We readers of an anon. website have to keep an open mind about the contibutions of others.
I thought it unlikely a true pilot would have told the tale in such detail- especially to her parents- but if one of them was an ex-driver then it's more credible.
A friend's daughter was very phlegmatic when mentioning to her dad that imminent prop csu failure (with a single) a few minutes after take-off had necessitated a direct return to airfield with the real prospect of an emergency put-down en route.
If it is true, then all credit to the F18 girl for getting it back to the boards in one piece. The gender bashers out there might care to imagine how many macho top-gun types would have just given-up and pulled the red lever.
In conversation with a gentleman prominent in aviation circles in the Midlands last year, I distinctly recall his mentioning an old friend of his has a daughter who flies F18's from carriers.
So, Christopher Robin, BeAGLE, and Flap 62, it might just be true!