[The following takes place during World War II in the Pacific Theater.]
During his carrier qualifications, Elder had to return with his SBC-4 to NAS San Diego due to engine problems. Once the engine was fixed, Elder jumped into his cockpit and flew out to sea to make his first carrier landing on Saratoga. His virgin foray into the groove was a success, but Elder was startled to suddenly see his rear canopy slide forward. Instead of the expected load of sandbags in his passenger seat, out climbed an Army colonel, a guest of skipper Max Leslie.
”Well done, lad.” The colonel grinned. “My first experience of landing on an aircraft carrier.”
”Mine too, sir!” quipped the young pilot.
Source:
Moore, Stephen L. “Arrival of the “New Boys.”” Pacific Payback: The Carrier Aviators Who Avenged Pearl Harbor at the Battle of Midway. NAL Caliber, 2014. 146-47. Print.
Original Source Listed:
Tillman, Barrett. “Where Are They Now? Bob Elder.” The Hook, Fall 1989, 12.
Further Reading:
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I'd have been pissed. It's not a good idea to have a surprise passenger on a plane...