So There I Was

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Coming Down Like a Gun Safe with a Lot of Guns Episode 104 Apr 25, 2024

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Disco joins us to share tales from his thrilling experiences—from his days at OCS to piloting the AV-8B Harrier during the Gulf War and teaching both students and instructors in the Harrier Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). With his vivid storytelling, sharp wit, and infectious humor, Disco’s narratives will leave you clutching your sides in laughter. His legendary pranks, executed fearlessly on anyone, are just as memorable. If he hadn’t succeeded in aviation, Disco undoubtedly had a promising career in stand-up comedy, with all the makings of a star.

What's Your Call Sign? Episode 103 Apr 18, 2024

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Note: Don't miss out on even more laughs! Head over to https://sothereiwas.us/patreon to join and hear two additional hilarious call sign stories not included here! In this wild episode of our podcast, we dive into the wild and whimsical world of naval aviation call signs with Lobo, the famed author of "What's Your Call Sign?: The Hilarious Stories behind a Naval Aviation Tradition" Prepare to chuckle, gasp and sometimes howl outloud as we unveil eyebrow-raising tales from the skies. Imagine being dubbed 'LAMCHOP' or 'FUNGUS' by your fellow aviators. Hear about the tradition of kangaroo courts, where ridiculous fines and playful rules are the norms, certainly makes for some memorable nicknames! Join us as we fly through a rollercoaster of quirky stories, including how one pilot ended up with the call sign 'Panda' after an unforgettable night in Thailand. Amid laughter, the discussion also touches on the cultural evolution post-Tailhook scandal, highlighting the unbreakable bonds and indispensable humor within the military community. Our exploration doesn't stop there! We dive deeper into the realm of military call signs, revealing the humorous and unforgettable stories behind these monikers, often inspired by pilots' pranks and blunders. From near misses with power cables to transitioning between different helicopter types, our speakers share firsthand experiences that paint a vivid picture of both the challenges and triumphs in military aviation. Tune in for a laughter-filled journey into the heart of naval aviation culture—where every call sign has a story, and every story is worth hearing! Screenshot Screenshot

Warplane Episode 102 Apr 11, 2024

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Buckle up for a jaunt through the skies with the dynamic duo Fig & RePete, known to the world as "Co-Horsts," as they prepare to take you on a slightly less than ordinary flight with Professor Hal Sundt. He's not just any guest; he's the mind behind "Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog," and he's about to drop some knowledge bombs about Pierre Sprey, the visionary behind the A-10 Warthog. Imagine, if you will, a man so devoted to the safety of ground troops that he conjured up an aircraft so robust, it’s practically a superhero of the skies, safeguarding lives for over five decades. This episode isn't just a history lesson; it's an adventure that zigzags from the drawing boards where the A-10 was born to the heartfelt tributes to Mr. Sprey himself. Expect a journey filled with twists and turns, including a wild ride on an A-10 simulator that’s as close to flying as you can get without actually leaving the ground, and tank tests that seem to leap straight out of a movie scene. So, if you’re in the mood for something that tickles your funny bone while enlightening you on the legendary A-10 Warthog and the remarkable people who brought it to life, Episode 102 is your ticket. Don’t forget to check out the merch store for some unique finds, get briefed with a nine-line, and snag a book recommendation that's as riveting as the episode. Ready for takeoff? This episode promises amusement and insights in equal measure, without a single dull moment from start to finish.

Fun in the Mach Loop Episode 101 Apr 04, 2024

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Episode 101 of our show, "Fun in the Mach Loop," promises a whirlwind of tales with our guest, "Sniper," affectionately also known as "Divot," a seasoned F-15 Strike Eagle pilot whose exploits in the skies are as thrilling as they are enlightening. From the nail-biting tension of being shadowed by French Mirages without diplomatic clearance to a dramatic engine failure over the North Sea, Sniper's stories transport listeners into the cockpit of one of the most formidable fighters in the air. Dive into the Mach Loop, a notorious training area, where Sniper's mastery of the Strike Eagle comes to life amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the UK. This episode isn't just about the adrenaline of low-level flying; it's a peek into the camaraderie that defines military aviation, the strategic nuances of international airspace, and the profound respect between the different branches of the military. Whether it's giving a Marine a ride in Italy and discovering the stark contrasts in their living conditions or cheekily navigating international tensions, Sniper's tales are a tribute to the skill, bravery, and humor that define the life of a fighter pilot. Strap in for "Fun in the Mach Loop" – it's going to be an unforgettable flight! Screenshot Screenshot

MG NW SAK Episode 100 Mar 28, 2024

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Welcome to So There I Was episode 100!!! This week's title is short for, My Girlfriend, Now Wife, She’s a Keeper is a testament to persistence, love, and the unexpected journeys life can throw our way. In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Woody, who began his career in the skies as a load master. With every cargo secured and every flight a new lesson, his dreams of becoming a pilot seemed a distant star in the vast aviation universe. Yet, despite numerous obstacles that threatened to ground his aspirations permanently, his unyielding persistence proved to be his greatest ally. Through the highs and lows, one constant remained: his then-girlfriend, now his wife, whose unwavering support and belief in him never faltered. Join us as we explore how his perseverance transformed potential setbacks into stepping stones towards achieving his dreams, proving that sometimes, the most challenging paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Naïveté Was a Gift I Was Given Episode 99 Mar 21, 2024

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Meet retired Marine Drill Instructor "JC," the man who turned terrorizing into an art form for officer candidates dreaming of the skies! In his time, JC wasn't just flying high as a Marine Plane Captain in an F-4 Phantom Squadron or mastering the systems as a Flight Engineer on the KC-130. Oh no, he was also the gatekeeper of dreams at the Navy’s Aviation Officers' Candidate School in Pensacola. Imagine trying to become a naval aviator with JC as your personal obstacle course! In his rollicking book, "The Pressure Cooker: Forging Naval Officers Through Marine Leadership," JC recounts 240 hilarious and hair-raising stories from naval officers who somehow survived his drill sergeant tactics to earn their Ensign’s bars. These tales aren't just stories; they're rites of passage, signed, sealed, and delivered by the king of the candidate gauntlet himself. Want a peek into what it takes to soar through the ranks (and survive JC’s legendary "guidance")? Buckle up, and grab a copy. Your flight lesson into the awe-inspiring begins now!

I Lived! Now I Gotta Do It Again Episode 98 Mar 14, 2024

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YouTube Pilot Debrief channel creator, Hoover, joins us to talk about Flight School, Flying the F-15 Strike Eagle in Combat, How he got the callsign "Hoover" and his time as an exchange pilot flying F/A-18 Hornets with the Marines; inlcuding becoming "Carrier Qual'd" - one of the few Air Force pilots ever to do so! Don't miss this great interview! OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I Saw the Ship's Propellers Episode 97 Mar 07, 2024

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In episode 97 of "So There I Was," Mooch, a former F-14 Rio Extraordinaire, shared gripping aviation experiences from intercepting Iranian P3s to near collisions over Morocco. From Naval Academy training to missions aboard the USS Independence, Mooch's journey showcased the camaraderie within the aviation community. The discussion included anecdotes of aerial refueling, humorous incidents in flight, and technological advancements in carrier aviation. The interview also delved into Mooch's time as VF-102 department head, deployments during the Bosnian War, and transition to teaching at the Naval Academy, along with personal projects like the Punk's Trilogy and involvement in digital media. This episode draws to a close with a brief solemn tribute to Marine Captain Jack Casey, who, in the line of duty, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation just a week before we recorded. We extend our deepest gratitude to the courageous souls who pledge their lives to our country—a commitment that, for some, exacts the highest price, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and families who bear their loss with dignity. Buy Ward's books here on Amazon!And visit his YouTube Channel here!

Hoka Hey Episode 96 Feb 29, 2024

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Dive into an electrifying episode of So There I Was, where hosts, Fig, RePete, and Sticks, engage in a riveting conversation with the "Great Tuntini." In this episode, Tuntini returns to share his experiences piloting helicopters and the evolution of them as weapon platforms in the US Navy, delving into the significant advancements the US Navy has made to enhance their effectiveness in this role. But that's not all – Tuntini takes us on a gripping journey into the heart of darkness, recounting his “solo” nocturnal flights aboard naval ships. He sheds light on the critical mission to refine night takeoff procedures, aiming to combat the disorienting effects pilots face in the challenging, low-visibility conditions of the night sea. The episode escalates as we pivot to the turbulent waters of the Red Sea, where the US Navy is currently engaged in one of its most intense combat environments since World War II. Experience the tension and high stakes as Tuntini describes the close-quarters combat – likened to a "knife fight in a phone booth" – where there's no margin for error. Don't miss this compelling episode of "So There I Was" – it's a masterclass in courage, innovation, and the raw realities of modern naval warfare.

You Could Hear the Schrapnel Hit the Airplane Episode 95 Feb 22, 2024

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This is an incredible week as our guest “Rosie” recalls his experiences growing up on a Kansas farm during the “Dust Bowl” years in the 1930s and going from austere beginnings to enlisting in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday. Not wanting to be an infantryman, Rosie passed the tests necessary and convinced the medics to let him fly when it looked like they might ground him. After training, he describes a brief respite home before going by train to the East Coast and boarding a ship for Italy; recounting an experience in Chicago that remained with him for the rest of the war. He opens the show with a tease of one of his missions, which he was certain would be his last. Only a few months earlier he had been a Kansas farm boy and now he found himself occupying the nose-gunner’s turret on a B-17 Liberator. Ride along with us as we hear how he and his other very young crew members—boys, really—raised their hands together and became men, flying in a Liberator to defeat the greatest threat to the freedom of mankind in the 20th century.Riveting, funny, poignant—Rosie brings it all and lays it in our laps. It’s no wonder he is part of that “Greatest Generation.” In the first photo below:Back Row: PFC Edwin Rossillon (nose gunner), Corporal Albert Turk (armament), Corporal Bert Silliman, PFC Bill Rude (tail gunner), Corporal Eugene Karpi (ﬂight engineer), PFG Jim Cox (ball turret gunner) Front Row: Flight Ofﬁcer Jim Nixon (airplane commander), 2nd Lt. Joe Lawson (navigator), Flight Ofﬁcer Otto Doville (copilot), Flight Ofﬁcer Gilce Richardson (bombardier)

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