New Air Boss !!!

[Homer J]

While we're getting our "NFO Love " on here...lest we forget those other great Americans who paved the way:
Captain Richard Dunleavy was the first NFO to command an aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea (CV 43). He previously flew the A-3 Skywarrior,A-5 Vigilante, RA-5C Vigilante and A-6 Intruder. Later in his career, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, and was the first NFO to hold the since disestablished position of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare (OP-05). He retired in 1993.
Rear Admiral Benjamin Thurman Hacker was the first NFO flag officer, having been selected in 1980. He previously flew the P-2 Neptune andP-3 Orion. He retired in 1988.
Vice Admiral David C. Nichols was the Deputy Coalition Air Forces Component Commander (Deputy CFACC) during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He was the first NFO to command the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, the second NFO to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 5th Fleet and was later Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command. He previously flew the A-6 Intruder. He retired in 2007.
Vice Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., is the first NFO from the land-based maritime patrol aviation community to command a numbered fleet, theU.S. 6th Fleet. He previously flew the P-3C Orion.
Admiral William Fallon, an NFO who flew the RA-5C Vigilante and the A-6 Intruder, was the first NFO to achieve 4-star rank. In 2006, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to lead U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). He had previously commanded U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command as a 4-star Admiral prior to his USCENTCOM assignment, and as a 3-star Vice Admiral, was the first NFO to command a numbered fleet, the U.S. 2nd Fleet. He retired in 2008.
General William L. Nyland, USMC was the first Marine Corps NFO to achieve 4-star rank as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. As a Lieutenant General, he was also the first NFO to serve as Deputy Commandant for Aviation. He previously flew the F-4 Phantom II and theF/A-18 Hornet, and he retired in 2005.
"Here's to us and those like us...damned few left!"

Not really any 'Firsts' but prior to his retirement he was the last Vietnam era POW on active duty.
http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=87

 

[BusyBee604]

While we're getting our "NFO Love " on here...lest we forget those other great Americans who paved the way:!

Pretty damn impressive NFO record. I was there (tho' not directly involved) at the beginning, and I can state "You'se guyz haz come a looong way, Baby"!

In the beginning of the NFO Program (early 60s...?), I recall hearing the new double anchors often referred to as "imitation aviators"! The Vietnam air mostly debunked that slur.

Saludos NFO Amigos.
BzB

 

[Renegade One]

Pretty damn impressive NFO record. I was there (tho' not directly involved) at the beginning, and I can state "You'se guyz haz come a looong way, Baby"!

In the beginning of the NFO Program (early 60s...?), I recall hearing the new double anchors often referred to as "imitation aviators"! The Vietnam air mostly debunked that slur.

Saludos NFO Amigos.
BzB

Coming from you, sir...that means a lot. Hope to see you soon at one of the SD 'Hook events...