“Defensive Action” quotes from JAG

CPO Ned Bannon

(of carrier aviation) You still miss it don't you, sir?

Only when I'm back onboard. Or see a jet. Shaving in the morning, in my dreams, eating a pizza, watching a movie…

If I were you, talking hypothetically, of course, I'd be asking for a deal.

Well, I'm not, but since we're talking hypothetically, what would that deal be?

CAG resigns, admits his responsibility, court-martial never happens.

You can go to hell. Hypothetically.

Does the Crusader's profile look anything like that of a MiG?

No it does not.

But that's what the pilot saw. He is in enemy airspace, and having encountered MiGs earlier in the day, his brain turned your Crusader into a MiG.

He was an Air Force pilot.

Gentlemen, since I am not a lawyer, I'll be brief.

Good God, we're dealing with Abe Lincoln.

I am a naval aviator. With 11000 flying hours, 908 of which were in combat. I know gunfire when I see it; I did not imagine it. The Hind was firing at my men while they hung helpless in their chutes. What I did, I would do again without hesitation even if doing so meant ending my naval career. God knows it is not a career I wish to end, that will happen soon enough. But better that than to break the sacred trust between an officer and those he commands to do what ever is in his power to protect them, not only when such action is obvious or politically correct, but even when it is sure to be unpopular and questioned. The day that I can no longer live up to that trust you will not have to ask for my resignation, gentleman, it will be tendered without hesitation.

I'd love to see the faces of the three officers who voted guilty when they hear about this.

No way of knowing who they are.

Oh, I know who they are.

You do?

Hell yes, I do.

How would he know?

He's the CAG!