At least I didn't throw up.

But I almost did.

About a week or so ago I received a invitation to ride aboard “Fat Albert,” the Navy's C-130 cargo plane that participates in air shows with the Blue Angels. Media representatives were allowed to fly aboard the craft during it's 10-minute portion of the show.

About 30 seconds after receiving the email invite, I was on the phone calling Patrick Nichols, head of publicity with Naval Air Station, Pensacola. I secured a spot on “Fat Albert” for myself and photographer Mark Robinson.

At my former home near Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, I was used to seeing the big ol' C-130s coming over my house and practicing touch-and-go operations at the airport, 10 miles directly south of our house.

I used to glance up and watch and ’em and think, “Man, I'd like to ride on one of those.”

Friday I got my chance. It didn't disappoint.

The big plane was horizontal when it took off and when it landed. Everything thing inbetween was either boosting straight up, dropping precipitiously, or rocking from side to side. The wings get completely vertical several times during the flight.

The first big “whoosh” comes when the bird takes off. The military mission of the C-130 is to get on the ground quick, get rid of the cargo quick and get out of there quick, usually on short runways.

The near-vertical jet-assisted push to start is a demonstration of what a C-130 does when it takes off. It also brought on the first bout of dizziness.

There was also a heck of a weight-loss plan involved. Twice during the flight the plane plunges earthward and you experience three to eight seconds of weightlessness. Experienced crew members were holding onto ropes and a secured ladder and their feet went to the ceiling during those drops.

We, thank goodness, were strapped in tightly.

During the second climb, the dizziness returned and I thought I might be the only person on board to have to use the barf bags provided. I was determined NOT to be the only one who hurled.

So I made it through without soiling anything.

The ride was a complete thrill with a crew of U.S. Marines who were both courteous and professional.

I kinda got caught up. After the pre-flight briefing to the crew, when the captain gave a hearty “Hooo raaaah,” I was the only media member to answer back with the crew. “Hooo raaaah!”