Bob wiped the sweat off his brow, California heat was no joke. He sighed as he swung his gear over his shoulder. His boots were heavy against the pavement of the tarmac, the days were long but it always felt like the walk back after mission training was the longest thing in the world.

The only thing to hold a candle to that feeling, was the time he spent away from home. Only able to call in on Sundays, it broke his heart. Yes the navy was his family, his fellow pilots. But in a different way.

“Nice flying Phoenix,” He nodded to his front seater.