On 2010-10-24 16:28:00 -0400, Todd said:

On 10/23/2010 08:54 AM, Frank Reid © 2010 wrote:
That pic reminded me of one thing, the leading edge of the F-104
wing. It wasn't sharp like a knife (as urban legend would have it)
but it was sharp enough to crease your skull if you misjudged whilst
ducking under the wing. We had guards put on them to protect pilots
and FNG's who would invariably dent the leading edge with some part of
their body.
Frank Reid

Hi Frank,

If by FNG, you mean the Navy version of the National Guard,
In the Air Force, we called then FANG's (Freeking Air National
Guard). In the F4's day (yes, I am dating myself), we called
F4's "hogs". We all feared for who ever had to fly those
horrible things, especially when they nearly hit the tree tops
at the end of the runway every time they tried to take off.
That was not fun to watch thinking we were going to loose
someone each time. Fortunately we did not. It was a real fear.

FANGs use to wears wigs (I don't know if they still do) to cover
up their girlish, out-of-reg long civilian hair. Their heads were
in no danger as they were well protected by their wigs and all
the hair stuffed under them. So, we regulars would have probably
removed the wing guards just for them (I was no where near the
flight line), as it was absolutely hysterical when their wigs
got knocked slightly askew. The three stooges could not have
done better. Hair and wig all over their faces. Absolutely
hysterical. Wing guards would have ruined all the fun. Of
course, there was always physical training, gas mask training,
a big wind ... There was no love lost between regulars and FANG's

-T

Was at Ramstein when Air Force started transitioning to the F5.
Holy Molly what a difference. I do believe the pilots had
way, way too much fun flying those things.

There is no "Navy version of the National Guard". There is, however, a
Naval Reserve.

And FNG stands for "****in' new guy." If you were really in the
military you would already know that.

****in' sock.

Dave