So There I Was

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.

Dominique Prinet, author and legendary bush pilot, recounts his harrowing experiences navigating the remote and unforgiving Canadian Arctic. Born in France just prior to World War II, Prinet’s passion for aviation began as a child watching aerial dogfights overhead. He shares captivating stories of his bush flying career, where he faced life-threatening situations, including flying overloaded planes, navigating without reliable instruments near the North Pole, and surviving plane crashes in freezing conditions. His most jaw-dropping tale involves descending through thick clouds, with ice accumulating on his plane, leaving him powerless to stop an inevitable crash—only to miraculously land safely on a hidden lake.

Prinet’s tales of resilience, survival, and near-death encounters are riveting, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the extreme conditions bush pilots endure. This episode is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, or anyone who appreciates the true grit it takes to survive in the wild skies. Prinet’s ability to laugh at danger and emerge victorious will leave listeners on the edge of their seats, eager for more. Buy his book – Flying to Extremes to get even more!

We’re thrilled to have Beef join us to share his incredible journey. From his formative days at Annapolis, where his roommate ‘Swede’ (featured in episode 115) introduced him to his sister, to his passion for motocross racing, and his impressive flying career with the S-3 and the Hornet. We’ll also dive into his experience as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. This motivational speaker has some fantastic stories to tell. Enjoy!

This week features guest S.A.M., a Marine F-18 pilot with an impressive and unconventional career. ‘Sam’ shares stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including his journey from having a ground contract to aviator; the unexpected challenges of military aviation; and a memorable deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He discusses the intricacies of flying combat missions, the challenges of carrier operations, and his eventual transition from an NFO to a pilot. The episode is filled with humor, insightful anecdotes, and a look at the unique culture within Marine aviation. Sam’s story highlights his resilience and adaptability throughout his military career.

We’re Baaack! So There I Was—the podcast where the stories are real, and sometimes, the lessons come from unlikely sources. Like this week’s gem: ever been told that even a monkey could do your job? Our guest, LoJack, sure has. When he was scrambling to get his private pilot’s license in just two months, his flight instructor looked him dead in the eye and said, “I could teach a monkey to fly in two months!” And that’s where it all began. From humble (and hilarious) beginnings to near-World War III incidents, LoJack’s journey is packed with the kind of stories you can’t make up. So, grab a seat and buckle up—this one’s going airborne!

So There I Was – It’s how ALL Great Aviation Tales Begin… This is a replay of episode 28: The Boss is HAM’N – Listen to Lawman and learn what it’s like to be a Blue Angel – from the camaraderie to the pranks they played on each other to the unbelievably close bonds they formed as they trusted each other with their very lives multiple times daily for years. Find out what ‘HAM’N’ means and why it’s important to do!