The Birds of Thunder

Part 1: Preparation
Part 2: Reality Sets In
Part 3: Disappointment Sets In
Part 4: The Final Moments Before Showtime
Part 5: Showtime

Part 5: Showtime

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. - After four hours of briefings and fittings, it's showtime.

We're going to hustle out to the flightline, get suited up, and into Thunderbird Plane #8.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived on the tarmac and saw my name inscribed on the plane. It was an honor I never expected.

We suited up, and then the fun began.

"OK there Mr. J.J., You ready to go get the show on the road?" Maj. Mulhare asked.

I responded, "Let's rock and roll."

Then the word came from the tower: "Thunderbird 8, you are cleared for take-off."

"OK. Here we go. Afterburner is lit," Maj Mulhare said.

I felt a rush like nothing I've ever experienced. Then, an automated female voice I call "Victoria" chimed in.

"Altitude, altitude," she said, letting us know we were climbing rapidly.

Split -- aka Maj. Mulhare -- announced, "Thunderbird 8 is airborne!"

"Whoooooooooo Hoooooooooooooo!" were the next words coming out of my mouth.

The next hour was simply ridiculous! We were flying straight up, straight down, upside down, rolling over. You name it, we did it.

Then came the 9G maneuver, the one for which I had practiced the breathing.

"Here we go," Split said.

And he hit it! Straight up in the sky at the speed of the nothing I'd ever seen before and then the G-suit started to fill up.

I tried to inflate my lungs, but I was a little too late and I only got a half a breath.

Thankfully it was enough, because as the G-suit started to squeeze, I felt a twinge in my ribs and I knew I screwed up, but I did not pass out.

My ribs have not recovered yet, and it may be a while, but I did not pass out and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the flight.

I will admit I was nauseous after the flight. I never hurled, mainly because there was nothing in my stomach to throw-up.

When we landed, I got my third and final surprise of the day.

The Thunderbirds presented me with a huge autographed photo of all of their planes in flight, a certificate to commemorate the flight, and the most impressive part -- the 9G pin. The Thunderbirds award the 9G pin to those who make it through without losing consciousness.

As I have on so many occasions in my life, I was blessed on that day to experience something extraordinary.

It's a story I will never forget and I won't let anyone else forget it either.

The Thunderbirds are a class act.

Editor's Note: Watch the video below to see WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green reach 9Gs as he files with the Thunderbirds. Many thanks to Earl Robinson for his outstanding camera work and video editing.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)