The dog fight
The dog fightThe year was 1996 and the USA were at war with the Russians, because the USA tried to take over Russian land. The Russians had been threatening the USA. If they didn't back down they would bomb Colorado, one of the biggest cities in USA.
It was a cool misty morning when we got the word. The Russians were about to invade the state capital. Now it was all up to me (Colonel Mustard, code-name "Sunrise") and my squadron of 30 men and 12 F-111 aircraft to stop it. We were the only base within a 1000 mile range of the attacking zone therefore we had no choice. We had to put our lives on the line for the sake of millions. Many of us may not return. It was the most dangerous mission I had faced in my 20 year with the United States Airforce.
I called my men in and assessed the situation with a quick pre-flight briefing. The mission is to keep out enemy aircraft while the other aircraft went after the mysterious b-51a galaxy bomber After the briefing was concluded there was not a sound to be heard in the briefing room, the only thing you could hear was the heavy breathing of the pilots. I could tell they were scared but trying not to show it. I walked around telling them what was at stake if we failed this operation. We would not only be a failure to our country but hundreds, even thousands of innocent people could die. These men had gone past the scared stage now and started to focus intensely on the job at hand, trying to save our country. Dismissed.
After the briefing, they went to the changing rooms and suited up and prepared for what would be the most enduring dogfight of their lives. Nothing could prepare someone for a time like this. The thoughts of their mothers, fathers, wives and kids rampaged through their heads. Would they ever see them again? I walked in to the change rooms with once sentence "this is what you been trained for". You could have almost cut the air with a knife. I'm sure if you listened hard enough, you could hear the pounding hearts of the pilots.
After they were all suited and ready, they proceeded to their aircraft. I personally wished each and every pilot the best of luck and a safe return.
The time was 08:00 hours. Our strike was due for 09:00. I had suited up and got into my aircraft with my co-pilot "Hammer".
I was the first aircraft airborne closely followed by my wingman "Hawk". Six aircraft were now airborne, with another six in our support crew, ready to take of if they...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.