Story behind a famous Navy flyby

The Chive






The photos were taken in 1988 while aboard the USS America (CV-66).



At the time, Dale a.k.a. “Snort” was already known for his stunt piloting from years of performing at Air Force and Naval air shows around the world.

Basically “Snort” was in the category of best-of-the-best…and that morning, he gave photographer Sean Dunn a little heads-up as to his plans for that day.

Dale told Sean to be on the flight deck because he was going to do a low-level flyby that would put “Maverick’s” movie low-level pass to shame.

This is why Mr. Dunn was able to capture the first image while there were very few crew members watching on the deck.



Above is the photo Sean captured before the rest of the aircraft carrier’s crew realized what ol’ “Snort” was up to that day.

Also notice the arrow of the guy with his arms behind his back, Dale will later explain the significance of this man.

It took no time for the members on USS America to sprint out to experience the trickster’s next flyby.



From pilot Dale Snodgrass on the flybys that day:
“It’s not risky at all with practice… It was my opening pass to a Tomcat tactical demonstration at sea. I started from the starboard rear quarter of the ship, at or slightly below flight deck level. Airspeed was at about 250 knots with the wings swept forward.”

“I selected afterburner at about ½ miles behind and the aircraft accelerated to about 325-330 knots. As I approached the ship, I rolled into an 85 degree angle of bank and did a 2-3 g turn, finishing about 10 – 20 degrees off of the ship’s axis.”

“It was a very dramatic and, in my opinion, a very cool way to start a carrier demo.”

Dale Snodgrass added the following (remember arrow on earlier photo):
“Just as an aside…the individual with his arms behind his back is Admiral Jay Johnson, who (went on to) became the Chief of Naval Operations for the Navy.”

Back in the day, guys could get away with some serious sh*t during deployment. I’d say these flybys are “cashing the check”.







Above is cropped version of the second awesome image Mr. Dunn captured.