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The Human Side of Fighter Pilots

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Fighter jet pilots? I only know of them from the movies. Maverick, Ice Man, Goose, Jester, Merlin, Viper – the all stars from Top Gun is my sole exposure to the world of fighter jet pilots, but thanks to Pacific Air Forces and the Hawaii Air National Guard, I got to meet real-life fighter pilots as they flew the last training mission for F-15 Eagles in Hawaii. More importantly, this was the last sortie for two longtime pilots, Lt. Col Mark Ladtkow and Lt. Col. James Sage, call signs “Odie” and “Saw.”

After our mission indoctrination, our group of traditional and social media followed Saw and Odie for their “fini” flights.
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Under the covered canopies, each pilot performs his own inspection before takeoff.
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Odie takes one last look at his Eagle.
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After a few minutes taxiing to the runway, one F-22 Raptor and two F-15 Eagles took flight.
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Here’s video of the F-15s taking off (I missed the launch of the opposing F-22 Raptor).

Along with the media coverage, family and close friends of Odie and Saw were present to celebrate their accomplishments and congratulate them on their near 40 years of service defending our nation’s skies. After all, these fighter pilots are people too.

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Sure, the movie stereotype of fighter pilots may be one of ego-driven jocks, but through this experience, I now know better. Odie and Saw remained humble and honored to fly the F-15s, but I have a suspicion these pilots could best Maverick, Ice Man, Goose, Jester, Merlin, and Viper when needed.

An hour later, the training mission was compete, and the jets touched down.
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I was moved by this silent moment as Odie thanked his mechanized eagle.
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And about the Air Force tradition of a “fini” flight – Pilots are hosed down by awaiting fire trucks and crew members.
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Then it was time for camaraderie and sharing the aloha spirit.
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Followed by interviews.
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I didn’t know what to expect upon invitation to this event, but I have to commend PACAF and other local DoD organization’s adoption of social media. Through these interludes, I’ve learned so much, got to dispel misconceptions of our Armed Forces, and just for a moment, witnessed the human side of fighter pilots.

Thanks to Pacific Air Forces and Pacific Command for this experience! And congratulations to Odie and Saw for serving our nation.

More pictures from the F-15 Final Training Mission.

C-17 Globemaster Airdrop: Precision, Discipline, and Safety

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On the heels of touring the USNS Mercy,  attending the opening of the RIMPAC 2010 exercise then enraptured by the arrival of Hawaii’s first F-22 Raptors, I had the fortune of flying on a C-17 Globemaster as it performed a simulated airdrop over the Big Island. During these events, my style is to observe and soak in the experience. What definitely left an impression and was clearly evident was the precision, discipline, and safety of our Pacific Air Forces crew.

After receiving the PACAF Command overview and safety briefing, the group was transported to the awaiting Globemasters. Inside this massive flying machine, the Loadmasters were meticulously inspecting the airdrop cargo. Watching them check the heavy equipment airdrop system  was like watching an intricate performance. Front to back, side to side, pallet to pallet, the Loadmasters led by Chief Master Sergeant Louis Orrie hovered over the cargo, inspecting, double checking, thoroughly proceeding through their checklists.

Even after crew briefings of the C-17 capabilities and overview of our flight, the Loadmasters rechecked their work after one of the civilians touched or went nearby the cargo. Safety and a successful mission were paramount.

All that preparation was evident as the heavy cargo cleanly exited the plane and began its safe descent to the designated drop zone all within 30 seconds.

After the airdrop were fantastic photo opportunities as our C-17, designated Lava 31, made a second pass with its cargo door open. Staff Sergeant Lucas Crumpton and Senior Airmen Danny Hollister oversaw the safety of the passengers and tethered photographers and videographers for their coverage looking out the cargo bay.

We landed on the Big Island for a few minutes then I had a turn to sit in the C-17 cockpit as it took off behind companion C-17, Lava 32. The instrumentation in the cockpit was overwhelming.

While Major Paul Anderson outlined our flight plan, experienced Captain Alan Partridge turned dials, flipped switches, took the flight stick and in a matter of minutes, we were effortlessly airborne. For such a huge aircraft, the flight of the Globemaster felt smooth and surprisingly nimble.

What else caught my eye (and ear) was the constant communications the crew had with each other. Be it face-to-face talks, discussions on the aircraft’s intercom system, or with hand signals and gestures, the crew remained in concert with constant updates. In the cockpit, focused pilots participated in these discussions along with all the other chatter of the sky. The voices from the control tower, nearby aircraft, and audio warnings overlaid the humming drone of the C-17’s engines.

As a late addition to our flight was the intercept and escort by four F-16 fighter jets. As we made our way back to Honolulu, these jets approached from the sides then took formation behind Lava 32. Wow!

This was an absolutely remarkable and unforgettable experience to witness first hand all the work, man hours, and coordination required to keep our Air Force personnel trained and prepared to defend our nation.  Thanks to Pacific Air Forces and the personnel who demonstrated the utmost precision and discipline for a successful mission and ensured the safety of its passengers.

A video collage of the airdrop including the C-17 taking off and the F-16 intercept.

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See more pictures from the C-17 Airdrop.

Links

Enraptured by the F-22 Arrival

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On Friday, July 9, 2010, Hawaii welcomed the permanent arrival of its first F-22 fighter jets. The F-22 Raptors are significant assets to protect the strategic triangle of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and their new home, Pacific Air Forces, held an arrival ceremony opened to dignitaries, guests, media, and for the first time, social media enthusiasts. This ceremony did not disappoint, enrapturing the five senses of sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch.

Sight

The F-22 arrival ceremony was a stunningly visual collage backdropped by the decorated Hickam airfield, painted with streaks of the jets making their airborne introductions, adorned with a traditional Hawaiian hula, and accented by the many faces of family and friends.

Taste

There was no doubt of the palatable anticipation of the Raptors’ arrival, and when the jets roared through the blue sky, you had to savor moment.

Smell

The subtle scents of the morning cannot be forgotten. The day started with the distinct smell of fresh rain gently falling on our Aloha State. Then later, the acridity of jet fuel and exhaust permeated the air as the duo of F-22s approached the crowds.

Hearing

The sounds of the ceremony ranged from the Air Force band playing familiar classics to the Hawaiian chant of Robert Cazimero to the whine of supercruise-capable, turbofan engines…

… to the spoken accolades of the Raptors’ significance.

a force multiplier… exponential leap in force… envy of the world… unsurpassed capability throughout the Pacific… aim high everyday for freedom.

Touch(ed)

And lastly, the sense of touch and being touched. The ceremony allowed for close proximity to these $140-million planes and handshakes with distinguished visitors and government leaders. Emotionally touching was the patriotism and pride displayed by the Airmen in attendance.

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And what a fitting touch paying homage to Hawaii with F-22 pilot and Commander of the Air Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron, Lt Col Christopher Faurot, a graduate of local Damien Memorial School and F-22 crew chief, Staff Sgt Ben Nitta, a graduate from Mililani High School.

Thank you to PACAF, the U.S. Air Force, and Pacific Command for this experience.

More links:

“Agility, Synergy, and Support”

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I don’t pretend to be a Naval strategist or any kind of expert, but when asked to attend the naval Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise press conference and tour of Japan’s JS ATAGO destroyer, how could I say no?

Synergy

RIMPAC Leaders

The day began with remarks given by Admiral Patrick Walsh, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Vice Admiral Richard Hunt, Commander, Combined Task Force. Flanked by nation’s RIMPAC leaders, the pair outlined the goals of RIMPAC, its global significance, the positive impact on Hawaii, and the overall synergy of this international event.

Agility

JS ATAGO

Following the RIMPAC press conference was a tour of the JS ATAGO, a destroyer in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Courteous and hospitable, the JMSDF Officers overviewed the ATAGO and its agile versatility to handle a variety of maritime situations and defend other JMSDF ships.  As a personal observation, this ship was clean, meticulously clean.  Each brass fitting on doors were polished and even the propeller on stowed vessels was gleaming.

Support

Discussion between U.S. and Japan Naval Officers

In all though, the ultimate outcome of RIMPAC is the teaming and support of all the participants.  Nations share a common bond and learn about other cultures which hopefully promotes global stability.

Agility, synergy, and support – that is RIMPAC 2010.

More pictures.

RIMPAC 2010:

The Embrace of Mercy

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On the eve of Mother’s Day, the USNS Mercy docked in Hawaii to take on supplies and personnel before launching on its Pacific Partnership 2010 mission. Thanks to the graces of Pacific Command, the Pacific Fleet, and Naval Region Hawaii, a group of local bloggers, tweeters, and social media mavens was allowed to tour the Mercy, speak to its leadership and crew, and document every aspect of this unique visit.

This is my experience.

About the USNS Mercy

Globally, the US Navy has two hospital ships in its fleet. While the Atlantic is under the care of the USNS Comfort, the USNS Mercy embraces the Pacific region. In stark contrast to its grey-hulled Navy brethren, the USNS Mercy is visually distinct, coated white and prominently displaying the Red Cross to signify its medical mission.

Also, the heritage of the Mercy is one of a converted oil supertanker, not built in the Naval shipyards. Within the Naval fleet, only an aircraft carrier is physically bigger than the Mercy.

The Floating Hospital

The obvious way to describe the USNS Mercy is it’s like a hospital, a floating hospital. Walking the expanses of the ship was just like walking the halls of any major hospital – an emergency receiving area, radiology with a CT scanner, sterile operating rooms, intensive care units, physical therapy, a blood bank, an eye clinic, a pharmacy, and patient wards (with a capacity of 1000 beds) were all there.

However, getting on a floating hospital does require a special ambulance though.

Staggering Logistics

Once you understand that the Mercy is a moving hospital, guessing at the staggering logistics and special requirements follows. Traveling to Pacific countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste during Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10), language issues are resolved by translators who are part of the crew or volunteers from Non-Governmental Agencies in host countries. Medical expertise comes from a variety of sources and is tailored for the mission at hand. Crew members are not assigned to the Mercy on a rotational basis, but from the 18 months of planning for PP10, medical skills are identified then assembled. Even veterinarians and biomedical equipment repair personnel will be participating. Supplies are continually taken on at every port stop and stored in any available free space.

The Teamwork of Roles

The successful operation of the Mercy lies in the teamwork of the crew as they each perform their vital roles. There are three primary roles on-board represented by the three leaders of the Mercy. From my understanding, Captain Lisa Franchetti heads the overall Pacific Partnership 2010 mission for the Mercy, Captain Jeffrey Paulson is chief medical officer, and Captain David Bradshaw is in charge of the operation of the Mercy.

The crew is composed of military personnel (about 1200) and civilians (about 66), and each member also has additional roles such as firefighters and to even defend the non-combatant ship if attacked.

Comforts

While the USNS Mercy is prepared to handle medical emergencies, familiar comforts are available. The primary dining hall provides meals around the clock, and yes, they serve Starbucks coffee.

To keep the crew physically fit, spaces are converted to make shift but well equipped gyms.

Takeaways

So what are my personal takeaways after touring the USNS Mercy? It simply goes like this:

Amazed, overwhelmed, awed, honored, and lastly, thankful…

More Pictures of the USNS Mercy

More Coverage of the USNS Mercy Tour