October 28, 1999
I am deeply saddened that today America lost two of its bravest and most distinguished Naval aviators in a tragic crash of a Navy jet belonging to the Blue Angels.
As a nation we all owe our military servicemembers a tremendous debt of gratitude.
At this time of great loss—a loss that we all share—my heartfelt prayers go to their families, their shipmates, and to the entire Navy.
William J. Clinton, Statement on the Navy Blue Angels Jet Crash Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/229798