![]() ![]() Wars don’t begin predictably, and chaos can happen at any time, even while exercising the utmost diligence. Every day we were reminded of that through radio calls and intelligence briefings. We were operating very close to borders and coastlines of countries that didn’t want us there. Operations were going smoothly, but “routine” isn’t a word that exists in the vocabulary of most sailors and aviators. The strike group had been operating in the Arabian Gulf for about 2 months at this point. But up to this point, the list of suggestions on the board were scarce. There was talk of naming me after my quiet disposition, which would later turn out to be a complete misread. There was conjecture about naming me after my head, which is apparently reminiscent of a dinosaur’s head. I had only been in the squadron for about six months up to this point and, pridefully, had not earned myself a callsign just yet. “Party Steve,” most are results of shenanigans perpetrated on or around the members of the squadron. “Jonesy” Jones, or an indicator of personality, i.e. So-and-so.” While one may simply be a play on someone’s name, i.e. Even though they’re wacky most of the time, it’s almost more professional to call someone by some abstract nickname than their first name, or even “Ms. Over time I’ve developed a great appreciation for them. I Was Proud To Have Avoided A Callsign So Long Image credit: Etse/collectazillaĬallsigns are necessary in naval aviation. It seemed like a very benign, standard day - certainly not one that would result in me earning a callsign that my friends and coworkers still call me to this day. Maybe I even played a game of spades with some pals before heading to dinner. Working on the computers in the ready room, studying tactics, and talking to loved ones back home shaved off a few hours of the day. The rowing machine in the seaside gym provided a good distraction from being on a boat for the past five months. I had a night flight later that day, so I had the whole afternoon and evening to get my work done prior to briefing the flight. I rendezvoused with my squadron mates in the wardroom and chowed down on some catfish and rice pilaf. ![]()
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