@airsound, I don't recall gushing over the flight, I posted a link to the pilot's interview, in answer to Maus question.
I was aware of delays because of weather and as well as maintenance issues. This isn't new news, perhaps if you read more widely, as we all should. you would not be caught by 'click bait' articles. A fault of mine too, I also recently recently posted a 'click bait' av week article on USN tail numbers.
I would be very surprised if JPO/LM wasn't in charge of the flight and personnel. I would hate to pay for the man-hours of the personnel, planning and organising of the flight. Up to the point of lodging a flight plan and take-off, it would have been a huge operation. I hope there were enough seats in the refueler for the support staff. Sitting in the back of a herc is no fun.
PS, the Typhoon would have had quite an entourage too.
Last edited by a1bill; 17th Feb 2016 at 23:24.