Back in the late ’90s, as a radio operator on MC-130E Combat Talons, I was returning to EGI from the East Coast.
As I neared home, the pilot asked:
“R. O., see if we can get lower.”
I asked ATC for lower, as directed by the pilot. The kind folks at ATC denied our request.
The pilot was not happy, but, as we maintained altitude, I heard one crewmember ask why they denied us.
To which I replied:
“Just another case of The Man keeping us up.”
I got silence from the crew, but giggles could be heard off mic.
Steve