It is with heavy heart we Tailhookers bid farewell to the sole remaining Original Blue Angel, Cdr. Al Taddeo. Al passed away this weekend after 94 years.
This past September, Colorado Mile High Tailhookers were afforded the opportunity to celebrate life with Al in person. He had been invited to join us as our special guest of honor at our Semi-almost-annual Cattle Barron’s BBQ and Tailhook Gathering. A wonderful Soirée put on by Honorary Tailhookers of the Year, 2011 Hans and Kathy Schmoldt. He graciously accepted the invitation.
Al was thrilled to be there, not only was he surrounded by like souls, but also by the then current team, and team selects of the 2012 Blue Angels. Stories of daring do soon followed, with hand flying accents littering the low flying airspace.
In addition to his family of Blue Angels, Al was especially thrilled to learn that one of his fellow shipmates from his time onboard USS Enterprise CV-6 was in attendance as well, VF(N)- 101 Lt. Bob Brunson. Al and Bob swapped stories and tales from WWII that held our attention well into the evening.
Al was a gentleman that night, as he has been all his life. We are proud to have him associated with Naval Aviation, The Blue Angels, and the Tailhook Association.
Al, Updated winds are calm, ceiling and visibility unlimited, you own the airfield and the airspace. Cdr. Al Taddeo, departing!
Boson… Ring the bell.
RIP Commander Taddeo. It was an honor and a priveledge to have met you. God speed Sir.
Posted by: Cal Clark | August 28, 2013 at 18:24