Military Traditions

[Hugh Jorgan]

A Comparison of Pilot traditions between the NAVY and the AIR FORCE.

On a carrier, the Naval Aviator looks over at the Catapult Officer ("Shooter") who gives the run up engines signal by rotating his finger above his head. The pilot pushes the throttle forward, checks all gauges and gives the Cat officer a brisk salute, continuing the Navy tradition of asking permission to leave the ship. Cat officer drops to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck, granting that permission.
We've all seen Air Force pilots look up just before taxi for takeoff and the ground crew waits until their thumb is sticking straight up. The crew chief then confirms that he sees the thumb, salutes and the Air Force pilot then takes off. This time tested tradition is the last link in the Air Force safety net to confirm that the pilot does not have both thumbs up his a$$.

 

[Typhoon1244]

The crew chief then confirms that he sees the thumb, salutes and the Air Force pilot then takes off. This time tested tradition is the last link in the Air Force safety net to confirm that the pilot does not have both thumbs up his a$$.

So...one thumb up the a$$ is okay?

 

[AxisVDP]

I think a crew chief would look pretty silly if he dropped to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck like a cat officer

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Re: Re: Military Traditions

So...one thumb up the a$$ is okay?

Depends on how big of a thumb she has.

 

[CrewDawg]

We "marshal" him out a little ways then we salute, so we at least know for that instant where one thumb is.

 

[Typhoon1244]

I think a crew chief would look pretty silly if he dropped to one knee while swooping his arm forward and pointing down deck like a cat officer

Huh?

 

[pony251]

Shooters

Hugh, were you ever a shooter on a P-3 sea duty appreciation tour ? The shooters hated that tour because there was no Per Diem.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Re: Shooters

Hugh, were you ever a shooter on a P-3 sea duty appreciation tour ? The shooters hated that tour because there was no Per Diem.

Detailer: "Pick your favorite dead president."

Hugh: "My papers will be on your desk on Monday."

 

[ScudB]

Point the way

The shooter has to point because they have to show the lost Navy Aviator which way to get off the ship.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Re: Point the way

The shooter has to point because they have to show the lost Navy Aviator which way to get off the ship.

Now that's obnoxious!

Nobody's mentioned Army guys yet. Back when I was applying for WOFT, I was told by one of our '60 drivers that Air Force and Navy pilots frequently transferred into the Army, but that it was very difficult to go the other way...they apparently thought anyone who'd joined the Army was tainted with stupidity.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Re: Re: Re: Point the way

Hey whatever helps you sleep at night!

Good point. I'll rephrase:

Transfers into Army Aviation allegedly occur(red) more often than transfers out for the aforementioned reason.

 

[Merlin'05]

/slightly bitter tone


What? The Air Force has traditions.

Oh no, we must do everything possible to destroy them...


quickly

 

[Emerson Bigguns]

traditions.....

AF: What is the story with those asscots?

 

[Keydet]

You know, everytime the Navy versus Air Force issue comes up, I find their respective Hollywood representations to be the classic test:

Navy---Top Gun

Air Force--Iron Eagle 1, 2, 3.....

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I reserve the right to highjack my own thread.

Keydet,
Love your Avatar...I go there regularly. Henry Kapono just released an album called "Duke's on Sunday", recorded live there. I've bought three copies already and sent to various pals who I know would appreciate it. The cool thing is, I know one guy (P-3 IFT) who, without fail, is there EVERY Sunday (besides the skipper and the other regulars). He made the album cover on the inside sleeve. Guess I wasn't there that day...good thing...no evidence. Anyway, your avatar reminded me and also, lonely, bored Air Force wives seem to show up there on Sundays too!

 

[Keydet]

Hugh,

I was in 47 out there in K'bay not too long ago and I also made it a point to listen to Kapono on the lanai every Sunday, mai tai in hand. Is that live album available online? I've got one of his previous ones that has most of the songs he played during his Sunday Duke's appearances. If you could let me know how to get a copy of this latest album, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

http://www.mele.com/v3/info/2819.htm

That oughta do it.

 

[fredflyer]

You know, everytime the Navy versus Air Force issue comes up, I find their respective Hollywood representations to be the classic test:


Navy---Top Gun

Air Force--Iron Eagle 1, 2, 3.....

3 letters for you, my friend...... JAG

(but the marine is hot!!!)

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

3 letters for you, my friend...... JAG

(but the marine is hot!!!)

Good point. As far as TV goes, Ya gotta hand it to "I dream of Jeannie"

But what about McHale's Navy? Or CPO Sharkey? Actually, though, when you think about Hollywood and the military, there are some great flicks out there.

Midway
Failsafe
Tora, Tora, Tora
In Harm's Way
Dr. Strangelove

And many, many, others.

 

[Ragansundowner]

I was always a big fan of The Right Stuff.

-R.S.