We made former Blue Angels loser last week in our Winners & Losers column. Not all our readers agreed.
From retired Adm. Robert Kelly: “Hope you might reconsider labeling Dave Koss as a loser (IN June 2). I know all the details of the incident and why “Mongo” decided to step down. In my opinion he should be praised for his character. Below is my letter to the PNJ addressing the issue that was published Wed.”
Most folks who live in this area know that Pensacola is the home of the Blue Angels, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration team. We are graced with their practice sessions on a routine basis and they attempt to make their routines look easy. In fact the crowds are told that the maneuvers they perform are typical of what all Navy jet pilots do every day.
As a Naval Aviator with over three decades of experience, I can tell you that the Blues are anything but typical. Flying that close, that low, that fast with impeccable timing takes selecting the very best and hours of training and practice. It is hard and dangerous work that only a few are truly qualified for.
Last week the Blue Angels Commanding Officer, Cdr. Dave Koss (call sign Mongo) voluntarily stepped down. He did so because he believed he did not measure up to the Blue Angel standard and he did not want to place his teammates in jeopardy. This selfless action tells a lot about this extraordinary Naval Officer. Many will criticize him and some of his friends will turn aside, but Mongo’s character and inner strength will surely prevail. He looked in the mirror and made the right call and I for one salute him.
Robert J. Kelly
Admiral USN (ret)
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From former Blues flight leader Bob Stumpf:
Thank you for your excellent publication, an alternative public voice and forum for the Pensacola community.
As a former Blue Angels flight leader, I must voice my strenuous objection to the inclusion of Dave Koss in your June 2 losers column. Commander Koss is in fact the diametric opposite of a loser. His exemplary conduct surrounding this most unpleasant recent incident entirely bears this out. Dave Koss is a winner by any stretch of the imagination, an accomplished naval officer and proven combat carrier pilot who is devoting life to the service of our country. At the very top of his exclusive profession, he made the most painful decision imaginable, sacrificing his own reputation for the sake of his his wingmen and his team. At a time when we should be giving him thanks for his dedicated, honorable service, a time when he is suffering intensely, you chose instead to kick him in the teeth. He more properly belongs in the winners column.
I would stand with Dave Koss against any adversary, no matter how formidable, and venture to say that so too would all his colleagues. The Navy, if they are politically courageous, will acknowledge the value of this man to our service and reward him with a promotion and further command opportunities.
Robert Stumpf
Captain, U.S. Navy, retired
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I was sorely disappointed at your ‘losers’ categorization of blues flight leader Dave Koss.. I do believe an apology is in order and that you should have done some homework on what it takes to become the flight leader of the blues.. Rick, for this grave injustice on your part, it would be more than appropriate for you to be in the LOSERS column of the next issue of IN. Will be good to see how big a man you are to do so!! We have grown to expect more from you!! Myles Fisher
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My reply:
The loser is not a brand of failure, merely a statement that the person didn’t have a good week. A person can be winner one week and a loser the next. Dave Koss lost the command of the Blue Angels. While I respect his sense of honor in resigning before the command was taken away from him, I think it is fair to say it wasn’t one of his best weeks.