Many moons ago, I sat in the cockpit of an F-111 in its shelter @ Upper Heyford, being briefed by the crew beforehand.
I was most impressed by the WSO arriving at the shelter in his Porsche 924 and the M16 armed guard.
I seem to remember the WSO telling me that the control column worked as a pump if the capsule ditched in water.
I am still not sure if he was 'pulling my leg'!