Fort Lewis College alumnus selected to U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels

PENSACOLA, FL – One of Fort Lewis College’s own is taking to the skies with the legendary Blue Angels. Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss was named as a F/A-18 demonstration pilot for the Navy’s famous flight squadron. Capt. Kuss is a 2006 graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in economics.

"All of our finalists this year are incredible examples of some of the finest officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, from both the aviation community and the fleet," said Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz in a Navy press release. Lt. Cmdr. Hiltz is a right wing pilot and the applications officer for the 2014 team. "What was most important for us - regardless of anything else - was to select the most qualified individuals for the team to represent the more than 540 thousand Sailors and Marines deployed around the world, around the clock. And I'm happy to say that we've done that."

Created in 1946, the Blue Angels have become famous worldwide for their aerial acrobatics and precision. To date, they have performed for more than 400 million spectators, in addition to providing service to the communities they visit.

Capt. Kuss is currently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, S.C.

For more information on the Blue Angels, visit the Blue Angels website.