THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 29, 1996 TAG: 9605290410
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: 34 lines
The commanding officer of the Blue Angels, the Navy's precision flying team, abruptly quit Tuesday, citing what the service called ``personal training difficulties'' that might have endangered the team's safety.
Cmdr. Donnie Cochran, 41, who has headed the squadron since November 1994, did not elaborate on his troubles. He had called off two of the group's air shows last September because of concerns about his proficiency, but the team resumed its performances after additional practice sessions.
Cochran's problems last year involved missing marks when coming out of formation. Because the team uses reference points on the ground to position itself, the entire team can be thrown off if the leader misses a mark.
In a news release, the Blue Angels said Cochran ``was concerned that his difficulties were beginning to impair the viability of the demonstration.'' In a show two weeks ago at Andrews Air Force Base, the team turned in a subpar performance, several observers said.
No replacement for Cochran was announced Tuesday. His decision will force cancellation of shows this weekend in Chattanooga, next weekend in South Weymouth, Mass., and June 15-16 in Oklahoma City, the Navy said.
The impact on the flying schedule beyond that will depend on finding a replacement for Cochran, the Navy said. ILLUSTRATION: LAWRENCE JACKSON
The Virginian-Pilot file
Cmdr. Donnie Cochran, 41, has headed the elite flight squadron since
1994. He called off two shows last fall over proficiency worries.
KEYWORDS: US NAVY BLUE ANGELS by CNB