Father, Son and Fighter Pilots

Both Aggies went on to achieve impressive feats in the Air Force, including Doug flying in combat during the Vietnam War, Todd having nearly 1,700 flight hours in F-15s and both serving as squadron commanders. But the Pearsons’ legacy extends beyond their accomplishments to the F-15s that sparked Todd’s fascination with flying.  

This year, the Pearsons’ F-15 story came full circle. After 45 years in Europe, the Air Force decided to send the F-15 Eagles back stateside to be replaced with the newer F-35 Lightnings. Todd, who had been present when his father made the F-15s’ Bitburg debut, had the rare opportunity to participate in the planes’ European finale. He flew the final F-15s back home, finishing the story that began with his father and a toddler’s eagerness to touch every plane.

“Nearly 45 years passed under the watch of the Eagle in Europe, and it has been amazing to watch its legacy,” Todd shared. “However, the coolest part to me is the shared connection my dad and I have to flying F-15s in Europe.” 

This wasn’t the first time the Pearsons had shared history with the F-15s, however. On Sept. 13, 1985, Doug piloted an F-15 to launch an experimental ASM-135 missile at a U.S. military observation satellite 345 miles above the Pacific Ocean. Since that trial mission, the Air Force has never fired a missile at a satellite, making Doug the first and only pilot to shoot down a space target. 

In 2007, 22 years after this historic event, Todd had the opportunity to fly the exact plane his father flew during the mission. To make the moment more special, Todd wore the same patch his father wore during the original flight. “Over the span of our two careers centered around the same airplane, we’ve seen the F-15 come full circle for us twice,” Doug expressed. “It’s a privilege to relive my desires and wishes through Todd as he’s lived his own special career.” 

“My dad had a very successful career, but he never put pressure on me to follow his path or do things his way,” Todd added.  “He was always there to encourage and support me, but it was clear that my path was mine to forge, which I appreciated.”