I'm reminded that a high percentage of carrier pilots all during the 1930's and through the opening months of WWII were enlisted NAPs. The original "Fighting TWO" was called "The Flying Chiefs" because I think everyone who flew, save the CO and XO I imagine, were NAPs. The airplanes didn't seem to care.
When you have "skin in the game"...always go with the most qualified pilot...not the most senior. Just sayin'...I can remember getting aboard the C47 stationed at Cecil for a flight to Yuma for a bombing practice det. An O-4 boarded and got into the right seat. Well, I’m thinking to myself “who the hell is flyin’ this rig” when a squared away
E-9 Marine (with wings) strolls up and settles into the left seat. Time frame was of course the mid 60’s.
I'm reminded that a high percentage of carrier pilots all during the 1930's and through the opening months of WWII were enlisted NAPs.
The end of the NAP Program had already begun, but the Navy let it fade away slowly by attrition, retirement mostly. I think they were completely gone by mid-'60s, so Brownshoe must have been transported by one of the last of the NAPs.
As Renegade stated, the airplanes didn't care...these ol' Gents were GOOD, and they proudly wore the same Wings Of Gold as we do.
BzB