On February 16, 2025, Rear Admiral Michael Wosje of the U.S. Navy made waves by completing his 1,000th carrier landing, marking him as the newest member of the Navy's prestigious "Grand Club." This elite group consists of approximately 400 pilots who have achieved this impressive milestone, which reflects years of dedication and skill.
Wosje's landing took place on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), during the Pacific Steller 2025 joint training exercise held in the Philippine Sea. He piloted a Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113). After completing this significant milestone, he spent time reflecting on his remarkable career, which began when he entered flight training and was designated as a naval aviator back in 1995.
The admiral, hailing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has had diverse experiences, completing multiple deployments aboard aircraft carriers such as the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), and even commanding various squadrons over the years. He took command of Carrier Strike Group ONE (CSG-1) last June, showcasing not only his flying prowess but also his leadership capabilities.
Captain Sterling Gilliam, a retired Navy captain with over 1,300 traps, labeled Wosje's accomplishment as monumental. "Naval Aviation started in 1911, which is pretty remarkable...—less than 400 pilots and 200 flight officers have hung around long enough to get 1,000 arrested landings. To make a sports metaphor, it’s sort of like getting 3,000 hits in baseball," he said, highlighting how rare and challenging process landing on aircraft carriers can be.
The process of landing on the flight deck, known as catching the wire, can be perilous. A successful trap requires precision as pilots must catch one of the steel cables with their aircraft’s tailhook, stopping abruptly. Wosje's landing was proof of his commitment to high standards, and upon reaching this milestone, he joins the ranks of celebrated aviators.
Meanwhile, another significant milestone was accomplished on February 29, 2025, when Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues skated onto the ice, marking the 1,000th game of his career. This achievement is particularly special as it follows closely on the heels of his brother Luke Schenn, who also hit 1,000 games played earlier this season, making history as the first brothers to reach this milestone in the same NHL season.
The Schenn brothers' achievement is quite remarkable, considering they are the tenth pair of brothers to achieve this feat together. Their careers embody dedication and the highs and lows often found in professional sports. Brayden expressed his pride and joy at reaching this milestone, emphasizing the special bond he shares with his brother Luke and the collective family support throughout their journeys.
This historic moment adds to the Schenn family's legacy within the sport, showcasing talent, skill, and hard work. Truly, milestones like these shed light on the incredible athletic achievements of individuals who dedicate much of their lives to their respective crafts.
Every milestone achievement is not just a number but also the pressing and nagging since childhood to have your goals accomplished. Sports can serve as metaphors for life, encapsulating the drive to excel, the need for perseverance, and the joy of reaching seemingly unattainable heights. Whether it's the daring maneuvers of military pilots or the finesse of professional hockey players, these individuals inspire upcoming generations to pursue greatness.
Capturing Wosje's 1,000th landing and the Schenn brothers' 1,000th game observation brings two worlds together, uniting military personnel and athletes who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and excellence. Stories of such significant achievements serve as reminders of the grace, skill, and determination required to reach the pinnacle of any field. It radiates the excitement of where hard work and determination can lead, whether soaring through the skies or handling the puck on the ice.
Both Rear Adm. Wosje's contributions to the Navy and the Schenn brothers’ efforts to excel on the ice represent the essence of pursuing excellence and making history, fostering hope and ambition for future generations to believe they can achieve extraordinary things too.
The Navy’s milestones and NHL achievements symbolize the triumphs of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, key attributes for anyone pursuing their dreams.