On Topic: The depth of the man’s loss is unimaginable. They’d been in the home for just a month, happy to be out of the small apartment after the birth of the newest daughter. Mother in law was due to go back home very soon.

My inlaws are from South Vietnam; wife’s dad an ARVN artillery officer locked up in re-education (prison) camps after the war. He and his seven children are all here now and are fiercely patriotic Americans. That is not uncommon for many of our country’s newest citizens IMHO. They put to shame many of our newest generations of spoiled home-growns.

That said, contrast to America’s finest here and abroad serving proudly whether in the military or not. As I believe there is more good than evil in the world, I have faith in America and refuse to give up hope.

One of our guys, Mo Jones, came back one day with this ‘possum eatin S…’ grin. “Gawd, is that one really fast F-4!” No longer having a lot of its native gadgetry aboard made it the fastest jet on base. Our QF-4Ns were like that also, lighter and faster than anything around…except for the F-14D.

The White F-4 also had a special bulkhead fitted at the front of the rear cockpit, keeping the front cockpit sealed, and a special ‘Fire The Rear Seat’ button. Used for inflight E-Seat testing, it was also great for airshow demos…

Notable F-14 incident: A/C out of rework at NZY for NKX. Just past Pt. Loma A/C starts into a series of yo-yo’s, crew says “We’re done here” & gives away the jet. Pilot wakes up upon water entry and does the routine. RIO not so fortunate; float coat inflated, SEAWARS batteries installed upside down…chute became anchor. Fill in the rest. Cause of mishap: Horiz Stab attach bolt not secured properly, removed self from stab and actuator, uncommanded aerobatics ensued. A lot of heads rolled on that one.

Back on topic: Mr. Dong (If I recall correctly, that’s how the Asians do it.) is on my ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ card list for this weekend. Such charity and forgiveness are the makings of a treasure all its own.

My prayers for the Young Marine. What a burden to bear, and hoping that he can find his peace at day’s end.
Thanks for the info, Jerry.

Mr Yoon and his family are in my prayers

Great find on the VF article. It’s available online. The author has also done some good writing on maritime subjects in the past.

I was on a JetBlue flight out of Lindbergh field about an hour after the accident. An odd sensation to be watching live video of the scene on DirecTV as you overfly the area.

I expected to find an informed & intelligent discussion on this blog, and haven’t been disappointed. You guys have a great community.

Prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

I remember 1/19 at NGU. Landed on it my own self a few times (twice without the hook down!) The RAG hangar sits right on top of the approach end now.

Myra is gone. Lost this year to a local boy whose brother is trying to do a big real estate deal over by the convention center.

Oceana using 23’s today. It was LOUD as I was playing golf this morning (in shorts).

Nose