How I got my Navy callsign

A pilot doesn't choose the callsign; the callsign chooses the pilot.

I actually have two callsigns because I've been a pilot in both the Navy and the Air Force. My Air Force callsign "D-Day" is a fairly obvious play on my name. But my Navy callsign requires further explanation.

On my first day of A-4 (advanced jet) training with the Navy, I walk up to the sign-in desk sporting somewhat out-of-regulation sideburns. The desk was manned by a crusty old Marine F-18 pilot who was smoking a cigarette. He looks at me and my sideburns, takes a long drag of his cigarette and says, ""Dude, how are things with the band?"

So that was it. I was "Dude" from that point forward.

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