A weapon systems officer (WSO, pronounced wizzo) is a U.S. Naval Flight Officer who occupies the rear seat of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet. A WSO is a modern-day version of the radar intercept officer, which occupied the rear seat of such aircraft as the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat and were depicted in Top Gun by Goose, Merlin, Slider, Sundown and Wolfman.
In Top Gun: Maverick, WSOs include Bob and Fanboy.