SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Blue Angels flight leader said Friday their fallen pilot was “truly one of the absolute finest Americans this country can produce.”
U.S. Navy Commander Ryan Bernacchi spoke from the Smyrna airport on the tragic loss of Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, who died Thursday after his jet crashed nearby.
Comdr. Bernacchi said Kuss–“a father, son, Marine, and teammate”– embodied and inspired in all of their team an incredible spirit, courage, passion, and resiliency.
It was Kuss’ second year as a demonstration pilot and first year with the Blue Angels team.
The commander then took time to thank the hundreds and thousands of supporters from here in Middle Tennessee and across the nation, saying the Blue Angels are “overwhelmed by support and love.”
“Thank you for understanding we need time to grieve this tremendous loss,” Bernacchi added. “You will never know how much your support means to us.”
PHOTOS: U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet crash
The Blue Angels flight team was supposed to perform in the Great Tennessee Airshow this Saturday and Sunday but decided to pull out of the event after Capt. Kuss died.
The rest of the airshow is expected to go on as planned, a decision officials said was “the right thing to do” in order to honor the fallen pilot.
Click here for complete coverage of the Blue Angels crash.
Family members in Colorado set up a GoFundMe for Kuss’ wife and two children.Click here to donate.
On Friday, the Great Tennessee Air Show co-producers, the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority and The Air Show Network, announced that they’ll donate a portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales to the fund.
John Black, the Executive Director of Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, released the following statement:
“The weekend’s air show is dedicated to honoring Capt. Kuss for his service to our country and for making the ultimate sacrifice. We hope to help ease some of the family’s financial hardships after this tragedy and let them know we hold them dear to our hearts.”
Smyrna has shown their support for the Blue Angels by flying their flags at half-staff. People also gathered at the airport Friday afternoon to watch the team head home to Pensacola, Florida.