So There I Was

This week's guest, KK, hails from East Germany—back when the Berlin Wall was more than just a memory. Believe it or not, flying was nowhere on her radar until one fateful birthday in her 40s when she was gifted a sightseeing flight that quite literally propelled her into the skies. From the second that engine roared to life, KK was smitten. She wasn't just hooked—she was lassoed by the thrill of flight! Her newfound passion took flight, launching her through a whirlwind of background checks, mastering English, countless flight lessons, and even purchasing her very own aircraft. But why stop at just the sky? Dismissing the Atlantic as a mere puddle, KK embarked on a meticulous 20-month plan that led to a life-altering journey across the globe, which she brilliantly chronicles in her book: Halfway Around the World in 40 Days. Buckle up and tune in as we dive into KK's exhilarating tale. And don’t forget to grab her book—it’s your ticket to experiencing an adventure that 99.9% of humanity will only dream about! KK Taxiing in her Grumman Traveler named Pegasus KK on the wing of Pegasus

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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)

In this riotous saga, a quartet of RePete, Fig, Sticks, and the impossibly chill pilot Ice (who's cooler than a yeti's icebox) - embark on a whirlwind of sky-high shenanigans. Ice, a maestro of the skies, has tamed both SH-60 helicopters and UH-1s in realms chillier than a snowman's handshake—yep, Antarctica. He unveils tales of aerial school antics, including how to auto-rotate and that jaw-dropping moment when SH-60 float bags decided to throw a surprise party mid-air. Ice's adventures span the globe, from a raucous initiation in Rota, Spain, that likely bent a few international rules, to onboard frolics that make pirate life seem downright orderly. Ever heard of the Great Potato Count during the Gulf War? That's Ice's unique take on military strategy. He reveals some of the hilariously bizarre tradition of pilot call signs and pranks that would give sitcom writers a run for their money, alongside stunts that laugh in the face of physics. Venturing into Antarctica wasn't just flying; it was a blend of sorcery and survival, especially mastering the "Happy Camper School," which was anything but a walk in the park. And for what was almost the grand "finale," Ice shares how he once tamed a helicopter with no tail rotor authority, and describes the Antarctic version of slinging 'livestock' - hence "Fins on Pigs.” Buckle up for a hilariously turbulent journey that showcases the uproarious, untold tales of aviation bravado in the wintry wilds. As for comebackyoga.org, it's a beacon of zen for veterans, turning downward dogs into upward spirits with yoga mats as magic carpets. Who knew bending could be so mending?

In an engaging episode, Gallo shares more unforgettable tales from his time as a test pilot. He tells of his first time flying a two-seat “T AV-8” marked by a canopy incident that almost ended disastrously. The conversation takes an unexpectedly humorous turn when Gallo finds himself explaining the nuances of space travel to none other than Neil Armstrong, the pioneer of lunar exploration. This moment, filled with irony and laughter, highlights Gallo's unique ability to bridge generations and disciplines. Through this story, listeners are given a rare glimpse into the challenges and the importance of mentorship and humility that marked this exceptional aviator’s career.

Dive into an extraordinary tale of survival with Guvna as he shares his heart-stopping experience of cheating death by mere milliseconds. From an unassuming start on a routine flight, fate takes a dramatic turn, thrusting him into a pulse-pounding showdown against the odds. Witness the incredible interplay of sheer luck, piloting prowess, masterful engineering, and the unforgiving forces of nature, all converging in a moment that could have been his last. Discover how Guvna emerged from the depths of a treacherous swamp, greeted by a couple of Bubbas... Really! This is not just a story; it's a testament to the thin line between life and death. Tune in for an episode you simply don't want to miss! Sweet Tweet - "I had one moment in time during the (mishap) sequence where if I hadn't let myself be distracted, I would have probably had an opportunity to fly (the jet) out. ... But that incredible failure is key to who I have become." — Lt. Col. Bo McGowan (photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Hannen) Lt. Col. Bo McGowan and Maj. Jeff Grayson, members of the 97th Flying Training Squadron, prepare for their four-ship formation flight Oct. 2. This will be the last such formation flight at Sheppard for the T-37 Tweet as the transition to the T-6 Texan begins in 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson)

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a high-flying adventure with Kerry McCauley, the intrepid author of "Ferry Pilot" and "Dangerous Flights" as well as star of the Discovery Channel show by the same name; "Dangerous Flights." He's touching down on our show to share his thrilling and often unpredictable experiences in ferrying light civilian aircraft over oceans and through remote, challenging landscapes. These are places where these planes are as out of place as a penguin in the Sahara! Kerry's stories are packed with suspense and surprises, reminding us that making it to the other side in one piece is more of a hope than a guarantee. Don't miss out on episode 91 - it's an aerial journey that promises more twists and turns than a roller coaster! 🛩️🌍

Get ready for the finale of our chat with the one and only Gallo! This isn't just any interview - it's a rollercoaster ride through the epic tales of a man who practically became one with his Harrier jet. Picture this: a career so gripping, Gallo didn't hang up his Harrier flying even after bidding adieu to the Marine Corps. Oh, and remember "Kaos" from episodes 45 and 46? He and Gallo go way back and the reference to Art are about him! Strap in for this episode. It's not just enlightening; it's a peek into the life of a Marine aviation icon who climbed to Major General. Spoiler alert: he originally thought he'd just do four years and vanish into civilian life.

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! Enola Gay Crew Paul Tibbets

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 harrowing tale of being 1000 miles over the Pacific Ocean, facing an onboard fire. This episode promises to captivate listeners with its mix of suspense, danger, and the inspiring story of a man who continually overcame life's unexpected turns. Tune in to for an experience that's both exhilarating and deeply human.

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 Chaz, Moose, Bonnie, Father, Lawman, Yogi & Master, Vapor and Fister. Then the Dos Gringos close it out with I'm a Pilot! 🧑‍✈️ 🛩️ Happy New Year! See you in '24! And the photos this week are, again, courtesy of Brad Silcott at BDSAviationPhotography.com - The theme of these is focused on the pilots and crews of these magnificent flying machines! Kudos, Brad for some amazing shots! Thank you.

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 to see your amazing work!8 Cobra VMA-542 Tigers CH-46 Sea Knight CH-53 Stallion