Get ready to soar with laughter in our chat with Sluggo, the ex-E-2C Hawkeye pilot with tales taller than a tail fin! Hear how a Naval Academy Midshipman's mom innocently developed a film roll, giving new meaning to “naval exposure.” Hear how he navigated Aviation Officer Candidate School on one good leg and a wing. Sluggo's not just full of high-flying stories but also some close shaves – like that time he played chicken with a hydraulic failure in the dead of night, danced with a ramp during a landing, and tamed a cocky student and went right back to work. Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a hilariously bumpy ride!

Several E-2 Photos Courtesy of Brad Silcott - BDSAviationPhotography.Com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXOdqdpMPW0&t=2s

In the dance of skies, Chucker’s tale unfolds,Through starts and stops, his dream he holds.Years, like clouds, drifted in his way,Yet he seized his wings, come what may.

Rating earned, he soared anew,To rotary wings, his path he drew.From flight, a story, a laugh, a thrill,to a moonshine raid to find a still.

In an ugly plane, he danced on air,And a surprise solo, with flair to spare.To a friend, a callsign, a jest so bright,It's Make-a-wish, but he's alright.

Don’t miss the tales, in laughter dressed,In Chucker’s journey, we’re truly blessed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KvwF3dtUao

Welcome Chris, whose flight tales we admire,A West Point grad, in Air Cav attire.In skies, his passion did conspire,'Army Training, Sir!' his spirited fire.

At flight school, where challenges soar,He pushed flying bounds, then pushed some more.In cold Alaska's daunting door,Helicopter ops, survival lore.

A tale of hovering, smart and true,From crash-bound paths, he skillfully flew.Took controls with a deft maneuver,Saving the day with his astute fervor.

With wildlife encounters, memories vast,Each story a treasure, from first to last.Join us to hear this aviator's blast,In skies his stories are unsurpassed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV9F4e9Vc7U&t=10s

Join hosts Fig and RePete as they explore the remarkable life of "Jungle," a man whose experiences could fill an action-packed novel. From his beginnings in Navy ROTC to exhilarating missions piloting F-14Ds, Jungle's story is a thrilling ride of high-stakes and remarkable achievements. Discover his incredible non-stop transcontinental flight, demanding desert operations, and the tense moments of Operation Southern Watch. Jungle also reveals behind-the-scenes tales from his time at Miramar, including the allure of the Miramar O’Club on Wednesday nights in Southern California. Immerse yourself in the suspense of night-time aircraft launch and recovery. Experience the excitement of narrowly avoiding ejection multiple times. Understand how Jungle's motto, "Make them want to take you!" influenced single-seat pilots to appreciate the benefits of an additional crew member. This episode is more than a story; it's a gateway into the life of an aviation icon. Tune in for an unmissable journey!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVo5YludxHI&t=7s

This week's episode delves into Sal's lifelong passion for aviation. It humorously touches on his military days when Drill Instructors refused to call him 'Marinello,' opting for 'Private Ello' instead, to avoid the word 'Marine' in his name!

Sal recounts his time with the 3d LAAM Battalion (HAWK Missiles) as well as the pivotal moment of his first flight, underscoring the seriousness of his commitment to learning. A highlight this week is the discussion of 'Get-There-itis,' a mindset that can prove fatal in aviation. He shares an anecdote about a commercial student's unexpected surrender of the controls during a critical maneuver, revealing the unpredictability of instructing. Sal also shares an introduction to flight that he did when another student surprised him!

He also relays the aero training with the renowned Patty Wagstaff, which inspired this week's title. He reflects on his first CFI Checkride which resulted in an initial failure that turned into a valuable lesson in life about persistence in the face of challenges. He concludes this week with a touching story of flying with his father, which he has documented in the Air Facts Journal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqB6AVznF6s

Raw recording session of our time with Sal!

This week we're joined by Sticks who dives deep into his adventures with the Coast Guard's MH-65 "Tupper-Wolf", humorously described as "Airwolf meets Tupperware!" He recounts flying in challenging 'zero-zero' weather, the heartbreak of unsuccessful missions, and a unique rescue where not saving someone directly meant truly saving him. Hear about a man underestimating river currents with his car and Sticks' uproarious tale from the ER involving a particularly 'absent-minded' patient. Tune in for these stories and more. Hold the antlers!

This week's riveting episode of "So There I Was" podcast, is Episode 78, featuring the incredible "SeaBass." Originally turning away from the Marine Corps, SeaBass shockingly ended up retiring as a Marine LtCol with 22 years under his belt, but it wasn't handed to him... in fact once you hear how he got in the Marine Corps, you'll be as surprised as we were that he did get in; a life lesson in "Never take 'No' for an answer!"

He regales listeners with hair-raising tales: imagine approaching a boat without any visibility or experiencing the sheer panic of losing control of a Harrier's engine at night. And then there's the heart-stopping moment of "Going in for Guns" on a hornet - an event that thankfully didn't have a tragic ending, but easily could have! Dive deep into this adrenaline-pumping journey and don't forget to share it with fellow thrill-seekers! Don't sit on the ejection handle!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRfsrrkEgC8&list=PLXCCLXeDUs6y_W748OaDd86b5IkXszLIf

Dive into the next episode of "So There I Was" and find yourself entranced by the tales of legendary Marine Harrier pilot, "Sugar." Experience the thrilling moments of aviation as he recounts his vital role in the introduction of the AV-8A into the U.S. arsenal. Discover how Sugar's unique experiences on helicopter carriers and other aircraft shaped the trajectory of his career. Hear many amusing stories including how he managed to secure a unique 30-day leave before joining the Amphibious Warfare School. Then you'll want to explore his incredible journey through his five-book series "Sea Stories of a US Marine" that takes you from his initial enlistment to becoming a squadron commander. It's an episode filled with heart, humor, and high-flying adventure - not to be missed!

Book 4 - Harrier

H-34 Flown in Vietnam by LtCol Spicer

LtCol Spicer in a Harrier

Sea Stories of a US Marine - Command

LtCol. W.R. Spicer, "Sugar" a Marine who rose from the rank of Private to command an AV-8 Harrier Squadron returns to tell us more stories from his amazing aviation career. We talk of his impressive background to set the stage for why he was able to repeatedly accomplish successful demonstration of the concept of VSTOL aviation. There were many intense situations which he faced, such as landing with limited fuel in a spot that was never designed or approved for landing. He always put the success of the Harrier program first and it paid off in spades. We reflect on close calls during landings and share stories from Vietnam. We also talk about gear, flight training experiences, and the importance of communication and maintenance. Thank you, Colonel Spicer, for your service and sharing your time with us!

AV-8A Flown by LtCol Spicer

Zeus Fitting

Book 4 - Harrier

H-34 Flown in Vietnam by LtCol Spicer

LtCol Spicer in a Harrier

This week on So There I Was, RePete is joined by guest Co-Horst, Sticks whilst Fig vacations in Italy. Dive deep into the exhilarating world of Naval aviation with Briggs, a seasoned EP-3 pilot. From the intensity of Cold War intelligence missions to the pulse-pounding experience of night carrier operations, Briggs shares gripping tales that will have you at the edge of your seat. Hear about emergency landings, engine failures, and the high stakes game of naval chess with the Soviets. But it's not all intense; there's humor and nostalgia too. Learn about an unforgettable European commercial shoot with Olympic runner Derek Redman, and hear stories from the AOCS days that still bring a smile. With additional insights into  harrowing helicopter deck landings, this episode promises a captivating blend of action, emotion, and nostalgia. Don't miss this thrilling ride into the skies of Cold War history!

We spoke about the US Navy film 'Pressure Point' which prepares candidates for OCS during the show. You can see that by clicking this link.

Some of the photos from Briggs are below - and the raw recording session on YouTube is below that!

https://youtube.com/live/d9bTsdZ_iXY?feature=share