A-6 Intruder Bombardier/Navigator

Operated DIANE — the world's first integrated all-weather attack avionics suite — to put bombs on target through monsoon, night, and zero visibility. Sat *next to* the pilot, not behind him.

The Story

During Desert Storm, A-6s flew 4,700+ combat sorties — more than any other naval strike platform. The B/N was the only crew position in the Navy where you sat next to your pilot, with a hand on the throttle next to his own. "The pickle and the bottle," the crew sometimes called themselves.