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Question about Rear Admiral, lower half
This brings back the memories of a USAF Captain on exchange duty with
VAH-5 41 years ago. He had maybe 4,000 hours multi-engine including the RB-66. After A-3 plane commander training in the RAG/VAH-3, he reported aboard VAH-5 preparing for the 1962 Forrestal Med cruise. He completed FCLP's with squadron pilots, did his day carquals, and one night proceeded out with a few other Whales to FDR for night carquals. He made a nice first approach and got an OK-3, but sat transfixed by the experience, frozen with his right hand on the fully advanced throttles, ignoring his b/n's and pri-fly's calls - and the plane director's directions - to "cut your throttles." He finally came up on the radio saying, "This is my first #@% &#$ night landing, let me catch my $*@# breath." As he taxied out of the wires, another firmer voice came up saying, "Somerset 607, say pilot's name and rank." Whether it was him or the b/n who answered I don't know, I think my ear canals were constricting at the moment, but loud and clear came, "Dursteler, William; rank, Captain." From the bridge came, "Thank you, sir. Have a good evening." I know many of you have similar stories, but Bill was a fine Mushmouth and Heavy Attack pilot. I think several A-3's nearly taxied overboard that night with laughter. I had the honor of tracking him down several years ago to get him together with some squadron mates and we talked a little. He told me that when he returned to the Air Force, he was current in five Navy a/c including the A-5A/RA-5C Vigilante, something unheard of in the AF, where one a/c seemed to have been the norm. Joel McEachen Pechs1 wrote: Tex- Even call a Marine 'Ensign'...Don't! BRBR Nope, we called our Marines 'Ugly Little Sisters'.. Got tired of being called 'captain' while on USAF exchange also.. even when I had a Khaki hat on.. P. C. Chisholm CDR, USN(ret.) |
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