NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced the Commanding Officer for the 2011 and 2012 teams.
A panel of admirals and former Blue Angels selected Cmdr. David E. Koss to join the team in September. He is the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, the "Tophatters," where he also served as executive officer. Commander Koss' previous assignments include VFA-122, air and maritime planner to Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) in Camp Smith, Hawaii, VFA-87 and VFA-106.
Koss has over 3,000 flight hours and 740 arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medal with Combat V, four Air Medals (Strike Flight), Joint Achievement Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, LT Charles Nelson and LCDR Mike Longardt leadership awards, as well as various campaign and unit awards.