The Afterburn Podcast

In this episode 140 of The Afterburn Podcast, Rain sits down with retired US Marine Corps fighter pilot and Echelon Front leadership instructor Dave "Chip" Berke — the only Marine ever to fly the USAF F-22 and the first to operationally fly the F-35B. From deployment on the USS John C. Stennis and TOPGUN instructor duty, to commanding the Marines’ first F-35B squadron and now helping build high-performing teams at Echelon Front, "Chip "brings unique stories and hard-earned leadership lessons.

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“The Need to Lead”...

From flying F-16s over Iraq to testing Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes, Keith “Coma” Colmer has lived one of the most diverse and impactful careers in modern aviation. Raised near John Wayne’s ranch in rural Arizona, he rose from an Air Force ROTC cadet at MIT to a combat and test pilot shaping the future of flight. In this episode, Coma shares untold stories from flying GPS satellites during Desert Storm, developing the Litening and Sniper pods, pioneering electronic warfare systems like the ALQ-213, and leading Virgin Galactic’s early spaceflight test team. He also opens up about leadership...

In this episode of  @AfterburnPodcast  host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Bob “Bags” Simeone, a former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm. From low-level strikes over Iraq to night tanking in icing conditions, Bags shares a raw, often hilarious, and deeply personal account of what it was like to be part of America’s return to high-end warfare after Vietnam. 

They dive into what deployment looked like aboard the USS America in the early ‘90s, the challenges of navigating pre-GPS cockpits, and the chaos of coordinating missions in a pre–Link 16 wor...

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 Welcome to The Lowdown, your weekly briefing on global aviation and defense. In this episode, we cover the latest on the F-35 Block 4 program and its delays, downgrades, and the TR-3 foundation for future upgrades. We also dive into the next-generation “doomsday plane,” the E-4C Nightwatch, set to replace the Cold War–era E-4B, and explore how Sierra Nevada Corporation is driving the future of airborne command and control. 

We break down massive U.S. Army missile contracts, from Patriot PA...

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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 pers...

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 Al...

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.

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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 st...

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...

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 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 t...

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

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 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...

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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...

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 Waym...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the  @FighterPilotPodcast  for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight. They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. J

Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS Ge...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and lea...

Before Netflix made their documentary, Dos Gringos captured the true spirit of the USAF Thunderbirds. Born in the trenches of a fighter squadron and fueled by the finest Jeremiah Weed, Dos Gringos turned the fighter pilot life into a soundtrack—raw, irreverent, and unapologetically real. On June 7th, "Trip" and "Snooze" reunite for a one-night-only gig that’ll rock your socks off in support of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. They'll reflect on the wild ride that made their music legendary in ready rooms across the globe.

The Event: DosGringosDenver.Com
Listen to Dos...

In Episode 133, John “Rain” Waters sits down with F-16 pilot Trent “Teddy” Meisel for a gripping and emotional conversation. Teddy walks us through his journey from small-town Oklahoma to the cockpit of the Viper, including a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. "Teddy" is also the founder of  @4th_GenHuntingCo 

This episode dives into the moment-by-moment chaos of that day in May 2023, when a systems failure during a combat exercise forced him to make the ultimate call—pulling the ejection handle. Teddy reflects on what went wrong, how his training kicked in, and what it’...

In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience. 

From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Dani...

In Part V of the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) series, host Mike “Flash” McVay sits down once again with A-10 pilot Ridge "Kelso" Flick to dive deep into the critical role the Warthog plays in SEAD and close air support operations. Drawing from his extensive experience flying the A-10 in hostile environments, Kelso shares insights into how low-level tactics, survivability, and precision targeting come together in the face of modern air defense threats. From Cold War-era training to post-9/11 combat deployments, this episode explores how A-10 pilots adapted to evolving SAM and AAA threats while maintaining their miss...

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In this packed episode of The Lowdown, host John “Rain” Waters breaks down a wide range of developments in global military aviation and defense strategy. From General Kane’s anticipated confirmation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the strategic forward positioning of B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia, the episode delivers an insider’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retiring the A-10 from the Maryland Air National Guard, the ongoing debate around the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and why the Air Force’s readines...

Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.

The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition f...

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In this short promo episode, host John “Rain” Waters highlights an exciting new release from fellow aviator and podcast host Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, founder of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Jell-O’s new book offers a rare, first-person look into the making of a real fighter pilot—from his early dreams sparked at an airshow, through flight school, and ultimately to the elite ranks of TOPGUN as a F/A-18 Hornet instructor. The book doesn’t shy away from the highs...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we continue our Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series hosted by Mike “Flash” McVay.

Our guest, Sonny “Blink” Blinkinsop, brings decades of Wild Weasel experience to the table — from Vietnam-era air combat tactics to F-16 SEAD missions during Operation Allied Force. Blink dives into the mindset shift required when flying into heavily defended airspace, the evolution of SEAD tactics, and what it truly means to wear the Weasel patch.

This episode covers real-world use of air-to-surface weapons like the AGM-88 HARM, F-16CJ combat operations, and the tactical a...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm.

 Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The conversation further explores the preparation for conflict, intelligence assessments of enemy capabilities, and the execution of strike packages. Curly highlights the realities of en...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay hosts Leonard “Lucky” Ekman and Jim “Gringo” Webster, two original Wild Weasel fighter pilots from Vietnam, as they share firsthand experiences and insights from their military careers. This is Part I of the five-part Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Series. 

The discussion follows their journeys from joining the military to their roles in some of the most dangerous combat missions of the Vietnam War. They dive deep into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission, a high-risk operation designed to counter deadly surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats. 

“Lucky” a...

The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission has evolved alongside the development of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. In this episode of The Lowdown, host Mike "Flash" McVay takes a deep dive into the history and advancements of SAM technology, from its early origins to today’s modern, highly integrated air defense networks.

🛡️ How did SAMs start? The first concepts of surface-to-air guided weapons were developed in WWII, but it wasn’t until the Cold War that the technology became a true threat to air superiority.
🚀 The Rise of Soviet SAMs – From the SA-1 and SA-2 in the Vietnam...

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In this week’s Lowdown on The Afterburn Podcast, we cover the Korean F-16 bombing mishap, the Air Force grounding KC-46 tankers, Ukraine’s new GBU-39 bomb strikes, and Russia’s Su-57 stopping in Iran. From defense industry failures to high-stakes air combat updates, this is your go-to briefing for global military and aviation news.

🚀 Topics Covered:

The Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today’s modern air battles.

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In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, he reflects on his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, the intense urban warfare of Black Hawk Down. Recently, Brad was featured in Netflix’s Surviving Black Hawk Down. #blackhawkdown Brad takes us inside the realities of special operations, how gear and tactics evolved, and the raw, unfiltered truth about Mogadishu that Hollywood didn’t tell.

Brad Thomas has lived multiple lives—Army Ranger assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment and combat veteran of the Battle of Mogadishu. Brad later went on to serve as a Delta Force Operator. Following a career...

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The U.S. Navy’s USS Harry S. Truman was struck by a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air exercise featured JF-17s, Rafales, F-16s, and F-15s, showcasing multinational airpower. A drone strike at Chernobyl punctured the protective dome over Reactor 4, highlighting security vulnerabilities. China’s J-20 stealth fighter was spotted in "Beast Mode" carrying up to 14 PL-15 long-range missiles, signaling a shift in air combat strategy. The EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego harbor, with both pilots ejecting safely.

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In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close air support, and what it means to lead in high-pressure environments. Whether moving troops and cargo in the C-130 or deliv...

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This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs.

The Air Force has built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. We also cover the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deployed F-16s to Greenland in response to increasing Russian bomber activity in the Arctic.

Meanwhile, a former...

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This week on The Lowdown, we break down the latest aviation and defense stories. An F-35 crashed in Alaska, but the pilot ejected safely. Meanwhile, Iran has secured a deal to purchase Su-35 fighters from Russia, adding to its aging fleet of F-14s and MiG-29s. We also discuss Sweden’s massive $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which includes combat boats, anti-tank missiles, and long-range strike drones.

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In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we dive into the mystery surrounding Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. The disappearance of MH370 remains a mystery. In this episode, former fighter pilot and current 777 pilot John 'Rain' Waters interviews aviation expert and author Jeff Wise on the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

Explore the detailed timeline, cyber vulnerabilities, military responses, and the controversial theories behind this aviation enigma. From the role of Inmarsat data to the shadow of Russian involvement, Wise provides unparalleled insight into one of the greatest mysteries in modern aviation. Discover how cybersecurity, geopolitics, and...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Colonel G. Hall Sebren Jr., Deputy Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, discusses the critical role of aircraft maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. He shares insights on the challenges of maintaining fighter jets like the F-16, the importance of communication between operations and maintenance teams, and the complexities of keeping the nation's aircraft combat-ready. Col. Sebren also touches on the Air Force's sustainment strategies for legacy and modern aircraft, and his journey from Viper maintainer to senior leadership.

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...

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This week on The Lowdown, we cover some of the biggest stories in aviation and defense. The A-10 Warthogs that were stranded overseas are finally home. We take a look at the MiG-29 for our Threat of the Day. Meanwhile, the F-22 Raptor is getting a major enhancement with the new IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system, increasing its ability to detect threats passively. We also break down Boeing’s massive $1.7 billion loss and how delays in programs like the T-7 train...

Join host John 'Rain' Waters as he sits down with recently retired Lt. Gen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine, former Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA and F-16 Fighter pilot. In this episode, Lt. Gen. Caine reflects on his incredible journey from flying F-16s in the Air National Guard to leading special operations missions and working at the highest levels of intelligence. Discover untold stories from Desert Storm and SCUD hunts, lessons from the test center in Tucson, and insights on information sharing in the modern joint force

🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodc...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we dive into the mystery surrounding Malaysian Airlines Flight 370. The disappearance of MH370 remains a mystery. In this episode former fighter pilot and current 777 pilot John 'Rain' Waters interviews aviation expert and author Jeff Wise on the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.

Explore the detailed timeline, cyber vulnerabilities, military responses, and the controversial theories behind this aviation enigma. From the role of Inmarsat data to the shadow of Russian involvement, Wise provides unparalleled insight into one of the greatest mysteries in modern aviation. Discover how cybersecurity, geopolitics, and...

In this episode, Jeff "Vader" Brandon, Jeff "Bender" Page, and John "Rain" Waters rejoin for a fighter pilot "bro chat" to cover various military topics, including the humorous aspects of military life, the complexities of awards and recognition, the hiring and training processes for fighter pilots, the escalation of global conflicts, and the importance of having clear strategic objectives in military operations.

🛫 Launch Your Aviation Career: http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫

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In this week’s episode of The Lowdown, John 'Rain' Waters explores the integration of China’s HQ-22 surface-to-air missile system into Serbia’s air defense. Known as the 'Red Banner,' this advanced missile system is capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles with Mach 6 speed and a range of 62 nautical miles. Discover how the HQ-22 compares to the U.S. Patriot and Russia’s S-300 systems and the implications for NATO as Europe navigates these strategic changes. Plus, updates on glo...

Watch Hollywood Gate at jolt.film/3N97E99

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Documentary filmmaker Ibrahim Nash’at joins The Afterburn Podcast to share the extraordinary story behind Hollywood Gate, his harrowing year embedded with the Taliban during their rise to power in Afghanistan. Gain unparalleled insights into the human side of the Taliban, the challenges of capturing history in the making, and the global implications of their return to rule. Don’t miss this candid and gripping conversation about filmmaking, geopolitics, and survival.

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“Toad’s” Layman Geopolitics https://laymangeopolitics.substack.com/p/navigating-the-syrian-labyrinth

In this episode of the Afterburn podcast, the "Flash" McVay hosts "Toad" Williamson and "Zero" Fox.  Both "Toad" and "Zero" are intelligence officers and provide their insight into the historical context of presidential transitions, focusing on the implications of power shifts in U.S. history. They explore the current dynamics of the Syrian conflict, highlighting the roles of various factions and international interests. The conversation concludes with an analysis of President Biden's re...

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Join John 'Rain' Waters, former Air Force fighter pilot, on The Afterburn Podcast as he sits down with Captain (Ret) Chad "Vinny" Vincelette, a retired Navy F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 fighter pilot, to share his experiences during his time in the U.S. Navy. https://www.victory-strategies.com/vincelette

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-vincelette-7068bb36/

In this gripping episode, Vinny recounts his unforgettable ejection at 20,000 feet during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the challenges of ejecting at night over enemy...

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In this week’s episode, we dive into the latest global defense and aviation updates: Turkey’s renewed push for F-35s and its shifting modernization plans, Russia’s experimental Oreshnik missile test, and a closer look at Iran’s Shahed drones fueling modern warfare. We’ll also explore the U.S.-China prisoner swap, the historic first combat sortie of the F-22 Raptor, and more. Tune in for expert analysis and compelling stories from the frontlines of global security.

🛫 Become...

In this episode 120 of the  @AfterburnPodcast  host John 'Rain' Waters as he sits down with Kyle Rempfer, a former Combat Controller in the U.S. Air Force and current Washington Post journalist. In this episode, Kyle shares his journey from special operations to the newsroom, recounting stories from the battlefield and insights from his journalism career.

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X: https://x.com/kyle_rempfer?lang=en

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This conversation covers a range of significant military and geopolitical topics, including the enduring legacy of the B-52 bomber, the emergence of China's DF-26 missile as a strategic threat, the implications of recent espionage cases, the government's handling of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and various global incidents that highlight rising tensions. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of military technology, international relations, and the ongoing challenges faced by defense agencies.

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Su-57 Mocked By Chinese Airshow Attendees: https://youtu.be/J_w2JttD944

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In this episode of The Lowdown, we dive into the latest military aviation and geopolitical developments. We discuss the Su-57 or rather the T-50 that made an appearance in China, the new Chinese J-35, a cargo fire on a 737 and more.

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Retired Navy fighter pilot Seamus "Flats" Flatley joins  @AfterburnPodcast  for an episode that dives deep into Naval Aviation. Join Mike "Flash" McVay as he discusses with "Flats" a wide range of topics from the F-14 Tomcat's evolution into an Air-to-Ground platform, his experiences as a Forward Air Controller (FAC-A) during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his time at Blackwater and the light attack aircraft program.

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In this episode of The Lowdown, we dive into the latest military aviation and geopolitical developments. We discuss F-16 and F-22 deployments to Kadena Air Base, F-22 Drone Nets, U.S. citizen jailed in Russia, Ukrainian F-16 air-to-air kill and more.

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In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John "Rain" Waters sits down with Jon "Muttley" Behuniak, a seasoned Army aviator. They dive into the intense realities of helicopter operations, sharing experiences from a recent mission in Asheville that demanded quick thinking and precision.

They explore the roles within the Army National Guard, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability in high-stakes situations. The conversation also covers the differences between helicopters like the Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook, as well as the emotional weight of medevac missions and the pressures of checkrides.

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Join John Waters as he hosts this episode of the Afterburn Podcast with his guest, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alex "Malibu" Grandahl. In this episode, Alex "Malibu" Grandahl shares his journey from aspiring race car driver to Army aviator, detailing the challenges he faced along the way, including setbacks in his military recruitment process and the determination that fueled his pursuit of aviation. He reflects on the lessons learned from racing, the importance of resilience, and the unique experiences that shaped his path to becoming a pilot. Grandahl shares his extensive journey through military flight training, discussing...

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In this episode of The Lowdown, we dive into the latest military aviation and geopolitical developments. We discuss F-16 and F-22 deployments to Kadena Air Base, F-22 Drone Nets, U.S. citizen jailed in Russia, Ukrainian F-16 air-to-air kill and more.

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In this episode of The Lowdown, we dive into the latest military aviation and geopolitical developments. We discuss a dramatic encounter where a Russian Su-35 performed a risky maneuver near a U.S. F-16 in the Arctic. We also explore the complexities of Chinese air-to-air missile advancements, including...

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This is part three of a multi-series episode recorded on-site at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN. In this episode, Kevin Shipp, a seasoned expert with 16 years of experience at the Y-12 National Security Complex, discusses the critical role of Y-12 in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy. From disassembling Cold War-era weapons to modernizing the nuclear triad, Kevin provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Y-12 ensures the reliability and safety of America's nuclear arsenal. Explore the history, challenges, and future of Y-12, and learn why nuclear deterrence remains a cornerstone of national security.

...

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In this week's lowdown, we discuss various topics, Air Force Pilot shortage, China's fifth-generation J-20 "Mighty Dragon," America's only pilot Ace of Vietnam.

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This is part two of a multi-series episode recorded on-site at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN. In this episode, we sit down with Gene Sievers, who is the Site Manager at Y-12 National Security Complex and retired Navy Captain. The Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a site that plays a crucial role in national security. It has a rich history dating back to the Manhattan Project and continues to be a center of excellence for enriched uranium production. Y-12 serves three main missions: maintaining a safe and effective stockpile for...

“Stab” Holmes — father, loving husband, and F-16 fighter pilot in the D.C. Guard. — In August, he was diagnosed with an incurable tumor that grows in the brain stem, making surgery almost impossible. An attempt to remove the cancer was made but was unsuccessful. As you might imagine, there is a long list of expenses that rack up, from treatment to everyday needs such as childcare. Please consider supporting “Stab” and his family with a GoFundMe setup by fellow squadron mates.

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Oak Ridge, TN. In this episode, Dr. Martin Williamson sits down to discuss nuclear security and the role of the Y-12 National Security Complex. Dr. Williamson is the Senior Director of Global Security and Strategic Partnerships for Consolidated Nuclear Security at Y-12. He is a Nuclear Engineer by trade and has over twenty years of experience with the National Nuclear Security Agency.

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This week we cover various topics including the F-35 pilot crashing an AH-64, the history of Korean Airways Flight 007, China's investment in Africa, Putin's visit to Mongolia, Ukraine's flamethrower drone, and more. H

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Join John "Rain" Waters and guest Wade "Prada" Hetrick on Ep 112 of @AfterburnPodcast. "Prada" is a C-17 Weapons School graduate and instructor who shares his insight and experience flying the C-17, the C-17's performance capabilities, and How the C-17 fits into the operations against a near-peer adversary. 

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In this week's lowdown, we discuss various topics, including an ISIS, F-35 TR-3 issues, Japanese airspace incursion and more.

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A paradigm shift is happening in the defense industry with the integration of AI. AI has the potential to provide significant benefits to the warfighter. In episode 111 of @AfterburnPodcast  Mike "Flash" McVay and guest Forrest Underwood dive into the world of defense, technology, innovation, business, and how they interact in today's world.

Helpful Acryonms: SIBR -Small Business Innovation Research | STTR - Small Business Technology Transfer | POM - Program Objective Memorandum | Primes - Lockheed, Raytheon, Boeing etc | CCAs -Collaborative Combat Aircraft | TRL - Tech readiness level | BD - Business Development | VC- Venture Capital/Capitalist

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In this week's lowdown, we discuss various topics, including Soviet Union's first atomic bomb, KC-46 landing with the boom extended, and more.

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In this week's lowdown, we discuss various topics, including Colonel Bud Anderson, arms deals, espionage, military mishaps, and international conflicts.

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General Minihan is the Commander of Air Mobility Command. General Minihan is responsible for leading over 100,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Airmen, and civilians to ensure execution of the air mobility mission for the joint force, allies, and partners.

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Mike "Flash" McVay, hosts episode 109, with guests "Zero" Fox and "Toad" Williamson to dive into the world of targeting. Both "Zero" and "Fox " bring years of experience in the intel world to the discussion to dive deep into a variety of topics.

Toad's blog: https://laymangeopolitics.substack.com/

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*Post recording news agencies are now reporting Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a planted device* https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/08/02/mossad-hired-iranian-agents-to-plant-bombs-haniyeh-rooms/

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In episode 108, Mike "Flash" McVay hosts Congressman Burgess Owens from Utah's 4th district. They discuss his time playing in the NFL for the Raiders, winning a Super Bowl, to the issues surrounding Taiwan and education in the U.S.

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In episode 107 of the  @AfterburnPodcast  Nathan "Yokel" O'Kelly sits down to share his US Navy journey from enlisted to becoming an F/A-18 fighter pilot. "Yokel" dives into the challenges and demands of landing on an aircraft carrier, what it's like to be a Fighter Pilot, Landing Signals Officer, leadership, and much more.

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In episode 106, Mike "Flash" McVay, hosts Brigadier General (Ret) Max Stitzer where they discuss a wide-ranging career in the military, from being an enlisted target intel specialist to becoming a maintenance officer and eventually a general officer.

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He shares his experiences and favorite assignments, including his...

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Welcome to the latest episode of "Lowdown" on the Afterburn podcast, where we dive into aviation and defense news. This week, we look back into a bit of recent history with iTurkey's failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, and its impact on the F-35 program. Turkey's shift towards Russia led to its removal from the F-35 program. Duration: 00:11:27

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we dive into the possibility of replacing the A-10 Warthog with the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

This episode is hosted by John "Rain" Waters who is joined by Patrick "Burt" Brown, an experienced A-10 pilot and Weapons School Instructor.

"Burt" has presented the idea (see article link below) of replacing the A-10 with the F-18 Super Hornet in the United States Air Force. He makes the case for the Super Hornet, highlighting its asymmetrical capabilities, austere field capability, weapons loadout, and joint outside platform. The discussion also touches...

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This episode originally aired as episode 21. "2Watt is an A-10 pilot who, on July 20th, 2017, conducted a low-angle strafe during an operational check flight. The gun malfunctioned, causing the canopy to be jettisoned and damaging the aircraft's hydraulic system.  

"2Watt" successfully recovered the stricken aircraft to a nearby field. For his superior airmanship, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  

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Supp...

Episode 103 of the Afterburn Podcast, hosted by Mike "Flash" McVay and Ridge "Kelso" Flick. They dig into the complexities of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) with their guest, retired USAF Colonel Tom "Gunn" Dorl. "Gunn" spent a career in the Air Force focused on personnel recovery and now flies for a corporate aviation company and is a Senior Director for Victory Strategies. In this episode, they discuss the world of CSAR and how elements from the world of planning and executing personnel recovery missions cross over into the business world.

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In Episode 101 of the Afterburn Podcast, host John "Rain" Waters sits down with Joe Weiss, a nuclear engineer and pioneer in ICS cybersecurity, to discuss the critical importance of securing industrial control systems. With over 40 years of experience in industrial instrumentation, control systems, and automation, Joe sheds light on the vulnerabilities within our infrastructure that are often overlooked. From power plants and water systems to the complex networks that keep our daily lives running, Joe explains how these systems are at risk and what needs to be done to protect them. This eye-opening conversation is essential for anyone interested...

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John "Rain" Waters and Mike "Flash" McVay sit down with Hal Sundt, author of "Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog." https://amzn.to/3VC9B3i

Join us as we dive into the story behind the A-10's development, its impact on modern warfare, and the key figures who championed its creation. Hal shares insights from his extensive research and interviews, revealing the challenges and triumphs that led to the birth of this iconic aircraft. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a history buff...

Episode 100 of  @AfterburnPodcast  with Colonel (Ret) Scott 'Soup' Campbell shares his experiences and insights from his time flying the A-10 during the early days of Afghanistan. Col. Campbell led the first and second A-10 missions into Afghanistan during OPERATION ANACONDA. He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses (citations link below) as a result of those early combat missions. He is a former A-10 Weapons School graduate and instructor.

Distinguished Flying Cross Citations: https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com/post/col-scott-soup-campbell-distinguished-flying-cross-citations

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Mike "Flash" McVay hosts episode 99 of  @AfterburnPodcast  for a "Hawg" Bro Chat. "Flash" is joined by fellow A-10 pilots (although "Flash" has since abandoned them and moved onto the F-16 and now F-35). He is joined by Dan "Satan" Levy, Dan “Duffle” Lusardi, and Ridge “Kelso” Flick.

They share their unique perspectives on the A-10 community, the culture, and the mindset of A-10 pilots. They discuss the importance of preserving the Hawg driver mentality and the need for experienced pilots to pass on their knowledge. They also touch on the changing landscape of warfare and the challenges faced by t...

Jack "Farely" Stewart returns to the podcast to share his experience as a US Navy Adversary Pilot and their roles and responsibilities. His second book, Outlaw, is now available.

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Ep 97 with Greg "B.A" Anders. B.A." is a former fighter pilot who now wears many hats. He is the founder of https://firecornpopcorn.com/, which has skillfully brought the lifeblood of the fighter squadron, jalapeño popcorn, to your door.

"B.A" has over 4,500 flight hours to his name. After graduating from the US Air Force Academy in 1985, he served 15 years on active duty, followed by six years with the Idaho Air National Guard as part of the 190th Fighter Squadron in Boise. During the spring of 2003, Greg was deployed to Kuwait a...

Dive deep into the high-risk world of a Cold War fighter pilot as Rob "Z-Man" Zettel shares his incredible journey from flying the F-4 Phantom to flying in America's Top Secret Soviet MiG Squadron, the 4477th Red Eagles. Discover the secretive Red Eagles squadron, where elite pilots like Z-Man trained in Soviet jets to prepare American Fighter Pilots for combat. Experience firsthand accounts of dogfights, secret missions, and the sheer adrenaline of flying some of the most controversial jets in aviation history. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a history buff, this video offers a rare glimpse into a...

"Peachez" is a former F/A-18 turned F-16 fighter pilot. "Peachez" shares his journey of overcoming several hurdles to becoming a fighter pilot in the Navy and eventually an F-16 pilot in the Air National Guard. "Peachez" is a Top Gun Graduate and former instructor at the US Navy's West Coast Weapons school.

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Episode 94  @AfterburnPodcast  with host John "Rain" Waters and guest, retired U.S. Navy Captain Gene Moran. Capt (Ret) Moran, is a renowned national security expert and founder of Capitol Integration. His initiatives have been implemented by Congress, The President and the Executive branch. He is a multi-best-selling author and university professor, holds a PhD in Public Policy, and previously served as a Captain in the United States Navy, where he commanded both a cruiser and a destroyer.

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"Shuter" is a career fighter pilot in the Air National Guard who has also successfully navigated the world of business. We sat down at the annual Guns Garin Memorial Golf Tournament to hear a little about his path and accomplishments.

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Bro Chat 16.0 - From the Boeing debacle, flying fighters, emergencies, and more.

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Colonel Mark Cancian is a retired Marine with over 30 years of active and reserve service. He is a Senior Advisor for the Center for Strategic & International Studies. In this episode he discusses the results of a war game that simulated a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Ukraine conflict and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. 

Col Mark Cancian https://www.csis.org/people/mark-f-cancian 

War Game - https://www.csis.org/analysis/first-battle-next-war-wargaming-chinese-invasion-taiwan 

Coping with Surprise - Great Power Conflicts https://www.csis.org/analysis/coping-surprise-great-power-conflicts

Tradeoffs Between Israel - Taiwan - U...

As we roll into airshow season it is a great time to bump this back up the list. Shoutout to "Pako" over at the Merge Newsletter for bringing this together.

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"Cabo" is the former Commander and Pilot for the F-22 Demonstration team. Prior to his time on the F-22 Demo team, "Cabo" was a line fighter pilot in the F-22 and F-15C.

Find "Cabo" on IG or YT.

YT: @cabogunderson22

IG @cabogunderson

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"MET" is a career fighter pilot with over 4,000 hours in the mighty Viper. He has flown in support of Operation Allied Force, Operation Unified Protector, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. He is one of Denmark's most experienced fighter pilots and author.

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Find "MET" Here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/f16met/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@f16met

Books: https://www.forfatterforedrag.dk/thomas-kristensen.htm

Duration: 01:13:06

Louis "Shiner" Nolting rejoins the podcast to discuss Combat Search and Rescue, the new HH-60W and more. Check out his first episode, where "Shiner" recounts his deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, where he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

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This is a rebroadcast from episode 17 when "Shiner" joined the podcast to share his story. We dive deep into his two Distinguished Flying Crosses which he was awarded.

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"Alf" is a career fighter pilot and former Olympic athlete. We sat down at the annual Guns Garin Memorial Golf Tournament to chat F-16, Air Force, and "Guns" Garin.

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