We have just been added to the great performer venue at the Rockford AirFest 2011 this weekend June 4-5 in Rockford Illinois. Come on out for a spectacular show.

Commander Dave Koss was voluntarily relieved of duty as commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Friday following a “lower-than-normal” maneuver at the Lynchburg (Virginia) Regional Air Show, last Sunday, May 22.

“With deep personal regret I shared with my command today that I will be voluntarily leaving the greatest flight demonstration team,” Koss said in a Navy news release.

Koss, who acknowledged in his written statement that he had struggled at other points in his training earlier in the year, will be replaced by Captain Greg McWherther who commanded the Blue Angels through the 2009 and 2010 air show seasons. Following a period of reorientation practice sessions, the team will resume its 2011 air show schedule, perhaps as early as mid-June.

After battling courageously for two and a half months to recover from the burn injuries she suffered in a March 12 accident in Brownsville, Texas, Amanda Franklin passed away at approximately 10:00 p.m. CDT on Friday night at the Brookes Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Our thoughts and prayers are with both Amanda and Kyle.

Our good friend and airshow pilot Bill Reesman passed away April 15, 2011 near his home in Southern California. He will be missed on the circuit. Our prayers are with Julie.