. When the news came out that #6 went down, I swear the entire city wept.
To this day, on every emergency vehicle in the city, if not the county, you will find a small 6 in the lower left hand side of the rear windshield.
Wow... that's a nice tribute.
I live on Elgin, near fort Walton beach, and I always hear the shriek of the f-18’s, It just makes me think of the angels. Kinda sad ngl
Yesterday a snowbird plane crashed, they once flew with the blue angels, a passenger died in the crash and the pilot ejected
@@dashyandpotatochip4415 Wow, I hadn't heard about that. Tragic.
@@dashyandpotatochip4415 That is very sad. May she rest in peace.
czcams.com/video/10Og_7sqU7s/video.html
My wife and I were on our way into Smyrna when we saw the plane go down and the huge pillar of black smoke. Immediately, we were afraid that the pilot had been killed. We had front row tickets for the Smyrna Air Show that weekend but we gave them away because we just couldn't go. The new memorial to Captain Kuss on Sam Ridley is wonderful. I urge you to consider visiting it to pay tribute to him.
Quothraven really wow
I have
💙🛩
Hell-o nahyne wun wun... " I caint beleeve whut ah jus sawww.!"
Devon Billy - You okay?
I cannot imagine how hard his wingmens hearts must've dropped while flying directly over the crash sight just as it occured 😔💔
when you’re in a jet doing so many miles per hour, you don’t have time to look down but they prolly heard it over the radio.
@@understoodoutput8869 You can clearly see them fly up to and right over and straight through the smoke from the crash site. Don't try explaining to me that that is not visible.
When flying you absolutely can see what is on the ground ahead of you at those low altitudes. And when about to travel over a particular areas banking left or right will also allow you to see what is below.
@@jamstagerable Boss certainly saw the plume as the diamond overflew, but no way 2,3 and 4 did. Not while in formation. Not a snowball's chance in hell.
@@jamstagerable A few of points to clarify...
1) They didn't fly through the smoke. They flew over the crash site at just about the moment of impact. The smoke had only just begun to billow.
2) They weren't flying glass bottom Hornets. While they do have a pretty large field of vision because of how the canopy and seating is designed, that vision supports the topside 360. The underside is still a huge blind spot.
3) They are trained professionals who will not deviate from how their flight plans were designed - even when they know their brother was going down. They can't stop it. They can't help it, and especially in the case of the diamond flyover, unplanned deviation could cause impact and further devastation. That's why the didn't bank their wings to get a view.
They absolutely knew he was down. I'm certain they knew from radio communications. They (at the time) probably didn't realize he was initially too low and fast for the Split-S, so they wouldn't have been on the lookout for him crashing, and they certainly didn't have time to initiate a contingent plan to deviate from the formation in time. It's a testament to their professionalism because any human being (not in their shoes) would naturally gravitate to try to help, get a view, etc.
I mean like imagine being a b17 pilot seeing your fellow crew members plane going down all the time
Jeff Kuss was a neighbor of me and my Husband, his Aunt and Uncle are very close Neighbors of ours. We attended the Memorial'Parade' in our City for him. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 For Captain Jeff Kuss and the Blue Angels. God Bless You.
Way to try and make someone elses death all about yourself.
@@malloyneil40 Nice comment for an idiot.
Neil Malloy how abt Yu go fuck yourself
@@malloyneil40 fuck you
@@sharkfn2678 O I hurt the fillings of some moron living in his mommy's basement whos life revolves around playing Fortnight. How will I ever cope.
I salute all of the fallen blue angels thunderbirds and soldiers.
They the world's best us navy
Much respect, and a citizen salute as well!!!
Many thanks, and prayers!
thats my xBox profile pic 0w0
No offense but you just said they were the Blue Angels Thunderbirds the Blue Angels are Navy and the Thunderbirds are Air Force they are not the same thing
@@nateklol I think he missed putting a comma in between the two of them, and was supposed to be supportive of both branches of service flight teams that has lost lives. That's all.
This was very hard to watch. R.I.P. Captain Kuss.
Honestly, I feel bad for the blue angels.
Cara Cowman I feel bad for the captains family
RIP RIP RIP
Was he too low to bail out?
Beautiful. As a 20 year navy retired AO "IYAOYAS" veteran who grew up watching the Blues at every airshow I could get to here. Thank you for this great memorial.
in 1952/53 the Blue Angels flew over my childhood home in Farmingdale Long Island. They flew out of Grumman down the road from us. That rainbow is a sign a promise from God that He would not destroy the earth with water but i took it as if to say this Pilot, Husband & Dad is in heaven ...
Always Remember Him as a Great Dad , Husband and Friend and family members who love him for what he love to do is being Part of a tremendous team called the Blue Angels, Number 6
im soory
AMEN
Thanks
we don't know if he was great in any of those things
JanitorIsBack fool
Having lost my only son in an auto accident 11 months after this tragedy on May 20 2017 I know the constant pain of sorrow the family will always be feeling. My prayer is the hope of this family being united once again together when Our Lord Jesus returns and wipes aways ever tear from every eye through all of history. RIP Sir and thank you for your service to our country paying the ultimate price for our freedoms less we forget which we shall not. Thank you city of Smyrna Tennessee for honoring this brave young man and ensuring his memory will never be taken for granted or forgotten . God bless you all
Duncanny ❤️💐
What if they're Buddhist?.......
RED CHERRY 69 I’m sure Buddha and Jesus are homies and will wipe every tear together. It’s only us that unjustly fight about silly things like this. They both/all have the same theory, be nice, don’t be dick and help each other ✌🏾
thank you Papa it's hard to believe it will be 2 years that my son Justin left me in 12 days but I keep going best I can and if you should ever know anyone that has buried a child then please be kind and know they may never fully recover from that. We're just not suppose to bury our children and a part of us dies with them and I don't think anyone will ever be the same after suffering such a great loss as that.. God bless you and again thank you for your kindness towards me.
@@duncanny199 I am sorry for your loss. My mother, after losing my brother, said she has lost a father and a husband, but there is nothing like losing a child. I hope one day we will see all our loved ones again.
To The 72 people who disliked this video. Why would you dislike?
Probably because the web-site person put it under the category "comedy" -- there is nothing remotely funny about pilots who risk their lives for their country, either in war, practice, or entertaining people like the Blue Angels do!
Probably just all around crappy human beings, would be my guess.
Probably because they're libtards and are too dumb to realize the military PROTECTS them!
No what it is, is that these ass holes that disliked this is a very miserable person they hate there own lives so they want to bring everyone else down with them they are probably an most likely lonely an pathetic
Those people who dislike these videos would be the very FIRST ones who demand defense and protection from our military services -- and expect to get it, even if their taxes are not paying for it! Pathetic? Yes indeed.
Wow.. the way the four blues overfly as the explosion occurs gave me chills...
Miami Avi,
Clearly, flight lead of the formation is about to or has milliseconds earlier called a halt to their routine.
I KNOW RIGHT!!!
How tragic..
Dear Mrs. Kuss and your children,
The dreadful day that you lost your husband and father to your children, is so painful. I feel so bad for you and your children. Great sorrow and sadness fills our heart. Your entire family will forever be in our hearts.
RIP CAPTAIN KUSS! WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR 6! 🙏🏻🇺🇸
@@nonnobissolum Hi Jet was #6
You seriously can so Rest In Peace
Fuck kapitkan kus
@@kdenaviation lol
4 yrs on. How do you have his 6?
Why am I just hearing about this and it's 2019??
With you mate, had no clue this happen.
The same day this happened a Thunderbird also crashed (although the pilot ejected safely). That Incident happened after the Thunderbird plane did a flyover of an event that then President Obama was attending. Apparently national news thought a plane going down after flying over the president was more worthy of a news story than this. I saw a 30 second clip of it on ABC news that night. Of course the Thunderbird one got several minutes on every pundit on every channel.
@@globalawakening7009 right man like why didn't this get sufficient Media coverage
That’s CZcams for you
Same here
My daughter was part of their ground crew and I know the pain of the loss of Capt Kuss. We all sense the tragic loss and pray for his family and for the rest of the fliers.
As a GA pilot, I don't think there is anything more impressive (or dangerous) than flying in tight formation like these pilots fly. I worked in a high-rise building in downtown San Francisco, and during "Fleet Week" the Blue Angels came to practice before the weekend events. I was on the 31st floor, on a Friday before Saturday's show, as they zoomed around the buildings headed for the Bay, and we could look DOWN on them! Below us! Amazing. I always admired these U.S. Navy pilots, but never more than that day! We laud them all and wish them well, as they fly for our Country! Happy landings, Blue Angels!
Thank you sir for your service!
Much love and respect for you all!!! Love the Blue Angles!!!
Best of the best!!!
Why is this video categorized as comedy? This is tragic
F
Because the poster is a moron.
I would hope that is is done to keep it from being flagged
[F]
F
F
I've been a Blue Angel fan most of my life. First time I saw them they were flying the A4 Skyhawk. In 1986 they changed airplanes to the F 18 A I believe they are flying the F18 C now. It's been one of favorite things to look forward too each year. Every thing they do is actual Combat maneuvers. 6 planes fly the delta formation ,then 5 and 6 breakoff becoming the opposing solos leaving 1234 as the small diamond. They appear on radar as one big plane. Salute to all Blue Angels past and present.
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with Jeff, his family and the Blue Angels. May God's love comfort them eternally.
I attended the Blue Angles show at the Fort Worth Airshow just a few weeks before this horrible tragedy. Like the gentleman in this video I live very close to the airport and I can watch them practice from my back yard. I’ve watched them practice many times over the last 15 or so years. There must be a ground reference near my home because they make their turns directly over my house. So close you can see the pilots looking back at you. Based on my familiarity with the shows this crash would have been very close to my home had it happened at our show. We always go to the airport to watch the shows and we always take my son to the meet and greet line after the show. We met and spoke to Capt Kuss and my son got his autograph and a photo with him. It was very sad to hear about this accident and the loss of this hero. He could have ejected but he stayed with his plane to make sure it wouldn’t hit homes and possibly hurt or kill people on the ground. He fought it all the way to the ground to protect people in that neighborhood. God bless him and his family and all those who serve to protect our great country.
Jack G. I don’t remember when I went to the air show but my mom Dad sisters and I sit out in the hot sun just to see the blue Angles they are amazing and it’s really sad that one of them passed but he’s flying a new jet up in the sky. But I remember on my way to my Aunts a cousins apartment and seeing all the American flags at half flag even the flags some people have on their trucks or car was down to when I asked my mom she said one of the blue angle pilots crashed and died in the jet. When I heard that I got the chills and my heart sank.
Jack G. And that makes sense if he ejected from the jet it would fly and crash some where else and destroy homes or kill people and he could never live like that. But he did what he had to do he save a lot of lives and he will be remembered for that R.I.P
Amen!!!
No.....He should have ejected immediately when he seen that there was no chance of him recovering the plane....It not worth losing your life over because no one else would have died anyhow being he crashed in a field with a bunch of trees in there also.....He could have been saying as he made the misjudgment that if he ejects and loses this plane because of his error in judgment he would lose his pilot license to fly a F1-18 Hornet anyhow.....on the flip side of the coin he would be alive today and he would maybe not would won't to face his commander of losing a $50 million plane......
Hate to be the one to say this... but I live close by and my father-in-law knows someone who was in the know. He did eject, though, it was too late. He was decapitated by the power line you see down in this video. Very sad, but it would be nice if people knew the truth. While I do believe he did hold on to point his jet into the field, nature did take over and he did try to eject. Who wouldn't?? I'm still saddened by this. The memorial is wonderful, I see it all the time. I live close by and love the blues... having one of the jets here is amazing but it is under unfortunate circumstances, I never forget that it's about showing respect.
I'm the granddaughter of a Navy Capt who is buried at the USNA. As I was growing up I can't count the amount of times I went to events at USNA & spent time there with him. My father was a Fire Capt at Water Witch, literally steps feom Gate 1. Between the amount of time I was there for my granddad, just hanging out there to playing on the sea wall or going ice skating after visiting my dad & of course being at every practice & show they ever put on for USNA, they have a very special place in my heart. I cried for him, his family & his Blue Angel family when we heard about this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this piece and to all the citizens there for the support. Any Annapolitan that see's this will be greatful for the love & respect you have shown our Blue Angel family. #6 #BlueandGoldForever
I cant even begin to imagine the pain his Wife felt watching that happen. 😢
RIP Marine. Semper Fidelis Forever.
US Air Force Veteran,
Chris Griffin
She didn't watch it happen but surely she saw the wreckage. She was still in route when the accident occurred.
I remember I was present at an air show in Puerto Rico where the Blue Angels performed back in the mid 80’s. I was about 10 years old and one of the Blue Angels crashed as well. The emotion I felt as a boy back then was relived watching this memorial video. God bless the Captain and his family. God bless that community for how they honored this warrior and American hero.
I had not heard of this prior to watching this video. I found it extremely sad for all involved.
Love from the UK.
Same I’m from uk asswell
I'm so sorry to all,his wife and kids,I'm so sorry, heart is aching over this,RIP SIR,TY FOR YOUR SERVICE
I was at work about ten minutes away from the scene when it happened. I still remember standing at the register ringing people up and everyone was talking about the blue Angels and how amazing they were. We were all so excited to see them. Then we heard a boom and I was hoping that it was maybe a car crash or something. Then emergency personnel kept going by and kept going by. With no one telling me I just had a gut feeling one of them went down. Sure enough, a customer gave us all the news and when I got off my shift a few minutes later I went home and turned on the news. That was a hard day to be a resident in Nashville and the surrounding communities.
Also sidenote, I am an Aerospace student at MTSU (school mentioned in the video) and the Blue Angels always did a symposium for us. Man they were nice people.
While I was stationed in Pensacola I would watch them practice on my lunch breaks. This happened before my time but it's still such an eye opener. Growing up you always see the Angels as immortal pilots. I can't imagine what was going through his mind. I know the Captain's in God's arms now, though. Rest in peace, Captain.
I was stationed in Pensacola from '82 to '85. Watched them practice on Wednesday mornings over the beach.
Thank you for this heart-felt tribute memorializing Captain Kuss. Very well done! My sympathy to his wife and children and to the greater "Blue Angels community."
Man that was rough to watch. Thank you for your service
May God bless him and his family. A true American hero.
Yeah, cause flying in an airshow is what keeps America safe....
Being a navy et I can say the airforce gets alot of shit and rightfully so but your the youngest brother taking the most shit but we love them. Nothing can bring a battle hardened person to tears faster than the sound of a helo or jet. Secretly we all love the airforce but will never say it.
@@unitedwestand5100 Your a true Dumbass. These are not just any "Formation flying" people they are part of the Navy and also marines maby pay better attantion and dont judt be a jack off
@@LiveStockman Hes got a point, as much as we all are devastated by a tragedy of any kind where a life is taken, I would not go as far to say that they protect our country. There a symbol for sure, thats shows American pride, but they are not on the front lines. So its all about perspective
First when this happened.
I was born during WW2.
Born in Brooklyn. I learned, like all of us then, what real heroism was. I grew up with the annual July 4 air show at Coney Island. And it it was a doozey. Air sea and paratropers. The beach was jammed with people.
And we new that we couldn't tolerate dissension in the ranks or in the home front because it weakened us all. And we had great leaders.
I followed the Blue Angels all my life. Once on a trip to LasVegas, I had the priviledge to be granted a tour of the Angels home base at Nellis Air Base. We met several of the flyboys and saw their aircraft up close. It was a high moment of my life.
Today I learned they were disbanding.
There are clearly many reasons this is happening now. But this not an appropriate place for this discussion.
Thank you for posting this. Marty
My heart goes out to everybody involved with Captain. To their family especially. I'm so sorry for everybody's loss
Way to try and make someone elses death all about yourself.
Hey, he f'd up and paid the ultimate price!!! Too bad, so said!!! No tears here!!!
@@terryisaac8195 Are you anti military or just a heartless PO💩
@@terryisaac8195 yes we know. You fly a video game.
I am Australian and I have watched these magnificent pilots and I have had the most awesome pleasure in watching these videos,my heart hurts that this wonderful pilot was taken,the rainbow shows he's is definitely with you all much love to you
Clone commander LEGO yes as a fellow aussie i can say that the blue angel pilot (i don't know his name) is a legend!
Thank you for the kind words, Jamie. Love and respect from the USA.
I grew up in the Air Force 🇺🇸 Lived on base. Couldn’t tell you how many hours I have watched the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels not including air shows. ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
I liked your post. Then it struck me I was post #6. Cold chills
I live 10 minutes from fightertown usa (miramar nas) now MCAS and I am also an aviator. This was a tragic story beautifully told by this town. Thank you for telling this story.
I was looking over videos and came across this tragedy. You see on June 2, 2015, I lost my wife suddenly and raised my daughter alone and seeing another tragedy on that date. But what hit home to me was seeing my former Chaplin Harrell. We served together with the 155 AS in Memphis TN. It's comforting to know he was there to help.
I was a maintainer on fighter jets for 35 years and we are all one big family. This tragedy really hits home. Devastating for his wife, kids, and the entire Smyrna community.
Rest Well Rest InPeace AirWarrior..Now You Fly With Real Angels...Gods Speed...
Rip Captain Kuss. Thank you for your service and sacrifice..we will always remember you. Bless your family. May they find peace in your everlasting love for them.
As someone who also witnessed a Blue Angels crash while stationed at NAS Miramar (76-80). It is something that will never fade away. I worked in Aviation for 14 of 20 years in the U.S. Navy. I witnessed many mishaps aboard aircraft carriers. None are so impactful as seeing a Blue. Life is fragile and even the Best of the Best make mistakes. Memories of life will be with us till our last breath. Salute Brother, You stand relieved!
This made me cry. Solute to the soldiers. And solute to the fallen ones. And God bless to everyone.
Breaks my heart. A wonderful man died and children will grow up without him.and a loving wife will be lonely and miss him. Their earthly dream ended. A puzzle why good Fathers are taken so soon and bad worthless Fathers are left on earth to keep multiplying.???
Rih Jeff
Us blues fans and family love you and miss you dearly you are missed Capt Jeff Kuss
May Capt. Koos fly w/ the "angels" at this very moment. Such a tragedy, there are no words to describe the anguish & the tears. My condolances to his wife, his children , his family, his friends & the Blue Angels team. Always will he be remembered by the fans of the blue Angels too.
So grateful this video is available to watch anytime. And no commercials. A tragic loss. Thank you for sharing.
Having been an aviation electrician in the MC during the early 50's, maintaining the F4U Corsairs, I have a place in my heart for those Marine pilots. My prayers are with the family of Captain Kuss.
Thanks for your service. I went to aviation electronics technician school in the Navy.
He will never ever be forgotten. He truly flies among angels now. Remember #6 Jeff Kuss.
HOW Dare you 39 people put a thumbs down on this hero's video....
We lived in Knoxville at the time, and had just ween Captain Kuss a few weeks earlier at the Smoky Mountain air show. How fitting I would come across this video heading into the Memorial Day weekend....it still tares me up to be reminded me of this...may the Lord continue to comfort all familyvand friends!!!
Born and raised in East Tennessee spent 21 years in the Navy actually was involved with the F18 community for over 24 years. Anytime we lose a pilot of anyone else it's like losing family. I am proud of Smyrna and how they responded to this tragedy. To the fine people of Smyrna, bless each and every one of you.
May Jeff K. REST-IN-PEACE. May he always be remembered for the hero that he was. Thank you for your service. May time help ease some the pain. God Speed 🇺🇸🌈🛩
I used to watch the blue angels practice every day for about half a year in 2015 and 2016 back when I was training at NAS Pensacola. What a privilege. Every day, go get my lunch, sit outside on a bench and watch them play. Much love for his family and community.
Thank You! for your kind presentation and Memorial - SSgt. Curd USMC
Why was this recommended to me just after the snowbirds tragedy? Cmon youtube, I'm shocked by that already, don't gotta make it sadder.
ProllyStonedTbh it’s Canada’s version of the Thunderbirds (which are the USAF version of the Blue Angels)
@ProllyStonedTbh I'm referring to the snowbirds crash a week ago, that left the captain dead and the flight engineer serious injured.
@@theflyer101 oh did one of them actually die...i heard alot about the crash cuz it wasn't to far away from us but they (from what i heard) did not actually clarify that he died.
ProllyStonedTbh űű
WolfieBoi
I have yet to watch the Angels in person but as a former soldier with 3 combat deployments to record, this video brings tears to my eyes to see the love and support even a year later for the great pilots and hero’s. God bless the United States
The audio is messed up and only plays in my left ear
Okay
Don’t use headphones then lol
Who else thought their headphones were broken at first.
Tommy Lynch me
Same that’s so weird
Ya no kidding...
Tommy Lynch someone died and your headphones are more important
Yep
I watched the Blue's every year at MCAS El Toro (Anaheim, CA) 3rd MAW: I was an F-4 Plane Captain. During our 1988 Air Show we nearly lost our C.O., Colonel Jerry "Kami-Kazi" Caddick during the show. Let's always remember our Marine and Navy pilots. GOD bless you Marine #6! NOTE: Kuss could have ejected; but, he chose to ride the bird to avoid human tragedy--crashing into homes--just like Caddick did during the '88 Show. Amazing people!
That’s not true. He did eject, but he was already too low and his chute was engulfed in flames from the crash. Perhaps you’re right in the sense that he waited until the very last second to eject and make sure he didn’t crash into anything, but he did in fact eject.
Lot of my footage in this story, they did a fantastic job with this. I flew a photo shoot for the air show with Capt Kuss, BA 5 & Sean Tucker, just before Capt Kuss was lost.
Thank you, Mike. Based on this comment, you've gained a subscriber. I went to your channel...WOW. I wish I'd made a point to get into shooting that kind of video. I made commercials for years, but would have preferred to be recording in and out of jets and other aircraft. I thought the producers of this video did a great job too. Footage is EXCELLENT.
Way to try and make someone elses death all about yourself.
@@malloyneil40 you are saying that to anyone who has a personal story about this, shame on you
@@malloyneil40 go away.
A shame that no one heard about this tragedy because the media would rather bash Trump.
This was in 2016, you dumb %$#&*@^ trumper. Jfc, at least you covidiots could learn to read.
I’m a conservative, but you should be ashamed using this man’s death to make such a ridiculous political comment.
Great example of how small market TV stations can put together something epic out of a relatively 'small' event (not small at all but in the cutthroat world of TV markets, 'small') - this is great journalism that helps keep the memory of an American hero alive.
I agree. I wish there were more stories like this instead of the 24/7 news cycle.
I’m 57 & some of my best memories of time spent with my Dad, God rest his soul, were at the airfields here in California, watching The Blue Angels💙💙💙 I’m deeply saddened by this as I didn’t know that a pilot was lost 😞 My deepest sympathy to his family, his Airforce brothers & friends🙏🙏🙏
I met that man and took a picture with him a month before he died. Not many get to meet their heroes, I'm thankful I did before he left us.
Thank you Captain Kuss for service and sacrifice RIP. we are praying for your family
Now hes flying through heaven with gods angels !!! 👍👋☝😇❤💚💜💙💛
I never new this happened. I've been a Blue Angels fan since I was a kid. This is one of my brothers by way of the Marine Corps. God rest his soul. Semper Fi Devil Dog.
Thank you sir for your service!!!
Lord bless you and your family!
Love the Blue Angles! Best of the best!
I’ve met some of the pilots of the blue Angels and my grandpa’s great friends with Chante Tucker
Thanks to the good folks of Smyrna, TN for remembering one of America's finest.
RIP Capt Kuss, I remember as a child living in San Diego, late 50's, I witnessed a crash of the Angels practicing and I saw the midair collision. I rushed in to tell my mom and she said wait till dad gets home. When he did, we went out to see and it was true. So tragic that happening. May #6 always be remembered.
What collision?
That was too bad about the crash but the rainbow 🌈 was God's way of saying now he's soaring in heaven , may he rest in peace !!! 😀☝❤💚💜💙💛 Blue Angel 😇 No. 6 ✈ 🇺🇸
Where was 'god' to stop the crash? Very sad tragedy. R.I.P.
Why did God allow Jesus to be crucified? God's ways are higher than man's ways.
@@redcherry6914 God loves us so much that he gave us free will. The freedom to make our own choices. This also means we have the ability to make choices that ultimately lead to our destruction, either physically or spiritually. If God swooped in to change every unfavorable outcome, we wouldn't have free will over anything. Death, struggle, suffering, and toil are all part of this world; brought on by man's sin. God didn't make it that way, we corrupted His creation with the free will He gave us. We made it that way. So when you ask why terrible things happen, my answer is look in the mirror. We're all responsible. That's why Jesus came, to live to life we couldn't and make the sacrifice so we don't have too. Accepting Christ as your savior and being born again is the only way to Heaven and eternal paradise, all other paths lead to Hell and eternal torment.
r.i.p capt, jeff kuss, semper fi wpns 2/8,, thank you sir for being a fast mover, and a heavy hitter,,
I would always watch them fly at Milwaukee in front of lake Michigan 😢
Jay割 ya man They need to change today😕 WOW
i just recently saw them in Traverse City Michigan this July
One time they practiced over my elementary school after school and it inspired me to do good in school
Jay割 when I lived in Michigan I never got to see them but my parents moved our family to Arizona and whenever they come for the air show I get to see them. That’s pretty much the only reason we go to the air show and sit out in the heat is just so we can see them.
As a child in Milwaukee, I watched them in the Panthers!
Still love to watch them!
Best of the best!!!
I fly RC jets and acrobatic planes! They are a thrill. Got to fly a extra 330 once, my Daughter bought me a 2 hour flight experience for my Birthday one year. That was a real blast!!! Thanks Vanessa!
R.I.P. Capt. Jeff Kuss Blue Angels! Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
R.I.P & Semper Fi.🙏
What a great honor they did for this pilot, marine, husband and dad.
This is what it means to be a United States citizen! Pride of our people & the way we show respect to our military & the people in all branches of law enforcement. What a wonderful city to have and honor a legendary “Blue Angel”! Thanks so much for this documentary.
I do miss my hometown of Tishomingo MS, there appears a quality of citizenry exhibited with a graceful, benevolent character in the southeastern U.S. which is genuine. Smyrna Tennessee displays this here. God bless Smyrna, I salute you. My prayers are with all touched by this horrific reminder of freedom's high price, most especially the surviving family.
I remember this it was a day I had a football game my god father was heading to my game when he had the call to come to that accident rip cpt.kuss
The Blue Angels were formed in 1946 flying Hellcat's.
So sad....I am from Yorkshire in the UK but hold the Blue Angels in the highest esteem....RIP no.6
First of all let me say, Semper Fi Brother, Rest In Peace Marine. Secondly, as of 5-6-2020 there are 449 thumbs down for this tribute to Captain Cuss. Why in God's name?
It's up to 566 now. How sad
There’s evil and heartless people in this world.
634
Its because theres stupid people who dont understand and think blue angels were a waste of money
Actually i think its elderly who think liking this means they like that he died. Some dont get how the system works.
We will miss you #6 🙏🇺🇸
Had tickets for the show - devastated when this happened. 🇺🇸
2013 I had the pleasure to eat breakfast at the same table with the Blue Angels while they were in Pensacola, FL.
Darn shame to see one of their own go down like this. Such kind people.
I'm with green man down there I'm a few years late but why would you dislike this a man died and you dislike a video about him
What they dislike is the fact that he crashed. What is there to like about a pilot losing his life? That is my guess.
People dislike to dislike but still like the video in reality there’s no stopping dislikes
That was a bad day across the country and across the branches. In a separate incident one of the Air Force Thunderbirds crashed. The pilot was able to safely eject thankfully. Also 9 Army soldiers were killed at Fort Hood when they attempted to cross a flooded creek in an LMTV and it was washed away.
Captain kuss could have ejected but he did not so he could have still been here if he did
@@adamlavalleur3389 How do you know this? I am curious what your source is.
It is not always possible to eject, especially if he had still been trying to bring the plane out of its trajectory.
Ok maybe he could but he could have done it last minute once he new he was going to crash
@@adamlavalleur3389 I have read several other comments since I posted mine. If the sources are credible, they say he had stayed with the plane trying to direct it to crash into a field away from buildings and people, and that he did try to eject at the last moments, but unfortunately when he ejected he hit power lines. If that's true, it is sad, but maybe he died instantly. Either way, it's sad.
R.I.P. #6..... Now you don't need to strap into an aircraft to fly...!!!!
I have watched these aces fly since they were in the F4 Phantoms and am still in awe. To see one fall is devastating.
I can't remember the year it was in 93 or 94 but the Blues came to Liberal Kansas to the air show there. I was working there as a line guy. As the days came near it was getting real. On Wednesday after noon the first jet flew in. I showed him where to park and walked away per told by them what to do. Thursday morning the rest were to arrive. I can't remember the Pilots name but I can remember what he ask when he came in the office. He said good afternoon my name is ....... who is the main fuel man. Both my Bosses pointed at me. Now we were kinda confused at this point cause a truck from the military was to show up to fuel them. He looked at me and we introduced each other and he said. Are you going to be here tomarrow through Sunday afternoon. I said I'm supost to be off Saturday and Sunday. He look back at me and said are you going to be here at work through Sunday afternoon. Because if your not we will not be flying. Then we found out the truck was not coming. Long story short he drilled train me over 8 hours of vedio and hands on to refuel the Blues. I was the only one that could walk up to the jet and touch them with out getting into big trouble. I was a proud man. I could not take the ride because of all the trouble that was going on at that time with them but me being a pilot I did get a big suprise. They got with my instructor and got it set up that on Sunday afternoon when the last 2 left that the plan hit. I was to be in the 172 ready to take off behind them. They took off and we waited for when wash to disappear then we took off to hold runway heading and hold 500 feet. I had no clue what was going on. I started take off roll and then was told my my old Instructor again to hold runway heading and hold 500 feet after take off and not make any changes no mater what. I said ok. Took off. 500 feet leveled off. See 2 dots. Dots got bigger. Dots turned into jets. Jets coming at me. Instructor voice. Hold heading and 500 feet. I soiled my shorts by now. One flipped over and in the picture that burned on the FBO fire a few year later it looked like one upside down on top of me. One right side up under me and me going between them in the middle going the other way. We were around 150 feet apart by my guess. That was my thanks from them for all the work and long hours I had to put in to let them fly. I will never for get how they all treated me. Very proud of all of them past present and future.
The life of a military pilot, especially that trained for combat is extremely high risk ..
You are told and know that the moment you sign up ..
As imperfect human beings we strive for perfection knowing we live in an imperfect world ..
Despite our best efforts, with the best in the business ..
Things can ( and will) go wrong ..
It is a product and consequence of our free will ..
I was a recruit at MCRD, San Diego in the summer of 1980 ..
The hostages in the US Embassy in Tehran were still held captive as I trained ..
During NATO operation, Northern Wedding / Bold Guard (1982) ..
A CH-53A went down in the North Sea, all crew lost .. (no troops aboard)
That same 53 I had embarked/disembarked on the USS Nassau (LHA-4) the day before .. (fully loaded)
That same week, we lost an AV-8A (Harrier) on the Nassau ..
Tragedies do happen during peacetime, under intense training ..
Semper Fi Capt. Kuss!
Job well done ..
RIP ctp jeff 😭🙏
Apparently they never went over how
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Some years ago. I was at Air Station Willow NAS. I witnessed a F-14 demonstration end in tragedy. Something went terribly wrong. It almost looked he flew the plane into the ground. It was such a surreal experience. The pilot and his REO did not survive.
My son-in-law is a Marine 2nd Lt training at Pensacola. This is omnipresent for those who volunteer and for their families. The Blue Angels are a demonstration team but they symbolize a much wider capability. The freedoms we all enjoy aren't free; they have been and continue to be paid for with lives.
I live just a few miles away and I decided to go out and watch it. I watched all of it happen. Absolutely insane. Crazy that he’s gone
Rip
Hope you fly in the sky’s of heaven
Very beautiful story! R.I.P. Captain!
when i see video of them flying, then only see the 4.... i almost feel like they jets are alive like a flock of birds... and they are devastated theres 1 missing
He was a solo.they fly like that but I get what you mean
My heart is heavy and aches every time I watch this tribute. My father and father in law who have both passed away, we’re navy men. I have the utmost respect for our military and I love this beautiful country and the us navy blue angels!! You men and women are true heroes. And to you Jeff, you are also a hero and will never be forgotten!! And to Jeff’s family, my heartfelt thoughts are with you!! You will always be in my heart. God bless you and god bless the USA!! We love you Jeff!! R.I.P.
If you are ever in Durango, Colorado, you can drive on the Jeff Kuss Memorial Highway. It is Highway 160. God Bless You. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸. 🇺🇸 This Flag is for Captain Jeff Kuss, May he Rest in Peace.
I do still cry.
Ive seen the blues many times in my life. Its almost like I knew them personally. Watching them fly all these years.
This hurt me a lot when it happened because I was stationed in Pensacola as a Navy SEABEE back in 1995 with CBU 402 that when I first saw the blues and fell in love with the noise and precision of flight. Then CBU-402 moved to key west. Fast forward to 2016 I had been retired from the navy now for 5 years I take a job with NAVFAC Pensacola back with my SEABEES. I still remember the flight over Pensacola beach when they came home after the tragedy sadness is an understatement too how I felt. But I am still here on base and have the pleasure of seeing my blues almost every day practicing everywhere you look it is a #6.
My father was stationed at Mir Mar Navel Air Station in the 70's. I was a youngster and we would sit outside the house and watch the Blue Angels practice. The pride that comes from being a Navy family. God Bless Captain Kuss and his family. I'm so sorry for your loss.