Thirty-three years ago - toward what would end up being the end of Operation Desert Storm - the ordinance crew from Attack Squadron Three-Five (VA-35) loaded 22 Mk-82 500lb (230 kg) unguided, low drag general purpose bombs onto our squadron's A-6E Intruder. During the Persian Gulf War it is estimated that 4,500 GBU-12/Mk-82 were dropped onto Iraqi forces - all loaded by the strong backs of sailors and airmen.
From the pictures below the task of uploading 22 500 pound bombs on a single aircraft is hard, back breaking labor. The burden of loading these weapons onto a four aircraft division only added to the daily stress and fatigue for the crew who worked tirelessly for more than 6 months. That's more than 45,000 lbs (22 tons) of ordnance - not to mention the time it took to prepare the weapons for safe release. The dedication and commitment by our Navy sailors never wavered - true unsung heroes of VA-35 and Navy Squadrons deployed in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
As a young naval officer, division officer, and squadron pilot I watched them toil, without complaint, instead joking and chiding each other to do more despite their exhaustion. On this given day I decided to help decrease their burden loading those weapons - just one sailor helping another - silently - without hesitation.
Regardless of rank - are you willing to roll up your sleeves - and help those who never ask for help? Are you uninhibited by hierarchy? #navy, #navalaviation, #leadership, #usnavy, #innovation, #usna, #calledtoserve
