[USMC] Harrier Flight (2013) [Pilot View] VIDEO Utube
 

Harrier Flight (2013)

“Published on Apr 23, 2013 Video by Gunnery Sgt. Michael Kropiewnicki 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Capt. David Neely, an AV-8B Harrier Pilot assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Re-inforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts flight operations off USS Kearsarge (LHD3), Mediterranean 28 Mar 2013.”

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...n.jpg:original

Quite a mission. Er, what did he do? Nice video, though.

He turned quite a few Dinosaur's into Heat and Noise!:E

Not happy with the landing?

Got to love that noise :)

I think that sortie profile code is "FACIT"

F*ck About, Call It Training
;)

What's the camo helmet cover for?

1. For E&E?
2. To avoid detection when his Harrier is hiding in the woods?
3. To remind every one he's a gung-ho Marine?

;)

Pontius , that lovely noise didn't do my ears any favours....tinnitus is a pain in later years. It sounded good then!

IFT ... to match his underwear of course :ok:

India Fuggin Twit...

The Cammo helmet cover is as per USMC regulations.
The camouflage helmet cover is indeed to show that he is a Marine Officer like any other... it is just that his fighting equipment is a Harrier rather than a LAV, tank, artillery piece, etc.

You see, Marine officers are expected to, if required, take command of ground forces in battle.

As an example, during Vietnam a USMC pilot who was shot down took command of the Marine ground forces which rescued him (as their officer had been killed) and led them in performance of their assigned mission until a relief officer could be flown out (and the pilot flown back in).


Another example is Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, Commanding officer of VMA-211... killed leading a counter-attack when Taliban fighters attacked the air base his squadron was on in Afghanistan.

Marine pilots wear that helmet cover because they ARE Marines first and pilots a definite second.


{edit: And oh, yes... if he is shot down he at least has it to help him hide from enemy forces (you know, what camouflage is designed for).}

You had me right up till you said taking control of ground forces. For many aviators, OCS and TBS was quite a period of time in their past, which is to say they received a combat 101 level exposure to warfare. Unless they've done a ground tour (not many have) they are likely not up on the latest in tactics and equipment. To say they commanded ground forces is likely to say they were the ranking Marine present, that I'd buy. I'd rather take my chances tactically with a 3rd combat tour company Gunny fresh back from the sand box leading the way over a LtCol whose baseline of knowledge was learned when the M-16A1 was the latest and greatest. Hopefully that aviator would be smart enough to recognize that as well. If not, he better have eyes in the back of the noggin after the first boneheaded decision that got friendlies hurt or killed.

Anyone notice hand moving to nozzle lever prior to aircraft moving? He must still have had an abort option - might do better to keep hand on the throttle.

It looks like he lands aft of the markings...but I have never landed on a USN amphib so am probably totally wrong.

GreenKnight121,

Oh dear, I seem to have hit a raw nerve. My apologies.

My post was light-hearted banter, in the best traditions of this forum. Coffman Starter recognized it as such and replied in kind - I'm sure he doesn't really think that Marine pilots wear camouflaged skivvies.

I'm fully aware of the concept "Marine first, pilot second" and I have read about Lt. Col. Raible's leadership of his men during the Camp Bastion attack.

I don't agree with your last point though. If I was hiding in the woods, I think I would ditch the flying helmet, as being too conspicuous, even with the camo cover. It wouldn't help much anyway, if I was wearing a pink flying suit.

Finally, if you find the level of banter here too much for you, don't even think about looking at www.arrse.co.uk. :E

Pink flight suit, with a little tailoring and you'd blend in nicely in San Francisco.

GK121 ... Lighten up mate ... Just friendly banter/leg pulling :ok:

Ooooohhhh someone's tired!!!;)

first thing to remove on sere situation as it rmoves one of the key senses - hearing.... unless you are GeorgeHutt then it does matter...I SAID IT DOESN'T MATTER GEORGE!

:}:}:}

I've been wrong before, but if a Marine pilot were to be shot down and then take command of the ground forces, would he/she continue to wear a flight helmet?

When I've worn them outside of an aircraft, I have spent much time saying "What???" to anyone trying to talk to me, as my Mk.3C & 4B's were fitted well enough to make the ear seals quite effective.

I would imagine that commanding ground forces in combat, hearing well is a bonus. I like the matching underwear idea though!
:ok:

It's to ensue the best PR machine since Joe Stalin makes sure everyone knows he's a US Marine.

Most effective PR machine is what you meant to post.

Surely it is a noble tradition, and also a reminder from the Commandant and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps that every marine is first and foremost a Rifleman.