Episode Notes:

Maverick and Goose introduced call signs to the American mainstream, but the tradition runs far deeper than Hollywood. In naval aviation, a call sign isn't just a nickname — it's earned, often at your own expense, and the notoriously irreverent process of bestowing one builds the kind of camaraderie that cuts across ranks and strengthens unit culture. Steve and Evan share some of their favorite call sign origin stories and explain why the tradition matters well beyond the flight deck.

Image: Airman 1st Class Kathy Duran via DVIDS