Gallo in and AV-8B Harrier

He Cold-cocked Me! Episode 89

Gallo joins us to talk about his time at the Naval Aceademy, why he chose the Marines and only planned to stay in for 4 years, flight school with the Air Force, Flying Phantoms in Combat in Vietnam, his transition to Harriers, Test Pilot assignments and much much more! A true legend of Marine Aviation – This is the first half of two shows with Gallo… Enjoy!

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Book Cover - High School Dropout: Stories of a Navy Pilot

Smoke in the Tube Episode 88

Join us for an enthralling episode. We delve into the remarkable life story of Butch Rutt, a man of many talents and experiences. A high school dropout turned Navy P-3 Pilot, Rutt’s journey is anything but ordinary. From his time as a bail bondsman to his role in Customs & Border Patrol, his diverse career has been filled with unique challenges and adventures. One highlight of this episode is Rutt’s […]

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VMF-214 In History

Recently we received a monetary donation from a listener, Jeff Krosse… and then a second gift from him that we would like to share here. It’s of the many of the Marines of VMF-214 (Black Sheep Squadron) taken on Dec. 27th, 1943 on an island called Vella Lavella in the Marshall Islands. It is signed by 3 of the pilots in the photo: Capt Ed Olander (5 Zeros) LtCol John […]

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So There I Was...

So There I Was: Best Stories Ever Part 1 Episode 86

This week we look back at the last 18 months and bring you some of the best of the stories and guests who have graciously spent time with us and shared their stories. We have Nasty, Capt Royce Williams, Gunny, Kemo, One-Eye, Taco, Sugar, Double-L, Air-Cav-Chris & The Dos Gringos close it out with Jeremiah Weed! Photos below are courtesy of Brad Silcott at BDSAviationPhotography.comTHANK YOU, Brad for allowing us […]

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Hide in the Cockpit of an A-4 Skyhawk

The 5th Day the Ship Blew Up Episode 85

Capt. Dave Dollarhide USN (ret) “Hide” honored us by spending an evening with us talking about his amazing career as a Naval Aviator. Currently the editor of the A-4Ever Skyhawk Journal online at Skyhawk.org, Hide brings us along on his journey from NAvCad in the mid 60s to the horrific day of July 29, 1967 while he was in his A-4 getting ready to launch from the USS Forrestal and […]

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E-2C Hawkeye Early Warning Aircraft

Do We Need to Have a Talk? Episode 84

Get ready to soar with laughter in our chat with Sluggo, the ex-E-2C Hawkeye pilot with tales taller than a tail fin! Hear how a Naval Academy Midshipman’s mom innocently developed a film roll, giving new meaning to “naval exposure.” Hear how he navigated Aviation Officer Candidate School on one good leg and a wing. Sluggo’s not just full of high-flying stories but also some close shaves – like that […]

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Helicopter in Alaska's Snow

Logbook Entry: Almost Died Today Episode 82

Welcome Chris, whose flight tales we admire,A West Point grad, in Air Cav attire.In skies, his passion did conspire,‘Army Training, Sir!’ his spirited fire. At flight school, where challenges soar,He pushed flying bounds, then pushed some more.In cold Alaska’s daunting door,Helicopter ops, survival lore. A tale of hovering, smart and true,From crash-bound paths, he skillfully flew.Took controls with a deft maneuver,Saving the day with his astute fervor. With wildlife encounters, […]

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Ready Deck

I’m a Frickin’ Piñata Episode 81

Join hosts Fig and RePete as they explore the remarkable life of “Jungle,” a man whose experiences could fill an action-packed novel. From his beginnings in Navy ROTC to exhilarating missions piloting F-14Ds, Jungle’s story is a thrilling ride of high-stakes and remarkable achievements. Discover his incredible non-stop transcontinental flight, demanding desert operations, and the tense moments of Operation Southern Watch. Jungle also reveals behind-the-scenes tales from his time at […]

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Sal & His Father Flying Together

You Can’t Make Me Airsick Episode 80

This week’s episode delves into Sal’s lifelong passion for aviation. It humorously touches on his military days when Drill Instructors refused to call him ‘Marinello,’ opting for ‘Private Ello’ instead, to avoid the word ‘Marine’ in his name! Sal recounts his time with the 3d LAAM Battalion (HAWK Missiles) as well as the pivotal moment of his first flight, underscoring the seriousness of his commitment to learning. A highlight this […]

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