http://player.vimeo.com/video/3437045?autoplay=1
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“My family and I were fortunate enough to watch a flight demonstration of the F-22 Raptor at Tacoma’s freedom fair on July4th this year. Our vantage point was the best from our boat off shore on Commencement Bay. We were completely blown awayby this aircraft’s performance. The Raptor was relatively quiet as he flew over the crowds lining the beach for couple of miles. His angle of attack looked 50 to 60 degrees and he was flying well under 100 kts. From that attitude he hit his burners and disappeared in what seemed like a heartbeat. He shot in over the water and turned so quickly and sharply we wondered how he stayed conscious; stopped nearly overhead of us immediately going 90 deg. vertical. Then shot straight up and slowed into a verticalhover while low enough to still be seen clearly. From that attitude the pilot increased power and continued the demo. The finale was the F-22 flying wing with a WW2 P-51 Mustang. The entire airshow including the Navy’s new EF-18B demoon a bright sunny Independence day stimulated much pride.
Please watch the Lockheed video in the above link.”
Jerry Sparks, U.S. Navy (ret.)
I am very pleased to share the above quote & video link sent to me by my brother, Jerry, now retired from the U.S. Navy. Jerry served for 30 years aboard aircraft carriers in all parts of the world. He was responsible for keeping aircraft on his watch safe and ready for the fight during the Viet Nam War and other incidents during his career. He served his country with pride and honor. I always felt safe with my brother doing the heavy lifting on these modern aircraft carriers because of his dedication to excellence and leadership aboard ship.
Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story
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