A memorial service was held at Eglin Air Force base Wednesday for Lt. Ali Jivanjee. Jivanjee was killed last week during a training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico. The fallen pilot's friends, family and colleagues gathered inside a hangar to say goodbye.
"He wanted to be a pilot since he was a kid," says Lt. Col. Todd Jaax of the 58th Fighter Squadron. "He was a great man, a great husband, friend, and an outstanding pilot."
At times, the emotional ceremony was upbeat. Jaax joked about Jivanjee's care-free style and laughed about his quirky personality.
"He was a great pilot, but a horrible dancer," says Jaax. "He absolutey had no rythm."
The ceremony concluded with an F-15 fly-over in "missing pilot" formation and a 21-gun salute. Lt. Jivanjee began active duty in 2004 and joined the "Mighty Gorillas" of the 58th Fighter Squadron last year.
Advertisement