LtCdr. Kevin Davis, Blue Angel #6, Killed in Saturday's Accident
It is with heavy heart we note the passing of Lieutenant Commander Kevin "Kojak" Davis, Blue Angel #6. Family members are confirming that it was indeed, Kevin who was killed Saturday in an accident during the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration at MCAS Beaufort. Causes of the accident are still under investigation.
From his Blue Angel Bio...
Kevin was a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and graduated from Reading Memorial High School in 1992 where he played football and was active with the Civil Air Patrol. He attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with honors in 1996.
Kevin reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Officer Candidate School and aviation indoctrination in September 1996. He completed primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk, and received his wings of gold in June 1999.
Kevin reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for training in the F-14 Tomcat and was the “Top Stick” in his class. In July 2000 he reported to the VF-11 “Red Rippers” where he completed deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). While with the “Red Rippers,” Kevin served as the airframes/corrosion branch officer, air-to-ground training officer and head landing signals officer. His deployments included extended operations in the North Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In July 2003, Kevin transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet through Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) at NAS Lemoore, California, and then reported to the Fighter Composite Squadron (VFC-12) “Omars,” stationed at NAS Oceana, Virginia. While at VFC-12, Kevin served as a Navy adversary pilot providing valuable air-to-air training for fleet squadrons. In December of 2004, Kevin graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as an adversary pilot. During his tour at VFC-12, Kevin worked as the schedules officer, legal officer, FRS/SFARP officer and assistant operations officer.
Kevin joined the Blue Angels in September 2005. He has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Air Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.
Farewell Kevin... You will be missed. In the words of one of his Blue Angel Squadron-mates, Lt. Cmdr Anthony Walley (Blue Angel #2)
"Our squadron and the entire U.S. Navy are grieving the loss of a great American, a great naval officer and, most of all, a great friend,.."
The Entire Tailhook Community send our condolences, our thoughts, and prayers to all of Kevin's family, friends and his Squadron mates. We are here for you...
LCDR KEVIN J. DAVIS IS A SWEET LOVING MAN. WHO WILL BE MISSED BY ALL.WE SHALL NOT MORN HIS LOSS ,BUT CELEBRATE HOW HE LIVED HIS LIFE.I LOVE YOU LCDR KEVIN J.DAVIS. MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,AND CREW MEMBERS.LCDR KEVIN J.DAVIS IS LOOKING FROM HEAVEN ON THE PEOPLE THAT HE LOVED VERY DEARLY TO HIM.
Posted by: HOLLY ANN DAVIS | February 13, 2008 at 14:27
Support Letter @ LCDR Kevin J.Davis
For those of you who would like to share a fiew words for the lost of this great "Blue Angels" Pilot Driver (LCDR Kevin J. Davis)
I have a thread for those kind words of support letters from you all who would like to join in.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=675479
This thread will be sent as a link to the "Blue Angels" TEAM Members & to the familly of (LCDR Kevin J. Davis)in proper time.
Thank you for your deepest concern, and please get the word around that this action from your part will only do good to the Honor of LCDR Kevin J. Davis "Blue Angels" TEAM Members & his Family & Friends who will need those kind words from you all F/A-18 Hornet (Pilots Drivers) & Fans that have great respect for LCDR Kevin J. Davis...
All together we can make a difference...
My Best Regards of Honor goes to the Family, Friends & The "Blue Angels" TEAM Members of LCDR Kevin J. Davis.
Cpt.TYPHOON
Posted by: Cpt.TYPHOON | April 29, 2007 at 06:47
With prayers to the family of LtCdr. Davis and the Blue Angels team/family.
For the pilots and crews who put it out there everyday and know (& sometimes don't come back).
For friends/schoolmates/family members who left too soon.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Posted by: ken schoeni | April 26, 2007 at 11:29
Mark,
Your wall paper is a touching tribute to Kevin. Thank you for your kind words and your excellent composition. Bravo Zulu!
-JC
Editor TDB
Posted by: John Carmichael | April 25, 2007 at 20:48
I had the pleasure last year at the Quad City Air Show to have a sandwich with with Lcdr Davis on the flight line in between marshaling aircraft around. He was a narrator on last years team as most of you all know.
It was great talking to one of the top aviators in the world. We all know Navy and Marine Jocks are the best right?....lol
I had my picture taken with him and and Lt. Gretchen Doane. My heart sank when I heard one of the Blues went down, then when when CNN showed the video I counted the 18's in the formation and seeing the the right hand side was missing....number 6.
God Speed Mr Davis, and may God's arms embrace your family, friends and all those whose lives you touched the short time you were here.....fly on my friend.
Here is a link to a wallpaper I made...feel free to use it.
http://home.mchsi.com/~checksixweb/images/davistribute.jpg
Posted by: Mark | April 25, 2007 at 18:11
Our prayers are with the Davis family and the Blue Angel team at this time of loss. We had the pleasure of meeting LtCdr. Davis at the Texas Thunder Airshow (May 2006) in Ft Worth. LtCdr. Davis signed a poster for my son (age 10) and also took a picture with him. My son asked LtCdr. Davis what his job was with the team, LtCdr Davis told my son that he was the narrator but that all jobs are important on the Blue Angel team. My son has wanted to be a fighter pilot for some time but after meeting LtCdr. Davis, now he wants to be a Blue Angel. God Bless all of our men & women who serve in the armed forces.
The Sehon family
Robinson, Texas
Posted by: Kayla Sehon | April 23, 2007 at 21:08
God Bless. We are from Pensacola Florida and treasure the Blue Angels. We are very saddened by our loss.
Woody, Shelly and Brad.
Posted by: The Welford Family | April 23, 2007 at 21:02
May God Bless You and your Family...Thank You for your service to our country.
Posted by: Rich | April 23, 2007 at 20:59
A moment of silence.......
Thanks my brother. You and I have known and known of way to many pilots/friends/heros that didn't make it. Each and every one will be missed.
Stu
Posted by: Stu Sweet | April 23, 2007 at 20:57