I call BS on this. McCain flew A-4s, a non-afterburning jet.
The JBD goes up as directed from the deck, and no run-ups are allowed until it goes up. The launch director tells the pilot when to go to military power. If he does it early the airboss would jump down his throat.
My guess is that this is a sea story.
I as much as I dislike McLame, this story is BS. I worked on A-4s ... TA4Js to be precise while with VT-23 for several years. I can say with some confidence that A-4s don’t have an afterburner ... never did ... and McLame flew A-4s
Thank you.
Did not see your post when I posted mine, you’re right: sea story.
No one has posted more negative links about McCain than I have and I agree with you. McCain had no part in causing the fire on the Forrestal.