Tailhook Daily Briefing

The Outpouring of Care, Love, and Concern for Blue Angel, Kevin Davis' Family, Squadron Mates, and Friends Has Been Inspiring...

I'm motivated to post this based on the immense outpouring of support and love for our fallen Blue Angel, Kevin "Kojak" Davis.  Over the past week, I have received a number of heartfelt well wishes for Kevin's Family, The Blue Angel Family, and the entire Naval Aviation Family.  It is truly an illustration of the inspiration "The Blues" provide to all Americans. 

Below, please enjoy the compilation of comments I have received on the two postings I have made on Kevin's untimely passing (one here on the Tailhook Daily Briefing, and the second republished on my personal site, Carmichael's Position).  They are touching... and serve as an enduring example of how in all of our actions we are especially enabled to touch and support each other in times of sorrow and loss.

At the end of this tribute, please note the request from "Cpt Typhoon" for an opportunity to compile all of our well wishes and memories as a show of support to all who wear the wings of gold, the flight suit of blue, and especially the Friends and Family of Kevin.

Thank you,
- John Carmichael
Editor, The Tailhook Daily Briefing.

____________________________________________

I was at the air show tha t took LCDR. Kevin davis. To watch these men test the fabric of danger was amazing. When we heard that LCDR. Kevin Davis had crashed the first thought in my mind was I hope the pilot is okay.

When we heard that he had died All I could think was how sad..When we found out he went down with his plane to save the lives of our fellow neighbors I cried cause I knew from that point on I was in the presents of a hero.

God Speed...I will never forget you enen though I never knew you. You will always be in my heart.

Posted by: Nona Busick | April 29, 2007 at 16:53

__________________________________________

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

________________________________________

 

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

_________________________________________

I offer my heart fealt condolences to the Davis family. I read an article By a John Malik that stated that Lt. Commander Kevin Davis sacrificed his life to keep his jet from crashing into someone's home. The article has aptly labeled Kevin Davis a hero. That's exactly what a hero is. A hero will selflessly sacrifice for those he's sworn to defend. Even though this was in a peace-time situation, Lt. Commander Kevin Davis is a true hero. He put the lives of others above his own. Though I did not him, I can say without reservation that Kevin Davis was a true warrior. We can all be proud of him and we grieve sorely at the loss of great man.
Oh that there were more men like you, sir...
Rest well, Commander. Heaven has a hero's welcome for you.

BCM

Posted by: Bryant Mothershed | Apr 28, 2007 8:41:05 PM

_________________________________________

I was in the navy in pensacola 72-75 on the lex. I rember the Blue Angels flying the a4s they are the best

Posted by: george schuchman | Apr 27, 2007 12:56:56 PM

_________________________________________

May God Bless Kevin and his family. We had the privilege of meeting him in Pensacola on Wednesday April 18th. Even though the practice was rained out, we got to shake hands will all of the pilots. Kevin was so personable and bent down to take a picture with my 3 yr old. His loss is a tragedy for our country and the navy. God Bless.
The Brubakers
Owensboro, Ky.

Posted by: Duke Brubaker | Apr 26, 2007 1:00:36 PM

_________________________________________

Kevin, you have soared the heights and now you truly have reached out and touched the face of God. And I know he has welcomed you home. Thank you for all you have done for our Great Nation. May you rest in peace in the beautiful blue skies of Heaven.
LouAnn

Posted by: LouAnn | Apr 26, 2007 6:55:55 AM

_________________________________________

Hello, I live in El Centro, California where the Blue Angels practice for three months every year. I just would like Kevin's family to know that his picture is mounted on the wall of many businesses here. You can walk into a local business and Kevin's picture is usually featured. So you see, we are devastated here; we've lost one of "our" boys. I know you have lost your child; Be strong and God bless you.

Posted by: Katherine Topuzes | Apr 25, 2007 9:36:20 PM

_________________________________________

May God Bless you, Kevin. I have prayed for you and your family. My husband John and I met you last year while we attended the air show in Traverse City,MI. You were such a pleasant young man - you took the time to talk to us and we had our picture taken with you and you, even called us by our first name(s). So personable.We will miss you.

Wendy and John

Posted by: Wendy | Apr 25, 2007 9:09:46 PM

__________________________________________

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

 

Flightdeck Friday: F3D Skynight

Douglas F3D Skynight

Mention “MiG Killer” and Korea in the same sentence and the F-86 justifiably springs to mind. That said, however, the F-86 was chiefly a day fighter and as the B-29’s shifted to night ops to gain presumed protection against the MiG-15, it rapidly became apparent that a night fighter was required to fill in the role of bomber escort. Requirements dictated a stable platform and a capable radar system, one that had excellent search capabilities as well as a fire control radar tied into the weapons system. This platform also had to have endurance, speed and range capabilities to stay with the bombers on their runs into the North and back.

Calling all F-14 Drivers and RIO's... You A-4 guys are invited too...

From LCDR Kevin "Proton" McLaughlin, the Colorado Strike Force Coordinator...

A local photographer in Tucson is documenting the aircraft in the Boneyard, and the people who flew them. Her name is Pam Reed, and all of her information, along with some of the Boneyard work is shown on her web site, www.alteregoimages.com She is particularly interested in contacting Former F-14 and A-4 pilots, RIOs, as the aircraft stored in the Boneyard are on the chopping block as we speak.

Because of the Iran connection, the boneyard is destroying the F-14s themselves to prevent spare parts leaving the country. The program started yesterday, and I saw what was left of the first aircraft to be torn apart. Not pretty. With one a day scheduled, it is likely that all the F-14s will be gone within 6 months.

The A-4s will be block sold to the highest bidder and can go quicker. If you can get the word out to some of your Tailhook buds, with the web site information and a request to contact Pam, she would really appreciate it. It would mean a trip to Tucson to be photographed, but yesterday, there was a group seven former Navy pilots that were pictured with the A-3D and the F-8s. One was from Boston, one from Monterey, two more from the east coast, and they were all willing to travel to do it. Any help would be appreciated.

LCDR Kevin "Proton" McLaughlin

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...

Blue Angel #6 Crashes at Beaufort

Our Hearts Go Out to One of Our Fallen Brethren...

Details are still coming in, but here is what is being reported currently,

From (CNN) --

A jet flying in formation with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels precision flying team crashed into a Beaufort, South Carolina, neighborhood, causing an "enormous fireball" during an air show, authorities said.

The Navy aviator was killed Beaufort County Coroner Curt Copeland said. The F/A-18's pilot is the only known fatality.

Fred Yelinek told CNN he saw the crash occur about a mile from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, which was holding the two-day show. He said the jet came down about 100 yards from him.

Yelinek said the jet struck a stand of pine trees, and pieces of the plane hit homes, but he didn't see any catch fire. The pieces were "as big as a hand but no larger," he said.

Pieces of a tree and the plane crashed into the home of a neighbor, Yelinek said, but she was uninjured. Pieces also hit other houses and smashed car windshields, he said.

"Most people were very shaken but unhurt," the witness said.

And from the Birmingham News comes these images...

The Navy Blue Angels perform the last maneuver before Blue Angel No. 6 (plane just above center) crashed during an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, S.C., Saturday, April 21, 2007. Blue Angel No. 6, one of two solo pilots crashed two minutes after this picture was made about four miles west of the base as the team was setting up for its final maneuver.

More to follow as it becomes Available...

Flightdeck Friday: FJ-1 Fury

Historically this is quite a week -- Eldorado Canyon 21 years ago and the Doolittle Raid, 65 years ago.  Joint operations each with carriers and Naval Aviation playing key roles...Speaking of our heritage, I would like to hear from you all if there is anything in particular you'd like to see in this column - any epoch, aircraft or capability.  Drop a note in the comments section or via email to me here.

North American XFJ-1/FJ-1 Fury

 

In 1944, mindful of the upcoming invasion of Japan (Operation Olympic/Coronet) and the USAAF’s development of jet fighters with the P-59 and P-80, the Navy asked three manufacturers – Vought, McDonnell and North American, to provide designs for consideration of a carrier-based jet fighter-bomber to be deployed by early 1946. With two of the three being non-traditional suppliers of Navy aircraft it was hoped that they would bring new ideas to the table while having little impact on the large production lines of Douglas and Grumman. The response was varied, ranging from the previously discussed Vought F6U Pirate with its hybrid materials to McDonnell’s two twin engine designs – the XFD-1 Phantom and XF2D-1 Banshee. Slotted in-between was a more conventional, simple design from North American – the NA-134. Designed around the General Electric J35 axial-flow engine, NA chose a simple “straight-through” arrangement with the intake in the nose of the short, thick fuselage. NA also decided that to ensure clean airflow, the inlet would not be bifurcated and as a result, the cockpit was mounted above the intake. With fuel tanks kept internal to the fuselage the result was the characteristic stuffed sausage look, yet unlike its stable mate from Vought, the Fury with its clean external lines would readily make a top speed of 550 kts. 

Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet destroys a dump truck loaded with chlorine tanks

News from the front... from Multi-National Force

April 5, 2007 Near Fallujah, Iraq Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet destroys a dump truck loaded with chlorine tanks, observes secondary explosion from vehicle-borne explosives. Second F/A-18 Hornet strikes insurgents associated with the dump truck.

Uuuh Rhaaa!!!

VF-24 Golf Shirts Now Available!

It’s taken us some time, but Junior at Tailhook has finally gotten his vendor to produce golf shirts with the VF-24 logo as part of their “disestablished squadrons” line.  Shirts are avail in either black or red.

At my request, Junior had them made with the “old” VF-24 logo (yes…the “shit hook” and without the Tomcat/FastCheck). I did this so that they would have broad appeal to both the F-8 Crusader “Fighting Red Checkertails” cadre as well as our own generation of “Renegades”.  So you can blame me if you don’t like the “executive decision”.  But they came out great.  They are not yet displayed on the “Ship’s Store” part of the Tailhook website and therefore are not yet available (I don’t think) via “on line ordering”.  However, you can call the nice ladies in the Front Office (Jan,Carol, Patty, Beth or Denyse) and place a phone order now.  I’m sure they’ll get up on the web site soon.

All the best to all, Spike

"Spike" Prendergast

"Air Boss"

San Diego Tailhook Ready Room

Flightdeck Friday: Supersonic Flying Boats

P6M SeaMaster

Sea basing, you see, didn’t just spring from Sea Power 21. No, indeed it was the concept behind the most extreme, and last, seaplane the Navy considered buying back in the early 1950s. Developed as a parallel track/hedge to the first (cancelled) super carrier, the United States, the concept that evolved was centered on a large, fast jet powered seaplane capable of near Mach 1.0 speeds at low altitude, able to deliver the growing inventory of nuclear weapons in the US’s arsenal. Operating from dispersed locations in the littorals, this “Seaplane Striking Force” would provide a secure nuclear strike force that would not be tied to large, fixed and vulnerable airfields like the B-36 and B-52.

US Navy Seal Danny Dietz... Still Fights for Freedom

Many of you are already familiar with this story.  But I felt it important to provide an outlet to our brothers in arms to express their concern over issues such as these.  Danny represents all Naval Warriors, the tools of his trade only slightly different than those equipped with a Tailhook.  His story blows the winds of caution to how we as Tailhookers need to represent our brethren, to better allow those protected by the service of men like Danny to not be swayed by petty politics and cowardice.

PO2 Danny Dietz was a Navy Seal killed in Afghanistan: For his Actions, he was awarded the Navy Cross

CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

The Colorado City of Littleton, where Danny grew up, feels a strong pride in recognizing Petty Officer Dietz's service to his country and plans to erect a monument in his honor near where he spent his youth.  The memorial is planned to be a statue of the man, similar to the photo above, in his BDU's equipped with his tools of the trade.  What a tremendous honor.

But alas, wouldn't you know, that all are not happy with this:

From the Denver Post:

Parents protest military statue

Parents oppose image, location of memorial

A group of Littleton parents is opposing the design and location of a memorial to a fallen local Navy SEAL, Danny Dietz, who died in combat in Afghanistan two years ago.

They say the statue, depicting Dietz clutching an automatic rifle, glorifies violence. In Berry Park, it would be within blocks of three schools and two playgrounds.

"I don't think young children should be exposed to that in that way - unsupervised by their parents or any adults," said Emily Cassidy, one of the mothers.

The parents have circulated fliers opposing the design and location of the statue at the southeast corner of South Lowell Boulevard and West Berry Avenue, in a triangle formed by Goddard Middle School, Community School for the Gifted and Centennial Elementary School. 

They sent a letter to school board members, nearby residents, members of parent-teacher organizations and others to protest "the statue's particular location."

Linda Cuesta, the parent of a child who was at Columbine High School during the deadly April 1999 shootings, said that memory "colors everything in my life," but she is sympathetic to the Dietz family.

"As much as it breaks my heart to do this, we have to weigh the effect of the statue in this particular place against the family's feelings,..."

Here is the referenced e-mail letter of protest:

Neighbors-

It has come to our attention that the southeast corner of Lowell and Berry (which is open-space land owned by the Left Bank Condominiums) is the proposed location for a memorial statue honoring a young Navy Seal. While our hearts go out to the family of this brave young man, we have serious concerns regarding the graphic and violent detail the statue portrays. As a community, we cannot allow the many young children in this area to be exposed to a larger than life-size grenade launching machine gun.

 

The City of Littleton is responsible for considering both location as well as audience when placing public art. This statue's proposed location is within a three-block radius of two elementary schools, a middle school and two parks, each with a playground. Clearly, the design of this sculpture was for an audience other than young children.

 

In light of our community's experience with the Columbine tragedy, and the clear message of  non-violence that we teach in Littleton schools, what is our city thinking?

Naval Aviator, Neptunus Lex sums it up this way... "I’m not quite sure I understand their objections either: These are soft people who for their freedoms depend upon hard men willing to use rifles to defend them. They’d rather not acknowledge any of the facts in that sentence. Instead they choose to believe that their privileges are birthrights, or if not, demand that the soldiers who protect them at least have the good grace to die anonymously."

As a resident of Littleton, about 2 miles from the proposed site, I, John Carmichael would like all of "The Daily Briefing" readers to please know that the majority of us, do not sympathize with these soft "peaceful" sheep.  Rather we would welcome the eternal presence of Danny in our neighborhood representing the fact that we will always be protected by men such as he!  Thank you Danny.  May you rest in peace that you helped provide all of us, God's Speed.