So There I Was

Join us for part two with RobRoy! Hear about his Naval Academy days, life aboard a carrier, landing a C-2 Greyhound, his YouTube channel, FlyBuyer.com, and his final Navy tour. Don’t miss this engaging pilot-to-pilot conversation!

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 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and roles that spanned from flying in high-stakes environments to assisting with logistics aboard carriers.

One highlight of Rob’s career was flying missions to carriers and ensuring delivery of personnel and supplies, showcasing the essential and often overlooked logistical backbone of naval aviation. He tells the story of getting his parents onto a carrier in the Mediterranean, and going around his Squadron CO (Skipper) to do so; a rare and meaningful gesture that illustrated his resourcefulness and deep connection to his family’s contributions. His tenure also involved unique assignments, transitioning aspirations, and navigating challenges with commanding officers, illustrating both the rigor and fulfillment of a naval aviator’s career.

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 crew maintained control and safely landed the aircraft at King Abdulaziz International Airport, blowing several tires but remaining on the centerline. The investigation revealed no structural damage, showcasing the KC-135’s durability. General Jay’s recollections capture the complexity, quick thinking, and teamwork required in emergency situations. His story underscores the reliability of the KC-135 and the commitment of part-time guardsmen, balancing civilian careers while serving their country.

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 in military aviation and the evolving role of drones in modern warfare.

She also shares her time at the prestigious Air Force Weapons School. Despite the odds — pregnant with her second child and the first-ever RPA student at the school — she navigated this demanding program, emerging as a skilled instructor. Her dedication and resilience shine, inspiring those around her. Wrapping up with insights into “Cross-check Mental Performance” training, she emphasizes the importance of mental agility for pilots. Through her stories, listeners gain a firsthand look at the courage, adaptability, and mental fortitude of military aviators.

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 be a non-issue. Overcoming airsickness and various other challenges, “G” talks about her first assignment as an instructor pilot, where she developed a love for teaching. She candidly shares how she earned her callsign, “G-Spot,” after an amusing and confusing misread of her HUD during an A-10 attack training flight. The episode also delves into a nerve-wracking engine failure during her first A-10 flight in Korea and wraps up with a light-hearted story of encountering a persistent praying mantis en route to the Yokota Airshow. “G” is far too humble in her approach to her accomplished career. Her insights into the world of aviation are both inspiring and entertaining, making this an episode you won’t want to miss.

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. Tension builds with the onset of Desert Storm, where Bart transitions from training exercises to live combat. The episode takes a dramatic turn when Bart is shot down during his 17th mission, captured by Iraqi forces, and experiences the surreal and dangerous reality of captivity. His eventual release and return to military life underscore the resilience and courage required in such intense circumstances.

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 the desert and the challenges of leadership, explaining how admiration can be fleeting in such intense environments. As the episode progresses, Bart relives moments from Iraq in 2003 including what he now knows was a bad idea, but (most of) his Marines followed him anyway… a teachable moment as it were!

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 for aviation advancements, and his transition to civilian life. This engaging conversation offers listeners a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel and highlights Bart’s humility and the remarkable stories from his career. Join us next week for further insights into Bart’s journey and the tales of other aviators.

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 the V-22 Osprey program manager and the challenges of overseeing its development. Additionally, Baron reflects on some of the most harrowing moments from his Vietnam service, including surviving ground fire and earning his call sign “Baron.”

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 school, leading to an unexpected detour with the Marine Corps, and his path to becoming a helicopter pilot.

Hear a gripping first-hand account of pivotal moments, including his experiences flying heavy-lift and a mission that ended in disaster in the Iranian desert in April of 1980.