Blue Angels return for first time to Great Tennessee Air Show three years after fatal crash

For the first time since a deadly crash three years ago, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return to the Greater Tennessee Air Show on June 8 and 9.

Blue Angels pilot and Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss died in a crash during practice for the Smyrna, Tennessee, show on June 2, 2016. 

Lt. Cmdr. David Gardner, spokesman for the Pensacola Naval Air Station-based Blue Angels, said performing at the show is sure to bring up memories for members of the elite fighter jet demonstration team. 

"There are definitely a lot of emotions tied to the show," he said. "The best way we can honor Capt. Kuss and everyone who has given their life in service to their country is to go out there and fly the best demonstration we possibly can."

Memorial:Tennessee memorial for Blue Angels' Jeff Kuss to be dedicated in June

First anniversary:Blue Angels crash: 'It's hard to believe it's been a year'

Parents reflect:Capt. Jeff Kuss' parents visit Blue Angel crash site: 'It was just so beautiful to see what he saw, his last breath'

Gardner said the Blue Angels will be forever grateful for the support the town of Smyrna showed the team in the aftermath of the deadly crash. The town raised more than $1.1 million in donations for a memorial dedicated to Kuss last year. The memorial features a retired Blue Angels' F/A 18 painted with the No. 6 in recognition of the fighter jet Kuss flew. 

Gardner said members of the team can visit the memorial while attending the show. 

"I cannot emphasize enough how thankful we are to the Smyrna community for all the support they have given us," he said. 

Blue Angels generally serve just two or three years with the team before returning to other jobs in the Navy Marine Corps, so most members of the 2019 Blue Angels were not with the team in 2016.

Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed said the town was looking forward to seeing the Blue Angels in the skies above the city again. 

A wreath will be placed at the memorial on the third anniversary of Kuss' death in his honor, she said. 

Crash: Blue Angels pilot dies in Tennessee crash

Kuss, 32, was a married father of two young children. He had been with the team since 2014 and was one of the team's two solo pilots. The Durango, Colorado, native served with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan before being selected to serve with the Blue Angels. 

Crash investigators cited pilot error as the cause of the crash and listed weather and fatigue as contributing factors. Because of the crash, the Navy mandated changes to the Blue Angels schedule to allow for more breaks in the team's busy season. 

Investigators said Kuss was flying too fast and too low, did not engage his afterburners and lost control of the jet. 

Melissa Nelson Gabriel can be reached at mnelsongab@pnj.com or 850-426-1431.