Jousting for boys
In 73 I was Nav2 on Bulwark and my SLJ had the rather grand title of Assault Chief Marshall. Mission - to wear a surcoat/loop headset and make sure the right sticks of booties got in the right Wessy. I loved that job and, call me soppy old romantic, was intrigued with the way the pilots climbed in the helo, as you might mount a charger before a joust, rather than just 'got in' like a SK.
It was that job that convinced me to go for flying and I was mildly disappointed, on getting my wings, to be sent SK rather than Wx5. But I finally realised my ambition when, on the cusp of leaving the RN in 82, I became the last pilot to convert to the Wx3 - day VMC only.
So I got to climb up the side in the end. I also loved the SOPS running landings and regular formations. On the downside, I still miss Greg Lewis.