U.S. Navy Father Son Last Flight Together in an EA-18G Growler

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (April 20, 2012) U.S. Navy Lt. Ryan T. Mattson, instructor pilot assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, and his father, Capt. Stephen D. Mattson, Senior Regional Flight Surgeon for Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, complete flight qualifications at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The flight included a low-level training route through central Washington and completing the flight at the air station with field carrier landing practice. This marked the last flight Capt. Mattson will make as he ends his Naval career after thirty-two years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Riley/Released) 120420-N-MZ309-001

[timsolis]

Don't make me turn this thing around! As soon as we get home your grounded young man.

[kurthepilot]

absolutely incredible. wish i would have been able to fly with my dad

[tailhookmd]

Wow. How many guys get to fly their dad in a Super Hornet/growler? What a special day!

[thelmaviaduct]

If i were flying with my Dad it would only be a matter of minutes before one of us ejected.

[beaw]

The closest I came to that was to give my dad some time in the A6 simulator at NAS Whidbey, way back in 1975, but he loved every minute of it. He was amazed at the technology (compared to his Cessna), but disgusted that he crashed a time or two.