The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

Beth Bailey and Mitch Parmentier

A podcast devoted to the history of aviation, told by the aviators who were in the cockpit. Lifting the curtain on fighter pilot culture, life in the squadron, important moments in Naval history, and the legendary aviators whose stories live on long after they departed for the great O-Club in the sky.

  1. 1d ago

    CDR Jerry 'Ribit' Merritt - Part 1 - F-8 Crusader to USAF exchange tour - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Commander Jerry 'Ribit' Merritt. In the first episode about his military career, Ribit takes us through his time as a pilot in the F-8 Crusader during the Vietnam War before discussing a USAF exchange tour and his transition to the F-14 Tomcat.About 'Ribit'Jerry Darious Merritt attended North Carolina Wesleyan University from 1964 to 1968, graduating with a BA in Mathematics. Jerry was on the ‘67 and ‘68 Bishops basketball team and was President Class of ‘68.Jerry joined the Navy in October 1968 and reported for pilot training in January 1969. After earning his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold, he reported to Meridian, MS for Instructor duty until July 1972 when he was assigned F-8 Fighter training in San Diego, CA. He reported to VF-194, deploying on USS Oriskany in October 1973 to the Gulf of Tonkin in support of post-Vietnam Combat operations. Jerry completed the last F-8 deployment on the USS Oriskany in 1975-1976.He continued his Naval career and flew and instructed in fighter jets almost his entire career. The highlight of his career was his selection to Command Fighter Squadron 43 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach. Like Top Gun, flying A-4’s and F-16’s, their mission was to train F-14 crews in air combat maneuvering tactics.Jerry’s next assignment was Operations Officer aboard USS Eisenhower, CVN-69. He retired as Commander from active duty Navy in June 1990 after 21 years of service. He accumulated over 5000 flight hours and 350 carrier landings.After retiring from the Navy, Jerry was hired by American Airlines and reported to Dallas, TX for training. He flew Boeing 727’s, 777’s and MD-80’s, retiring as Captain in August 2006 after 16 years of service.Jerry was employed for 15 years by defense contractors as a consultant on the Fifth Generation Fighters, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.Jerry has been a volunteer with the National Park Service for 15 years, volunteering at the Wright Brothers National Monument in Kitty Hawk, NC, giving briefs on the history and operation of the Wright Flyer.Jerry and his wife DeDe Sens, NCWC Class of 1971, live in Currituck, NC.About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  2. Jul 21

    LCDR Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber - Part 5 - Fighter Culture - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Lieutenant Commander Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber. In the fifth and final episode about his military career, Hooter talks about his transition into the civilian world and the fighter culture that is so much a part of aviation. Does anyone else think the carrier smells like bean soup?About 'Hooter'Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber commissioned from AOCS and received his wings in July 1979. He first flew the F-4 Phantom in VF-121 out of Fightertown, USA before becoming an instructor pilot in the TA-4J as an LSO. Hooter transitioned to the F-14 in 1986 and retired from the Navy in 1994.About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  3. Jul 14

    LCDR Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber - Part 4 - F-14 Tomcat years - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Lieutenant Commander Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber. In the fourth episode about his military career, Hooter tells stories about his time in the F-14 Tomcat. About 'Hooter'Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber commissioned from AOCS and received his wings in July 1979. He first flew the F-4 Phantom in VF-121 out of Fightertown, USA before becoming an instructor pilot in the TA-4J as an LSO. Hooter transitioned to the F-14 in 1986 and retired from the Navy in 1994.About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  4. Jul 7

    LCDR Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber - Part 3 - F-4 to TA-4J to Tomcat - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Lieutenant Commander Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber. In the third episode about Hooter's military career, we discuss his transition to being an instructor pilot in the TA-4J after flying the F-4 Phantom. We also cover his later transition to the F-14 Tomcat.About 'Hooter'Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber commissioned from AOCS and received his wings in July 1979. He first flew the F-4 Phantom in VF-121 out of Fightertown, USA before becoming an instructor pilot in the TA-4J as an LSO. Hooter transitioned to the F-14 in 1986 and retired from the Navy in 1994.About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  5. Jun 30

    LCDR Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber - Part 2 - Cold War in the Phantom - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Lieutenant Commander Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber. In the second episode about Hooter's military career, we discuss flying the F-4 Phantom during the Cold War, when trawlers followed the boat and Alert 5s were the norm, despite the squadron never entering a combat situationAbout 'Hooter'Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber commissioned from AOCS and received his wings in July 1979. He first flew the F-4 Phantom in VF-121 out of Fightertown, USA before becoming an instructor pilot in the TA-4J as an LSO. Hooter transitioned to the F-14 in 1986 and retired from the Navy in 1994.About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  6. Jun 23

    LCDR Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber - Part 1 - Flying the Phantom - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Lieutenant Commander Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber. In the first episode about Hooter's military career, we discuss his desire to become an astronaut, and the "other worldly" experience of first flying the Phantom. About 'Hooter' Jon 'Hooter' Schreiber commissioned from AOCS and received his wings in July 1979. He first flew the F-4 Phantom in VF-121 out of Fightertown, USA before becoming an instructor pilot in the TA-4J as an LSO. Hooter transitioned to the F-14 in 1986 and retired from the Navy in 1994. About the hosts:Mitch 'TACO' Parmentier has 16 years of experience with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). He has a longstanding love of aviation and history that he brings to the podcast.Beth Bailey was raised by F-14 Radar Intercept Officer Glen 'Wheels' Wheless and grew up around aviators and their unique brand of storytelling for most of her childhood. Beth worked in support of Afghanistan operations as a civilian intelligence analyst for the Department of the Army between 2010 and 2013. She is a freelance contributor to Fox News Digital and the Washington Examiner, and host of The Afghanistan Project Podcast.

  7. Jun 16

    CAPT Dan 'Darth' Cain - Part 5 - Task Force 20 and Iraq - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Captain Dan 'Darth' Cain. In the fifth and final episode about Darth's amazing career, we talk about his participation in Task Force 20, the initial foray into Iraq, and final thoughts on an incredible career.About Darth:Captain Dan Cain USN (Ret) was born in Lake City, FL. He served 6 years in the United States Marine Corps with a Vietnam tour in 1966-1967. He entered the Navy through the AOCS ,receiving his commission November 1974.Following his designation as a Naval Aviator, Cain reported to VS-33 in November 1975, making an extended Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). He next reported to VT-86, NAS Pensacola, Florida for Radar Intercept Officer Instructor duty. In April 1980, he traveled to "Fightertown USA", NASMiramar, California for F-14A transition training with the "Gunfighters" of VF-124.After being part of VF-211, VF-124, VF-191, VF-1, he was next assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two, as the Airwing Operations Officer from June 1988 to August 1990, and subsequently reported to the VF-21 "Freelancers" as Executive Officer, deployed aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) in the Indian Ocean for "Operation Desert Shield" and with USS Ranger (CV-61) and then back to CAG-2 for the strike planning of "Operation Desert Storm". In October 1991, he became Skipper of the "Fighting Freelancers", still assigned to the USS Independence (CV-62), permanently forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan. Cain completed his 11th cruise in fall 1992, culminating in leading the "Fighting Freelancers" over the skies of Iraq in the establishment of a "No-Fly" zone for the beginning of "Operation Southern Watch".January 1993 Cain became the staff Operations Officer for the Commander of the Pacific Fleet Fighters Squadrons, for their transition to the F-14D "Super Tomcat". Upon completion of this staff tour, he reported to the USS Constellation (CV-64) for a tour as the Air Boss accumulating two additional cruises. These sea tours added to a total of nine years at sea and to the equivalent of 14 cruises.In September 1995, Cain reported to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida for a joint service tour (J-8) as the Navy Deputy Director for the "All Service Combat Identification Evaluation Team" (ASCIET) then next as the JSOC Navy Director of a special program, “Joint Night Close Air Support Program.”Cain became the Executive Officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola, Florida where he was selected for Captain. He was then assigned to the staff of Commander Naval Education & Training as NROTC ProfessionalDevelopment Head.In Jan. 2003 Captain Cain was temporary reassigned overseas to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Task Force-20/Special Forces in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom”, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star and numerous campaign and Joint Forces unit awards for his role in highly classified operations.Operationally, Captain Dan Cain has accumulated more than 6000 flight hours in various fighter aircraft, with over 4200 hours in Tomcats, while accumulating over 1400 carrier landings. Captain Cain has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguish Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Gold Stars, Air Medal with 3 Strike/Flight and V, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star, Presidential Unit Citations, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citations, Good Conduct Medals (USMC), Expeditionary Medals, Humanitarian Service Medals, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and various campaign medals for military services covering the span of three wars.Captain Dan Cain has been married for 50 years to the former Kathy J. Williams of Pensacola, Florida and resides In Conroe, Texas

  8. Jun 9

    CAPT Dan 'Darth' Cain - Part 4 - In Japan as VF-21 Skipper - The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living

    Welcome to the Fighter Pilots’ Guide to Living. Today’s guest is retired Captain Dan 'Darth' Cain. In the fourth episode about Darth's amazing career, we talk about his tour in Atsugi, Japan as Skipper of VF-21, the Fighting FreelancersAbout Darth:Captain Dan Cain USN (Ret) was born in Lake City, Florida. He served 6 years in the United States Marine Corps with a Vietnam tour in 1966-1967. He entered the Navy through the AOCS ,receiving his commission November 1974.Following his designation as a Naval Aviator, Cain reported to VS-33 in November 1975, making an extended Western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployment on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). He next reported to VT-86, NAS Pensacola, Florida for Radar Intercept Officer Instructor duty. In April 1980, he traveled to "Fightertown USA", NASMiramar, California for F-14A transition training with the "Gunfighters" of VF-124.After being part of VF-211, VF-124, VF-191, VF-1, he was next assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two, as the Airwing Operations Officer from June 1988 to August 1990, and subsequently reported to the VF-21 "Freelancers" as Executive Officer, deployed aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) in the Indian Ocean for "Operation Desert Shield" and with USS Ranger (CV-61) and then back to CAG-2 for the strike planning of "Operation Desert Storm". In October 1991, he became Skipper of the "Fighting Freelancers", still assigned to the USS Independence (CV-62), permanently forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan. Cain completed his 11th cruise in fall 1992, culminating in leading the "Fighting Freelancers" over the skies of Iraq in the establishment of a "No-Fly" zone for the beginning of "Operation Southern Watch".January 1993 Cain became the staff Operations Officer for the Commander of the Pacific Fleet Fighters Squadrons, for their transition to the F-14D "Super Tomcat". Upon completion of this staff tour, he reported to the USS Constellation (CV-64) for a tour as the Air Boss accumulating two additional cruises. These sea tours added to a total of nine years at sea and to the equivalent of 14 cruises.In September 1995, Cain reported to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida for a joint service tour (J-8) as the Navy Deputy Director for the "All Service Combat Identification Evaluation Team" (ASCIET) then next as the JSOC Navy Director of a special program, “Joint Night Close Air Support Program.”Cain became the Executive Officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola, Florida where he was selected for Captain. He was then assigned to the staff of Commander Naval Education & Training as NROTC ProfessionalDevelopment Head.In Jan. 2003 Captain Cain was temporary reassigned overseas to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Task Force-20/Special Forces in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom”, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star and numerous campaign and Joint Forces unit awards for his role in highly classified operations.Operationally, Captain Dan Cain has accumulated more than 6000 flight hours in various fighter aircraft, with over 4200 hours in Tomcats, while accumulating over 1400 carrier landings. Captain Cain has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguish Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 GoldStars, Air Medal with 3 Strike/Flight and V, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star, Presidential Unit Citations, Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citations, Good Conduct Medals (USMC), Expeditionary Medals, Humanitarian Service Medals, Vietnam Cross ofGallantry with Gold Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm and various campaign medals for military services covering the span of three wars.Captain Dan Cain has been married for 50 years to the former Kathy J. Williams of Pensacola, Florida and resides In Conroe, Texas

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Ratings & Reviews

5
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4 Ratings

About

A podcast devoted to the history of aviation, told by the aviators who were in the cockpit. Lifting the curtain on fighter pilot culture, life in the squadron, important moments in Naval history, and the legendary aviators whose stories live on long after they departed for the great O-Club in the sky.

Information

  • Creator
    Beth Bailey and Mitch Parmentier
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Beth Bailey and Mitch Parmentier
  • Show Website
    The Fighter Pilots' Guide to Living