Onboard As Ship Participated In COMPTUEX

A noted Vietnam-era flying ace embarked USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) April 3-4 as the ship participated in simulated combat scenarios during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California.

William "Irish" Driscoll, a former radar intercept officer (RIO) for F-4 Phantom II aircraft, is a familiar name and face to naval aviation. He, along with pilot Randall "Duke" Cunningham, became famous May 10, 1972 when their aircraft encountered a group of 16 hostile MiG-17s from North Vietnam.

Shooting down three of the 16 aircraft, Driscoll earned the Navy Cross and went on to receive two Silver Stars, 10 Air Medals, a Purple Heart and even a nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

Driscoll's visit was part of the Navy's distinguished visitor program, which helps government officials, business executives, community and educational leaders learn more about carrier aircraft operations.

The Vietnam-era flying ace received an extensive tour of the ship and watched flight operations, all the while learning about the newest procedures of the Navy's carrier fleet and the Sailors who work on board.

"I never considered us better than anyone else," said Driscoll during the tour. "We were just well trained, lucky and in the right place at the right time."

Driscoll said he devotes his time to sharing his experience with Navy pilots to prepare them for what they may face in a combat dogfight situation. Twice a year he travels to Fallon, NV to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, also known as "Top Gun," to give a lecture to the graduating class. He also makes various stops around the fleet to meet with air wings and squadrons getting ready to deploy.

"It's a great thing for patriotic American citizens to see what goes on in our Navy," said Driscoll. "I have always had the highest respect for the crew. I'm in awe of their professionalism, always have been."

Pilots aboard Ronald Reagan as part of Carrier Air Wing 14 said they know Driscoll's story very well.

"I first met him in 1993 at Naval Fighter Weapons School," said Cmdr. Dave "Beaker" Lobdell, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 25. "He gave a lecture on the physical aspects of combat. He does a phenomenal job of telling you what's going to happen, and how you're going to react; and he was right on all accounts."

"The man has seen it all," said Lobdell, "and is a legend in naval aviation."

(Aero-News thanks Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Christopher D. Blachly, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs)

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/