Almost the world's fastest owl

[Jack Howdeshell]

Just wanted to share the Navy's recent bird photography efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thanks to the US Navy and Boatwain's Mate Dieringer for capturing this image. Other photos and articles about "FOD" can be found at http://www.navy.mil/search/photolist.asp search "owl".


080317-N-4632D-001 PERSIAN GULF (March 17, 2008) "Fod," a screech owl that was found on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), rests on the cable of a sound powered telephone in the flight deck control center of the carrier. The owl was discovered in the left-main wheel well of an F/A 18 Hornet during a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft. Truman and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 are deployed supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. Official U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 3rd Class Alex Dieringer (Released)

[Jim Poor]

For those who don't know, FOD stands for Foreign Object Damage- a major hazard in aviation.

Great that they found the owl :D

[Alfred Forns]

That is one lucky bird !!!! .... could have been famous !!!

[Judd Patterson]

Wow, how crazy is that! Amazing story and photograph.

[Fabs Forns]

Thanks for sharing the picture and story.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Incredible stroy Jack !!!! Many thanks for sharing this image with us and I am so glad they were able to find it .

[Harold Davis]

that's awesome!! wonder how far he traveled in the wheel well?