Midway Museum Part 2 On Deck

We went right to the airplanes and enjoyed seeing them all. Charlie was a pilot of the AD-1 Skyraider and a Landing Signal Officer or LSO for short. He was one of the guys who talked to the pilots while they landed to make sure they got a "green ball" on the forensic lens. Our guide said there are fewer LSOs than brain surgeons, which tells us there are not many with a calm hand and clear voice as this responsible task requires. Before they got the electric lens, they used bright paddles to help the pilots land, hence the nickname, Paddles.

AD-1 Skyraider

Sketching of a Skyraider

VA-25 Squadron

The Forensic Lens

He's holding a phone in the
left hand and a clicker in the
right hand.

Real suit and paddles
on a mannequin.
No LSO is this good looking!

The real tail hook is
much longer.