If the 350 kt and 600’ briefing is true, I can completely understand the firing. A 150kt and 400’ delta is a big ass intentional deviation.
The former CO also didn’t do himself any favors with this comment. Now I’ve never done a Marine flyover but Id imagine tower/rapcon deconflicts traffic. Not to mention when I have a traffic conflict my first thought is, yea I’ll speed up a 100+ kts and drop to the deck.
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“We had landing traffic,” Featherstone said. “We had to de-conflict from that and felt sandwiched in a little bit.”
According to Featherstone, who was in the rear seat and not flying the aircraft, his attention was on the aircraft that was landing and not on where his pilot was flying.
“I can’t tell you why the pilot descended.” he said. “Obviously I’m unhappy with the way this turned out, but, as commander I’m ultimately responsible. If deemed outside the box, I’m responsible.”
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-01-31/video-this-f-a-18-flyover-cost-a-miramar-squadron-commander-his-job-and-likely-his-career