In July 2012, F-16 pilot Scott “Fester” Fredrick found himself in a fight for survival over the frigid North Pacific. What began as a routine movement flight from Misawa to Eielson turned into a catastrophic engine failure, forcing him to eject over open ocean and spend more than six hours in 55-degree water before rescue.

In this episode, we dive into Fester’s incredible career — from chasing the B-2 Spirit during flight test, to combat over Iraq, to his harrowing ejection and rescue. We talk pilot training lessons, split-second decision making, survival training that saved his life, and how perspective changes after you’ve stared death in the face.

Whether you’re into aviation, military history, or just a great story of resilience and skill under pressure, this one delivers.

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Lowdown military aviation news: Hungarian MiG-29 theft – Thieves broke into Kecskemét Air Base and stole radar components from retired MiG-29 fighters. Was it an inside job inside NATO territory? F-15 accidental ejection – At Barnes Air National Guard Base a passenger unexpectedly ejected from an F-15D during taxi. We break down how this could happen. MQ-9 Reaper crash – A $13 million Reaper drone was lost in the Mediterranean Sea after a propeller failure. Singapore cancels Guam F-15 training plan – Why Singapore and the United States decided not to move forward with this fighter detachment. B-2 bomber Alaska appearance – A stealth bomber and F-35 escorts arrive during the Putin and Trump Alaska event. 

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Bro Chat, "Flash" "Bender" and "Rain" are joined by Kevin "Konan" Parkhurst to discuss flying the F-35 in the reserves, how to get hired by a reserve or guard unit and more.

Check out Authentic Media - Six months Free - Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D. 

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us

6 months free with Authentic Media: Just use code 62F6D at Patreon.com/AuthenticMedia/redeem/62F6D. 

This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest stories in airpower and national defense: 

🔺 NORAD intercepts Russian Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters near Alaska 

🔺 U.S. pauses full F-35 procurement until Lockheed fixes TR-3 & Block 4 delays 

🔺 Spotlight on the AGM-158 JASSM—stealthy, long-range, and lethal 

🔺 China’s new J-35 stealth fighter joins the PLA Navy 

🔺 Space Age heist: Engineer pleads guilty to stealing U.S. missile tech 

🔺 Microsoft bars Chinese engineers from U.S. defense cloud support 

🔺 NASA’s X-59 supersonic jet nears flight test milestones 

🔺 Belgium doubles down on defense: F-35s, NASAMS, and warships on the way 🔔 Subscribe for high-signal insights into global defense, deterrence, and next-gen weapons tech. 📧 Want the full newsletter? https://www.lowdownnews.us

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, deeply personal conversation, A-10 Weapons Officer Lorenzo Harris opens up with Mike "Flash" McVay about the mission that changed his life, and the battle he rarely talks about. From earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for a harrowing 8-hour firefight in Afghanistan to silently struggling with guilt, identity, and loss, Lorenzo recounts how he navigated one of the most intense missions of his career and the psychological toll that followed. We trace his journey from growing up in North Pole, Alaska, to becoming one of the most respected A-10 instructors in the U.S. Air Force. Lorenzo reveals how he hit rock bottom—haunted by one mission—and how he rebuilt his life with a new mission: helping others through coaching, mindset development, and service beyond the cockpit. This episode is for anyone who’s ever struggled with identity, purpose, or the weight of leadership. One of the most powerful interviews ever recorded on The Afterburn Podcast. Lorenzo: https://www.youtube.com/@UCtEKb9z53MlfJQ85ipjmmYg https://stan.store/iamlorenzoharris

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

 This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest moves in military aviation and defense: 

✈️ F-16s depart Misawa Air Base as the U.S. Air Force prepares for a major F-35 deployment in Japan — a key shift in Indo-Pacific airpower. 

🛩️ The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is on track for combat configuration and flight testing by 2026. We cover what that means for the B-1 and B-2 fleets. 

🚛 KC-46 Pegasus production ramps up, as the Air Force shelves plans for a stealth tanker and leans on Boeing's multi-role refueled. 

⚠️ Threat of the Day: SA-21 Growler (S-400) — Russia’s long-range SAM system is central to its A2/AD strategy. We break down capabilities, variants, and combat history. Also in this episode: S

OCOM cuts OA-1K Skyraider II buys B-1B bombers getting a massive firepower boost E-7 Wedgetail drama on Capitol Hill AI wingmen take to the skies in Valkyrie drone tests Snapshot stories from NORAD intercepts to HH-60W VIP conversions 📩 Subscribe to The Lowdown Newsletter for the full breakdown: 👉 https://www.lowdownnews.us

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Bellavia earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq—one of the most intense urban battles in U.S. military history. In this re-release of The Afterburn Podcast, Bellavia shares raw, unfiltered reflections on leadership in combat, the trauma of modern warfare, and the deep bonds of brotherhood forged in battle.

David's book - Remember the Ramrods: https://amzn.to/453Rgj9

 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸

 --- 🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️ 

Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔹 Check out my sponsor https://aura.com/afterburn to get a 14-day free trial and see if your personal information has been compromised🔹

 🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

 Welcome to this week’s Lowdown with The Afterburn Podcast! 🚀 Dive into the latest defense and aerospace news, including China’s new J-20S twin-seat stealth fighter, DARPA’s warning on quantum sensing threatening F-35 and B-21 stealth, Chinese espionage arrests targeting the U.S. Navy, a grounded British F-35B in India, NATO F-35s guarding Ukraine-bound supplies, and a KC-46 tanker mishap. Plus, Rheinmetall’s new F-35A plant in Germany, retired generals pushing for more F-35As and E-7 Wedgetails, and our Threat of the Day: China’s Chengdu J-10. Stay ahead with breaking military aviation news!

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

In this episode of The Lowdown, we’re breaking down one of the biggest military aviation operations in recent memory — Operation Midnight Hammer, a massive coordinated strike targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. With over 125+ aircraft, B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk missiles, and full-spectrum cyber warfare involved, this was no ordinary mission. We also dive into two major budget updates hitting the U.S. Air Force: The E-7 WEDGETAIL, the much-anticipated AWACS replacement, may now be on the chopping block. The F-35 Lightning II program faces significant cuts in the 2026 defense budget proposal. This is your no-BS, fast-hitting update on the biggest stories in defense and aviation. Whether you're a pilot, a defense pro, or just a military aviation nerd — you're in the right place.'

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Three time zones. One car seat. Two hotel WiFi connections held together by hope. In this Bro Chat, “Rain”, “Vader”, and “Bender” catch up on everything from flying jets to why flyovers are a lose-lose game. Vader’s knee-deep in the IPUG grind, Bender’s dodging work at a chill TDY, and Rain’s flying big ole fat planes around the world. We break down F-35 vs Viper radar logic, relive the Indy 500 flyover chaos, and the Netflix Thunderbird doc (what happened with “Primo’s” rejoin ). Also: Iranian strikes, the death of the F-35 order, AI drones that headshot mannequins, and why Waymo might trigger Skynet. Come for the jet talk. Stay for the tuna sandwich fight story.

🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation

Become a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcast

🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial

Fighter Pilot Book Recommendations: https://amzn.to/4nlA67m

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.