07/19/2026
Dear #3 (iykyk),
here’s the thing. the thrill and excitement you brought with that low pass is UNMATCHED.
memorable.
something that will live on forever & ever & ever in not only the ones who were there & present to feel the rush, but also the ones, like me, who were in the comfort of my home thanks to a knee surgery.
you’ve been supported and loved and everyone continues to say “bring back #3”.. you’re still there. you’re still here.
it’s my understanding you actually did miscalculate & made a mistake, even though your mistake was something that caused more joy and brought all of us together more than you could have imagined.
but friend, I want you to know, over it all- thank you for your accountability & your humbleness to admit that you in fact miscalculated and you just needed to get your bearings back straight.
we all wished you would’ve flown the rest of the weekend, but I have a good feeling you are coming back with a vengeance at the next show & I have a REALLY good feeling that you will have one hell of a welcome back when we see you in those skies.
you’ve shown to so many little boys & girls that watched your low pass that taking accountability for your mishaps is admirable and okay. thank you.
& don’t worry friends. I’ll be at that U.S. Navy Blue Angels November show with BELLS on. hopefully with no knee brace 👌🏻
& for those asking how do I know he miscalculated-
Rep. Michelle Salzman spoke to him directly, see below.
“A lot has been said over the last few days about the Blue Angels flyover at Pensacola Beach.
Today, I had the opportunity to talk heart to heart with the pilot at the center of it all.
What I expected was a conversation about aviation. What I found was something much more human.
He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t try to shift blame. He simply talked about the miscalculated a turn, something no pilot ever wants to experience, especially one who has dedicated his life to flying at the highest level of precision. More than anything, he talked about the weight he’s been carrying since that moment.
He shared that he was shaken by what happened and needed time to process it. You could see the disappointment on his face. This wasn’t someone brushing off a mistake, it was someone who holds himself to an incredibly high standard and was deeply affected by falling short of it.
The Blue Angels train relentlessly because they understand the responsibility that comes with representing our military and our nation. They’re human beings operating extraordinary machines under extraordinary conditions. They strive for perfection, but they’re still human.
What impressed me most wasn’t that a mistake happened. It was the humility, accountability, and professionalism with which he has responded.
We often celebrate people for flawless performances, but character is revealed when things don’t go according to plan. I saw character today.
Please continue to keep him, his teammates, and all of our military aviators in your thoughts and prayers. They carry an incredible responsibility every time they climb into the cockpit, and they deserve both our respect and our grace.
Pensacola is proud to be the home of the Blue Angels. That hasn’t changed.”
