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Saying Goodbye to the Hornet - My F/A-18 FINI Flight Explained
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ต.ค. 2018
- Just one more. Saying goodbye to the F/A-18. In this episode, I talk about my last flight in the Hornet and what it meant to me.
Mondays with Mover - Episode 19
C.W. Lemoine VLOG
www.cwlemoine.com
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Views presented are my own and do not represent the views of DoD or its Components.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
My father's final F15C flight was really really rough on him. First and only time I ever saw him cry. He still talks about it like it was some great love lost.
Of course he was knight say bye to his hourse 🌺🌺🌺🌺 greeting to him
It WAS a lost love. Sad.
Why couldn’t he fly anymore?
He was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Can't pass a flight medical, can't fly. OLD MAN IS STILL KICKIN! He is on the federal side of the aviation world.
@@SlowrideSteve I’m sorry about that, at least he is still pushing
One of the worst things a professional pilot goes through is being given the long face and told they cannot fly ever again. Some pilots evolve. For others, its downright difficult. Possibly the worst maneuver ever, but life goes on.
I flew F-4S Phantoms in the Corps. On a flight consisting of three aircraft, we moved out to an area for aerial maneuvers. Dog fighting. On a pull up, my rio and I went straight up and started looking for our adversary. That is when it happened. My left ear basically went boom. The pain was so bad, I literally let out a scream. We immediately broke off and headed back. Upon landing, I exited my aircraft and by all present, it was obvious I was in severe pain. I was driven to the hospital on base. There, I was examined and initially the examining physician said it didn't look too bad. He sent me directly to an ENT. Then he ran a series of test. Hours later, I learned my flying career was over with. I was moved to a desk job in our unit. Days, weeks, months went by. I knew it was over with, but I had a very hard time letting go. The F-4 was an amazing aircraft. Big, loud, powerful and very feisty. I loved flying her. That part, for lack of proper rhetoric, sucked. I tried everything, as far as flying, but no one would have me because I officially had an inner ear problem. A permanent problem. I retired out of the Corps a full bird. I ended up in the oil industry and that is where I put my engineering degree to work.
Leaving aviation was hard, but sometimes, things are simply not in our control. I learned allot about that. Being a Marine, we're supposed to be tough. Hard as nails type stuff, but reality is a far different thing. My unit later transitioned to the F/A- 18 Legacy Hornet. A real beautiful aircraft. Less maintenance. Less man hours. Less equipment. Once the F-4 was officially retired, many lost their jobs. Their positions. Each F-4 required a significant amount of man power to maintain them. The Hornet was far more advanced and basically started the Navy/ Marine Corps Aviation into the 21st Century a little earlier.
Except for the F-14D, in my professional opinion, the F-18 series of aircraft, to include the Super Hornet, are the finest aircraft to ever serve in the fleet. Robust, powerful, agile and adaptable. Even after 30 plus years of service, these aircraft still represent our fleet with dignity, honor and technology. They're truly amazing. I never once flew a Hornet. However, the aircraft, its pilots and maintaners all speak very highly of it. This video demonstrates that perfectly.
My compliments to this awesome career Naval Aviator and his transition to the Air Force. May you always have wind under your wings and a compass to guide you
Semper Fi🇺🇸
JR Ewing
Thank you for your service.
If you don't mind me asking why exactly did your ear go boom in the first place?
@@BMK500 I'm no expert, but if I had to assume, when they were doing a vertical climb perhaps his eardrum ruptured. Loss of hearing in 1 ear would be a disqualifying factor. Would be interested in hearing it from OP though.
@@BMK500 like Sunociva said, something as simple as congestion can make your eardrum or even your sinus cavity go boom due to sudden pressure changes. Both can ground you depending on the severity of the injury.
I think its not a fighter pilot only thing. Leaving the military was really difficult for me and I still miss it every day.
I'm a eighty year old woman who loves everything that involves
flying fighters. I grew up watching movie newsreels of WWII aircraft. Lived in a small town with one movie theater. Newsreels were better than a movie when I could watch Corsairs doing their thing. I felt really sad for you, Mover in this video. God bless you, son.
How are you doing nowadays ma’am?
Sorry you never got to fly yourself
“Mission number 6-9-6-9...”
Nice....
Nice.
Will Smith nice
@@jacobsmith4453 hello brether
Nice
Airborne592 nice
I'm retired from french air force. 10 years ago, same story for me with M2000N. You made me cry ;o((
Carrière d'instructeur par la suite ?
(Content de voir un pilote français poster ici ! Vous êtes les meilleurs les gars ! :D )
@@DamzFR Et non, pire... la retraite
Fellow French Air Force Veteran Thank You Sir for Serving Your Country Sir . Are you now hard of hearing at all Sir ?
gilles babyle je peu aisément comprendre que prendre sa retraite , apres avoir été pilote de chasse , ca doit etr l'une des pire retraite du monde qui puisse exister , déjà rien que le fait de m'imaginer un jour arreter de voler en virtuel moi perso je ne peu pa ...;car jai poussé mon experience de vol virtuel au maximum ou presque , jai fabriqué pdt 6 ans un home-cockpit et L'avènement des casques de realité virtuel m'ont reconforté ds le fait que mon trackir 5 pro fixé sur mon casque de pilote et le fait de m' harnaché a mon siège à l'interieur de mon home-cockpit pour chacune de mes sessions avc ma plaque de cuissarde comportant la map des operations continuerait de me pousser aux confins du realisme ..;pour faire court qd je vole sans cette configuration , je ne prend rien o sérieux et jai du mal a me sentir immergé donc je ne suis pa concentré car jai l'impression de jouer , qd je vol avc la configuration que je vien de citer et que je me sens serrer contre mon siege parce que harnaché , la alors c'est le graaal , jai vraiment l'impression d'y etre et je prend des décisions bcp + objective m'évitant d'aller o crash ou de me faire abattre en combat air-air ou air-sol...;franchement ca n'a absolument rien a voir que de voler en clavier -souris sur une table de bureau ...mais alors c'est le jour et la nuit . alors sans je comprends ta douleur . l'envie de voler c'est un ADN que l'on a en chacun d'entre ns ...d'autres ne l'ont pa et donc trouveront certainement mes ecrits inutiles ...ce post ne leur ai pas adressé et meme pour ceux qui vole en virtuel o clavier et a la souris sur une table landa ...ils ne comprendront pa non -plus ...moi perso ds la configuration ds laquelle je vole en virtuel , je ne peu pa arreter mon immersion est quasi -totale , je ressens a la fois l'adrenaline du combat mais aussi la gravité qu'une mauvaise decision , prise au mauvais moment et là ou il ne fallait surtt pa etre conduit irréversiblement au drame ..;le mental et les neurones st vraiment sollicités
@@franckhermanm.ouattara9457 la retraite d'un acteur porno doit être pire , y a t'il meilleur que les femmes?
It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
I will never get to fly an F/A18.
DCS F-18 and VR, sir! It will get you closer than anyone woulda thought possible only years ago.
You are right tho, it's an amazing opportunity to fly something like that.
good point but I'm not so sure.
David i know right I new that this is what I wanted to do before I was 10.
The unfortunate thing is that I had 2 eye operations In the same period.
Even trying to get a 1st class medical was not going to happen.
I know you lost your privileges and that must have been hard. I truly feel for you .. sorry bud. I hope you could have parlayed this time into some commercial flying. Thumbs up to you brother.
PS. Maybe it would be good to interview more guys like you that lost their privileges and what they did to get them back or maybe turned it into another career.
Anyway thank you much. Takdmcsd
@@michaeljohn8905 What kind of eye operations, if you don't mind me asking?
@@makkaschatsanddits7899 Be sure.
Just stumbled on your site. Kind of ironic that I had my last F/A-18 flight almost exactly 20 years prior to yours. Flew the F-4 (many flavors- 3200 hours) and then the Hornet (1000+), along with the F-5 and A-4 Adversary mission. Definitely a memory trip for me. Keep it up!
What was your callsign?
You should start a channel sharing stories, etc. You have a wealth of knowledge worthy of sharing with everyone.
@@pontiacGXPfan Pratt & Whitney... or Pratatatat...?
@@zac3392 how would you know
@@pontiacGXPfan I’m just joking and guessing
I could feel your emotions when you asked for just one more go-around. I'm happy that ATC was more than happy to humor you. I think this would be the hardest thing I'd ever have to let go of... Thank you for all you have done, and for all you currently give for.
Honor*
Ah what the heck...lets make a left at the Metrodome and fly Under the bridge...What are they gonna do, ground me?
@@darrelljacobjr2120 no, charge you
You must have had an excellent working relationship with those maintainers if all of them saluted you as you rolled out. I love the respect between both sides.
Watching the video, heard you just mention the show of force. I was in Iraq in 07 and our platoon hit an IED, we didn't have the comms to talk to fixed wing, but our TOC was able to direct two F16s overhead to do a show of force at night. It was impressive and seemingly effective to say the least. I still get chills hearing a fighter pass over at air shows etc. Thanks for the video.
Fellow Veteran Thank You for your Service from an Air Force Veteran . Were you injured when your platoon hit the IED ? Are you still serving or are you retired now ? If retired I hope your retirement is going well for you now . Cheers !
We inherited some Toyota land rovers from the British,one were reinforced,but it didn't help much when one night on the way to the local range to test out new NVGs and Night optic sights bought privately. hit an RC device(daisy chained old ruski arty shells from the 80s ) ..The PJs were the only ones that flew casevac that night..needless to say the lead veichle was the one that was reinforced,didnt help that much.
I would also like to say that I hope you all are living the productive retired life:)
Just seeing this 1year later.thank you for everything you sacrificed for me and my family and everyone else.NEVER FORGET
Tower: "what is your intention?" Mover: "to pretend i'm landing this thing til it runs out of gas, then eject. Or land just before and stay put til the MP's physically remove me from the cockpit"
😂
👍
Underrated comment
Came across this video on accident, and recognized the name and the plane. I was at VFA-204 the same time and lunched you out many times as a PC. Great video!
Hello.. :) I remember exactly each second of my last flight in the Polish Navy. And i know that feeling. Something have to finish, to get place for something new. Good luck my friend and greetings .... ( Jacek - former MiG 21's pilot)..
aaaaaah a commie aircraft aaaaah just kidding all love and good vibes here
I love that your wingman is named from tropic thunder.
Too funny! I agree. I thought this was great, I am an air traffic controller MIA and this was my nickname too.
Pa pa pa please da da da don't ha ha hurt me 😂😂😂
I gotta ga ga ga good brain.
Flaming Dragon LIKED this comment
I had the same nickname in the Army because my laugh is about the same.
Been there, done that. Brought back memories.
Hey man thank you for your advice on becoming a fighter pilot. I constantly self disqualified foryears. I finally said ya know what, I'm going to do it and make them tell me no. . . Like you said. They arent saying no. Haha so here I am at age 33, and finally about to work my way into a pilot slot. Left meps last week and its official. Cant wait man! Air force here I come. Cutoff age is 35. Barely made it
Hope you made it
How’s it going?
When you mention the ground crew lined up for you could actually see their reflection lined up in your visor.
Mover vs Gonky on DCS would be EPIC!!!
this made me sad, i could really hear it in your voice bro. its never easy saying goodbye to something you love. key word is lucky.
11 year army infantryman here. Just wanted to say thank you to all our fly boys, y’all are awesome and we sure appreciate when you’re on station. Stay safe gents.
Looking forward to seeing you put the virtual Hornet through its paces.
Please share the link and help us reach our goal!
Done and done.
You rock! Thank you!
Stumbled across this super late. Don't know if you'll ever see this, but I can't describe the feels I had when I saw the show of force. Another reason the JTAC might ask for the show of force is that we maybe can't/won't drop big bombs into the area the combatants are in, but we still want them to strongly consider going home. I know CAS isn't what fighter pilots dream of, but a good low and loud show of force can take the fight right out of some hostiles, and there's not a lot of restrictions on getting a show of force (unlike ROE on bombs). Sometimes, ending the fight for that day can make a world of difference for those of us on the ground.
Ahhh I love how you have this state of the art, multi million $ piece of technology.... and the dash board cover is peeling and broken like a Datsun 180B..... Classic.
You should have seen what our A-6E’s looked like when we sunset them in 1993!
Really felt that sir. Your tears are my tears. Thank you for your service.
You lucky Human... you got to Pilot, push and enjoy a fantastic Aircraft that has earned its place in History.. Thank You for your service!
I had a lump in my throat while seeing you doing your "last flight". This moment I would be retired F-18 pilot (and I am 150% I would have done it to AF, my dedication was limitless and no health condition would have been no problem), but my last flight never happened, the first one never happened.. I drove a car accident 6 months before going in to army and my goal was airforces in Finland. I have been dreaming being a pilot since I was around 3 yr old. My mom was having a job in Sweden and we travelled there by plane (Caravelle at that time) and been loved flying since then. Everything was planes and so on.. When that accident hit me, I had collision with a moose and got paralyzed, I lost a big part of my life.
Otan osaa.
Fuck me. Thanks for giving this young man whose spent too much time in self pity with a reality check.
This reminds me of my fini flights on the T-38, the C-130J and the B767.
You brought tears to my eyes and a knot in my throat.
"Hope that one day i will fly again"- this line breaks my heart...
i love that for a last flight you are granted the ability to use weapons aswell. In general its amazing because after all each flight costs so much money.
I am jealous of everybody who is or was able to fly planes, specially fighter jets and ground attackers like the a10.
That’s heart breaking... What a life you have. Bravo sir, much respect for everything you’ve accomplished so far. You’re such an inspiration for the new generation. 👊
This actually brought me to tears because I understand how hard it is to give up something you love. I know you miss flying the hornet brother. It is truly a privilege to even be able to fly a fighter jet because the selection process and training is extremely hard
Mover Thank you for your service! I come from a military family, my grandpa was in the Air Force Flying a C -130 during Vietnam.
Prolly killed mad civilians lol…
Jesus, hearing a 9 line passed takes me back. Being the party on the ground I always thought you guys were scribbling shit all over the canopy. Thanks for posting man.
That’s the 9-line I love hearing.
Not a fan of the 9-line that includes MIST
I pray that one day I'll be able to do what you do! My only goal in life is to become a Naval Aviator! I can't even come up with words to describe how much I want it! Thank you for your service! One day I hope to continue your guy's legacy! (No pun intended)
Legacy’s are getting phased out. The marines are getting them 😂
I'm still going through the same thing still. I spent my entire adult life in the military, I started as an MP, did SRT at age 20, had a break in service after the Clinton RIF, came back the second I was allowed and did my duty for 4 deployments after reclassing. My last was Very Kinetic and was blown up 2 times and returned to duty. The final time I had a spinal cord injury during an air assault in Afghanistan and woke up at Bagram AB. Was medevacd to Germany on a C17 and woke up to a guy having surgery in the middle of the plane 20ft from me. They hit me with morphine when they saw I woke up and I was out til the polytrauma ward. Battalion commander standing over me... now im still alive, learning to live in this crazy ass backward civilian world and trying to make my way. Lost 13 friends since I got home, all from guys who couldn't adjust. Im just glad my family is so supportive and I have the outlook I do. I just laugh at the stuff people think is hard in life. And everyone thinks I'm crazy for laughing at them.... if they only knew what a bad day really was.
So true , so true....................
It’s all about perspective. You have to accept and respect everybody’s own personal problems, because otherwise everyone just feels uncomfortable around you, thinking how cowardish they are for worrying about their problems when you have a much worse fate. Just as you wouldn’t be comfortable if someone told you of their problems being much worse than yours.I recommend just not talking about you’re problems all to much, even if you think it’s difficult sometimes.
@@J.R377 You can and should always talk about your problems if it makes you feel better and if it helps others to understand your perspective. But that doesn't mean at all that you need to assign a value to it to determine whose problems are "worse." Life is relative and there is no objective answer to this. It just means you're judgmental and empathetic.
Show of Force works really well in many regions. We were running around the Afghan countryside in 2002 checking out villages when a local "police force" set up a road block stopping us from entering a village. After a little chat trying to explain who we were and what we were doing we had the CTT fly over a couple of F/A-18's. Suddenly they understood who we were and what we were doing. We all became "friends" and sat down for tea. They actually did some good work for us over time. Some places just respect power more than anything else, but specifically having power and not necessarily the use of it. You either have it or you are friends with someone who has it.
When you wanted just one more moment before landing, I felt that.
Thank you for all you do and im glad you where able to share this moment.
Aa a ground fighter (USMC) I loved every SOF we got! Thank you to all my Naval Aviators!
Hello CW i was just a young sailor fresh out of AOA school in Millington Tenn. already assigned to VFA-106 training (rag) after PRP in Lemoore , I spent obout 15 months with 106 at NAS Cecil Field before getting orders to VFA-131 Wildcats right down the flight line , We ended up being the first Hornet squadron on the east coast est in 1984 , We were also the first to operate from a cag-13 on board USS Coral Sea and seen some action in Libya in 1986 along with VMfA-323 and VMFA-531 , Airlants first and finest best years of my life . Didnt want the legacy hornets retire they served our country well and the aviators that flew them , Great video sir !
What an awesome video Mover!!! Very emotional. I wasn't crying. You were crying!!! Loved this video though. Thank you for all that you do and all that you have done. We all really appreciate it.
Your voice sounds like explaining just another monday:) But to those that love aviation and weren't blessed enough with that path, this was really neat to hear the play by play. Thank you!
If you know military folk, generally the more intense/difficult/scary/awful something is, the calmer they tend to sound. He sounded absolutely gutted to me. Thanks CW for sharing this. It must have been a pretty tough day.
The worst part of getting older is seeing the doors of opportunity close around you. When you’re young everything is possible
"Youth is wasted on the young," as they say. Young people should take every advantage they get, as those perks of being young don't last forever.
That’s so cool.
I’m glad you were able to continue doing what you love over with The USAF after this last flight.
Awesome Mover, gonna share this with my dad, former marine combat pilot and current airline pilot, and my nephew, newly awarded recipient of a spot at the Air Force Academy. This was a great video, thank you for sharing!
@C.W. Lemoine thank you so much for this video! The most inspiring video I have seen in a very long time, and most realistic and insightful look into what it is like to fly with a fighter, thank you so much for uploading this!
Very emotional vid Mover, had me misty eyed all throughout. Congrats on that you could continue to fly man! Many blessings to you and your loved ones.
My God! I really choked up! I even teared up. I´m so sorry to hear about your liver problem was it? It sucks that you have to stop doing something you love because of something you have no control over! Big love to you man, hope you are doing well!
In 85 Corpsmen did a one year tour at a Nav Hospital essentially to gain experience before hitting the fleet. I got Bethesda and since I was a Civilian Paramedic ( Oakland CA ) before enlisting I was fortunate enough to get the ED. One of my innumerable interesting patients was a middle aged Naval Aviator. Captain , USN ( Ret). I was a boot and gungy , looking forward to hitting the fleet.
He smiled in a sad way and related that one day , after piloting his F4 over North Vietnam he returned to the “ Boat “ and trapped....for the last time. He was very emotional saying after he shut down he realized that was his last Combat Flight and Last Trap. ( I’m assuming he was a CAG ). He told me to cherish my Naval Service and realize we only have one shot and to do my duty but enjoy it.
I was too boot to really understand it , until after riding a CG , then going Green .....I finished my War ( Gulf War w First Mar Div ) , and the last day of my 8 year Naval career I was happy and sad at the same time. Bittersweet . ( the Gods of You Tube put your channel in my feed so I just discovered you )
Thank you for your awesome videos , SFMF
Mike Pazzree Thank You for your Service Buddy . I was Air Force ' 71 - ' 75
You had the coolest job on earth! I wish you could have stayed on your job but now you are here on TH-cam showing us what you loved. 👍
Your aerial views and commentary are awesome! Thank you for your service, I can watch this all day.✌🏽
Such an incredible platform and we can tell that you cherished every single moment you had inside the cockpit. To see such a unique, challenging and inspiring opportunity go to somebody who truly respects it and absorbs every possible instant of it is honestly extremely moving.
Awesome video. I felt sad when you were on your final. Best wishes
I had a bitter sweet Fini flight. I didn't know it was my last ride in the Herk, and got short notice orders the next day to go to a different plane. I knew it was coming but didn't know when. My Fini in that next plane was also due to training in a new one, but it was different. It was my Instructor Pilot Upgrade checkride, and also my Evaluator Pilot's Fini Flight, and he got all the glory on that one.
I kind of liked not knowing. I had a great flight on the Herk, and no emotional reaction from knowing it was the end.
I couldn’t imagine how tough this flight was for you.
Thank you for your service, CW. I'm full of joy that you got to fly such beautiful aircraft and serve your country at the same time. God bless, sir.
So incredibly cool. Thank you for your service and thank you for this awesome video. Those maneuvers were so badass. The show of force pass has to be easily the coolest thing to watch from the ground.
Wow, amazing you did not get choked up emotionally on your FINI flight of the F/A-18 !!! Bitter/sweet vidoe. Thank you for sharing!!!! God Bless you!!!
That was awesome. Poignantly brought back similar memories from a long time ago in a CheC. I’m glad you got to continue doing what you love.
Thanks for the video and commentary, Mover. As someone who wanted to become a fighter pilot and couldn't, I can only imagine the emotions you felt when you experienced this and when you watched this again.
I found myself almost brought to tears just watching. I can only imagine how difficult that moment was. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us and for your patriotism and service.
This is the post I was that I was JUST about to make. Nailed it.
Amazing episode. Spent my lunchtime watching and enjoying the episode. Kudos from the uk 👍😎
First off, thank you so much for your service and protection. Also, I got choked up watching parts of this. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. You’re one with that beautiful machine when on mission and in the air.
Thank you for the video.
Touching and really glad that you'd chosen to share it. There is so much perspective her that none of us would ever get to see that we happen to be able to "be there" because of your care of the legacy of those that fly in America's defending force. I appreciate your storytelling, your willingness to share and the chance to "see" your legacy in literally, speedy, awe-striking real life.
Former Riverrattler here. Thanks for putting up some footage of the old cubicles sir. I miss each and every one of those jets. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Served when VFA-204 was sharing the MAG42 hangar, now I hear moved to the larger older hangar on the other side of the washbay.
My last flight was a rescue mission. I wasn't even supposed to fly that day C130
Thank you for sharing that i started to get a little choked up at one point. All the time , effort, friends, being local and flying over where you basically grew up was coming to an end but not on your terms. Thank you for your service and i very much enjoy your videos.
The talent you have and effort you made to get in that seat makes the last one heartbreaking. I could not stop - watched it to the end thinking what it must have been like to be in your shoes. And so glad to hear your flying days were not over.
This breaks my heart. What an amazing story. I never want to see that day for myself
CW Lemoine SALUTE SIR! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Super grateful for the fact that you can and are willing to share this with us. It's a pretty special thing you had going there and I really feel for you that it got cut short for medical reasons. Must have been tough to say goodbye. I've followed your channel casually for a while now but never knew the circumstances of your fighter career ending.. The last part where you ask for that last pass over head... Man. Can't imagine how that must have felt. Full respect for the achievement of reaching and realising what is I'm sure, is a dream for so many to fly at the very sharp end of aviation in aircraft of that calibre. Of course now we're fortunate to get to watch and hear all about it so again, grateful for that.
Man I got that feeling when you started returning to the base.. You made me cry "Mover". Thankyou for sharing your awesome experience..
Smh I'm still recovering from Hurricane Michael it's amazing how your entire life can change within a 3 hour period
Salute, Sir. ~S~ This made me remember the last combat mission I had in Iraq as a Humvee gunner, the knowledge that never would you be in such a position again, vested to be responsible for so much power and cleared to use it, trusted in competence and ability, representing the good guys. I couldn't make a scab on your aft insofar as training and ability, but my heart sank a little for you when you landed. You want to hold the moment forever, and as much as people say you can take it with you, you really can't. Living in a world of people that don't understand the gravity of the rollercoaster and having to get off of it has been hard for me. Thank you, Sir. You are helping so many with your vids more than you know. May God Bless. ~S~
Mover thank you for your service!!!! i watched this video a few times over the past couple years. I honestly was kinda choked up watching this video. You explaining how you felt and your thoughts knowing that this might be the last time you will ever fly. I can only imagine what that feels like. Im happy for you that you ended up being able to fly again!!
Bless you man, hearing the tone of your voice narrating this... You can tell your sadness for leaving it behind.
Awesome in-flight footage and great story all around. Thanks for sharing man.
7:05
I can see the maintenance crew lined up and saluting in the reflection of your visor.
Thanks for sharing these moments with us, Mover. Been following your channel for quite some time and it was nice to return to this video.
Oh Jesus you got me with this one. Thats just sad. I get depressed when my Vette’s is in the shop for a week but this is even worse. Final flight in your F18 is like saying goodbye to a life long friend plus flying itself. I couldn’t imagine what you felt that day. Thank you for your service and I really hope you get to fly an F18 again someday. Much love!
I've never been in airforce but I love it. This really made me cry...
I worked 10 years on the Hornet as an Avionics Technician, damn I miss my birds!
This is amazing to stumble upon you and your channel. I was an Army JFO and have done quite a few drops at JRTC completing my predeployment recerts and remember quite fondly the “River” call sign of the SHs and Hogs.
Just found your channel. Looking forward to watching all your stuff. Thanks for thinking about and help supporting recovery in Bay County. A lot has been done over the last 14 months. Still lots to do. Great news Tyndall is being rebuilt.
Thanks for your service sir! Comparing F/A-18C of DCS World to the real one would be awesome.
I'm guessing the gs in DCS aren't nearly as bad.
Very kool
Be thankful for the experiences you had. I was scrubbed from RAAF pilot training around 20 years ago (formation test ironically). Obviously, I didn’t know it was my last flight, and I never got the opportunity to progress to RAAF Hornets. I still look back on those times with awe and a little sadness. It’s certainly hard being told it’s over, but at least you had a career that many others don’t 🙂
thanks for sharing this privilaged moment in time c.j, i feel honoured. love the channnel!
It may have been your last flight, but you are building a legacy for the years here on youtube. Job well done sir!
Hearing a 9 line still gets me excited, even if its just training. Nice video brother.
That was emotional tbh. Felt the feelings of leaving something you love.
Hey Mover I started following you about 2 months ago… just catching up on all your videos ! I’m from Australia and just want to say you’re an inspiration to everyone! God bless you
It is pretty cool coming across this channel from watching flight sim reviews to finding we were stationed at the same base around the same time. I always enjoyed watching the River Rattlers fly by while working on the Hercs. Thank you Sir for sharing that experience it was moving.
Great video as always! thanks for sharing! That last pass was epic btw
Coming back from the MOA on my Air Force fini-flight was sad. It didn't really sink in until on the way home I was flying lead and 2 was in route on my left and it hit me: "I am never going to be able to do this again." That sucked. Was able to get an approach end break and an EXTD to end my career. Probably the only time I ever did one pattern to a full stop.
I was, however, able to get a couple hours of good camera footage using a GoPro over my last 3 or 4 sorties so that was cool. Thx for sharing this, Mover!
Twister
Really great video, very honored to share that moment and ride along with you virtually. Glad you got to fly again. Loving your recent helicopter flights. Bet at the time of this original recording you never thought you would be flying a rotor craft.
This is the BEST, thank you Mover, for everything. Protecting our Country, Serving the people and just being a GREAT Guy. Love ya Man. Kinda a Sad day but special
I love these videos. I really enjoyed my time as an F/A-18C maintainer. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it sometimes.
Hell yeah! Mover vs Gonky on DCS. Lets make it happen people :D
@lobsternutz LOL!
I know this is three years old, but I could really get a sense of how you must have been feeling on that last ride. Thanks for sharing!
Hey PC from line shack here! Just wanted to say love your videos because working as a line rat can be brutal but these videos are awesome at understanding the pilots better and makes me more motivated to do my job! Ty Sir!