On June 2, 2016, our nation was deeply impacted by the tragic in-flight accident of United States Marine Corps Captain Jeff Kuss while flying as Blue Angel #6 in practice for the Great Tennessee Airshow, in Smyrna, Tennessee. Following this tragedy, the Smyrna community and Blue Angels fans around the country mourned and showed an outpouring of support for the Kuss Family. Immediately following the tragedy, an impromptu vigil was organized by the citizens of Smyrna and held at Lee Victory Recreation Park. In the days following, citizens began reaching out suggesting a memorial be constructed in Capt. Kuss’ honor. On June 9, 2016, a committee comprised of Town of Smyrna employees, as well as longtime community members and community leaders was formed.
Simultaneously, the Town of Smyrna took to social media to solicit the ideas of Town of Smyrna citizens in what they would like to see in a memorial. Citizens’ ideas were brought before the committee. The committee then decided which idea best suited the type of memorial that would properly honor Capt. Kuss’ sacrifice and commemorate his legacy.
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History of Aviation in Smyrna
Heroes like Captain Jeff Kuss represent the very best in United States Aviation. The Town of Smyrna has a long history of military aviation stretching back to World War II with the Sewart Air Force base and continuing today with the Tennessee Air Show. Explore more about how military men and women and the armed services have helped to shape Middle Tennessee and the Town of Smyrna.
SEWART
AIR FORCE BASE
SMYRNA
AIRPORT
GREAT TENNESSEE
AIR SHOW
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Education and Resources
If you are interested in booking a field trip to the Smyrna Airport or Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial, please contact us to schedule your visit. The Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial is on display in Lee Victory Park and bus parking is available.
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The Town of Smyrna gratefully acknowledges the loan of the F/A-18C Hornet, BuNo 163498 from the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL.