The Virginian-Pilot
                            THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, June 12, 1996              TAG: 9606110007
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A18  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   19 lines

COURAGEOUS COCHRAN

Cmdr. Donnie Cochran had to make a very difficult decision. Being a naval aviator requires much more than the ability to manipulate the controls of aircraft.

To resign as commanding officer of the Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team due to his perceived diminishing skills took integrity and courage.

Many of us applaud his actions and find him truly representative of dedicated naval aviators.

CHARLES D. HINDS

Captain, U.S. Navy (ret.)

Virginia Beach, June 3, 1996 by CNB