Fighter Sweep
  • Home
  • Military Aviation
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Spec Ops
  • Expert Analysis
  • Careers
  • Photos
Home Previous Post Next Post
Follow @fightersweep

Blue Angel’s CAPT. Jeff “Kooch” Kuss

June 6, 2016
Paco Chierici 1 Comment Drones

The loss of Capt. Jeff Kuss last Thursday has left a ragged tear in the naval aviation community. As he was memorialized by his boss, Blue Angel 1, CDR Bernacchi, I was reminded of so many other memorials from over the years. Good men and women who paid the ultimate price for doing what they loved.

What is it that drives men and women to subject themselves and their families to a profession that, though far safer than it once was, still claims bright, young, dedicated people at an over-sized rate? I don’t know any accountants, scientists or computer programmers who say they lost more than 20 coworkers in 20 years.

No one signs up for this line of work believing that they will not make it to the end. But the possibility walks with you at every step. We do it because we are certain that we won’t be the one. Because there is nothing like it and once it gets under your skin, there is no cure. The professionalism, the dedication to duty, country and craft are a thin veneer covering the real truth. The jets, the smell of exhaust, the boat, the ready room, the Gs, the speed; they are a potion we find irresistible and sustaining.

To say that Capt. Kuss died doing what he loved may sound trite, but it explains a pact we make when we strap ourselves into these wonderful machines. We rationalize the risk with the acknowledgement, a small source of comfort during those rare moments of self doubt. If it’s me, then I went doing what I was meant to do.

By all accounts Capt. Kuss was meant to be a Marine Corps fighter pilot, and loved it deeply. He leaves behind a loving wife and two young children. If you can, please contribute to the fund established to support them.

https://www.gofundme.com/jeffkuss

Fair winds and following seas Kooch.

Photo Credit: Matt Bell/The Register & Bee via AP

About the Author

Paco Chierici flew A-6E Intruders and F-14A Tomcats during his 10 year active duty career. He flew the F-5 Tiger II for a further 10 years as a Bandit concurrent with his employment as a commercial pilot. Paco is currently a 737 captain. Paco is also the creator and producer of the award winning naval aviation documentary Speed and Angels. Paco has written articles for various international and domestic magazines as well as regular contributions to Fighter Sweep. He has signed with an agent to represent the sale of his debut novel, Lions in the Sky, a naval aviation thriller. Paco has the standard panoply of medals and ribbons but his proudest accomplishment is the Top Nugget award for landing grades from his first deployment.

Related Posts

  • Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Pilot Killed in CrashRoyal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Pilot Killed in Crash
  • Breaking:  Blue Angels Announce ReturnBreaking: Blue Angels Announce Return
  • USMC F/A-18 Crashes in EnglandUSMC F/A-18 Crashes in England
  • B-52s Train For Possible Strikes in North AfricaB-52s Train For Possible Strikes in North Africa
  • Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron 121 ‘Hot-load’ AIM-120 Missiles on an F-35B Lightning IIMarine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron 121 ‘Hot-load’ AIM-120 Missiles on an F-35B Lightning II

Find Us on Facebook

FighterSweep.com

Sign Up
for the Newsletter

What’s Hot

  • From The Cockpit: VMFA (AW)-242 Bats Cruise Video
    June 20, 2015

    From The Cockpit: VMFA (AW)-242 Bats Cruise Video

  • abandoned-f-14-f-4
    May 14, 2017

    Abandoned US Military F-14 and F-4 Found in a Field. Anyone Know How They Got There?

  • September 4, 2019

    Photo Gallery: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Twitter

Recent Comments

  • pak152 " the team came up with what the Brits dubbed as Mustang, powered by a [...]
  • P K Polish AF never has and never will operate Su-27, An-26 aircraft has been out [...]
  • bnarfhyde The best book is also great. have a [...]
  • TerrorTrike ive never survived this long with such a clumsy FL- cG.866B.CO/NC6155hc
  • D4rksupeme yessss truck kunnnnnnnn i needddd you m.866E.CO/vC6155H

© Copyright 2023 SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers