So There I Was Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon

Named after Scrabble's podcast, this week we feature a dynamic conversation with British Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilot, Scrabble.



The episode blends humor, aviation tales, and insights into the life and experiences of a Royal Navy Harrier pilot. He shared stories from his aviation career, discussing the unique challenges and exhilarations of flying the Sea Harrier, including stories of engine an failure and a canopy shattering.



He also touched on his passion for gliding, highlighting the thrill of flying without an engine and participating in competitive glider races around the world.



We also delved into his efforts to help other pilots through his businesses, Flight Deck Wingman and Flight School Wingman, which assist pilots in navigating the complexities of airline recruitment processes.




Screenshot















Flight Deck Wingman & Flight School Wingman

In this episode of "So There I Was," we meet Messman, a former Navy P-3 Naval Flight Officer and a riveting storyteller with experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode features Messman's harrowing and often humorous tales from his time as a naval flight officer and beyond.



Right from the start, Messman's vibrant personality and candid storytelling grip you. He shares gritty details from his service in the 1960s, providing an authentic slice of military life during tumultuous times. His stories are filled with the rough-and-tumble of service life, complete with the candid and explicit language that marked the era, earning this podcast its explicit rating.



Messman recounts episodes that are as nerve-wracking as they are uproarious. From narrowly escaping death multiple times in a single flight to humorous and human interactions with Air Traffic controllers and fellow servicemen, his stories resonate with authenticity and a raw edge that's rare.



This episode is more than just recounting tales of past glories; it's a reflection on resilience, quick thinking, and the often-overlooked aspects of military camaraderie. Messman's storytelling doesn't just paint a picture of a man who has lived through extraordinary circumstances; it also offers listeners a vivid portrayal of the era's cultural and social milieu, bringing history to life through personal recollection.








Wings of My Father Book Cover



Screenshot

Swede joins us to talk about his Naval Career from The Boat School (USNA) to flying in the Patrol Navy. Some Amazing and hilarious stories are in this week's show throughout. Don't miss hearing about his near bail-out of a T-34 or how he got his callsign! Strap in and don't sit on the condition lever! Swede will keep us straight & level!

Hold on to your hats, because this week on So There I Was, we've got a guest who’s practically done it all. Fig and RePete are thrilled to welcome Paco to the cockpit as he takes us through his incredible journey from becoming a Navy Attack Pilot to soaring through the skies as a Navy Fighter Pilot.



Ever wondered what it's like to stare death in the face and live to tell the tale? Well, Paco's got a hair-raising story about a near-death experience in an F-5 that'll have you on the edge of your seat. And let's not forget the cherry on top – how he scored his own 'private parking spot' on Kemo's six-o'clock! (Yes, you heard that right – we're talking about a dogfight to remember).



So, buckle up and prepare for some high-flying hijinks, close calls, and plenty of laughs as Paco joins us for an episode that promises to be as thrilling as it is hilarious. Tune in to hear Fig and RePete navigate through Paco's wild ride in the sky and find out why he's the talk of the town – or should we say, the talk of the tarmac!



Don't miss it – Episode 114 of So There I Was is taking off now!

Cory Crowell, a former curator at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, joins us to share some of the many encounters he had with legends of history and aviation. From General Jimmy Doolittle to Neil Armstrong and even our friend from Episode 54, Brian Shul, Cory delivers the human side of these legendary aviators and his encounters with them during his 20 years at the museum. Join us to hear these amazing and heart-warming tales of people who made history as Cory makes some of their history more personal and real.








Ray Crowell, Master Modelmaker, and his Ryan B-5 on display in the museum. 1981.



WWII ace, Blue Angel CO, and interim museum Director. 1953, 1980. Ray Cormier



Ray Cormier



Astronaut Wally Schirra demonstrated the redesigned hatch on Apollo VII. 1968.



Father, Ray Crowell, founder and 20-year supervisor of the museum's Model Shop. 1980







My father, w/ trophy from the Air Force, & Atlas base activation crew. 1962.



Mercury astronauts Wally Schirra[L] and Alan Shepard enjoy a beverage at one of our museum fundraisers.







Neil Armstrong filming in our Wright Flyer diorama. 1991.















I loved painting 'nose art', the flags on the Spirit of St. Louis was my favorite project. [Detail: the circular area on British Honduras is the diameter of a quarter!







Still wearing helmet/goggles: 30 years old, flying out to the 'Connie' for my first arrested landing. [Inset: 9 yrs old]



(L-R) Museum President Bill, volunteer Josef and Ada Winkler, my father, Ray, and Larry, Josef's mentor.



My first biplane ride, Merced, CA. I was 9

Spook joins us to talk about becoming a Marine pilot, Reuniting with Fig after 37 years, Flying the Hornet in the Marines and the Royal Australian Air Force. Find out why he chose the Marines over the Air Force and the Navy. Find out how he got his callsign. Learn that he has video proof that HE was the one to shoot down a drone tractor. Hear how he placed in a race he wasn't even in. Find out why he was grounded on his 1000th hour in the Hornet - and why he became the Supreme Commander of Marine Forces, Northern Australia. All this and more in a great week with another great aviator!