Old R.O. Graphics was established in 2006 when I moved from San Diego to Western Wyoming as a means to continue my job as managing editor of The Hook magazine. I retired from that position in March 2012, but have continued to do graphic design and writing assignments. The links in the menu bar under the “Aviation Photography” tab (NAS Glynco, VF-121, VF-21, VF-301) contain photographs of aircraft from units in which I flew during my 15 years in the cockpit, both active duty and in the Navy Reserve. Other links in the menu bar are examples of my work and various things as I see fit.

The Youthly Puresome link above is a collection of stories by Jack Woodul, most of which were featured in the Tailhook Association’s magazine, The Hook. UPDATE: Sometime after this page was posted, a dedicated Youthly Puresome has been created. To read all the Youthly Puresome articles, plus other stuff, go to www.youthlypuresome.com.

A word on the meaning of “Old R.O.” In the 1940s the Navy began installing radar equipment into night and all-weather fighters as a means of locating aerial targets outside of visual range, in the clouds or at night. In some aircraft, a second crewman flew along to operate the radar and provide directive commentary to the pilot. These aircrewman were originally called Radar Observers, or ROs. With the introduction of the F-4 Phantom II in the early 60s the second crewman was officially called a Radar Intercept Officer, but the term “RO” was used interchangeably with RIO.

Thanks for the visit.

Jan Jacobs, CDR, USNR(Ret)