F-15 Ride

On June 5, 2000, I was fortunate enough to receive an orientation ride with the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB.  My previous boss, LtCol Bill "Peewee" Reese was the pilot.  After going through ejection seat training, getting a medical clearance, and getting outfitted with all the gear at life support, I strapped in to the back seat of an F-15D and away we went.

It was a tremendous experience--the day was absolutely perfect.  I had a great time, and it gave me a much greater appreciation for the mental & physical challenges fighter pilots face.  Special thanks to Peewee and all the folks at the 12th for a grand experience.

My pictures turned out to be pretty nice.  Click on the thumbnail for the full picture.

	Preflight after getting strapped in
	Denali (aka Mt McKinley) in the distance
	Another shot of Denali
	Part of the mission profile was a low-level egress.  Talk about a rush--500 feet above ground level!
	View looking forward during the low level run
	Shot of our wingman on the way back
	Another pic of our wingman
	Self portrait.  Somebody pinch me!
	This one is taken on the way back so the sun was in our face.  The one above was on the way out to the training area with the sun behind us.