Fighter pilot Fisk soars into command billet

16 Aug 2002 | Lance Cpl. Virgil Richardson Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Long before taking the reins of Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Capt. Michael D. Fisk was dealing with massive amounts of horsepower; the throttle of an F/A-18 "Hornet."

The son of an Air Force pilot, Fisk was born and bred for the cockpit.

"Ever since I was little, I couldn't see myself doing anything else," said Fisk.

His father, who flew F-4 and A-7 jets for the Air Force, encouraged, but never pressured him to make the decision to join the military.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Virginia, Fisk joined the Marines and spent the next four years in training.

"We have a very extensive training program," said Fisk. Although his professional flight training started in the Marines, Fisk began to exercise his wings in college.

"I used to rent small planes and fly my buddies around," he said.

While at the University of Virginia, Fisk also dabbled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

"I didn't want to do the whole Air Force thing, so I talked to the Marine Corps Selection Officer and decided on the Corps," said Fisk.

Although there are many similarities in flight programs offered by the Marine Corps and Air Force, the one main difference is one that afforded Fisk the opportunity he has long coveted - commanding Marines.

"You'll never see an Air Force pilot in a command billet," said Fisk. "It's great to have a command position to be able to lead Marines other than pilots."

The opportunity to lead a company is a rare one, according to Fisk.

"Usually, pilots don't get command positions until they reach lieutenant colonel and command a squadron," he said. "I just got lucky."

In the tight community of fighter pilots, reputation is something that is not only earned, but coveted according to Fisk.

"All you have as a pilot is your reputation," he said. "If you think you're better than you are, someone will be sure to tell you otherwise."

A large part of a Marine aviator's reputation lies in his call sign. Often times, a single mistake or mishap can haunt a pilot for the remainder of his career.

"Marines are ruthless," said Fisk. "If a guy goofs up, a 'call sign selection board' convenes and the resulting name can be that pilot's name for the rest of his career. It's all in fun though."

Fortunately for Fisk, his nickname came soon after entering the flight program and has stuck ever since.

"There was a hall-of-fame catcher named Carlton Fisk. His nickname was Pudge. Since Fisk was my last name too, I have been 'Pudge' ever since," said Fisk.

When he's not screaming through the sky in his F-18, Fisk engages in recreational activities that are much more low key.

"I mostly play golf, take my boat out or spend time with my family," said Fisk. His family is expanding. Seven weeks ago, Fisk and his wife welcomed their second son to the family.

While some people 'burn out' after years on one job, Fisk sees himself as a fighter pilot for as long as someone will give him one to fly.

"I plan on flying fighters until I keel over," Fisk said. "Flying is all I love and all I've ever wanted to do. Hopefully I'll find some Air Guard unit who'll let me fly until I'm in my 80's."

As far as flying commercial jets is concerned, the pace is too slow for Fisk.

"I don't see that being very exciting," he said.

Since Sept. 11, a debate has raged through the pilot community concerning handguns in commercial plane cockpits under certain conditions. Fisk sees the proposed plan as a good thing.

"With proper training and implementation, I think it's a great idea," said Fisk. He did warn against hasty decision-making however.

"I definitely don't want to see pilots automatically given weapons," he said. "That's just asking for trouble."

With the turmoil in the Middle East, Fisk would love the opportunity to serve his country in combat.

"No one prays for war, but when it happens, everyone itches to be there," said Fisk. "Nobody wants to watch someone else do their job on TV."

Having worked with air and ground units, Fisk seeks to dispel any rumors about the proverbial grass being greener on the other side.

"Swingin' with the wing is a bunch of [malarkey]," said Fisk.

"Those Marines on flight crews typically work 16 to 18 hour days. People that think those guys have it easy are crazy. On the other hand, they don't realize how hard everyone else works. I assure you all Marines have it equally as hard," he said.

Hard work is the mantra of Fisk's secret to success and work ethic.

"Marines would be amazed how much they could accomplish if they gave everything max effort," he said.

"If they don't step up and get the mission accomplished, someone else will."
Marine Corps Training and Education Command