So There I Was . . .

So There I Was – It’s how ALL Great Aviation Tales Begin… This is episode 119. This is a replay of episode 64 – You’re Going to Have to Talk Me Out. This tells the tale of how ‘One-Eye’ extricated himself and 10 other wounded Marines from a scalding hot LZ (Landing Zone) in Vietnam. Not only should he not have been able to fly, none of those Marines should […]

Bacchus, our first Warthog driver and retired CT ANG Brigadier General shared stories from his extensive career as an A-10 pilot, air traffic controller / supervisor and a major airline pilot. Learn about his combat deployments and the challenges and rewards of air traffic control, as well as his deep-rooted love for aviation. The conversation highlighted the intricacies of air traffic control, the camaraderie among controllers, and the importance of […]

Named after Scrabble’s podcast, this week we feature a dynamic conversation with British Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilot, Scrabble. The episode blends humor, aviation tales, and insights into the life and experiences of a Royal Navy Harrier pilot. He shared stories from his aviation career, discussing the unique challenges and exhilarations of flying the Sea Harrier, including stories of engine an failure and a canopy shattering. He also touched on […]

In this episode of “So There I Was,” we meet Messman, a former Navy P-3 Naval Flight Officer and a riveting storyteller with experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode features Messman’s harrowing and often humorous tales from his time as a naval flight officer and beyond. Right from the start, Messman’s vibrant personality and candid storytelling grip you. He shares gritty details from his […]

Swede joins us to talk about his Naval Career from The Boat School (USNA) to flying in the Patrol Navy. Some Amazing and hilarious stories are in this week’s show throughout. Don’t miss hearing about his near bail-out of a T-34 or how he got his callsign! Strap in and don’t sit on the condition lever! Swede will keep us straight & level!

Hold on to your hats, because this week on So There I Was, we’ve got a guest who’s practically done it all. Fig and RePete are thrilled to welcome Paco to the cockpit as he takes us through his incredible journey from becoming a Navy Attack Pilot to soaring through the skies as a Navy Fighter Pilot. Ever wondered what it’s like to stare death in the face and live […]

Cory Crowell, a former curator at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, joins us to share some of the many encounters he had with legends of history and aviation. From General Jimmy Doolittle to Neil Armstrong and even our friend from Episode 54, Brian Shul, Cory delivers the human side of these legendary aviators and his encounters with them during his 20 years at the museum. Join us to […]

Spook joins us to talk about becoming a Marine pilot, Reuniting with Fig after 37 years, Flying the Hornet in the Marines and the Royal Australian Air Force. Find out why he chose the Marines over the Air Force and the Navy. Find out how he got his callsign. Learn that he has video proof that HE was the one to shoot down a drone tractor. Hear how he placed […]

In this episode, we delve into our experiences in the Marine Corps and aviation tales, prompted by guest Dan of the excellent Danger Close Podcast. Subscribe to that show here: Danger Close Reflecting on how military service shaped us, we share stories of fallen comrades, challenges faced in emergencies, and the unique focus of the Danger Close podcast on war films. From Marine Corps values and leadership qualities to aviation missions […]