Hello and Happy Holidays to everyone! This is a different kind of success but one that I forever will cherish and will never be able to top! I have a friend who is an F-14 Tomcat Naval Aviator stationed in Norfolk, Va. He is currently deployed on the U.S.S. Roosevelt over near Irag providing air support for our ground troops! Being born and raised in Virginia Beach, and the son of a Navy veteran, I got to experience the thrill of a lifetime over the summer. My LT friend (call sign No Show) received permission from his commander to allow my entire family onto the Naval base, provided us with a behind the scenes up close and personal tour with the fighting 31st F-14 Tomcat squadron in which we were allowed to walk the flight deck on the runway approach, see, touch and sit in this awesome piece of American combat history. We were also granted permission to fly in the F-14 simulator that the pilots themselves train in. I was surprised at how similar this simulator was to the games you can rent at Blockbuster. I think the Lt was just as impressed with how well we did flying the plane. We quickly became humble though when it came to landing the aircraft. Let's just say the Chesepeake Bay Bridge Tunnel took a nasty hit that will take years to repair
Must be why they call it a "Simulator". Well shortly after our visit, he was deployed for an unknown amount of time in the Gulf. He has a loving family and friend base that is praying for his safe return. But even with everything going on, he had time to think of us at Christmas time and is sending me a very unique and special present that will rival any I have received, or will receive in years to come. He flew an American Flag over Iraqi territory and is sending that same flag to me with a certificate signed by him, his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) and his wingman and his RIO. This picture was taken by the wingman while flying at 27,000 feet at a speed of almost 900 mph. No Show is the pilot and his RIO is in the rear also holding the flag. I just had to share this with everyone enjoys this success as much as I do. I am going to get the flag and certificate displayed in the most protective case money can buy to preserve this for as long as humanly possible. Merry Christmas everyone and stay safe!
It is better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6.
Thanks for posting 
updated 3/16/2025
