Frank Miley
The above subject was the priority throughout my Navy career as a Naval Aviator. I spent 21 years as a Naval carrier pilot. I started out fighting during the Vietnam War, involved in trying to rescue the USS Pueblo, and the Cold War. My training always involved learning how to defeat Russia and the spread of Communism. I survived over 1500 aircraft carrier landings made in day and night and in all kinds of weather. There is only one way that I could have completed all those years if it were not for God in my life. When ever I stop to wonder why I survived all those years while many of my fellow aviators did not, I can only figure that God had a plan for me and was always by my side. I talked to Him often and prayed often. I retired from the Navy in 1985.
After my Naval career I flew for the Airlines. My priority changed. God was still number one, but family became #2. During my airline career I was able to share Jesus Christ with my copilots, flight attendants and ground crew personnel. I retired from this job in 2001.
Since 2001 I have volunteered for several Christ based events, such as Helping Hands, being an Elder, and playing my clarinet at various senior citizen homes.
In 2009 I volunteered to become a Docent on the USS Midway. In reality, I never wanted to see another aircraft carrier again. They brought back many sad memories and memories of missing so many family gatherings and holidays. But somewhere along the way I was talked into becoming a Docent by my dear friend and fellow aviator Chuck Schroeder. I think that God wanted to show me why He had led me to survive all those years.
God is still number one, I ask for His blessing every morning before I start out. My amazing wife Barbara was there by my side always. Often I know that God spoke to me through her, because sometimes I was not listening to Him.
I get questions from visitors to the USS Midway such as: How did you overcome fear? Weren't you scared? This is so hard to fathom, how did you train for this? And the questions come every day I am there. My answer always includes being Blessed by God, by His Grace, and by answered prayer. I was God's copilot. I walked the walk now I am able to talk the talk. I was able to start The USS Midway Prayer Team this past year. We have 14 members on the prayer team and our goal is to pray for fellow members, their families and friends that are ill or on need of prayer. Some one sends me a request and I forward the request to our Team. The answers to these prayers are awesome and inspiring. Yes miracles still happen.
By the Grace of God go I. Frank Miley