Lively music booms through strategically-placed speakers in ready room 7, while Sailors of all ranks begin filing in. Suddenly, the room erupts into a thunderous applause as Capt. James McCall, commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT, strides in.

A smile stretches across his face before he makes his way to the front of the room, stopping to shake hands and exchange warm greetings. Today marks a significant milestone for McCall.

Moments earlier, he completed his 1,000th arrested landing, or "trap," aboard the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) (GHWB), May 7.

McCall made his historical mark in an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213.

"You don't get to this point on your own," said McCall. "Many Sailors work hard to make these jets fly. I would like to give thanks to my leaders and mentors for their help and to the Blacklions for allowing me to fly. They are the reason I am standing here now."

McCall reiterated the importance of a good support system, highlighting the role his family played in his accomplishment. "None of this would be possible without my family," said McCall. "I have my wife and kids back home. It takes a lot of sacrifice from them to allow the things we do every day."

McCall continued, shifting the focus to the junior Sailors in the crowd.

"I see many young faces in the crowd," said McCall. "All I can think is 'I hope you do this for as long as possible.'"

Before concluding his remarks, McCall emphasized the positivity of his experience aboard GHWB.

"I would like to give a special thank you to the Bush," said McCall. "You all make this a pleasure, and many other people think the same thing. This is the best ship I've ever had the chance to be a part of."

A cake cutting marked the end of the celebration as Sailors lined up for the red, white and blue dessert, adorned with its own F/A-18F Super Hornet.

For McCall, it's 1,000 traps down and many more to go.

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