With his commander’s approval, Liam got changed into an official flight suit, and headed out to see the planes. His big surprise – his name right on the side of a F- 35A Lightning jet.
“It’s so cool,” said Liam. “It’s my own jet.”
Liam was able to meet the pilot who took his plane up for some “dog fighting” maneuvers, watching the planes take off from the side of the runway with earplugs and a smile that wouldn’t stop.
“It’s so loud because they are going so fast,” said Liam. Once the plane landed, he asked to speak to his pilot, “Thank you for flying my plane,” he said.
From the field to the training room, Liam was set up with a simulator where he delighted in flying and crashing his plane. Followed by pizza and a final official goodbye to his squadron with their special slogan.
“Bring it on Top Dogs,” said Liam to the base, grinning broadly at the cheers he could hear from the offices and the people waiting to say goodbye.
“It was a good day,” he continued as he walked out. “I’m a fighter pilot now.”