So There I Was . . . • It's how ALL great aviation tales begin!

November 14, 2024November 13, 2024Podcast

Pissed Off the Skipper Episode 133

Rob Roy’s path to becoming a Navy pilot started with inspiration from watching Top Gun as a child. Coming from a non-military background, he navigated the path to military aviation on his own, attending the U.S. Naval Academy and graduating in 2011. After completing Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination in Pensacola, he trained in the T-34 and T-45, before Selecting C-2 Greyhounds, used for carrier onboard delivery. Rob’s journey included deployments, experiences […]

November 7, 2024November 6, 2024Podcast

Balls-13 Episode 132

General Jay shares an intense aviation experience during Desert Storm. While on a KC-135 mission, his aircraft suddenly rolled sharply left and right, resulting in the detachment of two engines. The unexpected maneuver was later attributed to wake turbulence from another plane, which caused severe G-forces that sheared the bolts holding the engines. Despite losing power on one side and handling significant challenges, including hydraulic issues and fuel loss, the […]

October 31, 2024October 30, 2024Show Notes

You Can’t Just Pull Over on a Cloud Episode 131

In this episode, G. brings listeners along a remarkable journey from piloting the A-10 Warthog to operating drones in combat. One story that stands out is the transition to remotely piloted aircraft after a neck injury. When introduced to the world of RPAs, she faced the unique challenges of flying remotely and adapting to drone camera interfaces, something very different from a traditional cockpit. Her experience highlights the adaptability required […]

October 24, 2024October 23, 2024Show Notes

It Has To Be 10% Truth Episode 130

RePete and Fig are joined by “G,” a highly experienced pilot who instructed in both the T-37 and T-38, flew the A-10 Warthog (Thunderbolt), and operated the Reaper. She shares her remarkable journey into aviation. “G” recounts how she initially pursued the military without knowing much about it, joining Air Force ROTC and landing a pilot slot after what was initially thought to be a medical disqualification turned out to […]

October 17, 2024October 16, 2024Show Notes

I’m Going Back to Get My Nametag Episode 129

Bart shares the thrilling journey of his military service, beginning with a long flight from Japan to Saudi Arabia due to overflight restrictions. He humorously recalls the camaraderie and memorable moments with fellow officers during training. Upon arriving in Iraq, Bart’s experience takes an unexpected turn as he navigates logistical challenges, including a less-than-welcoming committee. The stakes heighten as Bart recounts his first combat missions, filled with adrenaline and unpredictability. […]

AV-8B Harrier Landing on Lyman Road in NC

October 10, 2024October 15, 2024Show Notes

They Love You Until You Punt One Into the Stands Episode 128

Bart takes us through some gripping moments from his Marine Corps career, starting with his during a change of command in Iraq. He talks about using the advanced Targeting Pod, known as the Litening Pod. Bart shares stories of operating early versions of the Litening pod and Lasing targets for Hornets on bombing missions, highlighting the technological advancements of the time. He recounts taking command of the 542 squadron in […]

October 3, 2024October 12, 2024Podcast

I Didn’t Do It Episode 127

In this episode, we speak with Bart, a retired two-star general and Harrier pilot, as he shares his incredible journey from discovering his passion for aviation through ROTC to his experiences in the Gulf War, where he was shot down and taken prisoner. Bart recounts humorous anecdotes from flight school, the challenges of flying Harriers, and the camaraderie of military life. He reflects on the impact of his service, advocacy […]

September 26, 2024September 25, 2024Podcast

Beautiful… Just ƒµ¢√¡π§ Beautiful Episode 126

This week on So There I Was, we continue our conversation with retired Marine Colonel and aviator extraordinaire, Baron. He shares how his career progressed after his initial experiences in the Iranian desert, covering his involvement in the development of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor program. Baron recounts his journey back to Yuma, where he eventually became the commanding officer of HMM-361. He also discusses his time as […]

Marine Corps' Heavy Lift Helicopter CH-53A which began service in Vietnam

September 19, 2024September 18, 2024Podcast

I Hit Everything but the Tiger Episode 125

Baron joins us to tell of a harrowing story of survival during his first tour in Vietnam. After an engine exploded mid-flight, shrapnel tore through the aircraft, leaving the crew struggling to maintain altitude. With one engine failing and the other insufficient to keep them airborne, they made an emergency landing at Camp Eagle, narrowly avoiding disaster. The episode then explores how this veteran’s career in aviation began in high […]

September 12, 2024September 11, 2024Podcast

Flying to Extremes Episode 124

Dominique Prinet, author and legendary bush pilot, recounts his harrowing experiences navigating the remote and unforgiving Canadian Arctic. Born in France just prior to World War II, Prinet’s passion for aviation began as a child watching aerial dogfights overhead. He shares captivating stories of his bush flying career, where he faced life-threatening situations, including flying overloaded planes, navigating without reliable instruments near the North Pole, and surviving plane crashes in […]