How Did I Fly Fighters In Both The Air Force and Navy?

[@Aardvark49]

Your advice "Make 'em tell you No" is on point, as it happened to me. I had a medical issue right before graduation from AFA that prompted my losing pilot slot. Was told point blank by several AF doctors that I didn't have a prayer of getting a waiver as time went by. Long story short, I got the waiver, went to UPT, F-111F active duty, C-130 Reserve, 21 year career at major US airline. I'm nothing special - just knew what I wanted and kept at it.

[@justinrein510]

Great story!

[@airforce1907]

Vic Sorlie wow that’s. Fantastic. What was it like to fly the f-111

[@tidefanyankee2428]

You lose 100% of the battles you don't fight or chances you don't take. Never take the first "no" as a certainty, as a final word. Find the person who's going to tell you "yes". Then do everything you can to succeed. There is a certain satisfaction in proving people wrong.

[@jimmorris5090]

@@tidefanyankee2428 "You lose 100% of the battles you don't fight or chances you don't take". This is really important to keep in your head for every situation.

[@Phoenix-rt9cl]

I'm pretty curious as to how you got that waiver? (Sorry I'm just preparing for the worst :DD )

[@carterengland7666]

Im only 14 and I want to be a fighter pilot more than anything and C.W. Lemone is helping me achieve that goal

[@Planehazza]

All the best to you!

[@Contractnik]

Go for it! That's awesome!

[@yellowhammer4747]

Never ever give up on your dreams. The one thing you must be able to do to be a fighter pilot is to NOT listen to the ones who tell you that you cannot do it!

[@jeremyoneal4477]

Same here

[@Megalodon64]

The good thing is that you are really young and at the perfect age to start preparing. Start getting in shape if you aren't and try to gain some leadership skills by being the president of a club or something similar. Also when you graduate high school try to find a university with an Air Force ROTC program so that way you can get a pilot slot easier. Stay away from any trouble and do well in school so you can go to university. Oh and make sure you have good study habits so you can pass the AFOQT test with flying colors since a high score on it also makes you more competitive.

[@rkmcdonnell]

Would love to see a video on the cultural differences between Naval Aviators and Air Force fighter pilots, general attitudes, approaches to flying, etc. Seems like you'd have a pretty unique perspective to talk authoritatively about that.

[@CWLemoine]

I’ll add that idea to the list. Thanks!

[@rockelino]

Small World! I flew T-38s at Tyndall until early 2016 and heard your name back then around the grapevine as a new pilot inbound to the squadron.

[@CWLemoine]

It's finally happening! Haha.. Only took four years.

[@michaeledlin9995]

Yall have fun at Tyndall. I was there 80-86. Enlisted 82nd TATS watercraft. Best job I ever had besides what i do now. Be safe.

[@jeffk3037]

I wish this kind of information was available in the 90s. I always wanted to become a naval aviator, as a teenager there was a lot of closed doors it seemed, went Marines 0311 and spent along time in the weeds looking up at you guys running CAS for us. Always wished I would have forced one of those doors open! Make them tell you no is the best advice for guys looking to break in to any job really in the military and private sector!!

[@JL-uv1ms]

Your video`s are inspirational to people in all walks of life, in any situation they might find themselves in,to never give up!!!! I was told I would probably die before I was thirty of cystic Kidney disease and I never gave up,never,and went on to go into the medical field in ER.No one has the right to put an expiration date on you... I am so glad to see a man who has the knowledge and heart to pass along the information and in`s and out`s of becoming a pilot,in order for these young people coming up to fulfill their dreams.We are all in this together......I have a friend who was the Pilot of a B17 who still flies,with a second man because of his hearing,but they always immediately turn the plane over to him. Never give up!!!

[@billbargar2284]

Your VLOGS are outstanding in every way, my father was Air Force MAC pilot then 31 years flying for UAL his two childhood friends were career Air Force. One a squadron or wing commander for AC130’s and the other a Major General who had 2 tours with the thunder birds flying the F100 super sabers , the first on the wing, the second tour as the commander of the thunderbirds. You have a unique distinction as having flown the 16 for the Air Force and the 18 for the Navy. Keep those VLOGS coming.

[@breyton490]

Wish this info was around back in 85. I ran into a similar eye exam issue, was told I could not fly, so I moved on and away from the dream of flying a fighter. Keep the videos coming. These are great!

[@rayzimmerman6982]

Funny you mentioned the FAA change to ATP mins. I was on my way to becoming an airline pilot when they changed that rule. I was 19 at the time and didn’t know what I was gonna do until I turned 23 (then the new age for an ATP). Took an aerial survey job in the meantime and while there I thought to myself “am I really going to be happy flying in the civilian side of aviation?” Long story short I applied to and got a pilot slot through OTS and just recently tracked the T-38. Being a fighter pilot has always been a dream for me but only recently something that I have realized could be a reality. What you say is so true, determination and working hard are so crucial for making your dreams a reality. Keep up the good work on the videos.

[@baruchba7503]

I think the best thing you can do and continue to do is to reinforce the concept of persistence in applying for the pilot slot. You're absolutely right when you say the world is not "linear" and that anything can change at anytime, and there's a waiver for almost everything. Keep the videos coming.

[@Angies.Infinity]

I'm 17, I'm shipping out to basic in 12 days and I'm so happy I found you on youtube! You're truly amazing, and you inspire me to continue pursuing my dreams of being a pilot for the AF. Thank you for all your awesome content and videos Sir. You are an inspiration and a role model.♥

[@IndiaMikePapa]

Did you make it?

[@gregson99]

@@IndiaMikePapa well he didnt go to OTS from the sound of it I would say not flying fighter jets.

[@desmundlighten3603]

I would respectfully alter that to “make them tell you yes” ❤ that’s what you did !!! Your story is incredible brother.

[@wonderer2881]

Its awesome the career you've had. Hope you enjoy or are enjoying the T-38. My Stepfather is a lead mechanic on the 38's out at Shepherd. He's been there ever since Clinton shut down Reese. I grew up on the flight line back then. Sure miss the sound of those birds.

[@dutchomatic]

Respect. Worked on F-15s at Bitburg and Nellis in the early 90s. Love your channel, sir!

[@AWallgren]

Man, determination. When you love something you'll always find a way. Impressive. Keep doing good things, sir.

[@skyking1328]

Greetings from NAS Fallon ! Thank You for your service ! ATCS

[@Twister051]

Mover - Once again, an excellent video. AF Res to Navy Res back to AF Res is definitely not the norm. BTW, say hello for me to Matt Tucker; former -38 FAIP in your new red air squadron. He's a class act. Cheers - Twister

[@yamilethrobinson7551]

Wow! Amazing career. As a former Aerospace Medical Technician for the Navy, I did hundreds of flight physicals and waivers for NAMI. If there is one thing I learned, supply and demand is everything. Whenever we had a shortage of pilots, a lot of waivers got approved. All you had to do was breathe and you got your "upchit."

[@SM_Fato]

Your comment gave me a clear picture of conditional recruiting Love from Pakistan I also want to become a fighter pilot in PAF May Allah Almighty help us all in their ambitions

[@chokeout412]

You've had an amazing life man. I enjoy your stories.

[@kencraig7308]

One word, Respect. But also thank you for your courage and undying desire to serve our country.

[@RizVPeter]

I think a video about how to do well in UPT would be appriciated by a lot of people includeing me. Keep up the great work!

[@CWLemoine]

It's on the list!

[@jcheck6]

Peter, study hard but you won't know how well you will do until you are actually in training. Never under estimate your abilities. I did. Last year in college I had the opportunity to climb all over a Phantom and sit in the cockpit. Came away pretty depressed thinking I could never fly anything like that. First check ride in UPT I was #28 of 50 pilots, just an average pilot. Then the light bulb came on and on each successive check ride I scored in the top 3%. Graduated in the top 5% and ended up with a Phantom after all. Roger Locher was #1, look him up in Wikipedia.

[@RizVPeter]

Thank you for the reply sir

[@ma11hew235]

Very cool that you flew for the Makos! I am from and also live in South Florida. Thanks you for your service!

[@mhsvz6735]

Your successful career is the definition of grit. It’s the key to success in life. "This quality of being able to sustain your passions, and also work really hard at them, over really disappointingly long periods of time, that's grit," says Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania who coined the term "grit.”

[@b3zyvidz503]

Hey mover, I just want to say you really Inspire me to keep pushing for my dreams. Ever since I was little I wanted to fly hornets but when I became a sophomore I found out I had a stigmatism and 20/40 vision. I kinda of gave up on my dream but seeing these videos and hearing your story I have never been so motivated. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to flying one day

[@jguerr562]

You have an awesome story. Totally admire your perseverance and grit. My dream way back when was to fly Air Force, but age was a factor back then (26 1/2 yrs old). I was prior enlisted (didn't know about age waivers for prior service, pre-internet). So the Navy was my other route (29 1/2 yrs old) was the max age. That seemed doable. Make a long story short, got discouraged and went into Army ROTC, commissioned (combat arms), retired three years ago - no regrets! Your story brings back those wonderful memories and hope. Very motivational. The younger folks can learn a lot to not give up. Thanks for sharing!

[@Anonymous-gl6ot]

I'm so glad I found your channel, you've cleared up so much confusion for me on this military pilot life, thank you !

[@tomaszwieczorek6273]

Thanks for your Service "MOVER" ! HOOYAH! @C.W. Lemoine

[@airborne1ranger24]

Haha, I see homestead speedway right there.... I used to live in the "vineyards" right off campbell and 147th.... your flight path (for landings) was right over my house.... being military, I loved it.....neighbors werent so happy, but they got used to it....

[@dm0065]

Damn this is an inspiring story. Every adversity coming at you from every direction and you just keep finding a way to succeed. Im gonna share this with my sons.

[@watts4200]

Also a big Thank You for your service!!!

[@emmettschnabel356]

Its nice to hear a story like yours thank you

[@argamingthomson8234]

I'm in the uk and nobody really makes these types of videos for the RAF but always enjoying the USAF and C.W lemoine point of view I don't really have the gear and resources to fly in cesnas gliders stuff like that I can't play DSC I only play war thunder recommend u try brilliant game good ww 2 aircraft and Cold War era jets tanks helicopters and ships. Watching you C.W lemoine really inspires me to do more even at a young age

[@benshakespeare268]

Wow! You really let yourself go for the Independence Day cameo :D It's amazing to hear about all the different types of planes you have had the opportunity to fly and the high and lows of your career (that's not a BALT reference either!).

[@goncalobastos3921]

I absolutely love your videos. I'm 16 and want to fly fighters, and also have been thinking about my career afterwards, especially looking at the airline piloting industry. You have helped understand better the transition, and motivated me to work towards my goal. Thank you.

[@ryant8301]

Always fun to hear stories like these.

[@Nickyb_specc]

I am very happy to hear about your future video ideas as I'm sure they will answer many questions I have. Keep up the good work sir I look forward to what's coming next.

[@justaskloc]

As a 23 year old flight instructor wanting to join the reserves, this channel is a God send! Answering a lot of questions recruiters don't answer. One question though, how did you contact units when applying? Is cold calling the best method?

[@CWLemoine]

Find a unit having a hiring board and then follow their instructions. Bogidope.com, flyingsquadron.com/forums, and guardreservejobs.com are great resources. Good luck!

[@Aardvark49]

You have to do some research, then make contact with the unit(s) you're interested in. Find out who the unit CO is and write a short coherent letter stating your interest. Don't blow smoke about how good you are, because even if you got picked you've got a lot of hurdles in front of you, as Mover has explained. Basically you have to "make the sale" on why a particular unit should select you for one or two slots a year from dozens of applicants. My opinion is that you start your bid with the flying unit itself rather than a recruiter. If squadron refers you to unit recruiter, fine - but at least they know your name.

[@raykrv6a]

Great video. Super interesting. You are living the dream that many of us would love to do. Very cool story as far as how persistence pays off. That's how life is and applies to many occupations. Looking forward to your upcoming videos.

[@perimeletiou]

"There is no limit", only in America this is true, everywhere else they make aviation so difficult to get into, both in military and the civilian sector, in the States whether you fly a C172 or an F18 or a B747 you are treated the same by ATC. Just only this, shows you something. But perseverance and setting up your goals will eventually bring results. Got my PPL in my early thirties in Europe, the CPL/CFI in my mid thirties in U.S,, instructed for two years, then back to Europe, since then 21 year career at an airline flying A320. From the very beginning it was always "Make "em tell you No". Your videos and your story are so motivating for getting more people to the amazing world of aviation.

[@hermanshelton3660]

I love your story. It's a real inspiration for young and old.

[@walterhambrick8705]

Thank you for service.

[@jackallen711]

F-16 vs. F-18 flying comparison?

[@granddukeofmecklenburg]

AF guys will always say the F-16...Naval guys will always say F-18...A nonbiased answer would be nice, but it totally depends on which variant of both...From my understanding the F-16 is a superior Dogfighter(but dogfights in modern times would be extremely rare) and the F-18 is more expensive, underpowered by comparison, but more versatile, and has a BVR advantage in aerial combat.. Basically in an F-18...Dont get close to a 16

[@granddukeofmecklenburg]

An F-18s only hope is its Radar and its AMRAAMs...which is a lot to be hopeful for...But the 16 is less capable at BVR, but also has AMRAAMS so it's not bad at BVR, and if they get close, I'm putting money on the more maneuverable, higher thrust to weight F-16

[@gooch4560]

the f-18 is more maneuverable at slow speeds though too

[@granddukeofmecklenburg]

@@gooch4560 and why would an aircraft with a massive acceleration and energy advantage, put itself in a position to have to allow the F-18 to exploit its only dogfight advantage?

[@granddukeofmecklenburg]

@@kindanyume F-15s are superior to both

[@ryanleanne15]

Grandfather was a Colonel Dennis J O'Brien in the Air Force and he flew multiple planes, missions, and even flew Air Force One one time. He had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. I love your stories and videos. Always wish I could of became a pilot.

[@bluehornet6752]

Great story--glad it worked out for you. I flew (civilian) for many years and then went to med school, and got away from flying. I actually have a friend whose son is in (I think) the squadron you're going to. Sounds like a great mission, and good luck to you!

[@michelles9897]

How nice of you to take care of your brother. 😊

[@lockheedskunkworks5687]

Great story for up and coming young folks!

[@jamcdona]

My brother's story is very similar to yours, with respect to your AF career. He went to OCS in the late 70's, taking a path like yours. He was hitting the age limit (25) though, and needed letters of recommendation from the Governor and a senator. He flew F4's wild weasels mission (G's), then the F-16 when he turned 40. Ever run across Jim 'Dibbs' Dibble? He retired a major. He also had to fight to fly at different points in his career. Perseverance!

[@crimedog8846]

That Independence day clip made me spit my drink out. 😆😆😆 Nice one 👌👍🏆

[@MohaveAviator]

My grandma ( God rest her soul) always told me, "you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to." You sir, have hit road block after road your entire career and continued to press on. That my friend, is the real story, and as much as we all love aviation, that is the story you should be telling.

[@NastyStingray]

Great Story and Video... Inspiring! I too wanted to be a Fighter Pilot specifically fly the F-5E Checked Flag Aggressor Squadron. I went through AFROTC and gone bad advise from Cadre and missed my chance to get my pilot slot. Many years later, joined ArNG and studying now for my private Helo license.

[@eddgong]

When watching one of your earlier videos I noticed your last name and just muzed the thought "that boy's got to have Louisiana connections in some manner " Then watched your final F18 flight video , not only was I right ,but you flew out of and later over many areas I was raised up in as a kid especially when flying over Lakefront airport as well as Lakefront Blvd. the field you flew out of looked to be that of the old NAS in Belle Chase if correct I used to sneak thru the woods and snakes and mud and other critters and just sit for hours outside the perimeter fence just waiting for one single plane to fly or just listening to all the different engine types being spooled up and ran while being maintenanced there .I think NO had a NAS closer to the city proper memory fades me on that one .Belle Chase NAS was more maintenance facility if I recall . (1967-68). Your family's last name Lemoine of which I am kin to some and friends with others funny in Louisiana you can be both and not one or the other sharing that name will know each other. I didn't discover that my first wife and I were 5th cousins until after we divorced ...7 months is a long marriage when your 19 ....her G'pa was my uncle its gets confusing from there Louisiana the best place on earth to be from , live elsewhere for a lifetime and never call that address your home only Louisiana until death , hurricanes , tornados , and water do us part . Wishing you all the best in your future . BTW airline wings are a hell of a lot better than no wings and we can talk about the percs, pay and and problems with it somewhere down the line . 30n years next door to Nellis AFB I still love the noise and the everyday free airshows probably have evehn seen you at some time passing over my house ....grinnin . Health and Happiness to you Mr Lemoine

[@devinleblanc973]

Awesome videos! Once you start flying the T38’s again, come on up to Hammond! We’d love to have you work the pattern for a bit!

[@nikgiden4232]

You're videos are very inspiring! I'm currently stationed at Barksdale AFB, I have been enlisted for around 7 years now and working towards my BA. Hoping to apply to make the transition from enlisted to officer and one day fly fighters!

[@MyViewFrom]

Sir, Thank you for your passionate video. I have also been in a similar situation to where I was PQ/NAA by NAMI when I went through the initial flight physical as an officer candidate back in 2011 due to racking up numerous speeding tickets on my motorcycle during my college years (displayed immaturity). In 2013, the decision of NAA was overturned however I was never afforded an opportunity thereafter to access into aviation from my MOS. Even with a PFAR of 9 on my ASTB along with my PPL, the Marine Corps’ best interest was to keep me in the communication field. Unlike your situation, I never got to experience military flight but it was a fault of my own for doing dumb stuff when I was young. At this point, quickly approaching 30 years of age in a few months, I am highly considering about joining the ranks of warrant officers in the Army National Guard to fly helos once I’m done with my current deployment. With many regional airlines offering rotor-transition programs, maybe someday I will have a chance to sit in the right seat of an Embraer. Again, thanks for sharing your story. -Capt Anonymous, USMC

[@jeffwebb5966]

Great content, helping the future pilots of this country.

[@flayling7221]

What an intro!! Genius guy!

[@valkyrie321]

You fought the good fight. Life moves on, and we adapt. Cheers mate.

[@stonebody]

Great coaching advise, I truly enjoy your videos All the best D Stone

[@raykrv6a]

BTW, it would be great to hear you do a video for each of the planes you have flown. Strengths, weaknesses, etc.

[@CWLemoine]

Great idea! I'll add that to the list!

[@AirRyanTX]

I believe some of those Block 30 GE powered F-16's came over from the 704th TFS back at Bergstrom when it was still an AFB before the City of Austin made it into their commercial airport; my friend's dad used to fly those around Austin up until the USAFR decided to move them out to Homestead in 1996. Loved growing up in Austin when Bergstrom was still a AFB, always enjoyed the F-4's and F-16's in particular, not to mention all the other military tactical air jets that would fly over all the time.

[@HTVEGC]

Man, thanks for your service! Sad about being out of the fighters for the time being but the T-38 isn't all that bad honestly. Can still go upside down ;) I pray someday I'll get a shot. We'll see.

[@rudmansd]

Thankyou for Your Service Sir. Can not start to imagine the disaplin you must have. I Like you page

[@zbrendle]

Thank you, sir! Enjoying your videos.

[@andreigorgos1126]

Wish you had more subs...u really inspire me to apply to be a fighter pilot! Subsed to you btw love your channel so much...RESPECT to a LEGEND like you! :))

[@CWLemoine]

Thanks for watching! I'm working on the more subscribers thing! One video at a time.

[@andreigorgos1126]

@@CWLemoine I wish you good luck and keep up the good work. I will support you! 👏👍👌

[@MrCyp200la]

Love the channel. Happy I stumbled across it.

[@yomotobike6693]

You sir are an inspiration to the human race. I wish you well with you medical.

[@scotthays347]

Watching your other videos I thought you were very down to earth and an awesome pilot. Now knowing about your father, your brother, your condition and your bureaucratic battles I have the utmost respect for you personally. Only the best prevail through overwhelming adversity. 👍👍

[@kpeacock300]

Great to see someone who knows how everything works based off personal experience explaining how to start a career and succeed. Much like everyone else in your comments, I want to be a fighter pilot and appreciate your videos! As for a question goes, before you took your first step in the direction of flying in the military, did you know what you had to do or who you had to talk to to get where you wanted to be or was it just a learning process and reaching out to people to lead you in the right direction?

[@thesmirkingwolf]

Honestly, flying OPFOR is a blessing- you may end up contracting for USAAir or RedAir

[@dbehr27]

Crazy, I bet you know my cousin, though we may be a little older than you. He was stationed at Luke, flew F-16's and retired not long ago as a Lt. Col. (CS Farmer) and also flies for airlines now. Long ago he took me out to fly the familiarity and dogfight sim against him (early 00's?). I thought of myself as quite the stick (but apparently only in Falcon 4!, LOL) but I was ultimately glad to see I wasn't even good enough to carry his diaper. But what an honor and treat. He also took me to sit out on the flight line that day. This wasn't far from where we used to sit in the middle 80's as teenagers, but OFF the base, sitting on the hood of our aunt's car with my cousin saying someday he'd be flying those F-16's. We also went to see the first Top Gun together in the theaters - this kid dreaming of being a fighter pilot someday. He sure the hell did. You guys had one hell of a day job and the proof of that is all the movies made about fighter pilots over the decades. And thank you (both) for risking your lives and your service to our country.

[@eddiet204]

I noticed a common theme where its who you know. Right place, right time, right friends in the right places. I’m waiting for your vid on your F22 check ride :)

[@MrGilRoland]

Hands down best intro ever to a KZbin video.

[@eduedu7986]

you fly the Talon now? that is awesome and congratulations!

[@johndeluna692]

Sir, you're a good person.

[@ericpalmer4487]

Great great story. Thanks again. "So I go back to my T-38 ops desk to see whats up and there is an old acquaintance now flying F-22s telling me they are short of experienced fighter pilots....."

[@beroth1]

Love your videos C.W., just subbed. Keep the awesomeness going!! It's really cool to have a youtuber with the unique experiences you have.

[@redriver4447]

Had a friend, Jeff Smiley, who got to play both sides. AF F-16 pilot, went direct to F-18, and then flew Gulf War from the boat.

[@KutWrite]

Outstanding career management, Mover! Thanks for sharing. I wouldn't mind your vlogging some on your writing methods and experiences. I'm writing my first novel... just finished chapter 5.

[@IrishManJT]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@vf84tcat1]

Congratulations on all the breaks going your way. I was a Tomcat pilot. When I applied to the airlines in 83, they turned me down saying I only had centerline-thrust experience. Seems there was a glut of pilots in that was a mid-cycle of the typical airline pilot 20-year career path. Consequently they only wanted guys with exactly perfect attributes. The cold calculus of supply and demand

[@MrChristoferoful]

Damn, what a story! Thanks Mover!

[@wr7541]

respect Mover , greets from Belgium, but you become a fighter pilot for me its stays a dream till the end off my days

[@aaronchristopher812]

Great advice and great story

[@spartan7071]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing.

[@jolly1374]

We had F-18 405 over here in Houston at Ellington a couple times. I worked down at Signature Flight. Got a few pictures with it.

[@CWLemoine]

I've been to Ellington a few times myself.

[@stu281]

Great story inspirational for guys wanting to do this.

[@leoaero1948]

Dude your story is so inspiring..I must say tho show those F-22 trainees no mercy All the best man cheers!

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

Do and F-16-F-18-T-38 pros and cons video which if either you think is better. Pros and cons of airline life. Please this would be appreciated. Great video, thx

[@buzz-es]

Great story, way to hang. You are much more gracious to the military paper pushers than they deserve. I have seen so many great careers and entire units ruined by bureaucrats behind desks. Maybe its just me but the military has been eating its own since the eighties and outstanding patriots seem to be disposable, and they wonder why we have these constant cycles of "shortages".

[@lance14ely]

Great story- thank you for sharing.

[@waynefowler2117]

I have to respect the guy!!

[@tommynikon2283]

FANTASTIC Real World LIFE story...of handwork, flexibility, grit, perseverance, and so much more. Wow!

[@xephael3485]

4:11 Really threw me for a loop with the footage showing MSgt on cockpit. Didn't know they had enlisted pilots now.

[@CWLemoine]

They don’t.

[@xephael3485]

@@CWLemoine That's what cockpit says..and airforce articles

[@MusicLover11325]

Could be the crew chief that maintains that plane. Maybe the other side has the pilot’s name.

[@jeremyoneal4477]

Life on the edge

[@joeshovel2]

Love your candidness in your explanations during your videos!!! BTW, I'm a LEO (blue blood)

[@CWLemoine]

#ThinBlueLine (Be safe out there)

[@charlesormond964]

@@CWLemoine You as well, be safe, be well brother!!

[@IMAX]

Ok, I just remembered I have a picture of a F16 framed & signed by "Hooter" from 2002 that he gave to my mom to give to me. Almost thought it was your signature. Just went & looked, LOL.

[@davidaustin1488]

I know a guy who went to Top Gun and retired from the hornet, tomcat and f4. He also flew the f16. He said the f16 was very maneuverable as long as it was clean. He said as soon as you added tanks, bombs etc it became very slow and lost several g’s of capability.

[@MajorHud]

Great effort to stay in the Army. I had a difficult life when I got to 10 years but decided to press on to retirement I thank God I stayed in ending with 24 yrs. 7 yrs enlisted 17 officer. While the retired pay as an 04 is good, the health insurance has allowed me to get excellent medical treatment for my wife who has needed specialists. Keep plugging away

[@Bananimal65]

Hi C.W. Love the vids. I'm a VFA-204 fan and live in Madisonville, LA. I myself wanted to be a pilot since childhood, took the entry exam when I was old enough, scored 97.6 and was going to be shipped off to the Air Force Academy after my physical. And that's when I found out I'm shade color-blind with greens and reds. I had no idea I was at the time. It was life changing for me. Being a fighter pilot is all I ever wanted to be. Long story short, even though I couldn't fly for the military, I remain a military aircraft enthusiast to this day. I've been flying flight simulators for near 30 years to quench my lust for military aircraft since I couldn't fly the real ones. I've had them all. And this is why I'm contacting you. You may be interested to know I'm a digital artist too. I skin aircraft for flight simulators as a hobby. I just painted twenty-three VFA-204 F/A-18s for a very detailed simulator named DCS World. DCS is Digital Combat Simulator. Your old bird may be one of them. I'm assuming it was #414. I'm working on the circa 2016-2017 camo scheme birds right now and will be releasing them to the DCS community in a few more days. #414 will have your name and call-sign on it of it was your bird. I just need to know if it was and if you were a CDR or a LCDR to get the stencil correct on the aircraft. I've already done the 2011 and 2015 VFA-204 aggressor camo schemes for the sim and uploaded them to the DCS community. The pack with your bird is coming in the next few days. I'm working on number 406 as a bonus aircraft after it was transferred to VFC-12 once VFA-204 started getting the C models in the lineup this year. Once 406 (VFC-12 01) is done, the community will have them. Number 414 was also transferred to VFC-12 and patch painted. I have done this one in the latest pack to be released as well. Here's what she looks like now. www.flickr.com/photos/i9i_photography/41868035700/in/photolist-26MJCmu-P8qLMc-6jw1qv-6jvY4z-avZWwu Here's a link to two of my VFA-204 skin packs for the sim. They are highly detailed and as accurate as I could get them within the limitations of the 3D model and the pictures I had. The DCS model is a C model and not the A+. I couldn't pass up painting VFA-204 on the model though. They look great in the sim. Click on the picture in the links to see a larger version of the pictures. I think you'll like what you see. www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3301400/ and www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3301401/ If you have not heard of DCS, I encourage you to Google it. Their model of the F/A-18C and it's systems are as close as you can get to the real thing. It's a highly detailed sim that includes weapons systems for the subject model aircraft as well. The wings even flex on the F-18. If you are in any way interested it learning how to operate this sim, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'd be more than happy to have you over and show you the ropes on how to get it up and running on your PC. I can teach you and there are several of us that regularly login to the sim and get on my TeamSpeak to fly who will be more than happy to assist. Here's a link to the main DCS page. There's a nice video at the bottom to give you an idea of how detailed the sim is. www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/index.php And here's a link to their F/A-18C module with a kick-butt video to show you the detail. www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/hornet/ Oh yeah, almost forgot, you can fly the A-10C in the sim too since you missed your two chances IRL. www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/products/planes/warthog/

[@CWLemoine]

Oh wow. That's awesome! Yes, 414 was my aircraft. And I was a LCDR. scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/26240598_1340829832687914_121224183600331669_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=ed1df4ea0579e06e482f02a3db1bbc9f&oe=5C2C4BE1

[@Bananimal65]

Fabulous! Thanks for the response. I'll be making a few changes to the camo on the paint scheme as it is now because I was able to see markings from your videos that I could not see in the pictures I had. Namely the top of the right wing. If there are any details I'm missing or if the markings are wrong, please feel free to let me know. I want to get it right. If you ever decide, or have the time with your tremendous schedule, to fly virtually, I want to make sure the paint is as accurate as possible for you and the community with the ultimate goal of suspending disbelief in the sim. The DCS community is a pretty hard-core flight-sim community. Many of us strive for realism and authenticity when possible. There are real world pilots that fly the sim as well. One of the guys in our group was a crew chief for F-16s out of Oregon with the Happy Hooligans. Anyway, would you mind if I reach out to you on your FB page? That way I can show you pictures of your plane as I work to complete it.

[@Bananimal65]

Hey Mover, I've got a photo of you in 414 on approach and can't make out the plane captain's name on the nose gear door. It looks like he was from North Carolina, but I can't be sure as the text is too blurry when I zoom in on the photo. Do you happen to remember who's name was on the doors for you aircraft?

[@ZodZulu]

Glad you able to stay in the service fly civilian as well. Hope your family situation is better