Non Gun Stuff...

[TAB]

Its actually a federal No-No.  Flying under the golden gate is a one way ticket to never touching a aircraft again.  You better have permission to even fly close to it.

[Big Frank]

I was fairly certain it's a federal offense, but woud love to see it anyway. The Captain who went under the Mighty Mac lost his wings but was lucky enough not tio get tossed out of the service. If it wasn't always a federal crime it is after 9/11.

[TAB]

The golden gate has been a no fly zone for as long, long, long time.

[tombogan03884]

Richard Bong, America's highest scoring ace in WWII almost got booted from the Air Corps for that and flying down Market Street waving to Secretaries in offices.   

[Teresa Heilevang]

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix, and is rapidly being surrounded by
civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes,
forgetting that it was there long before they were.

A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back.

Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local
paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the
mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must
have stung quite a bit.



The complaint:

Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:

Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely
9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over
Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet.
Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this
wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early
bird special? Any response would be appreciated.



The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets'. On June 15, at precisely 9:12
a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter
Squadron, stationed at Luke Air Force Base, flew over the grave of Capt.
Jeremy Fresques.

Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at
Luke Air Force Base, and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial
Park in Sun City, to mourn the loss of a husband, son, and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet
noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or
my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, as I gave them their
son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States, and all those
veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have
endured.

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force bestows upon those
who give their lives in the defense of freedom.

We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15,
what the letter writer witnessed, was four officers lining up to pay their
ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show?' The
56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to
the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was
in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their
lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you ..... Jesus Christ
and the American Soldier.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

[Sponsor]

[Hazcat]

I hope he doesn't get any fallout over this.

His response was appropriate and respectful even though the question was not.

[PegLeg45]

I knew Santa was on our side.........



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPZBl24E4D0

[Ichiban]

These kind of stories always make me think "that is just too good to be true" so a little Snopes checking was in order.  I must admit that the story is even better in its full glory.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp

[cooptire]

I am always surprised by these types of responses to our military. I have ALWAYS considered the sight of one or more of our military aircraft, fixed wing or rotary, to be a treat! I still take every opportunity run out side and look up when I hear them. Much to the kidding of my wife.    I will love it until the day I die. That is the sound of FREEDOM! Of course the sight of an M1A1 in a parade does the same for me.   

[Hazcat]

Even though I live near to McDill I rarely see Military BUT I do love the sight of the Coasties choppers and C130s!