Seeing it from both sides
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Escher, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-101) operations officer, follows Col. Lance Pilch, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, prior to flying a check ride sortie Dec. 6, 2016, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. For only the second time at Eglin AFB, a Naval Aviator has been selected to dual qualify in the U.S. Navy’s F-35C and the Air Force’s F-35A. Escher plans to use what he learns from his experience with the 33 FW to help the F-35 enterprise grow. He looks to join a group of test pilots at Edwards AFB, California, where he will have the opportunity to be the Navy’s voice for the aircraft weapons and vehicle system development. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Peter Thompson)