NSTC Class 05-16 grad and flight of the Hornets

Class 5 of 2016 graduated last Sunday at NSTC

On June 5, Class 5 of 2016 graduating officer candidates took the oath of service and became naval officers. Two officers from this class are now deployed at NAS Miramar, Ensign Francis A. Smith and Ensign Sephiria McCloud, both have already reported for duty.

The Blue Angels performed the usual fly over at the beginning of the ceremony as the national anthem was played, but this time in lieu of their usual diamond break and dirty section high alpha passes executed with their current Grumman TF-9J Cougars, they flew the F/A-18 Hornets on a single pass three plane finger four missing man formation to honor USMC Captain Jeff Kuss, real life Blue Angel 6, killed in a tragic accident during a NFDT practice over Smyrna, near Nashville, on Thursday, June 2.

U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels,
Opposing Solo Capt. Jeff Kuss prepares to practice the Section High
Alpha Pass maneuever on Dec. 2, 2015.

The USN SL Blue Angels engines hot on Southern Cross Airfield
before take off for the graduation fly over

The four Blue Angels took off from Southern Cross Airfield, next to the Naval Service Training Center at Velinissimo and as they approached the parade where the grad ceremony was being held, LTJG. Johnny "V" Five flying Angel 2 left the formation on a vertical break leaving the empty slot observed during the fly over. Flags at USN SL stations and facilities are flown at half staff until June 9, in remembrance of the fallen Blue Angels pilot.

We wish all the graduates from Class 5 of 2016 all the best in their careers and hope they will help maintain the high level of commitment and service all naval aviators and officers uphold, in the best United States Navy tradition.

Hooyah.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO, Angel 7