Posted on Jul 20, 2020
The Tale Of When A Marine Mechanic Stole An A-4 Skyhawk For A Joyride Over California
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https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-tale-of-when-a-marine-mechanic-stole-an-a-4-skyhawk [login to see]
In the early morning hours on July 4th, 1986, 21-year-old Lance Corporal Howard A. Foote Jr. climbed a ladder leading into the cockpit of an A-4M Skyhawk. He started the jet up, taxied to one of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro’s runways—which was unlit at the time—and pushed the throttles forward. Moments later, the Lance Corporal would realize his dream to fly a tactical military jet, albeit just once and illegally.
In the early morning hours on July 4th, 1986, 21-year-old Lance Corporal Howard A. Foote Jr. climbed a ladder leading into the cockpit of an A-4M Skyhawk. He started the jet up, taxied to one of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro’s runways—which was unlit at the time—and pushed the throttles forward. Moments later, the Lance Corporal would realize his dream to fly a tactical military jet, albeit just once and illegally.
The Tale Of When A Marine Mechanic Stole An A-4 Skyhawk For A Joyride Over California
Posted from foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com
MCAS El Toro
Crime
UCMJ
Aviation
Posted 4 y ago
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
And everyone responsible for making sure it didn't happen start worrying for their own asses.
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Personally? This guy's got my respect.
I've been out long enough now to say what I please (generally) and not worry about consequences. Good order and discipline are essential in the Military, and yes... Foote didn't belong in the Armed Forces I'm afraid (at least not in any conventional sort of way). That said, anyone with this level of personal drive, ability, and courage... should be given a "place" somewhere at the table of life. Seems like he eventually found it, with... or without the Service.
Waldo Pepper would be proud ;)
I've been out long enough now to say what I please (generally) and not worry about consequences. Good order and discipline are essential in the Military, and yes... Foote didn't belong in the Armed Forces I'm afraid (at least not in any conventional sort of way). That said, anyone with this level of personal drive, ability, and courage... should be given a "place" somewhere at the table of life. Seems like he eventually found it, with... or without the Service.
Waldo Pepper would be proud ;)
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SSG (Join to see)
Sadly it looks like he passed away in 2016.
https://wtvbam.com/blogs/obituaries-blog-wtvb/67/obituary-howard-e-foote-jr/
https://wtvbam.com/blogs/obituaries-blog-wtvb/67/obituary-howard-e-foote-jr/
OBITUARY: Howard E. Foote, Jr.
Howard “Howie” Earl Foote Jr., of Coldwater, formerly of Birmingham passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the Laurels of Coldwater. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 8, 2016 at White…
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SSG (Join to see)
Nevermind. That guy was in the Marines in 1964. Now I'm curious to find out what happened to him.
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That's quite a story! Thanks for sharing. I don't know whether to be more amazed by the fact that he survived the flight and landing, or that he didn't end up in Leavenworth.
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