The Human Side of Fighter Pilots

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.

Under the covered canopies, each pilot performs his own inspection before takeoff.

Odie takes one last look at his Eagle.

After a few minutes taxiing to the runway, one F-22 Raptor and two F-15 Eagles took flight.

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.

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.

I was moved by this silent moment as Odie thanked his mechanized eagle.

And about the Air Force tradition of a “fini” flight – Pilots are hosed down by awaiting fire trucks and crew members.

Then it was time for camaraderie and sharing the aloha spirit.

Followed by interviews.

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.