By Crystal Dupre / publisher
This past week, I enjoyed the rare privilege of spending a morning at the Naval Air Station Meridian — soaring in the back seat of a T-45 training jet. To say this was an incredible experience would be a woefully inadequate description.
The events leading up to the flight actually began a year ago when I joined a group of area citizens on a trip to the Aircraft Carrier Theodore Roosevelt to watch the NAS Meridian training pilots practice aircraft landings and takeoffs. A few weeks after that trip, I was chatting about the trip with the base training commander, Captain Curt “Goldy” Goldacker. He mentioned that, as awesome as it is to watch the jets in action, it is a much bigger rush riding inside the jet and offered to take me up. That was all it took for me and I immediately agreed. He contacted the right people and got the process under way for me to be approved for a “public relations” flight.
My next few weeks were spent with Lieutenant Commander Doug “Judge” Lito, who sent me to various medical checkups to make sure I was physically able to fly. After passing those tests, I was off for flight orientation and physiology training in Pensacola.
With the paperwork finally completed, I was back in Meridian for final preparation. I slid into a flight suit and was off to be fitted with the additional 50 pounds of “stuff” that accompanies each pilot every time they go up. I must give a special “thanks” to Rick, who so patiently fitted me with all the right gear and took extra time to help me put on all the stuff.
Next, it was rear seat ejection training (which thank goodness I did not need) and cockpit orientation. It’s a good thing I only had to remember a few switches because there sure is a whole lot going on in that cockpit. During the orientation session, I kept looking at Judge and saying, “Am I going to have to remember that or will the pilot take care of that one?”
With the training complete, it was time for the big moment. Honestly, my goal for the morning was to not pass out and to keep my breakfast down. I was taken to the pre-flight briefing and introduced to the pilot who would take me up — none other than the big guy himself, Captain Goldacker. While I am absolutely confident in the ability of all pilots trained at NAS, I sure was glad to be flying with Goldy.
The flight was breathtaking! This particular flight was a three-plane formation to Philadelphia. The student pilot in our group was making his last flight with his instructor before his solo. He did a great job, even passing the part where he had to stare directly into the sun and fly. I know he did a great job because, as close as he was to me (and trust me, those planes are really close to each other while in the air) when I glanced over my shoulder, he never once hit us.
I was also amazed at how much of the communication between the planes is through hand signals. I guess I just assumed that they used the radio for everything. I quickly learned the hand signal for “we are about to take a hard right or left and pull some G’s.” Of course being an adrenaline junkie, I loved that part. And yes, in case you are wondering, I met my goals of staying conscious and keeping the contents of my stomach in place.
Although the flight was incredible, it was also great to see a group of people so passionate about their job. I wish all of us understood that it’s okay to work really hard, be really good at what we do, and still have a good time while we do it.
Our area is so fortunate to have the Naval Air Station. While the station is our largest employer, the personnel are a great group of people who understand how important it is to give back to their community and support their fellow military brothers and sisters. I encourage you to help support Naval Air Station Meridian in return. Our support should come 365 days a year, not just in times when BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) threatens us. I shudder to think of what would happen to our community if our base closed.
NAS Meridian has a strong, organized group, The Navy League, which gives tremendous support to the station. It is really easy and affordable to become a member. Funds raised by The Navy League are used for several programs: presenting a Golden Stick Award and $200 to the top pilot in each graduating class; providing scholarships for dependents of military personnel; honoring military citizens of the year; and co-sponsoring the Navy Ball where awards are given to top instructors. To find out more or to join the Navy League, contact the EMBDC office at (601) 693-1306.
The Navy League also funds Hail and Farewell events for departing commanding officers. Unfortunately, the next Hail and Farewell will be for Captain Curt Goldacker, who will be retiring from the Navy after 25 years of service to this country.
Congratulations, Curt, and best of luck to you and your family in the next leg of your life. Congratulations and a big Meridian welcome to Captain John Wood, Goldy’s able replacement, who takes command of Training Air Wing I next month.
