1 00:00:02,669 --> 00:00:05,088 {\an8}[tower] 88 tower good morning, flight control 1-0. 2 00:00:09,927 --> 00:00:13,931 - Looks like you went swimming. - Yeah. It's hot. 3 00:00:17,601 --> 00:00:19,662 [Narrator] For the last six months, 4 00:00:19,686 --> 00:00:21,873 students have been pushed to their limits in 5 00:00:21,897 --> 00:00:23,690 the Advanced Stage of training. 6 00:00:27,361 --> 00:00:29,756 They've been tested on their low-level flying. 7 00:00:29,780 --> 00:00:31,198 - Watch that rising terrain. 8 00:00:31,615 --> 00:00:32,935 [Narrator] Strike bombing tactics. 9 00:00:34,034 --> 00:00:35,178 - Bam. 10 00:00:35,202 --> 00:00:36,471 [Narrator] And their ability to attack and defend 11 00:00:36,495 --> 00:00:38,288 themselves in aerial combat. 12 00:00:38,789 --> 00:00:40,123 - Whoa! 13 00:00:44,419 --> 00:00:46,380 - Tower 121 Takeoff. 14 00:00:49,383 --> 00:00:50,801 - Attention on deck. 15 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:52,779 - Take your seats. 16 00:00:52,803 --> 00:00:53,863 [Narrator] Most of the students have 17 00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:55,240 completed the course. 18 00:00:55,264 --> 00:00:56,574 - Alright. 19 00:00:56,598 --> 00:00:58,076 [Narrator] And are learning where they will 20 00:00:58,100 --> 00:00:59,786 be stationed next. 21 00:00:59,810 --> 00:01:01,204 - Congratulations. You are gonna go 22 00:01:01,228 --> 00:01:02,372 trigger down Zap. 23 00:01:02,396 --> 00:01:03,939 - Yeah! 24 00:01:05,148 --> 00:01:07,192 [Justin] One, two, three. Go ahead. 25 00:01:07,943 --> 00:01:09,712 All right. You know where you're going. 26 00:01:09,736 --> 00:01:11,989 - Hell yeah baby, let's go. 27 00:01:16,076 --> 00:01:18,555 {\an8}- If you make it through here and you get the wings of gold, 28 00:01:18,579 --> 00:01:22,666 {\an8}you are a great fighter pilot because we don't have bad ones 29 00:01:22,791 --> 00:01:25,210 in the United States Navy or the Marine Corps. 30 00:01:31,675 --> 00:01:34,303 [Narrator] But not everyone can celebrate yet. 31 00:01:35,345 --> 00:01:37,240 For a handful of students, 32 00:01:37,264 --> 00:01:40,267 including Austin Claggett and Carissa Meinster, 33 00:01:40,684 --> 00:01:44,080 one test still stands between them and 34 00:01:44,104 --> 00:01:45,731 their coveted wings of gold. 35 00:01:46,356 --> 00:01:47,625 - You all have shown that you have what it takes. 36 00:01:47,649 --> 00:01:49,776 Congratulations, you have earned these wings. 37 00:01:53,613 --> 00:01:55,925 [Justin] They've already been through years of training 38 00:01:55,949 --> 00:01:57,743 at this point. 39 00:01:58,660 --> 00:02:00,430 I know that they are hoping that they will join their 40 00:02:00,454 --> 00:02:02,456 friends who have already successfully completed. 41 00:02:03,957 --> 00:02:07,085 But ultimately, they're on their last chance at this. 42 00:02:08,587 --> 00:02:09,939 - I can fail out of flight school. 43 00:02:09,963 --> 00:02:11,941 Even this late in the game. 44 00:02:11,965 --> 00:02:14,301 All the hard work will be for nothing. 45 00:02:19,681 --> 00:02:21,159 [♪ upbeat music playing 46 00:02:21,183 --> 00:02:23,894 ["Lost in Love" by T. Baker and E. Lomax] 47 00:02:25,062 --> 00:02:27,981 ♪ Ba-ba-ba-um-ba-ooo ♪ 48 00:02:29,691 --> 00:02:31,419 ♪ Ba-ba-ba-um-ba-ooo ♪ 49 00:02:31,443 --> 00:02:34,071 - Nice. How are your flights going? 50 00:02:34,488 --> 00:02:37,574 - You know, we're so close. We're so close to finishing. 51 00:02:38,283 --> 00:02:41,203 I've racked up four failures up to this point. 52 00:02:41,662 --> 00:02:46,875 {\an8}You know, if I continue on a, a track that's not good, 53 00:02:47,125 --> 00:02:49,020 I could fail out. 54 00:02:49,044 --> 00:02:53,524 And so the stress of being close to the finish, 55 00:02:53,548 --> 00:02:55,610 but also the knowledge that I could, 56 00:02:55,634 --> 00:02:57,445 I could drop the ball, 57 00:02:57,469 --> 00:03:00,931 um has been keeping me up at night. 58 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:03,951 I can't seem to push off the stress. 59 00:03:03,975 --> 00:03:06,645 It's just existing with it. 60 00:03:17,114 --> 00:03:18,591 [Narrator] With the end in sight, 61 00:03:18,615 --> 00:03:20,992 Carissa is also feeling the pressure. 62 00:03:22,119 --> 00:03:23,638 - I'm really trying to make sure that I stay 63 00:03:23,662 --> 00:03:25,598 focused and finish strong, 64 00:03:25,622 --> 00:03:29,835 {\an8}hopefully be able to earn my wings and move on to the fleet. 65 00:03:30,919 --> 00:03:32,647 [Narrator] When she first joined the Navy, 66 00:03:32,671 --> 00:03:34,506 she had never flown a plane. 67 00:03:35,715 --> 00:03:37,276 [Carissa] I didn't know what I wanted to do in the 68 00:03:37,300 --> 00:03:38,444 Navy when I started. 69 00:03:38,468 --> 00:03:40,780 I just knew I wanted to study because I always 70 00:03:40,804 --> 00:03:43,199 have loved academia. 71 00:03:43,223 --> 00:03:44,700 But towards the end, I realized I had to actually 72 00:03:44,724 --> 00:03:46,977 decide what I wanted to do. 73 00:03:48,437 --> 00:03:49,455 At the last minute, 74 00:03:49,479 --> 00:03:52,566 I kind of decided on a whim, I'd like to give aviation a try, 75 00:03:52,899 --> 00:03:55,485 and I was lucky enough to be accepted to the program. 76 00:04:00,449 --> 00:04:02,552 - She didn't know anything about it, 77 00:04:02,576 --> 00:04:03,970 {\an8}but yet she picked it. 78 00:04:03,994 --> 00:04:05,638 {\an8}And I, why do you want to do it? 79 00:04:05,662 --> 00:04:06,848 {\an8}If you don't know anything about it, 80 00:04:06,872 --> 00:04:07,932 {\an8}why do you want? 81 00:04:07,956 --> 00:04:09,624 {\an8}Well, because it sounds interesting. 82 00:04:10,709 --> 00:04:14,296 She has always wanted to go the hard route. 83 00:04:16,339 --> 00:04:17,340 INSTRUCTOR Power up 84 00:04:19,092 --> 00:04:20,528 [Carissa] But from the first time I started flying, 85 00:04:20,552 --> 00:04:22,280 I realized it was going to be a challenge unlike 86 00:04:22,304 --> 00:04:24,473 anything I had ever done before. 87 00:04:27,768 --> 00:04:29,519 CARISSA Hammer 2-3, in heading 145 88 00:04:30,395 --> 00:04:33,148 [Narrator] Although not coming from an aviation background. 89 00:04:33,648 --> 00:04:34,649 RANGE CONTROL Bullseye 90 00:04:34,816 --> 00:04:36,109 INSTRUCTOR Yes, perfect! 91 00:04:36,651 --> 00:04:37,837 CARISSA Yes, sir 92 00:04:37,861 --> 00:04:39,297 [Narrator] Carissa has been a strong student 93 00:04:39,321 --> 00:04:41,573 in all events except one. 94 00:04:42,032 --> 00:04:43,217 LANDING SIGNAL OFFICER You're high 95 00:04:43,241 --> 00:04:44,618 Work it down 96 00:04:45,076 --> 00:04:47,078 [Narrator] She struggled with carrier landings, 97 00:04:47,537 --> 00:04:50,290 one of the most important skills for a naval aviator. 98 00:04:51,041 --> 00:04:52,042 - Power 99 00:04:53,251 --> 00:04:54,503 You're a little low 100 00:04:56,171 --> 00:04:57,631 - Really didn't like that one 101 00:04:59,216 --> 00:05:01,694 [Narrator] She failed carrier qualification and 102 00:05:01,718 --> 00:05:04,655 had to repeat all 13 of her tests to remain 103 00:05:04,679 --> 00:05:05,823 on the course. 104 00:05:05,847 --> 00:05:06,908 LANDING SIGNAL OFFICER Wave off, wave off 105 00:05:06,932 --> 00:05:08,016 Foul deck 106 00:05:11,228 --> 00:05:12,872 [Carissa] People come up to you in the hallway, and 107 00:05:12,896 --> 00:05:14,707 they're like, "Hey, like what are you still doing here? 108 00:05:14,731 --> 00:05:16,107 Like shouldn't you be gone by now?" 109 00:05:16,441 --> 00:05:18,461 And I feel like there's this hill that you're climbing, and 110 00:05:18,485 --> 00:05:20,838 you're like, wow, this is it, I can see like on the other 111 00:05:20,862 --> 00:05:22,256 side, it'll be downhill. 112 00:05:22,280 --> 00:05:23,549 And then you get over the hill, 113 00:05:23,573 --> 00:05:25,218 and there's like seven more hills. 114 00:05:25,242 --> 00:05:27,845 So it's been a really big lesson in getting back up 115 00:05:27,869 --> 00:05:28,930 on the horse. 116 00:05:28,954 --> 00:05:31,516 I don't think I've ever had to do that so many times 117 00:05:31,540 --> 00:05:32,600 in my life. 118 00:05:32,624 --> 00:05:34,668 It's a lot of metaphors. 119 00:05:35,418 --> 00:05:37,939 [Narrator] Now, Carissa has one more hurdle in 120 00:05:37,963 --> 00:05:39,631 the final test. 121 00:05:40,549 --> 00:05:42,276 [Justin] It is the most unscripted. 122 00:05:42,300 --> 00:05:43,444 It is the most dynamic. 123 00:05:43,468 --> 00:05:45,846 It is the most unpredictable of all of the events. 124 00:05:52,227 --> 00:05:55,122 [Narrator] The challenge of head-to-head dogfighting is 125 00:05:55,146 --> 00:05:57,208 to start from a position where neither 126 00:05:57,232 --> 00:05:58,692 jet has an advantage. 127 00:06:00,026 --> 00:06:02,171 Deploy every skill they've learned to 128 00:06:02,195 --> 00:06:03,780 outmaneuver their opponent, 129 00:06:04,906 --> 00:06:07,993 neutralize the threat with a hit called a "Fox 2," 130 00:06:08,326 --> 00:06:11,580 and conclude with a carrier style landing. 131 00:06:12,539 --> 00:06:15,017 [Justin] You are beak to beak with another plane, and you're 132 00:06:15,041 --> 00:06:17,061 gonna cross 500 feet from one another at hundreds 133 00:06:17,085 --> 00:06:18,795 of miles an hour. 134 00:06:20,338 --> 00:06:22,441 From there, fight their jet as good as possible to 135 00:06:22,465 --> 00:06:24,676 see if they can't get that first shot. 136 00:06:25,802 --> 00:06:27,363 MICAH I'm at you six o'clock now 137 00:06:27,387 --> 00:06:28,889 INSTRUCTOR That's a good shot to me! 138 00:06:29,347 --> 00:06:30,741 - We're moving so fast, 139 00:06:30,765 --> 00:06:35,020 and it's not only the machines at their max performance, 140 00:06:35,353 --> 00:06:37,439 but it's us at our max performance. 141 00:06:39,566 --> 00:06:41,818 It is most definitely not a cakewalk. 142 00:06:46,323 --> 00:06:48,050 [Carissa] It can be a little bit mind-blowing and 143 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:50,428 a little bit scary to think that we're gonna get 144 00:06:50,452 --> 00:06:52,454 as close as 500 feet to one another, 145 00:06:53,038 --> 00:06:56,017 and I have to keep myself safe, but also keep fighting. 146 00:06:56,041 --> 00:06:57,476 - All right, Rodney, you all have fun. 147 00:06:57,500 --> 00:06:58,561 Be safe out there. 148 00:06:58,585 --> 00:07:00,503 See you in a little bit. 149 00:07:02,964 --> 00:07:05,276 [Narrator] Scrutinizing Carissa's performance in the 150 00:07:05,300 --> 00:07:06,652 back of her jet, 151 00:07:06,676 --> 00:07:09,638 Lieutenant Pruitt, call sign, Rodney. 152 00:07:10,096 --> 00:07:12,199 - Meinster is at the very end of her training. 153 00:07:12,223 --> 00:07:14,201 This is the last phase. 154 00:07:14,225 --> 00:07:15,911 You go out and you do a mission. 155 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:17,288 {\an8}You gotta be able to come back, 156 00:07:17,312 --> 00:07:18,664 {\an8}be professional in the boat, 157 00:07:18,688 --> 00:07:20,750 {\an8}and land on your first pass. 158 00:07:20,774 --> 00:07:22,934 So that's what we need to see here in this final phase. 159 00:07:27,364 --> 00:07:30,301 [Narrator] In the other jet, seasoned dogfighting expert, 160 00:07:30,325 --> 00:07:33,328 Russell Gogan. Call sign, Magma. 161 00:07:34,996 --> 00:07:36,307 - When you are nose to nose, 162 00:07:36,331 --> 00:07:38,142 beak to beak with the other aircraft, 163 00:07:38,166 --> 00:07:41,395 {\an8}it's difficult for a student because you literally 164 00:07:41,419 --> 00:07:42,754 {\an8}just go fight. 165 00:07:44,381 --> 00:07:46,734 'MAGMA' Clearance, Shad 137 flight of two 166 00:07:46,758 --> 00:07:47,926 CARISSA Ready in front 167 00:07:48,385 --> 00:07:49,469 'RODNEY' Ready in back 168 00:07:50,845 --> 00:07:53,598 [Carissa] It's not lost on us how big of a thing this is. 169 00:07:55,475 --> 00:07:57,953 If you don't follow your procedures, 170 00:07:57,977 --> 00:08:01,022 you could do something potentially dangerous. 171 00:08:02,065 --> 00:08:03,185 The training wheels are off. 172 00:08:14,994 --> 00:08:15,995 'RODNEY' Radar contact 173 00:08:18,415 --> 00:08:19,666 CARISSA Devil 1-1, visual 174 00:08:21,209 --> 00:08:22,369 'MAGMA' Base, standby check-in 175 00:08:25,630 --> 00:08:26,631 'MAGMA' Devil 1-1, set 176 00:08:27,632 --> 00:08:28,883 CARISSA Devil 1-2, set 177 00:08:30,510 --> 00:08:31,511 - Three 178 00:08:31,636 --> 00:08:32,613 Two 179 00:08:32,637 --> 00:08:33,722 One 180 00:08:34,139 --> 00:08:35,179 'MAGMA' Let's go, let's go! 181 00:08:41,855 --> 00:08:43,015 'MAGMA' Fight's on, fight's on 182 00:08:43,898 --> 00:08:45,058 CARISSA Fight's on, fight's on 183 00:08:45,442 --> 00:08:46,443 'MAGMA' Coming right 184 00:08:48,570 --> 00:08:50,131 [Narrator] Magma wastes no time seeking 185 00:08:50,155 --> 00:08:51,740 control of the fight. 186 00:08:52,532 --> 00:08:53,972 'RODNEY' He's turning into us, right? 187 00:08:54,743 --> 00:08:55,744 CARISSA Yes, sir 188 00:09:02,751 --> 00:09:04,151 'RODNEY' He's got a shot right there 189 00:09:07,839 --> 00:09:08,840 'RODNEY' Get the nose up 190 00:09:11,634 --> 00:09:14,345 [Narrator] To escape, Carissa seeks out a hiding position. 191 00:09:16,473 --> 00:09:17,474 'MAGMA' Oh my God 192 00:09:19,601 --> 00:09:21,912 [Narrator] Using the sun's glare as camouflage. 193 00:09:21,936 --> 00:09:23,480 'MAGMA' I'm blind as hell on you guys 194 00:09:27,108 --> 00:09:29,420 [Narrator] Before pulling a bold move. 195 00:09:29,444 --> 00:09:30,612 With a sudden dive. 196 00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:40,859 CARISSA I have him in visual, sir 197 00:09:49,172 --> 00:09:50,173 CARISSA Fox 2 198 00:09:52,258 --> 00:09:53,259 'RODNEY' Bullseye 199 00:09:53,468 --> 00:09:54,469 'MAGMA' Got me 200 00:09:55,845 --> 00:09:56,846 'RODNEY' OK, good 201 00:09:57,180 --> 00:09:58,181 CARISSA Woo! 202 00:10:00,475 --> 00:10:01,726 {\an8}CARISSA Clear to land 137 flight 203 00:10:03,353 --> 00:10:05,748 [Narrator] Carissa now has one chance to pull off 204 00:10:05,772 --> 00:10:07,899 a successful carrier landing. 205 00:10:08,233 --> 00:10:09,376 - I'm going to go ahead and bring the speed brakes out, sir, 206 00:10:09,400 --> 00:10:10,693 just to help our descent 207 00:10:13,696 --> 00:10:17,909 [♪ suspenseful music playing] 208 00:10:28,878 --> 00:10:31,982 [Carissa] 120 Goshawk ball, 1.9 Tango 3 209 00:10:32,006 --> 00:10:33,192 - Roger, ball. 210 00:10:33,216 --> 00:10:35,694 [Narrator] As with every landing, Carissa will need to 211 00:10:35,718 --> 00:10:37,053 fly the ball, 212 00:10:39,347 --> 00:10:41,325 positioning her jet precisely on the right 213 00:10:41,349 --> 00:10:43,744 glide path to keep the amber light, 214 00:10:43,768 --> 00:10:45,895 known as the ball, dead center. 215 00:10:47,313 --> 00:10:50,209 But landing with the ball above or below that center 216 00:10:50,233 --> 00:10:52,628 will mean that had this been a carrier landing, 217 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:55,405 she wouldn't have caught the wire and landed safely. 218 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:01,520 LANDING SIGNAL OFFICER Easy with it 219 00:11:03,580 --> 00:11:04,581 More power 220 00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:10,336 Power 221 00:11:11,796 --> 00:11:12,797 More 222 00:11:14,007 --> 00:11:15,008 Power! 223 00:11:17,886 --> 00:11:19,554 [jet engine decelerates] 224 00:11:28,438 --> 00:11:30,398 [Staton] Meinster was too low. 225 00:11:31,274 --> 00:11:32,710 To a point where she could maybe hit the back 226 00:11:32,734 --> 00:11:34,277 of the boat. 227 00:11:35,153 --> 00:11:36,654 Very unsafe. 228 00:11:38,990 --> 00:11:41,326 - Unfortunately, it was just not satisfactory. 229 00:11:44,704 --> 00:11:47,624 [Carissa] That was a really, really brutal experience. 230 00:11:48,333 --> 00:11:50,293 It's just like, what have I done? 231 00:11:52,295 --> 00:11:55,465 [Justin] The truth is for Carissa, it may mean the end. 232 00:12:03,765 --> 00:12:05,576 [Narrator] Unlike Carissa and Austin, 233 00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:07,786 Steph Harris has had a smoother journey 234 00:12:07,810 --> 00:12:08,937 on the course. 235 00:12:10,063 --> 00:12:11,040 INSTRUCTOR You're looking good 236 00:12:11,064 --> 00:12:12,315 STEPH Hammer 4 heading in 237 00:12:12,857 --> 00:12:13,858 RANGE CONTROL 49 feet 238 00:12:14,901 --> 00:12:16,341 INSTRUCTOR Nice, you're dialing it in 239 00:12:17,779 --> 00:12:19,215 [explosion] 240 00:12:19,239 --> 00:12:22,176 [Narrator] She's proven herself an excellent student. 241 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:24,887 - Wooo man look at this! - I know it's crazy. 242 00:12:24,911 --> 00:12:26,621 - Look at this. - OK. 243 00:12:27,330 --> 00:12:29,225 [Narrator] Topping the class in strike. 244 00:12:29,249 --> 00:12:30,959 [Steph] Hot diggity dog. 245 00:12:32,669 --> 00:12:34,309 INSTRUCTOR Let's get a little G on the jet 246 00:12:34,504 --> 00:12:35,505 STEPH Roger 247 00:12:35,797 --> 00:12:37,983 [Narrator] And executing low-level flying 248 00:12:38,007 --> 00:12:39,342 with great skill. 249 00:12:39,926 --> 00:12:41,126 INSTRUCTOR Perfect, right there 250 00:12:43,096 --> 00:12:44,180 STEPH This is awesome 251 00:12:46,975 --> 00:12:49,602 [Narrator] If Steph does well in the next test, 252 00:12:50,436 --> 00:12:52,939 she could be awarded the trophy for top performer. 253 00:12:54,440 --> 00:12:56,835 But head to head dogfighting tests even 254 00:12:56,859 --> 00:12:58,611 the best students to the limit. 255 00:12:59,946 --> 00:13:03,032 [Steph] There's this element of fear that can be restrictive, 256 00:13:03,658 --> 00:13:06,303 whereas like when you're young, you feel invincible. 257 00:13:06,327 --> 00:13:09,598 I think maybe being a little bit older, 258 00:13:09,622 --> 00:13:11,934 I kind of have this awareness of how you can 259 00:13:11,958 --> 00:13:13,793 screw it up and what that means. 260 00:13:14,294 --> 00:13:16,045 And I don't wanna screw it up. 261 00:13:17,255 --> 00:13:18,732 [Narrator] In her final flight, 262 00:13:18,756 --> 00:13:21,134 she'll be flying against her commanding officer, 263 00:13:21,592 --> 00:13:24,262 Commander Estrada, call sign Duster. 264 00:13:26,180 --> 00:13:27,408 [Justin] You could definitely tell that Stephanie was 265 00:13:27,432 --> 00:13:29,434 more mature than maybe some of the other students. 266 00:13:29,892 --> 00:13:32,037 And I think having that maturity afforded the 267 00:13:32,061 --> 00:13:35,648 {\an8}opportunity to be patient, uh, to be humble. 268 00:13:36,149 --> 00:13:37,309 STEPH Mace 1-2 is up and ready 269 00:13:37,692 --> 00:13:38,693 'DUSTER' Mace 1-1 270 00:13:39,652 --> 00:13:42,280 [Justin] There's always a balance between being humble 271 00:13:42,822 --> 00:13:45,300 and having to be a little bit arrogant and aggressive 272 00:13:45,324 --> 00:13:46,385 and a little bit, 273 00:13:46,409 --> 00:13:48,220 I've got the knife in my teeth and I can handle 274 00:13:48,244 --> 00:13:49,746 anything come what may. 275 00:13:50,079 --> 00:13:51,456 You want that, too. 276 00:13:56,169 --> 00:13:58,087 'DUSTER' 100 knots 277 00:14:05,928 --> 00:14:07,168 STEPH Mace 1-2 deploy, hot right 278 00:14:13,519 --> 00:14:14,496 'DUSTER' Three 279 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:15,581 Two 280 00:14:15,605 --> 00:14:16,689 One 281 00:14:16,814 --> 00:14:17,815 Fights on 282 00:14:22,862 --> 00:14:23,839 'DUSTER' Be aggressive 283 00:14:23,863 --> 00:14:25,031 Be, be aggressive 284 00:14:30,078 --> 00:14:31,430 [Narrator] Duster has flown hundreds of 285 00:14:31,454 --> 00:14:32,955 dog fights like this. 286 00:14:35,500 --> 00:14:38,753 So, landing a shot against him isn't going to be easy. 287 00:14:40,088 --> 00:14:41,172 'DUSTER' Come on, go for it 288 00:14:43,424 --> 00:14:44,801 [Narrator] Instead of pursuing him, 289 00:14:46,260 --> 00:14:50,115 Steph executes an audacious swerve upwards to 290 00:14:50,139 --> 00:14:51,724 seek a better vantage point. 291 00:14:53,434 --> 00:14:55,895 Leaving Duster dangerously exposed. 292 00:14:57,522 --> 00:14:58,523 'DUSTER' Not my best 293 00:15:07,949 --> 00:15:10,910 [♪ dramatic music playing] 294 00:15:20,169 --> 00:15:22,213 'DUSTER' Well that did not work out well for me 295 00:15:28,261 --> 00:15:30,346 {\an8}[tracking system beeping] 296 00:15:33,683 --> 00:15:34,684 'DUSTER' No? 297 00:15:34,809 --> 00:15:35,810 Alright 298 00:15:44,485 --> 00:15:46,445 {\an8}[tracking system beeping] 299 00:15:47,113 --> 00:15:48,197 [signal lock] 300 00:15:48,698 --> 00:15:49,699 STEPH Fox 2 301 00:15:50,575 --> 00:15:51,576 'DUSTER' Kill 302 00:16:01,043 --> 00:16:03,838 [♪ upbeat music playing] 303 00:16:08,342 --> 00:16:09,343 'DUSTER' Nice job 304 00:16:10,094 --> 00:16:11,071 STEPH Yes, sir 305 00:16:11,095 --> 00:16:12,180 'DUSTER' You got it 306 00:16:15,433 --> 00:16:17,643 [tower] 152, welcome back 307 00:16:19,312 --> 00:16:20,581 [Justin] For somebody with kind of her background 308 00:16:20,605 --> 00:16:22,207 as a yoga instructor, 309 00:16:22,231 --> 00:16:24,459 you don't initially think that they're gonna 310 00:16:24,483 --> 00:16:25,985 have a killer instinct. 311 00:16:26,903 --> 00:16:28,654 So I was pleasantly surprised. 312 00:16:30,198 --> 00:16:32,033 She knocked it out of the park. 313 00:16:32,867 --> 00:16:34,076 Ready? 314 00:16:39,373 --> 00:16:41,393 - I did something that was very difficult and that I 315 00:16:41,417 --> 00:16:44,086 considered quitting at times because it was so difficult. 316 00:16:44,629 --> 00:16:47,191 So to have finally gotten my wings was a tremendous sense 317 00:16:47,215 --> 00:16:49,926 of accomplishment and pride, for sure. 318 00:16:52,011 --> 00:16:53,346 Thank you! 319 00:16:59,727 --> 00:17:00,978 [Justin] Alright 320 00:17:05,566 --> 00:17:08,486 [Narrator] Steph can now look forward to graduation. 321 00:17:18,329 --> 00:17:21,874 But Austin Claggett's future is much less certain. 322 00:17:22,833 --> 00:17:27,004 - Hey, there he is. You ready? 323 00:17:27,838 --> 00:17:29,858 - Yeah, sure am. - All right. 324 00:17:29,882 --> 00:17:30,967 - Don't ♪♪♪♪ it up 325 00:17:33,594 --> 00:17:36,323 [Narrator] Austin's confident, dynamic style 326 00:17:36,347 --> 00:17:37,533 has served him well 327 00:17:37,557 --> 00:17:39,183 throughout carrier qualification. 328 00:17:39,892 --> 00:17:42,019 - I've done 30 landings in the past 24 hours. 329 00:17:42,687 --> 00:17:44,146 [Narrator] And the low-level events. 330 00:17:44,730 --> 00:17:45,731 INSTRUCTOR Watch the deck 331 00:17:46,065 --> 00:17:48,401 [Narrator] But in the early stage of dogfighting... 332 00:17:49,360 --> 00:17:50,337 - Knock it off, knock it off. 333 00:17:50,361 --> 00:17:51,421 Rogue 1-1, knock it off. 334 00:17:51,445 --> 00:17:53,382 [Narrator] ...he broke the altitude safety limit, 335 00:17:53,406 --> 00:17:54,800 known as the hard deck, 336 00:17:54,824 --> 00:17:55,884 twice, 337 00:17:55,908 --> 00:17:57,618 and his future was hanging in the balance. 338 00:17:58,286 --> 00:18:00,806 {\an8}- Claggett unsatted his BFM flight for multiple training 339 00:18:00,830 --> 00:18:02,349 {\an8}rule violations, 340 00:18:02,373 --> 00:18:04,375 {\an8}as well as unrecognized deck bust. 341 00:18:06,294 --> 00:18:07,312 [Austin] A week ago, 342 00:18:07,336 --> 00:18:12,091 I was failing my fourth event and, you know, 343 00:18:13,050 --> 00:18:16,137 really felt in a compromised position. 344 00:18:17,805 --> 00:18:19,992 [Narrator] His continual breaches resulted in a meeting 345 00:18:20,016 --> 00:18:21,392 with Senior Command. 346 00:18:23,102 --> 00:18:25,455 [Justin] Sitting in order HFB is never where you want 347 00:18:25,479 --> 00:18:26,856 to find yourself. 348 00:18:27,607 --> 00:18:28,983 It's definitely a wake-up call. 349 00:18:31,485 --> 00:18:32,713 - If I keep this up, 350 00:18:32,737 --> 00:18:34,423 I can fail out of flight school, 351 00:18:34,447 --> 00:18:36,216 even this late in the game. 352 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:38,075 So I can't get complacent. 353 00:18:40,536 --> 00:18:42,097 [Tom] Claggett's personality is his, 354 00:18:42,121 --> 00:18:43,807 one of his major assets. 355 00:18:43,831 --> 00:18:45,916 Enthusiasm and passion is gonna serve him well. 356 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:48,103 But you do have to have it under control because 357 00:18:48,127 --> 00:18:49,563 if you are over aggressive, 358 00:18:49,587 --> 00:18:52,298 then you can end up causing harm to yourself. 359 00:18:53,132 --> 00:18:54,234 - How's it going? - You doing alright? 360 00:18:54,258 --> 00:18:56,844 - Good morning. - Morning, how's it going? 361 00:18:57,219 --> 00:18:59,239 [Austin] If I fail, it's my failure because 362 00:18:59,263 --> 00:19:01,742 I failed in preparing. 363 00:19:01,766 --> 00:19:03,643 It's me. It's my fault. 364 00:19:05,019 --> 00:19:07,497 [Narrator] This final head-to-head stage will be his 365 00:19:07,521 --> 00:19:10,083 last chance to show he can keep his 366 00:19:10,107 --> 00:19:11,651 aggression in check. 367 00:19:15,363 --> 00:19:17,865 'SPICY' Rogue 1-1, speed and angels left 368 00:19:18,574 --> 00:19:20,344 [Narrator] Fighting against Austin in the other 369 00:19:20,368 --> 00:19:22,971 jet is instructor, Natalie Walker. 370 00:19:22,995 --> 00:19:24,413 Call sign, Spicy. 371 00:19:25,456 --> 00:19:27,750 'SPICY' Rogue 1-1, good pressure 372 00:19:28,793 --> 00:19:32,088 AUSTIN Rogue 1-2, all altitudes 2 niner 81 373 00:19:33,089 --> 00:19:35,800 'SPICY' Rogue, 90 right. Go 374 00:19:40,763 --> 00:19:41,740 Three 375 00:19:41,764 --> 00:19:42,824 Two 376 00:19:42,848 --> 00:19:43,909 One 377 00:19:43,933 --> 00:19:45,017 Fight's on 378 00:19:53,901 --> 00:19:56,612 {\an8}[♪ suspenseful music playing] 379 00:20:02,493 --> 00:20:03,744 AUSTIN Damn, blind sun 380 00:20:16,716 --> 00:20:19,051 [Narrator] To get a visual on the instructor, 381 00:20:19,677 --> 00:20:23,764 Austin deploys a 360-degree barrel roll. 382 00:20:29,937 --> 00:20:32,356 Finally, he sees her below him. 383 00:20:40,489 --> 00:20:41,466 {\an8}[tracking system beeping] 384 00:20:41,490 --> 00:20:42,676 {\an8}[signal lock] 385 00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:43,927 {\an8}AUSTIN Fox 2 386 00:20:43,951 --> 00:20:48,330 [Narrator] He nails the shot. But overshoots. 387 00:20:56,881 --> 00:20:57,882 'SPICY' What's going on? 388 00:21:03,804 --> 00:21:05,306 No way he didn't hit the deck. 389 00:21:06,515 --> 00:21:07,641 Knock it off, knock it off. 390 00:21:08,642 --> 00:21:09,643 Rogue 1-1, knock it off. 391 00:21:09,935 --> 00:21:11,095 AUSTIN Rogue 1-2, knock it off 392 00:21:14,940 --> 00:21:16,066 'SPICY' Rogue, sets alt 393 00:21:25,659 --> 00:21:28,346 [♪ reflective music playing] 394 00:21:28,370 --> 00:21:30,891 [Narrator] Austin has once again tested the limits 395 00:21:30,915 --> 00:21:32,541 of the hard deck regulation. 396 00:21:33,375 --> 00:21:36,212 [Austin] To try to keep up, I went ballistic. 397 00:21:36,629 --> 00:21:38,482 - I saw that, yeah. Skill issue? 398 00:21:38,506 --> 00:21:40,400 - Skill issue for sure. 399 00:21:40,424 --> 00:21:42,319 [Narrator] If he has dropped below the hard deck 400 00:21:42,343 --> 00:21:43,803 he may fail. 401 00:21:44,678 --> 00:21:46,198 [Austin] I don't know what's gonna happen. 402 00:21:46,222 --> 00:21:49,576 You're never 100% sure that you passed until it gets 403 00:21:49,600 --> 00:21:52,019 to the one-on-one brief with your instructor. 404 00:21:53,771 --> 00:21:55,105 - Have a seat please. 405 00:21:55,731 --> 00:21:56,833 All right. 406 00:21:56,857 --> 00:21:59,377 For you, I think you flew a nice steady state. 407 00:21:59,401 --> 00:22:01,963 I like that you're being very aggressive, 408 00:22:01,987 --> 00:22:04,007 uh, but I question whether or not you hit 409 00:22:04,031 --> 00:22:06,301 the deck on that last roll because you're pretty 410 00:22:06,325 --> 00:22:08,327 nose low and we weren't super high. 411 00:22:09,537 --> 00:22:10,931 Do you remember what your altitude was coming out 412 00:22:10,955 --> 00:22:12,182 of that break turn? 413 00:22:12,206 --> 00:22:13,707 - No, ma'am. 414 00:22:14,708 --> 00:22:15,977 - So make sure that you take a look at that. 415 00:22:16,001 --> 00:22:17,336 - Yes, ma'am. 416 00:22:18,879 --> 00:22:20,923 [Narrator] Austin must check the flight data. 417 00:22:22,550 --> 00:22:24,611 His fate will be determined by whether or not he 418 00:22:24,635 --> 00:22:27,096 broke the 10,000 foot hard deck. 419 00:22:47,157 --> 00:22:49,326 [Austin] I scooped it out 20 feet above the deck. 420 00:22:49,869 --> 00:22:54,206 Um... so that was about as good as you could get. 421 00:22:55,457 --> 00:22:56,434 - I'm glad we got it out. 422 00:22:56,458 --> 00:22:58,895 It was fun to fly with you so thanks, appreciate it. 423 00:22:58,919 --> 00:23:00,671 - Congrats. - Thanks, man. 424 00:23:01,255 --> 00:23:02,440 - Claggett did a great job. 425 00:23:02,464 --> 00:23:04,693 {\an8}He's a bit of an extrovert, aggressive, so he might put 426 00:23:04,717 --> 00:23:07,195 {\an8}himself into a situation where he kinda pushes the 427 00:23:07,219 --> 00:23:09,197 {\an8}envelope a little bit, but he did it. 428 00:23:09,221 --> 00:23:10,723 He made it work. 429 00:23:14,268 --> 00:23:17,021 [Narrator] After six intense months in advanced training, 430 00:23:19,523 --> 00:23:21,734 Austin has aced the last stage. 431 00:23:25,112 --> 00:23:27,865 Now, he can enjoy his final flight. 432 00:23:28,782 --> 00:23:30,367 A solo dogfight. 433 00:23:35,456 --> 00:23:36,433 INSTRUCTOR Rogue 1-2, 434 00:23:36,457 --> 00:23:38,042 welcome to the squad, we have area 3 435 00:23:40,878 --> 00:23:42,463 AUSTIN Rogue 1-2 436 00:23:44,048 --> 00:23:45,215 Visual 437 00:23:47,217 --> 00:23:48,677 INSTRUCTOR Rogue, break 438 00:23:50,262 --> 00:23:52,932 [Austin] I will officially be a Naval aviator. 439 00:23:57,311 --> 00:24:00,314 I will no longer be a student naval aviator. 440 00:24:02,733 --> 00:24:04,568 INSTRUCTOR Now you're just showing off 441 00:24:05,361 --> 00:24:08,280 [Austin] So, a very overwhelming sensation 442 00:24:08,697 --> 00:24:10,216 and surreal. 443 00:24:10,240 --> 00:24:11,784 - Oh, that was a good move 444 00:24:15,829 --> 00:24:17,039 AUSTIN Rogue 1-2, visual 445 00:24:19,208 --> 00:24:20,417 I'm on your six 446 00:24:28,342 --> 00:24:29,551 Fox 2 447 00:24:38,018 --> 00:24:39,853 AUSTIN Rogue 1-2, clear and out 448 00:24:45,776 --> 00:24:49,279 - Wow. - Yeah. There we go. 449 00:24:49,780 --> 00:24:50,966 Got it. 450 00:24:50,990 --> 00:24:52,050 Ready? 451 00:24:52,074 --> 00:24:53,885 - Yes, sir. - Nice. Good job, man. 452 00:24:53,909 --> 00:24:55,136 - Thank you, sir. 453 00:24:55,160 --> 00:24:57,013 - I know that Claggett had a few downs throughout the 454 00:24:57,037 --> 00:24:58,998 syllabus and bounced back. 455 00:24:59,999 --> 00:25:01,017 You can see the time, 456 00:25:01,041 --> 00:25:03,103 energy, and effort that he puts in to perform really well. 457 00:25:03,127 --> 00:25:06,940 So I think he's going to bring a certain special kind of 458 00:25:06,964 --> 00:25:09,550 energy to his fleet squadron and his fleet ready room. 459 00:25:10,217 --> 00:25:12,011 Uh and he's gonna be very successful. 460 00:25:22,855 --> 00:25:24,874 [Narrator] Following her last failed flight, 461 00:25:24,898 --> 00:25:27,335 Carissa's commanding officer has decided to give her 462 00:25:27,359 --> 00:25:30,195 one last chance in a check flight, 463 00:25:30,571 --> 00:25:31,989 which he will take. 464 00:25:32,781 --> 00:25:33,925 [Carissa] You got a lot of stuff running 465 00:25:33,949 --> 00:25:35,051 through your head. 466 00:25:35,075 --> 00:25:37,762 {\an8}It's that constant cycle of showing up and thinking you'll 467 00:25:37,786 --> 00:25:39,288 {\an8}never be able to do it. 468 00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:44,644 But I'm in a very unique situation, my husband, Ben, is 469 00:25:44,668 --> 00:25:47,063 also a strike pilot. 470 00:25:47,087 --> 00:25:48,606 So my hope, obviously, 471 00:25:48,630 --> 00:25:51,568 is that I can earn my wings and go join him out in 472 00:25:51,592 --> 00:25:55,071 Lemoore, California, so that we can work and live 473 00:25:55,095 --> 00:25:56,597 in the same place. 474 00:26:04,396 --> 00:26:07,167 - Meinster stay with you only? 475 00:26:07,191 --> 00:26:09,651 - Uh, yeah. - At least for the first. 476 00:26:10,194 --> 00:26:11,820 - For first one, theoretically. 477 00:26:12,946 --> 00:26:15,425 Despite how much pressure there is to get through the 478 00:26:15,449 --> 00:26:18,386 syllabus because the winging is really around the corner, 479 00:26:18,410 --> 00:26:21,389 {\an8}the importance of landing on a ship is one that we take very 480 00:26:21,413 --> 00:26:25,393 {\an8}seriously and so, if they don't pass, it's grounds for 481 00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:26,919 dismissal from the syllabus. 482 00:26:27,419 --> 00:26:29,647 Let's say you put up me and Meinster for an event, 483 00:26:29,671 --> 00:26:32,108 but let's say, God willing, we get done today, 484 00:26:32,132 --> 00:26:33,943 you can have a ready form plug to go in there. 485 00:26:33,967 --> 00:26:35,028 You know what I'm saying? 486 00:26:35,052 --> 00:26:36,362 Just in case things work out. 487 00:26:36,386 --> 00:26:38,222 All right. Thanks. 488 00:26:39,723 --> 00:26:42,059 - Sounds good, sir. I'll start working on it. 489 00:26:45,521 --> 00:26:47,665 [Narrator] Tomorrow, Carissa will fly one of the 490 00:26:47,689 --> 00:26:50,609 most important flights of her career. 491 00:26:52,069 --> 00:26:54,172 [Justin] It's never ideal to have a commanding officer's 492 00:26:54,196 --> 00:26:56,841 progress check because the stakes are incredibly high. 493 00:26:56,865 --> 00:26:59,260 If it doesn't go well, you may have to come home and tell 494 00:26:59,284 --> 00:27:01,387 your friends and family your loved ones, 495 00:27:01,411 --> 00:27:03,389 that what you thought was going to be 496 00:27:03,413 --> 00:27:05,541 a winging ceremony is actually not gonna happen. 497 00:27:14,508 --> 00:27:16,402 [Justin] I can see that Meinster is nervous. 498 00:27:16,426 --> 00:27:17,487 I can see that the, 499 00:27:17,511 --> 00:27:20,824 the stress and the reality of what is at hand is there. 500 00:27:20,848 --> 00:27:22,808 But that's on her to get through. 501 00:27:23,767 --> 00:27:26,061 It happens in the end within her own head. 502 00:27:27,813 --> 00:27:31,084 {\an8}- I do think I have a tendency to be a bit of a stress ball, 503 00:27:31,108 --> 00:27:32,651 {\an8}maybe a little neurotic, 504 00:27:33,235 --> 00:27:35,421 but you just keep working even when you 505 00:27:35,445 --> 00:27:36,822 feel that way. 506 00:27:37,739 --> 00:27:39,634 And that's the hard part is nobody can make you believe 507 00:27:39,658 --> 00:27:41,052 that you can do it. 508 00:27:41,076 --> 00:27:42,744 So you have to just keep trying. 509 00:27:43,662 --> 00:27:45,473 [Narrator] Commander Estrada is observing Carissa's 510 00:27:45,497 --> 00:27:47,958 every move from the back seat of the jet. 511 00:27:48,959 --> 00:27:50,395 {\an8}- This is a make or break situation. 512 00:27:50,419 --> 00:27:51,479 {\an8}The stress is on, 513 00:27:51,503 --> 00:27:53,130 {\an8}from the moment you get into the jet. 514 00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:57,050 Everything is being critiqued. 515 00:28:11,899 --> 00:28:13,543 [jets approaching] 516 00:28:13,567 --> 00:28:14,860 'DUSTER' Mace 1-2, break right 517 00:28:15,277 --> 00:28:16,278 CARISSA Yes, sir 518 00:28:25,621 --> 00:28:26,622 CARISSA Visual 519 00:28:29,082 --> 00:28:30,083 'DUSTER' Visual 520 00:28:30,417 --> 00:28:31,418 Fights on. 521 00:28:34,296 --> 00:28:35,297 Mace 1-1, low. 522 00:28:36,465 --> 00:28:37,466 CARISSA 1-2, high 523 00:28:39,426 --> 00:28:41,345 'DUSTER' Mace 1-2, give me hard right hand pull 524 00:28:41,845 --> 00:28:42,971 CARISSA Yes, sir 525 00:28:43,931 --> 00:28:45,909 [Narrator] First Commander Estrada is testing 526 00:28:45,933 --> 00:28:47,351 her dogfighting skills. 527 00:28:48,977 --> 00:28:50,604 CARISSA Visual, out west, Devil 1-2 528 00:28:56,568 --> 00:28:58,654 I have him in visual off my left, sir 529 00:28:59,237 --> 00:29:00,822 'DUSTER' Put cap on the nose 530 00:29:02,866 --> 00:29:04,135 CARISSA Fox 2 531 00:29:04,159 --> 00:29:05,243 'DUSTER' Worked out 532 00:29:05,702 --> 00:29:06,703 CARISSA Yes, sir 533 00:29:10,958 --> 00:29:12,668 Meridian approach, landing 1-9 left 534 00:29:17,589 --> 00:29:20,300 [Narrator] But for Carissa the real challenge is coming up. 535 00:29:22,803 --> 00:29:23,804 'DUSTER' Take your time 536 00:29:24,137 --> 00:29:25,823 [Justin] Despite everything that had just happened over the 537 00:29:25,847 --> 00:29:27,408 course of the last hour, 538 00:29:27,432 --> 00:29:30,352 it may come down to the last 15 seconds of the flight. 539 00:29:32,187 --> 00:29:34,290 If you freeze up and you're not looking at the right 540 00:29:34,314 --> 00:29:36,441 things at the right time, it's a nightmare. 541 00:29:37,109 --> 00:29:38,086 CARISSA I'm going to go ahead and bring the speed 542 00:29:38,110 --> 00:29:39,170 brakes out, sir 543 00:29:39,194 --> 00:29:40,278 'DUSTER' Copy 544 00:29:40,904 --> 00:29:42,024 CARISSA Speed brakes extended 545 00:29:52,833 --> 00:29:54,584 - Lots of ups and downs with this. 546 00:29:55,377 --> 00:29:58,314 {\an8}She's been in flight training for two years and 547 00:29:58,338 --> 00:30:00,799 {\an8}seven months now, which is crazy. 548 00:30:01,967 --> 00:30:04,261 - Stressful. Very stressful. 549 00:30:07,514 --> 00:30:08,640 CARISSA 137 ball 550 00:30:09,516 --> 00:30:11,116 LANDING SIGNAL OFFICER Roger, ball. Power 551 00:30:16,857 --> 00:30:17,858 Power 552 00:30:38,920 --> 00:30:39,921 'DUSTER' Cool 553 00:30:40,630 --> 00:30:42,870 'DUSTER' I just wanted to make sure we got what we needed 554 00:30:43,759 --> 00:30:44,839 CARISSA Roger, thank you sir 555 00:30:45,552 --> 00:30:47,572 [Justin] She had everything necessary to a good job, 556 00:30:47,596 --> 00:30:51,516 and I was happy to be able to pass her on it. 557 00:30:54,603 --> 00:30:57,022 If she can take a lot of the lessons learned... 558 00:30:57,814 --> 00:30:59,858 - Woo! - Woo! 559 00:31:00,192 --> 00:31:01,961 [Justin] ...then she's got everything she needs to be 560 00:31:01,985 --> 00:31:03,528 successful in the future. 561 00:31:05,822 --> 00:31:07,866 She's a very capable pilot. 562 00:31:11,119 --> 00:31:13,347 You trip, you stumble, you fail sometimes, 563 00:31:13,371 --> 00:31:15,391 you have to dust yourself off and get back out there and, 564 00:31:15,415 --> 00:31:18,126 and do what you're capable of, and she did. 565 00:31:20,587 --> 00:31:23,465 - I worked hard, I never gave up, and it worked out. 566 00:31:24,299 --> 00:31:26,927 - Yay. - I'm so proud of you. 567 00:31:28,595 --> 00:31:32,349 - Everything that Carissa goes after, she always achieves. 568 00:31:33,183 --> 00:31:35,852 She loves making us proud, there's no doubt. 569 00:31:41,316 --> 00:31:42,818 - Good job. 570 00:31:45,821 --> 00:31:47,924 - How does it feel? - Really good. Wet 571 00:31:47,948 --> 00:31:50,826 - Welcome to the club. 572 00:31:51,284 --> 00:31:53,096 Alright, Meinster here is gonna join her husband in 573 00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:55,056 VFA 122 out in Lemoore. 574 00:31:55,080 --> 00:31:56,432 [Carissa] It's huge. 575 00:31:56,456 --> 00:31:58,142 It means we're going to be together again. 576 00:31:58,166 --> 00:31:59,918 Yeah which is really exciting. 577 00:32:00,210 --> 00:32:02,480 I'm just super excited at the opportunity to kind of take a 578 00:32:02,504 --> 00:32:04,548 step towards what comes next. 579 00:32:05,507 --> 00:32:07,676 - Good job, everybody. 580 00:32:21,189 --> 00:32:24,293 [Narrator] For the latest cohort of Advanced Phase students, 581 00:32:24,317 --> 00:32:26,319 the course is over. 582 00:32:30,448 --> 00:32:32,677 - I think flight school over the last three and a half years 583 00:32:32,701 --> 00:32:34,369 has really tested me to the max. 584 00:32:34,953 --> 00:32:37,265 {\an8}Physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, 585 00:32:37,289 --> 00:32:39,583 {\an8}it's just been a challenge on all the levels. 586 00:32:40,667 --> 00:32:43,962 [Narrator] The next chapter of their lives is about to begin. 587 00:32:44,337 --> 00:32:46,107 - I'm at the threshold of living my dream, 588 00:32:46,131 --> 00:32:48,359 {\an8}getting to fly F-35s in the fleet, 589 00:32:48,383 --> 00:32:51,070 {\an8}forward deployed with the Marine Corps, 590 00:32:51,094 --> 00:32:52,846 that's the dream right there. 591 00:32:53,638 --> 00:32:56,284 [Steph] There's a lot of pride associated with getting to the 592 00:32:56,308 --> 00:32:57,910 {\an8}end and getting your wings because it's something 593 00:32:57,934 --> 00:32:59,895 {\an8}you've worked for, for so long. 594 00:33:00,228 --> 00:33:02,874 There's also a great sense of responsibility 595 00:33:02,898 --> 00:33:04,876 that comes with it, 596 00:33:04,900 --> 00:33:06,752 a sense of like what's to come and how, 597 00:33:06,776 --> 00:33:09,279 how difficult our future potentially could be. 598 00:33:10,864 --> 00:33:12,008 - You can read about love, 599 00:33:12,032 --> 00:33:14,451 you can read about war, but until you like, 600 00:33:14,618 --> 00:33:16,846 {\an8}you see it, and you see all that it is, 601 00:33:16,870 --> 00:33:18,997 {\an8}then you really begin to understand it. 602 00:33:19,206 --> 00:33:21,684 - There's so many stories of soldiers or Marines 603 00:33:21,708 --> 00:33:24,687 going into combat and wondering, am I gonna be able 604 00:33:24,711 --> 00:33:27,505 to do this terrible, awful, hard thing? 605 00:33:29,090 --> 00:33:30,318 [Marcus] I don't think it's something anyone should 606 00:33:30,342 --> 00:33:32,612 experience, but it is my job. 607 00:33:32,636 --> 00:33:35,722 I will make sure 100% that, you know, I'm ready for it. 608 00:33:45,357 --> 00:33:47,919 [Narrator] Today, Austin Claggett will find out 609 00:33:47,943 --> 00:33:50,070 where he will be stationed. 610 00:33:50,820 --> 00:33:55,825 - When I joined, being a naval aviator was only just 611 00:33:56,243 --> 00:34:00,181 a possibility, and I'm very happy to have made 612 00:34:00,205 --> 00:34:02,374 it this far. 613 00:34:03,833 --> 00:34:05,770 Since I've been in the military, three and a half years, 614 00:34:05,794 --> 00:34:07,170 I've been East Coast. 615 00:34:08,463 --> 00:34:10,548 But my family live in California. 616 00:34:12,217 --> 00:34:15,780 If I get F-18s, I'm not gonna cry. 617 00:34:15,804 --> 00:34:17,889 Okay, it's an F-18. 618 00:34:19,307 --> 00:34:22,560 You know, it sounds silly, but people matter. 619 00:34:23,395 --> 00:34:25,689 I do want to be closer to them. 620 00:34:27,065 --> 00:34:29,901 As we get older, there's never enough time. 621 00:34:30,610 --> 00:34:32,755 We never know when might be the last time that we see 622 00:34:32,779 --> 00:34:34,364 that family member. 623 00:34:36,032 --> 00:34:37,969 [Narrator] To live close to his family, 624 00:34:37,993 --> 00:34:40,513 Austin needs to be stationed at Miramar, 625 00:34:40,537 --> 00:34:42,706 San Diego, California. 626 00:34:45,625 --> 00:34:47,311 [Austin] Hopefully, these drives are going to be through 627 00:34:47,335 --> 00:34:50,630 the streets of downtown San Diego, very soon. 628 00:34:51,881 --> 00:34:54,277 I would like my old life back. 629 00:34:54,301 --> 00:34:56,636 Go buy a surfboard again and start surfing. 630 00:35:07,814 --> 00:35:08,916 - Come on in. - How are you doing sir? 631 00:35:08,940 --> 00:35:10,609 - Have a seat. - Thank you. 632 00:35:12,235 --> 00:35:13,629 [Justin] When we are making selections, 633 00:35:13,653 --> 00:35:15,381 there are going to be several factors that 634 00:35:15,405 --> 00:35:16,924 come into consideration. 635 00:35:16,948 --> 00:35:18,384 - Come on in, have a seat. 636 00:35:18,408 --> 00:35:21,220 - The first and foremost is going to be the needs of the Navy. 637 00:35:21,244 --> 00:35:22,746 What spots are actually available? 638 00:35:23,663 --> 00:35:26,541 - Alrighty Mr. Nissly. 639 00:35:29,502 --> 00:35:30,813 Sorry there's no Charlie spots available. 640 00:35:30,837 --> 00:35:31,897 But you wanna go East Coast right? 641 00:35:31,921 --> 00:35:32,982 - Yes sir. 642 00:35:33,006 --> 00:35:34,317 - Alright so, that's gonna work out for ya. 643 00:35:34,341 --> 00:35:36,509 - My wife will love Beaufort. Thank you, sir. 644 00:35:37,052 --> 00:35:38,029 [Truffles] This works great. 645 00:35:38,053 --> 00:35:39,447 So you got family out in Virginia right? 646 00:35:39,471 --> 00:35:40,531 - Yes sir I do. 647 00:35:40,555 --> 00:35:41,616 - So this works out for everything? 648 00:35:41,640 --> 00:35:42,783 - It does, sir, thank you. 649 00:35:42,807 --> 00:35:43,868 - Awesome. 650 00:35:43,892 --> 00:35:45,852 Alright, Mr. Claggett. 651 00:36:01,743 --> 00:36:04,388 - Okay, guys. - Alright, and, well? 652 00:36:04,412 --> 00:36:05,473 - Well? 653 00:36:05,497 --> 00:36:07,248 - I'm going to Miramar, San Diego. 654 00:36:09,334 --> 00:36:12,170 I got F-35 Bravos in Southern California. 655 00:36:12,712 --> 00:36:14,589 - You did it. - I did it. 656 00:36:15,799 --> 00:36:19,010 - Oh that's so awesome. I told you, you could do it. 657 00:36:20,095 --> 00:36:21,530 I knew it the whole time. 658 00:36:21,554 --> 00:36:23,282 - Thanks mom. - Yep. 659 00:36:23,306 --> 00:36:26,101 - Congrats big fella. - I'm very blessed. 660 00:36:26,685 --> 00:36:29,080 They are all very proud of me. 661 00:36:29,104 --> 00:36:33,334 But my mom's reaction, I can tell it's a, 662 00:36:33,358 --> 00:36:37,028 it's a tough emotion for her because she's proud, 663 00:36:40,198 --> 00:36:43,451 but she's also, she's worried about me, you know? 664 00:36:44,244 --> 00:36:46,555 Which, she's my mom. 665 00:36:46,579 --> 00:36:49,290 I don't, I don't blame her. 666 00:36:50,458 --> 00:36:52,353 It's a hell of a squadron, man. 667 00:36:52,377 --> 00:36:53,837 It's called the Nightmares. 668 00:36:55,255 --> 00:36:56,565 - Oh, I like it. 669 00:36:56,589 --> 00:36:58,508 Yes. 670 00:36:59,092 --> 00:37:03,388 He is willing to go out there and risk his life. 671 00:37:04,431 --> 00:37:08,893 {\an8}I'm very proud of him, but I want him to come home. 672 00:37:10,478 --> 00:37:11,664 Yeah. 673 00:37:11,688 --> 00:37:12,748 - Cheers. - Cheers. 674 00:37:12,772 --> 00:37:14,357 - Cheers to you. - Thank you. 675 00:37:15,024 --> 00:37:16,901 - Godspeed. - Godspeed. 676 00:37:28,121 --> 00:37:32,000 - Yeah. Big day. Really big day. 677 00:37:34,294 --> 00:37:36,296 [Narrator] The official winging ceremony. 678 00:37:38,673 --> 00:37:39,900 [pilot] Oh thank you. 679 00:37:39,924 --> 00:37:41,569 [Narrator] The auspicious event to celebrate the 680 00:37:41,593 --> 00:37:45,972 graduation of the latest class of naval aviators. 681 00:37:46,598 --> 00:37:48,701 {\an8}- There's nothing as rewarding as seeing a student who comes 682 00:37:48,725 --> 00:37:52,997 {\an8}in wet behind the ears and watch them grow over the 683 00:37:53,021 --> 00:37:54,481 course of a year, 684 00:37:55,774 --> 00:37:57,418 and then leave here with their wings, 685 00:37:57,442 --> 00:38:00,421 ready to take on the next chapter with a 686 00:38:00,445 --> 00:38:02,280 great deal of success. 687 00:38:07,202 --> 00:38:10,347 [Narrator] Family and friends have been invited to witness 688 00:38:10,371 --> 00:38:14,042 these students receiving their wings of gold. 689 00:38:16,419 --> 00:38:18,546 - Future Naval aviators, arriving. 690 00:38:33,895 --> 00:38:35,480 Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. 691 00:38:38,274 --> 00:38:39,335 [Juston] Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. 692 00:38:39,359 --> 00:38:41,003 Thank you all for being here. 693 00:38:41,027 --> 00:38:44,215 This truly is a milestone as we watch them transition from 694 00:38:44,239 --> 00:38:47,075 student pilots to winged naval aviators. 695 00:38:47,659 --> 00:38:50,429 {\an8}I'd like to take a moment to recognize what these wings are, 696 00:38:50,453 --> 00:38:51,972 {\an8}where these wings have been, 697 00:38:51,996 --> 00:38:54,082 {\an8}and what these wings, you know, come to symbolize. 698 00:38:57,085 --> 00:38:59,522 These are the wings that were worn by Neil Armstrong 699 00:38:59,546 --> 00:39:01,631 in July 1969. 700 00:39:02,757 --> 00:39:04,634 [Armstrong] The eagle has landed. 701 00:39:06,594 --> 00:39:08,155 [Juston] These are the same wings bestowed upon 702 00:39:08,179 --> 00:39:10,282 President George H. W. Bush, 703 00:39:10,306 --> 00:39:11,951 the youngest naval aviator to be winged during 704 00:39:11,975 --> 00:39:13,518 World War II. 705 00:39:18,731 --> 00:39:21,919 These are also the wings that were worn by 31 naval aviators 706 00:39:21,943 --> 00:39:24,612 who on the morning of June fourth, 1942, 707 00:39:25,029 --> 00:39:26,006 found, struck, 708 00:39:26,030 --> 00:39:28,217 and destroyed three Japanese carriers at the 709 00:39:28,241 --> 00:39:31,578 Battle of Midway, changing the course of the war. 710 00:39:33,288 --> 00:39:34,598 These wings are now your wings, 711 00:39:34,622 --> 00:39:35,891 and this is what you're going to wear on 712 00:39:35,915 --> 00:39:37,792 your chest as you go forward. 713 00:39:38,459 --> 00:39:40,859 - Wingees, please come forward to receive your wings of gold. 714 00:39:42,630 --> 00:39:43,649 [Juston] With these wings, 715 00:39:43,673 --> 00:39:45,067 you are gonna have amazing days without 716 00:39:45,091 --> 00:39:46,652 a cloud in the sky, and you're going to get to 717 00:39:46,676 --> 00:39:48,529 enjoy the exhilaration of flying a 718 00:39:48,553 --> 00:39:50,179 high-performance aircraft. 719 00:39:51,097 --> 00:39:52,074 [Austin] Thanks Mom. 720 00:39:52,098 --> 00:39:53,158 I love you. 721 00:39:53,182 --> 00:39:54,451 [Juston] These are also going to be with you on those 722 00:39:54,475 --> 00:39:55,744 dark and stormy nights, 723 00:39:55,768 --> 00:39:57,854 hundreds of miles away from home. 724 00:39:59,439 --> 00:40:00,791 You have earned them because you have shown us 725 00:40:00,815 --> 00:40:02,543 the degree of professionalism, 726 00:40:02,567 --> 00:40:04,837 humility, and the ability to not quit and 727 00:40:04,861 --> 00:40:06,905 not give up on the mission or your teammates. 728 00:40:08,031 --> 00:40:10,759 - We've enjoyed honoring the top performer of the coveted 729 00:40:10,783 --> 00:40:12,201 Golden Stick Award. 730 00:40:13,703 --> 00:40:16,164 Captain Stephanie Lauren Harris. 731 00:40:29,302 --> 00:40:31,596 [Juston] Over the last year, we've tested them. 732 00:40:32,347 --> 00:40:34,783 - Seepe, don't ride the lightning. 733 00:40:34,807 --> 00:40:36,243 - Gotten the yelling I deserve. 734 00:40:36,267 --> 00:40:37,369 [Juston] We trust them. 735 00:40:37,393 --> 00:40:38,895 - Break right 3 o'clock high. 736 00:40:40,647 --> 00:40:41,624 - Fox 2. 737 00:40:41,648 --> 00:40:42,732 {\an8}-♪♪♪♪ 738 00:40:43,107 --> 00:40:45,526 - Man, I have a lot to work on. 739 00:40:46,569 --> 00:40:48,988 [Juston] We've made them drink through a fire hose. 740 00:40:50,657 --> 00:40:54,619 {\an8}-Lost control. The jet's not flying anymore. 741 00:40:57,205 --> 00:40:58,641 [Juston] We have challenged them, and they all have 742 00:40:58,665 --> 00:41:00,249 proved themselves worthy. 743 00:41:03,169 --> 00:41:04,480 Because of that, congratulations, 744 00:41:04,504 --> 00:41:06,047 you have earned these wings. 745 00:41:57,098 --> 00:41:58,742 - Got some new wings right here. 746 00:41:58,766 --> 00:42:00,143 It's awful shiny. 747 00:42:00,643 --> 00:42:02,729 - That's right, I am a naval aviator now. 748 00:42:11,988 --> 00:42:13,531 - Congrats, bro. - Thank you. 749 00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:24,625 - Congratulations. - Thank you. 750 00:42:25,084 --> 00:42:26,586 - Very proud, congratulations. 751 00:42:36,095 --> 00:42:37,597 [Austin] It's crazy. 752 00:42:45,313 --> 00:42:46,898 {\an8}Are you, are you filming right now? 753 00:42:51,736 --> 00:42:56,341 {\an8}I am definitely proud that I didn't quit, proud that I 754 00:42:56,365 --> 00:43:00,471 {\an8}didn't make excuses, proud that I just kept 755 00:43:00,495 --> 00:43:02,163 {\an8}getting back up. 756 00:43:05,041 --> 00:43:09,396 {\an8}The end of this training is most definitely just the 757 00:43:09,420 --> 00:43:12,673 {\an8}beginning of so much more.