On the current 2025 Oceana Air Present, Navy pilots shared tales that hyperlink the service’s airborne innovation to a 250-year custom of braveness and flexibility.
Because the U.S. Navy marks its 250th anniversary, the celebration is as a lot concerning the future because the previous. For 2 and a half centuries, the Navy has developed with each shift in know-how and menace, adapting its ships, sailors, and missions to satisfy the calls for of a altering world.
That custom of adaptation stays its defining power. When the primary Continental Navy put ships to sea in 1775, they carried the nation’s hopes greater than its {hardware}, with two small vessels representing the start of a fleet that might sooner or later span the globe. Every era has since expanded what it means to undertaking maritime energy, from the ironclads of the Civil Warfare to service aviation, nuclear propulsion, and as we speak’s integration of knowledge, sensors, and electromagnetic dominance. The U.S. Navy has all the time moved towards the subsequent frontier.
One of the transformative leaps got here within the early twentieth century, when aviation first met the ocean. In a handful of experimental flights, daring pilots proved that plane might lengthen the fleet’s vary, and with that, a brand new period of naval warfare started. In the end, carriers changed battleships as symbols of attain and readiness, and naval aviation turned the embodiment of the service’s ingenuity, combining sea management with the liberty of the sky.
At this time that spirit continues within the Navy’s airborne group, from the F/A-18 and F-35C to the P-8A, E-2D, and EA-18G. These platforms don’t simply function from the ocean; they lengthen the fleet’s consciousness, management, and lethality throughout each area. Collectively they symbolize a continuum of innovation, the identical drive that has carried the Navy from sail and cannon, to supersonic flight and digital warfare.
From Deck to Sky: The Start and Evolution of Naval Aviation
When Eugene Ely launched his Curtiss Pusher off the deck of the united statesBirmingham in 1910, after which landed on the united statesPennsylvania simply two months later, he proved that plane might function from the ocean, altering naval warfare ceaselessly. These transient, daring flights demonstrated {that a} warship might undertaking energy not simply throughout the ocean, however into the sky. Inside months, the Navy started coaching its first aviators and, by 1914, plane had been already recognizing for naval gunfire and scouting enemy fleets off Veracruz, Mexico.
The interwar years introduced classes that might outline the subsequent century of naval technique. Service aviation matured from experiment to doctrine, educating the Navy to mix vary, mobility, and air dominance in methods no different service might. By World Warfare II, naval aviation had turn out to be a decisive pressure, from the Battle of the Coral Sea, the place opposing fleets fought with out visible contact, to Halfway and the Philippine Sea, the place service air wings secured management of the Pacific.
The postwar many years noticed relentless evolution. Jets changed props. Angled decks, catapults, and arresting gear redefined service operations. The Chilly Warfare demanded new missions, from nuclear deterrence and reconnaissance to early types of networked command and management. Every era of plane, from the A-4 and F-8 to the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet, carried ahead a mix of innovation and flexibility that mirrored the Navy itself.
At this time’s service air wings embody that very same spirit in digital type. The F-35C Lightning II brings stealth and knowledge fusion; the EA-18G Growler extends the fleet’s attain into the electromagnetic spectrum; the E-2D Superior Hawkeye ties all of it collectively via real-time battle administration. Fashionable naval aviation is much less about particular person platforms and extra about an built-in system, sea, air, area, and cyber, working as one.
At its core, nevertheless, the essence of naval aviation hasn’t modified. It’s nonetheless about women and men skilled to launch from a transferring deck in all climate, function a whole bunch of miles from house, and convey one another safely again aboard. The instruments have superior, however the belief, precision, and professionalism that outline naval aviators stay timeless. That mixture of know-how and tenacity, innovation guided by objective, continues to make naval aviation one of many clearest reflections of the Navy’s enduring spirit. And nowhere is that spirit extra alive than in as we speak’s aviators who carry the legacy ahead with each launch and each mission.
On the 2025 NAS Oceana Air Present, The Aviationist had the chance to satisfy with 4 naval aviators, three flying the F-35C Lightning II and one piloting the F/A-18F Tremendous Hornet, and ask them two easy questions: If they might fly alongside any naval aviator, or civilian aviator making a breakthrough contribution to naval aviation, who would it not be and why? Secondly, what flight or mission greatest captures the spirit of the Navy? Every of those aviators brings a singular perspective formed by their plane, missions, and experiences. Their reflections, on the aviators who impressed them and the moments that examined them, reveal how the spirit of the Navy endures within the skies.
Interview with LT Josh “BAM” Underdown
LT Underdown is a F-35C pilot with VFA-125 “Tough Raiders”, Fundamentals Store Lead/CQ Section Head, USN Fleet Substitute Squadron, based mostly at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. LT Underdown is from Virginia Seaside, VA and graduated from North Carolina State College. Whole flight hours are 1300 (800 F/A-18E & 200 F-35C), with 300 arrested landings.
The Aviationist: When you might fly alongside any naval aviator, or civilian aviator making a breakthrough contribution to naval aviation, who would it not be and why?
I might positively select to fly alongside “Wade” McClusky, particularly throughout his time and in his plane. He turned nicely often known as the air group commander on the united statesEnterprise throughout its biggest naval battles throughout WWII. He led a mission of F4F Wildcats in a seek for Japanese carriers loaded with dozens of Mitsubishi Zeros and efficiently led a dive-bomb assault in opposition to a fleet of 4 Japanese carriers, destroying 3 of them through the battle.
In my thoughts, I can solely think about what that will need to have seemed like with the airspace being stuffed with such a dense swarm of plane. Then with the ability to coordinate and preserve order whereas all that combating is happening is ridiculously spectacular. Now after all, I wish to throw within the huge caveat that I might solely wish to expertise this if I might be assured survival with some kind of sci-fi invincibility protect.
Q: Are you able to please share a memorable mission or flight expertise that you just really feel represents the spirit of the U.S. Navy?
One among my most memorable experiences within the Navy (which I guess many others would agree) was my preliminary service {qualifications} within the F/A-18. This was in July of 2020 and it was the final yr that college students had been flying “handbook” passes. The day time CQ (service qualification) expertise was unbelievable and wasn’t all that intimidating, since I’d seen it within the T-45. However, when the lights turned off and the overcast layer rolled-in, it was a game-changer.
Lengthy story quick, after a number of bolters, a bingo to the seashore and some pints of sweat, I used to be lastly aboard following my final entice, with shaky legs and reduction. I had a extremely surreal second of reflection as they had been chaining down the jet. I used to be enthusiastic about the entire pilots who had gone via a really related however nonetheless extremely distinctive expertise. However, as a substitute of sitting in a F-18, they had been in Hellcats, Phantoms, Crusaders, Skyhawks, and Tomcats.
Interview with LT Tyler “TOD” Radke
LT Radke is a F-35C pilot with VFA-125 “Tough Raiders”, LSO, USN Fleet Substitute Squadron, based mostly at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. LT Radke is from South Bend, IN and graduated from Indiana College Purdue College, Indianapolis. Whole flight hours are 900 (600 F/A-18E and 35 F-35C) with 150 arrested landings.
Q: When you might fly alongside any naval aviator, or civilian aviator making a breakthrough contribution to naval aviation, who would it not be and why?
As an F-35 pilot, I’m always pushing the boundaries of what trendy know-how and coaching can do. However even with the cutting-edge stealth and sensors of the Joint Strike Fighter, there’s one thing timeless about flying alongside a legend like Dale Snodgrass that I do know would have taken my abilities—and my ardour for flying—to an entire new stage.
Dale Snodgrass wasn’t simply an unbelievable pilot; he was the fighter pilot. His identify is synonymous with precision, aggression, and mastery within the air. He flew the F-14 Tomcat prefer it was an extension of his personal physique, executing maneuvers with a grace and authority that few might match. For somebody like me, flying one of the vital superior jets in historical past, having the prospect to be taught from Dale would have been invaluable—not due to the tech, however due to his uncooked, unparalleled flying ability and fight expertise.
Flying with Dale would have meant tapping into many years of information about how one can suppose like a fighter pilot, not simply fly like one. It’s one factor to have a state-of-the-art jet beneath you, but it surely’s one other factor totally to have the mindset and instincts that solely come from 1000’s of hours within the cockpit and real-world fight. He was a pilot who understood how one can keep calm underneath stress, how one can learn an adversary, and how one can push the plane to its absolute limits safely.
I can solely think about the form of power and focus it might have taken to fly with him. His aggressive but exact flying fashion would push me to sharpen each ability I’ve, to fly smarter, quicker, and extra confidently. Past that, Dale’s ardour for flying was infectious. It’s not simply concerning the plane or the mission—it’s concerning the pure pleasure of flying, the connection between pilot and machine, and the respect for the skies that deliver all of it collectively.
For me, flying with Dale Snodgrass would’ve been greater than only a coaching alternative—it might’ve been a uncommon likelihood to attach with the legacy of naval aviation excellence and to be taught from one of many biggest fighter pilots of all time. It’s an opportunity I might have jumped at with out hesitation, and one that might have made me a greater pilot, each within the cockpit and past.
Q: Are you able to please share a memorable mission or flight expertise that you just really feel represents the spirit of the U.S. Navy?
One of the memorable flights of my profession came about throughout my 2023 deployment whereas flying the mighty F/A-18E—an expertise that also resonates deeply with me. It began early within the morning after I was making ready for my exercise, totally anticipating the day to unfold usually. The calm of the morning was abruptly shattered by the unmistakable sound of the 1MC announcement echoing all through the plane service: the alert launch was being referred to as. My coronary heart immediately kicked into excessive gear.
With out hesitation, I sprang into motion. I dropped the whole lot and hurried to alter into my flight swimsuit, my thoughts racing as I maneuvered via the labyrinth of ladder wells. I needed to dodge the knee tits—the tight, low-hanging hatch covers that appear to seek out each pilot on the worst doable second—whereas transferring as quick as I might. Each step was a blur, adrenaline flooding my system as I raced in opposition to the clock. The strain within the air was palpable, however beneath all of it, there was a singular focus: prepare, get to my jet, and get airborne.
As soon as suited up, I sprinted towards the flight deck, my boots pounding on the steel flight deck, the roar of the jet engines mixing with the chaos of the deck crew working feverishly to launch plane. Reaching my jet, I shortly ran via the preflight procedures, fired up the engines, and taxied to the catapult with an urgency I’ve solely felt in these uncommon, high-stakes moments.
As I lined up on the catapult, the solar was simply starting to rise, casting a panoramic glow over the horizon. In that on the spot—a quick pause amidst the chaos—I discovered myself struck by the sheer surrealism of the second. Right here I used to be, making ready to launch off the sting of a floating airbase into open sky, a small piece of a a lot bigger mission. It was awe-inspiring and humbling abruptly. Regardless of the urgency, there was a profound sense of calm and disbelief. This was my job. This was actual.
All through historical past, naval aviators have answered the decision in moments like these—launching on alert to undertaking energy and uphold freedom throughout the globe. They’ve been the primary line of protection, the vanguards of safety and power in unsure occasions. To be a part of that legacy, to hold the torch ahead within the twenty first century, is a privilege I don’t take flippantly.
Each alert launch is a reminder of the duty we bear and the sacrifices made by those that got here earlier than us. It’s about extra than simply flying; it’s about dedication, braveness, and being able to act at a second’s discover to guard our nation and its pursuits worldwide. Wanting again on that morning, I really feel honored to be a part of that story—a part of a brotherhood that continues to form historical past with each flight.
Interview with LT Daniel “Hei Hei” Burns
LT Burns is a F-35C pilot with VFA-125 “Tough Raiders”, Teacher Pilot // OMS Officer, USN Fleet Substitute Squadron, based mostly at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. LT Burns is from Fort Lauderdale, FL and graduated from Florida State College. Whole flight hours are 920 (600 F/A-18E and 100 F-35C) with 200 arrested landings.
Q: When you might fly alongside any naval aviator, or civilian aviator making a breakthrough contribution to naval aviation, who would it not be and why?
I might select to fly with CAPT Thomas Hudner Jr. He demonstrated unbelievable bravery throughout his time within the Korean Warfare. His willingness to danger his personal security to assist Ensign Jesse Brown speaks volumes about his character. In one of the vital selfless acts of heroism, he crash-landed his aircraft in enemy territory to attempt to save his wingman. That form of braveness and loyalty is actually inspiring and represents the very best beliefs of naval aviation. He could be a privilege to fly with.
Q: Are you able to please share a memorable mission or flight expertise that you just really feel represents the spirit of the U.S. Navy?
One among my most memorable flights within the Navy occurred throughout a deployment whereas returning to the plane service. I used to be flying an F/A-18E in a location I can’t specify, however on account of opposed climate situations, my restoration to the service was delayed. With gas ranges low, I used to be required to conduct airborne refueling; in any other case, I might have needed to divert from the service and land at an unfamiliar airfield.
This demanded exact coordination between myself and a tanker pilot. Because of our efficient teamwork, I efficiently refueled and safely landed on the service. This expertise underscored the excellence of our coaching and the important significance of counting on fellow aviators to make sure mission success and protected return.
Interview with LCDR Marty “Grouse” Wilson
LCDR Wilson is a F/A-18F pilot with VFA-11 “Crimson Rippers”, based mostly at NAS Oceana, Virginia. LCDR Wilson is from Northern Virginia and graduated from George Mason College, Fairfax, VA. Whole flight hours are 1400 hours, with about 1200 hours within the Tremendous Hornet.
Q: When you might fly alongside any naval aviator, or civilian aviator making a breakthrough contribution to naval aviation, who would it not be and why?
Primarily based on the truth that anniversaries actually make you mirror on how far an enterprise has superior, I believe the individual I’d wish to fly with probably the most, to fly subsequent to, is Eugene Ely. He’s the primary man to take an plane off of an plane service, just a few years after plane had been created by the Wright brothers. So, to have the ability to fly subsequent to that man, and to have the ability to present him the inspiration that he constructed, how far it’s come, and what it’s was — I might like to have that have.
Q: Are you able to please share a memorable mission or flight expertise that you just really feel represents the spirit of the U.S. Navy?
I may be a bit of biased, however since we’re right here on the Oceana Air Present, I’d most likely should say the flight I did yesterday for the air present — the air energy show. It’s seven F/A-18 Tremendous Hornets, one E-2 Hawkeye, and one H-60 helicopter, integrating with EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) models on the bottom. It’s an air present; we’re right here placing on an indication for the gang. However I believe that’s essential for what it represents — the U.S. Navy defending and defending Americans. It offers us the chance to indicate the nation, to indicate civilians, how we conduct enterprise.
The aircrew (together with myself), that flew as we speak have been flying the routine all weekend, and we’ve flown a number of practices main as much as the air present. Our crew was working at peak efficiency for the presentation.
The show actually embodies the spirit of the U.S. Navy — our adaptability, our teamwork. Changes to the routine had been fine-tuned to make our efficiency environment friendly, hold the gang engaged, and illustrate our lethality and ferocity, all whereas maintaining spectators protected. There was numerous collaboration with the FAA and the air station right here, but it surely all got here collectively fantastically yesterday, underneath clear blue skies.
Acknowledgements
The writer needs to thank LT Josh Underdown, VFA-125, LT Tyler Radke, VFA-125, LT Daniel Burns, VFA-125, LCDR Marty Wilson, VFA-11 and Katie Hewett, Public Affairs Workplace, Naval Air Station Oceana, for his or her persistence, time and dedication.
