Airport officials today announced that they will move forward with hosting the 2016 Syracuse International Airshow next weekend, and pay tribute to Captain Jeff Kuss, the Blue Angels’ pilot who lost his life on Thursday while practicing in Smyrna, Tennessee.
“We are so deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy,” said Christina Callahan, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority at Hancock International Airport. “The loss of Captain Jeff Kuss, a hero who was doing what he loved, is devastating to those who knew him, to the Navy, and our country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children, his family, and the Blue Angels.”
The Blue Angels have confirmed that they will not perform in Syracuse next weekend, but after consulting with the Blue Angels, regulatory officials, the performers and support staff, Airport officials made the decision to move forward with the airshow and use it as an opportunity to recognize Captain Kuss and the Blue Angels family.
The airshow community is a tight knit group, and to cancel the airshow would be a disservice to the men and women who have worked tirelessly to bring their love of aviation to communities like Syracuse. “We hope our community will come out to the airport next weekend, enjoy the events and performances we have scheduled and most importantly, honor the memory of Captain Kuss,” Callahan added.