![\"160709-N-TE278-063\"](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Dean-Laird-500x333.jpg\")
<\/a><\/center><\/p>\nThe Navy News Service<\/a> sends us the story of 95-year-old Retired Navy Commander Dean “Diz” Laird as he was afforded an opportunity to fly his 100th aircraft yesterday. According to the article, “Diz” has already demonstrated his skills when he flew against German and Japanese pilots in the Second World War, and as a stunt pilot in the iconic “Tora, Tora, Tora” movie.<\/p>\n Retired Cmdr. Dean “Diz” Laird served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, operated in 175 combat and training missions, served on 12 different carriers, flew in the Navy’s first jet squadron, was the first person to land a jet-powered aircraft aboard USS Midway and has the most arrested landings on a straight-deck carrier.<\/p>\n “I want to thank everyone who took part in making this happen,” said Laird. “When I found out that I was going to be able to do this, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it.”<\/p>\n Laird added that flying his 100th plane wasn’t for an achievement, medal or trophy. He wanted to set this milestone for himself.<\/p>\n Laird flew in the rear seat of a T-34C Turbomentor with Lt. Cmdr. Nicole Johnson, a fleet replacement squadron instructor pilot with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Laird wasn’t the only member of the flying team who was excited about the mission yesterday;<\/p>\n “I was so excited and honored to fly with a true legend, how many people can say they flew with ‘Diz’ Laird,” said [Lt. Cmdr. Nicole] Johnson. “Then he had to make me look bad by being a better pilot at 95 [years old]. It is men like this that paved the way for the rest of us.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"160709-N-TE278-033](\"https:\/\/www.azuse.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/160709-N-TE278-033-500x333.jpg\")
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CORONADO, California (July 9, 2016) Retired Cmdr. Dean “Diz” Laird sits in the rear seat of a T-34C Turbomentor with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The T-34C marks the 100th aircraft Laird has flown in his 95-year lifetime. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paolo Bayas\/Released)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"