ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2002 -- U.S. Navy Lt. Corey Pritchard earned a place in the aviation history books July 24 when he became the first pilot to land a Boeing [NYSE:BA] Super Hornet during its first deployment onboard an aircraft carrier. After a 45-minute flight from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., Pritchard brought his F/A-18E Super Hornet onto the deck at 4:01 p.m. Pacific time.
"I've wanted to fly aircraft my whole life," Pritchard said. "This is my first deployment. Being able to fly the Super Hornet on its first deployment is twice as good."
Pritchard is one of 17 pilots assigned to VFA-115. The squadron of 12 E-model Super Hornets is headed for the Arabian Sea. First deployment will last for six months.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, or IDS, is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
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