The Mr. is a WSO (Weapons Specialist Officer aka Navigator) for the F-15E. This is a fighter jet, to better understand, he's like "Goose" in Top Gun, but that was Navy and he's Air Force. He will begin flying in the F-15E when we get to NC this Spring. Right now, he's flown in several different types of smaller jets. Even though he is a Navigator, he does learn to fly all the jets he's in.

Today I'm reminded how dangerous his job is. Not that I need reminding but today it slapped me in the face yet again. Today, there was an F-18 crash in San Diego, it appears the pilot may ejected without issue. What people often forget, is training for fighters or any aircraft is an extremely dangerous job. While we've been here in P'cola, there was a crash at a training wing killing all three on board, the Blue Angels crash during an air show, and the incident with 2 F-15C out in the Gulf near here. Luckily, in the 2nd incident one of the 2 pilots survived.

Every single day before the Mr. goes up for a flight I tell him BE SAFE and BE SMART. I used to tell him good luck, but he says luck has nothing to do it. I tend to disagree, but good thing the Mr. is the luckiest SOB I've ever known.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the pilot and all the people on the ground near the crash site. Fighter pilots and navigators for the Navy and Marines come through P'cola. We know a large of number of guys and girls that are there or headed there soon. Today made me think and pray for all of them.