So There I Was Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon

Disco joins us to share tales from his thrilling experiences—from his days at OCS to piloting the AV-8B Harrier during the Gulf War and teaching both students and instructors in the Harrier Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). With his vivid storytelling, sharp wit, and infectious humor, Disco’s narratives will leave you clutching your sides in laughter. His legendary pranks, executed fearlessly on anyone, are just as memorable. If he hadn’t succeeded in aviation, Disco undoubtedly had a promising career in stand-up comedy, with all the makings of a star.

Note: Don't miss out on even more laughs! Head over to https://sothereiwas.us/patreon to join and hear two additional hilarious call sign stories not included here!



In this wild episode of our podcast, we dive into the wild and whimsical world of naval aviation call signs with Lobo, the famed author of "What's Your Call Sign?: The Hilarious Stories behind a Naval Aviation Tradition" Prepare to chuckle, gasp and sometimes howl outloud as we unveil eyebrow-raising tales from the skies. Imagine being dubbed 'LAMCHOP' or 'FUNGUS' by your fellow aviators. Hear about the tradition of kangaroo courts, where ridiculous fines and playful rules are the norms, certainly makes for some memorable nicknames!



Join us as we fly through a rollercoaster of quirky stories, including how one pilot ended up with the call sign 'Panda' after an unforgettable night in Thailand. Amid laughter, the discussion also touches on the cultural evolution post-Tailhook scandal, highlighting the unbreakable bonds and indispensable humor within the military community.



Our exploration doesn't stop there! We dive deeper into the realm of military call signs, revealing the humorous and unforgettable stories behind these monikers, often inspired by pilots' pranks and blunders. From near misses with power cables to transitioning between different helicopter types, our speakers share firsthand experiences that paint a vivid picture of both the challenges and triumphs in military aviation.



Tune in for a laughter-filled journey into the heart of naval aviation culture—where every call sign has a story, and every story is worth hearing!




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Buckle up for a jaunt through the skies with the dynamic duo Fig & RePete, known to the world as "Co-Horsts," as they prepare to take you on a slightly less than ordinary flight with Professor Hal Sundt. He's not just any guest; he's the mind behind "Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog," and he's about to drop some knowledge bombs about Pierre Sprey, the visionary behind the A-10 Warthog. Imagine, if you will, a man so devoted to the safety of ground troops that he conjured up an aircraft so robust, it’s practically a superhero of the skies, safeguarding lives for over five decades.



This episode isn't just a history lesson; it's an adventure that zigzags from the drawing boards where the A-10 was born to the heartfelt tributes to Mr. Sprey himself. Expect a journey filled with twists and turns, including a wild ride on an A-10 simulator that’s as close to flying as you can get without actually leaving the ground, and tank tests that seem to leap straight out of a movie scene.



So, if you’re in the mood for something that tickles your funny bone while enlightening you on the legendary A-10 Warthog and the remarkable people who brought it to life, Episode 102 is your ticket. Don’t forget to check out the merch store for some unique finds, get briefed with a nine-line, and snag a book recommendation that's as riveting as the episode. Ready for takeoff? This episode promises amusement and insights in equal measure, without a single dull moment from start to finish.

Episode 101 of our show, "Fun in the Mach Loop," promises a whirlwind of tales with our guest, "Sniper," affectionately also known as "Divot," a seasoned F-15 Strike Eagle pilot whose exploits in the skies are as thrilling as they are enlightening. From the nail-biting tension of being shadowed by French Mirages without diplomatic clearance to a dramatic engine failure over the North Sea, Sniper's stories transport listeners into the cockpit of one of the most formidable fighters in the air. Dive into the Mach Loop, a notorious training area, where Sniper's mastery of the Strike Eagle comes to life amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the UK. This episode isn't just about the adrenaline of low-level flying; it's a peek into the camaraderie that defines military aviation, the strategic nuances of international airspace, and the profound respect between the different branches of the military. Whether it's giving a Marine a ride in Italy and discovering the stark contrasts in their living conditions or cheekily navigating international tensions, Sniper's tales are a tribute to the skill, bravery, and humor that define the life of a fighter pilot. Strap in for "Fun in the Mach Loop" – it's going to be an unforgettable flight!








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Welcome to So There I Was episode 100!!! This week's title is short for, My Girlfriend, Now Wife, She’s a Keeper is a testament to persistence, love, and the unexpected journeys life can throw our way. In this episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Woody, who began his career in the skies as a load master. With every cargo secured and every flight a new lesson, his dreams of becoming a pilot seemed a distant star in the vast aviation universe.



Yet, despite numerous obstacles that threatened to ground his aspirations permanently, his unyielding persistence proved to be his greatest ally. Through the highs and lows, one constant remained: his then-girlfriend, now his wife, whose unwavering support and belief in him never faltered. Join us as we explore how his perseverance transformed potential setbacks into stepping stones towards achieving his dreams, proving that sometimes, the most challenging paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Meet retired Marine Drill Instructor "JC," the man who turned terrorizing into an art form for officer candidates dreaming of the skies! In his time, JC wasn't just flying high as a Marine Plane Captain in an F-4 Phantom Squadron or mastering the systems as a Flight Engineer on the KC-130. Oh no, he was also the gatekeeper of dreams at the Navy’s Aviation Officers' Candidate School in Pensacola.



Imagine trying to become a naval aviator with JC as your personal obstacle course! In his rollicking book, "The Pressure Cooker: Forging Naval Officers Through Marine Leadership," JC recounts 240 hilarious and hair-raising stories from naval officers who somehow survived his drill sergeant tactics to earn their Ensign’s bars. These tales aren't just stories; they're rites of passage, signed, sealed, and delivered by the king of the candidate gauntlet himself. Want a peek into what it takes to soar through the ranks (and survive JC’s legendary "guidance")? Buckle up, and grab a copy. Your flight lesson into the awe-inspiring begins now!