Ryan, thanks for having me on. I'm certainly not the most accomplished, nor the best pilot out there. However, if nothing else, I hope the takeaway is that with hard work, there are opportunities out there for everyone - never give up!
It was an honor to have you on there brother. Thank you for the time and being open about the highs and lows. I wish we'd flown together at some point!
Ryan when you started talking about F15s and immediately got into all the gritty details about the weapons and guns and how you do strafing runs, the confident professional in you came shining through. I can totally understand how you have gone so far. Your story was the most entertaining I've heard on this channel, and I've seen dozens, but never commented before. I know I'm just some guy on the Internet who loves airplanes, but I hope one day our paths cross so that I can buy you a beer and shoot the shit, since I'm sure you've got lots of crazy stories to tell. I'm seriously jealous of the path you've taken and I wish you continued luck and success in the future - you certainly deserve it!
I thought it would be a monotone bland video about a fighter pilot’s life. Instead, it is the most fascinating story I have heard in many a long year. Thank you so much for sharing Mr Ryan.
Non military here, just want to let you know that your story is an amazing inspiration for others about the power of persistence and having a laser focus on what you want to do. Makes me wish I could redo my post- high school life and strive hard to be a pilot which is what I really wanted
This was great, I love hearing a true unabashed story with all the humility and character you admire in someone who worked hard to get where they are. Really have a lot respect for guys like this. Thank you for sharing!
Retired MC-130P Flight Engineer flying on the CSAR "King" mission. Decade Army (Infantry to Aviation Mx to Air Force) and the last 13 as a CSAR Aviator. I retired the very last MC-130P for my FIni, and then pulled chocks myself a few weeks before the lockdowns. Storytime with Uncle Stinger was an excellent episode of an excellent podcast. Stinger...I have a Battle Bro that was on deck for one of the stories you recounted, and an ODA little brother that was in the neighborhood as well. So, you were looking out for my folks on deck, and we exist to look out for you as well, worldwide. Not a DAMNED ting would EVER stop us from coming out to snag you up and bring you home, so long as there was a single breath of air left in our lungs.. Once your callsign turns to "Jack", your CSAR homies would politely put God on hold if He called, and wouldn't pick it back up to answer until we had YOU (and Goose) home safe, sipping an Appletini' with that pinky waving high in the air like a BOSS. Talking about knowing that the Golden BB might be imminent this day is a feeling I resonate with well (TOO well), and we can beer over a few of those stories one day. It's a small world...I'm quite sure you'll end up with an opportunity to buy me a beer or 12 one of these days ;-) Flying my 46 Aeronca 7-AC now, which is fabric and slow and robabky the only thing that F-35 can't smoke (rumor has it they defeated an F-4 with a J-3 cub once upon an experimental afternoon to settle a Heritage Room wager) You had a to of solid stuff in your story and you have exactly the right memoir notes to use when you move into a leadership position that really requires you to have things with which to solidly connect to the youngsters and make them WANT to hear what you have to say. That lifeguard shift, mackin' on the cutie, which rhymes with abdicating your duty...was a story I was very impressed to hear you admit and use as a learning experience and teachable moment. I have had a few similar moments that I bought and paid for full tilt as well, and I try my bet to make them into relatable teaching tools. Humble Pie, my Brother. Lesser men do NOT carry those moments in their ruck for life. I can hear in your story that you will indeed carry that one all the way through I don't miss Big Blue, but do miss all of you. All y'all with Leather jackets. (no, Space weenies do not count). Great episode fellaz. Appreciate you both. "Farva" (RET) West Coast Rescue
@@trumanmiller94 Insanely better Men than myself used to exit the ramp and door of my bird nearly 1,000 mikes off the Pacific Coast. They belong on the show LONG before me. Some of the finest human I'll ever know. And they are, EVERY ONE, confused enough to this day to look at ME.... ...and call me "Brother" 5without hesitation, and mean it 1,000% As if I were ... even 1/10th ... a Man of that caliber. "These Things We Do, That Others May Live"
This one was a walk down memory lane for me. I've had my butt saved a couple of times by guys like Ryan who are willing to drop danger close and thread that needle when we are on a TIC. Yes, we end up with our bell rung and maybe a nose bleed but it's a lot better then alternative. I watched our JTAC walk a F-15 on to the target which was a group of ISIS fighters with a dishka making our lives miserable. We were 50 meters away in a sewer ditch. The pilot put this bomb right on the money and it rained a mess on top of us but we didnt have anymore fire from the smoking hole that was once there fighting position. Thanks to Ryan and all the other fighter pilots and Apache pilots who risked it all to be there when we needed them the most.
What an unbelievable story. This rates up there with your top interviews. It is almost like a pilot story from the 1920's and 1930's. I would have said that a path into fighters like this was absolutely not possible anymore and once again I would be wrong. Ryan really does show the value of perseverance.
I absolutely love every single episode of Combat Story, this one though has to be my favorite. Just incredible detail. I love to read books from veterans but to watch and actually hear them from themselves is truly incredible. Thanks for doing what you do Ryan. Thanks to all who have and will share their experiences. Please keep them coming.
AMAZING life story....of OVERCOMING adversity, challenges, and....prevailing. THIS story should be told in high-schools nationally.....proving that you CAN change your life trajectory, but it takes EFFORT and personal responsibility. FWIW: very similar story to my dad's a USAF fighter pilot: was in his 2nd. year of college- quit to join the war effort/Korea. Because he didn't have a degree- he couldn't be an officer. He started as a private, was a crew chief on B-17's/25's.....eventually got accepted into Offficer Candidate School, accepted into flight school, and got his wings: T-28, T-33, F-84, F-86, F-100, F-104-, A1-E Skyraider. For me, what's amazing is this: About 20 years ago we're going thru some old B/W photos; I see a guy with his shirt off, in a ditch, digging w/ a shovel. I say..."Who's this dude?". Dad: "That's me- and where I started. The three best things I ever did was....meeting your mom, joining the Air Force, and being a fighter pilot." He's 93 this April- still sharp, and still the right stuff. ps: two UK tours as an AF brat, including Lakenheath and Upper-Heyford. His office walls are all patches, medals, and beer mugs....from EVERY squadron he served with, 29 years worth.
Man! The story of just getting to OTS was a great story in itself. Then he goes into the Syria operations and I was visualizing everything in the air and on the ground as he was describing it. Thank you, Stinger and Ryan, for this one! I'm proud that we have Stinger as a pilot in the USAF. He's one smart and humble dude. I hope with his experience and knowledge, he is flying those jets for many more years.
I love this guy!!! Reading a POH on a king air and a 421 on the ride out to pick them up. Freakin awesome man!!! I’m a pilot myself and these stories are great!!!
Ryan , I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your podcast. I listen to it religiously when I’m driving to work and on my days off whilst operating my skid steer at the ranch . I never served in the military, but I’ve been a civil servant for the last 21 years. Your format and content is bar none . Thank you and all of your guests for your past service, and for what y’all continue to do. Please keep up the good work!
Both "Ryans;" I am 76, (lottery number 62) no military experience, but military refused my faith based insistent offer to enlist in the Navy then to the USMC as a corpsman, but that does not make me judgmental about those I would have been treating an I would have defended my patient with deadly force. I honor your, both, sacrifice for me and the nation. I consider both and all veterans, active and retired, to be very special people, as I said, "honored" saviors of every American.
This dudes story is friggin epic. Just flying with Snort and Paco itself is bad ass. I wish I could have heard this story when I was a kid, there's so many parallels. Another home run, Ryan...keep em coming.
He just glossed over the fact he’s going to fly F35s. From a guy that fought his way in to be a pilot to going to the most advanced fighter jet is pretty amazing. What a great episode.
@bluefridge7923 easy to fly….hhmmm….easy to fly was a capability way beyond the female F35 pilot who recently crashed and wrote off a brand new F35 on her very first deck landing and ended up in the sea.
@blue fridge the idea is to allow the pilot to spend most of his time figuring out the situation and taking decisions with the least amount of pressure. The pilot of an older MiG on the other hand will have to spend most of the time flying his plane, nursing the engines and actually figuring out who is where and all that from just some dials and odd lamps.
Just stumbled onto this and found it a great watch. As an old retired F-14 RIO who was in DS I could relate so much to his experiences. These types of stories need to be promulgated more. I wish him well as he transitions into the F-35.
I thought for sure this interview and story would suck! Let me tell you this guy is incredible! A hustler, a pimp, a total G! Great story and America's Best! Damn, knocked outta the park with this...I noticed when you were blown away by his story!
No Roll Call in my Navy days - but it all hands on deck at the O'Club on Friday after flying, rolling dice and losing meant buy a round - 20 to 30 beers might cost $5.00
Ryan, thank you. This is one of my top interviews of all podcasts ever. I was an Air Force Fire Fighter at a base where F-15's were the primary platform. They're amazing machines. Your stories are fantastic to hear, and you're an amazing storyteller. That Russian intercept story... wooh! Thanks for everything. Good luck in the future!!
I’m a huge fan boy of the A10 it’s a life saver and death bringer, grateful for it..I grew up a airforce brat, being at the bases seeing the planes every day, you never think later in life you’d see them in combat..
Ryan seems like such a humble and down to earth guy. It sounds like his tough life experiences is what shaped him in to the pilot he is. That Syria story was intense and I’m sure his past experiences and his journey game him those nerves of steel.
Long time listener, first time commenting...Ryan Fishel...he epitomizes the "American Dream" of a military aviator! A man with many admitted stumbles along his path to becoming an amazing aviator! Great story of perseverance and a good story teller of a complicated life. I was an AW in the 90's in HS-15 in H'3s and H60s and definitely miss the camaraderie! Keep up the great interviews!
My father was the flight engineer on a C-130 in Vietnam. We were blessed he came home. But he never spoke of his missions. I know of 1 story about him. He carried a tire iron in his tool kit. And took a lot of ribbing from his buddies about carrying it. It came in handy once when the landing gear got stuck. He crawled down into the landing gear .....and used his tire iron and released the gear. One constant thread through out his life I will never forget was he could fix anything. I like watching your interviews for 2 reasons, Im reminded of my Dad and what it must have been like for him and second I feel safe knowing these brave men and women are out there protecting me and my family and my country. Thank you for your service just doesnt cut it. I am truly grateful. RIP Dad
Facts. Plus hearing about how these guys aren't just GIJoes who are just the best of the best and also do some pretty dumb stuff or get into bad situations is always a treat.
I love this show. Still, respectfully, this is definitely one of my favorite episodes. Keep doing this, so I can keep watching. Again, great show, my friend.
Awesome! I was in avionics in the 1980’s that had just started to design multi-layer circuit boards. I am looking at jaw-dropping technology that is still evolving up and beyond. Thank you for sharing your great accomplishments, Ryan (Stinger). My husband and I are airshow junkies. I am 70 and I still love these aircraft!
Epic story! 🤙 I definitely see God’s grace on this dude. Hope those crazy sketchy flying stories are all behind him now and he finishes out his military service strong, in one piece and able to pass along his combat aviation knowledge to those coming after him who will need it. Awesome interview!!!
My favorite so far. The best fighter stories I e heard to date! Keep ‘em coming man! And btw I never realized we were doing stuff in Syria?!? All I ever heard/and hear about is Afghanistan and Iraq. Btw the F22 guys saying they were excited made me chuckle. Haha
My brother-in-law was an F-15E pilot. He flew in four wars. He was stationed at Lakenheath in England, twice, for a total of nine years. Ret. Lt. Colonel Ward W. Severts ("Wardo"). Now deceased. We miss him terribly. Thank you for this story, and I appreciate your service. I was born on an Air Force Base and grew up on them. My dad is a retired Lt. Colonel and is now 92 and he is still amazing. My favorite base was Barksdale, AFB. I loved our house, and my dog today is named Barksdale.
Ryan, incredible job I I never would have made it through ERAU without the serious help of my friend who ended up becoming a Colonel in the USAF you rock. As for me I just drive a backhoe. Thankyou
Built a lot of bombs fo Strike Eagles, got a backseat ride @ Combat Hammer in 09. I spent 15 of my 20 year career at SJ. Once your get to be an AMMO troop for E models, doesn't seem right to drop back down to any other airframe. I've been Chiefed and WFFFR'd many times, PSAB 1x Incirlik 2x, AUAB 3x, & Bagram 3x. Love to hear the terminal side of how our AMMO got employed after we put it together. I got a good laugh out of how the EOR crew thought the -120 fell off typical Toads ha. Thanks to both of you for sharing these experiences. Brought back fond memories from deployments & TDY's working with air crews on capabilities of the iron & how we could better the effects and precision & reliability to ensure air cover to our ground forces. My crew built the first LOCO's @ BAF in 11-12. IYAAYAS
@Combat Story Thanks for a Great video from an old n crusty ex British army JTAC. Stinger gives a brilliant insight on how he felt whilst in Syria. It hit home when he said he will feel strange knowing that his fingers had dropped ordinance that in turn had killed people. The thing is I was having the EXACT thoughts when giving a 9 line to a jet/arty/mortar crew that in turn I will kill people. Good to know that they guy in the jet had the same exact thoughts. I was in Desert Storm, Bosnia/Kosovo prior to the GWOT, these were the days when you wouldn’t of even received permission for a strike a mere 35 meters away from your own position. The net would of been red hot just at the mention of it lol 😂
Awesome Interview!!!! Makes me wonder how many times Stinger has flown over my home, the F-15 from SJAFB Fly over my house just about every day and even though im 46 it is still the most FRIGGIN AWESOME thing to see, hear and feel a pair of Eagles screaming over the yard in Burner. The F-15 is my favorite Jet powder Warbird. It used to be the F-4 and i remember F-4's from SJAFB flying over the School when i was little, with all that black smoke pouring out the back of em and the amazing sound they made. Well slowly as SJAFB changed from the F-4 to the F-15 it slowly changed as my favorite Modern Warbird. My favorite Warbird its a tie between the BearCat & CoursAir. My Uncle was in the Navy during WW2 well hearing all his stories the CoursAir was and still is my favorite with the BearCat, even though the BearCat didn't get to fight during that time.
I've been Homeless on and off since 1985 or so,and now I'm studying like mad to become a pilot ....I'm aiming for PPL when the studying has rebooted my brain sufficiently,and then I'll see
As a kid of the 80’s Soldier of Fortune magazine definitely made guys join the military. If it’s even possible, I would love to see a podcast with a SOF writer who wrote on several conflicts.
What a story !! WOW! Was cool to hear Snort's name mentioned. This guys story is as close to unbelievable as one could possibly get when we are talking about getting into an F-15 let alone one of the most advanced weapon systems on the face of planet Earth!
I wanna thank any of our amazing veterans for their service no words can express my appreciation and respect for u all ur the true heros were blessed for the military we have 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Wow an awesome story and a cool career. A humble family man doing his job well. I had my share of sketchy flights in my time. One time I flew across america when I was a kid in a 52 170B. Ended up flying up the east coast right before Hurricane Sandy (2012) made landfall in NY/NJ. Did it for my IFR training and some CPL time. We took off VFR at dawn out of Jersey Regional to avoid the storm on the last day. 10m after takeoff NJ/NY transmitted the NOTAM closing all airports in the state. When we got to cloud base we picked up an IFR clearance in the air from Newark and they asked us 'CANADIAN CESSNA CAN YOU CLIMB ANY DANG FASTER? ' we of course could not, so our last instruction was 'I'm busy. You're on your own' gave us a northerly vector and sent us on our way. Hell of a ground speed for a plane that we just flew grounding 75kts from Niagara Falls to Los Angeles.
Fascinating. It came up as “up next” and I let it run. I thought it would just be a monotone rambling of a fighter jet pilot but actually it is riveting listen that you can picture in your head. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never seen this channel before, it takes a lot for me to listen, I’m a DVET, and done my tour, im a speed junky, even though I’m in a wheelchair I still like going fast..
This guy doesn't look old enough to do any of this. But he's been running with his hair on fire his whole adult life. He was either going to end up a fighter pilot or an inmate
Good show, Job, I learned early "It's easier to apologize than ask for permission.".... this proves it. Finial question, I would do all my life over again, at 70 years old. would have saved a little more money and "if" I knew I would have lived this long,.... taken better care of myself. All gave some, some gave All.....
I think him and I were stationed in the same place in Southwest Asia. Especially if he knows call signs Glock and Blaze. By the way I love your podcast. I'd love to hear a fellow combat medic give their story.
Amazing testimony Ryan, hoping that after it’s all said and done that you can look back and see Gods hand in it all and reconcile the past with your parents and thank them for there prayers over your life. And I thank you, and all service men and women for there service. Jesus saves…
Man that stuff about locking up the SU-34 and SU-30 after doing CAS while taking AAA is fucking crazy. Really hope he writes a book one day once he’s out. Also I would love to see some of that pod footage hahaha
Drop out of college, ran out of fuel on one tank, dead stick landing at night at an airport not on his flight plan...... Is this what the airforce looks for? 🤣😂 And it just got crazier.
If you get past Ryan's war stories (which are impressive by themselves), I'm guessing we're getting a great look into what the US Government looks for in a pilot: High IQ? Check. Willingness to take calculated risks? Check. Self awareness? Check. Time slows down during chaos? Check. Compartmentalize Fear? Check. Objective application of lessons from previous experiences? Check. I'm good with Ryan flying an $80M asset and and I'm guessing the other subscribers are too.
Ryan, thanks for having me on. I'm certainly not the most accomplished, nor the best pilot out there. However, if nothing else, I hope the takeaway is that with hard work, there are opportunities out there for everyone - never give up!
It was an honor to have you on there brother. Thank you for the time and being open about the highs and lows. I wish we'd flown together at some point!
Ryan when you started talking about F15s and immediately got into all the gritty details about the weapons and guns and how you do strafing runs, the confident professional in you came shining through. I can totally understand how you have gone so far.
Your story was the most entertaining I've heard on this channel, and I've seen dozens, but never commented before.
I know I'm just some guy on the Internet who loves airplanes, but I hope one day our paths cross so that I can buy you a beer and shoot the shit, since I'm sure you've got lots of crazy stories to tell.
I'm seriously jealous of the path you've taken and I wish you continued luck and success in the future - you certainly deserve it!
I thought it would be a monotone bland video about a fighter pilot’s life. Instead, it is the most fascinating story I have heard in many a long year. Thank you so much for sharing Mr Ryan.
Non military here, just want to let you know that your story is an amazing inspiration for others about the power of persistence and having a laser focus on what you want to do. Makes me wish I could redo my post- high school life and strive hard to be a pilot which is what I really wanted
This was great, I love hearing a true unabashed story with all the humility and character you admire in someone who worked hard to get where they are.
Really have a lot respect for guys like this. Thank you for sharing!
Retired MC-130P Flight Engineer flying on the CSAR "King" mission. Decade Army (Infantry to Aviation Mx to Air Force) and the last 13 as a CSAR Aviator. I retired the very last MC-130P for my FIni, and then pulled chocks myself a few weeks before the lockdowns.
Storytime with Uncle Stinger was an excellent episode of an excellent podcast.
Stinger...I have a Battle Bro that was on deck for one of the stories you recounted, and an ODA little brother that was in the neighborhood as well.
So, you were looking out for my folks on deck, and we exist to look out for you as well, worldwide. Not a DAMNED ting would EVER stop us from coming out to snag you up and bring you home, so long as there was a single breath of air left in our lungs.. Once your callsign turns to "Jack", your CSAR homies would politely put God on hold if He called, and wouldn't pick it back up to answer until we had YOU (and Goose) home safe, sipping an Appletini' with that pinky waving high in the air like a BOSS.
Talking about knowing that the Golden BB might be imminent this day is a feeling I resonate with well (TOO well), and we can beer over a few of those stories one day. It's a small world...I'm quite sure you'll end up with an opportunity to buy me a beer or 12 one of these days ;-)
Flying my 46 Aeronca 7-AC now, which is fabric and slow and robabky the only thing that F-35 can't smoke (rumor has it they defeated an F-4 with a J-3 cub once upon an experimental afternoon to settle a Heritage Room wager)
You had a to of solid stuff in your story and you have exactly the right memoir notes to use when you move into a leadership position that really requires you to have things with which to solidly connect to the youngsters and make them WANT to hear what you have to say.
That lifeguard shift, mackin' on the cutie, which rhymes with abdicating your duty...was a story I was very impressed to hear you admit and use as a learning experience and teachable moment.
I have had a few similar moments that I bought and paid for full tilt as well, and I try my bet to make them into relatable teaching tools. Humble Pie, my Brother. Lesser men do NOT carry those moments in their ruck for life. I can hear in your story that you will indeed carry that one all the way through
I don't miss Big Blue, but do miss all of you. All y'all with Leather jackets. (no, Space weenies do not count).
Great episode fellaz. Appreciate you both.
"Farva" (RET)
West Coast Rescue
Sounds like you need to be on the podcast man
@@trumanmiller94 Insanely better Men than myself used to exit the ramp and door of my bird nearly 1,000 mikes off the Pacific Coast.
They belong on the show LONG before me.
Some of the finest human I'll ever know.
And they are, EVERY ONE, confused enough to this day to look at ME....
...and call me "Brother" 5without hesitation, and mean it 1,000%
As if I were ... even 1/10th ... a Man of that caliber.
"These Things We Do, That Others May Live"
This one was a walk down memory lane for me. I've had my butt saved a couple of times by guys like Ryan who are willing to drop danger close and thread that needle when we are on a TIC. Yes, we end up with our bell rung and maybe a nose bleed but it's a lot better then alternative. I watched our JTAC walk a F-15 on to the target which was a group of ISIS fighters with a dishka making our lives miserable. We were 50 meters away in a sewer ditch. The pilot put this bomb right on the money and it rained a mess on top of us but we didnt have anymore fire from the smoking hole that was once there fighting position. Thanks to Ryan and all the other fighter pilots and Apache pilots who risked it all to be there when we needed them the most.
ขอชชฃ
What an unbelievable story. This rates up there with your top interviews. It is almost like a pilot story from the 1920's and 1930's. I would have said that a path into fighters like this was absolutely not possible anymore and once again I would be wrong. Ryan really does show the value of perseverance.
I absolutely love every single episode of Combat Story, this one though has to be my favorite. Just incredible detail. I love to read books from veterans but to watch and actually hear them from themselves is truly incredible. Thanks for doing what you do Ryan. Thanks to all who have and will share their experiences. Please keep them coming.
AMAZING life story....of OVERCOMING adversity, challenges, and....prevailing. THIS story should be told in high-schools nationally.....proving that you CAN change your life trajectory, but it takes EFFORT and personal responsibility.
FWIW: very similar story to my dad's a USAF fighter pilot: was in his 2nd. year of college- quit to join the war effort/Korea. Because he didn't have a degree- he couldn't be an officer. He started as a private, was a crew chief on B-17's/25's.....eventually got accepted into Offficer Candidate School, accepted into flight school, and got his wings: T-28, T-33, F-84, F-86, F-100, F-104-, A1-E Skyraider. For me, what's amazing is this: About 20 years ago we're going thru some old B/W photos; I see a guy with his shirt off, in a ditch, digging w/ a shovel. I say..."Who's this dude?". Dad: "That's me-
and where I started. The three best things I ever did was....meeting your mom, joining the Air Force, and being a fighter pilot." He's 93 this April- still sharp, and still the right stuff.
ps: two UK tours as an AF brat, including Lakenheath and Upper-Heyford. His office walls are all patches, medals, and beer mugs....from EVERY squadron he served with, 29 years worth.
Man! The story of just getting to OTS was a great story in itself. Then he goes into the Syria operations and I was visualizing everything in the air and on the ground as he was describing it. Thank you, Stinger and Ryan, for this one! I'm proud that we have Stinger as a pilot in the USAF. He's one smart and humble dude. I hope with his experience and knowledge, he is flying those jets for many more years.
I love this guy!!! Reading a POH on a king air and a 421 on the ride out to pick them up. Freakin awesome man!!! I’m a pilot myself and these stories are great!!!
Ryan , I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your podcast. I listen to it religiously when I’m driving to work and on my days off whilst operating my skid steer at the ranch .
I never served in the military, but I’ve been a civil servant for the last 21 years.
Your format and content is bar none . Thank you and all of your guests for your past service, and for what y’all continue to do. Please keep up the good work!
Awesome to hear his story. My Dad flew the A-7D and once in awhile will tell some stories of being a fighter/attack pilot for the USAF.
Thank him for his service!
Both "Ryans;" I am 76, (lottery number 62) no military experience, but military refused my faith based insistent offer to enlist in the Navy then to the USMC as a corpsman, but that does not make me judgmental about those I would have been treating an I would have defended my patient with deadly force. I honor your, both, sacrifice for me and the nation. I consider both and all veterans, active and retired, to be very special people, as I said, "honored" saviors of every American.
This dudes story is friggin epic. Just flying with Snort and Paco itself is bad ass. I wish I could have heard this story when I was a kid, there's so many parallels.
Another home run, Ryan...keep em coming.
He just glossed over the fact he’s going to fly F35s. From a guy that fought his way in to be a pilot to going to the most advanced fighter jet is pretty amazing. What a great episode.
@bluefridge7923 easy to fly….hhmmm….easy to fly was a capability way beyond the female F35 pilot who recently crashed and wrote off a brand new F35 on her very first deck landing and ended up in the sea.
@blue fridge the idea is to allow the pilot to spend most of his time figuring out the situation and taking decisions with the least amount of pressure.
The pilot of an older MiG on the other hand will have to spend most of the time flying his plane, nursing the engines and actually figuring out who is where and all that from just some dials and odd lamps.
Bwahahahaaaaaa @ f35
Thank you so much for the interview, this guy is truly a legend! Godspeed
Just stumbled onto this and found it a great watch. As an old retired F-14 RIO who was in DS I could relate so much to his experiences. These types of stories need to be promulgated more. I wish him well as he transitions into the F-35.
I thought for sure this interview and story would suck! Let me tell you this guy is incredible! A hustler, a pimp, a total G! Great story and America's Best! Damn, knocked outta the park with this...I noticed when you were blown away by his story!
No Roll Call in my Navy days - but it all hands on deck at the O'Club on Friday after flying, rolling dice and losing meant buy a round - 20 to 30 beers might cost $5.00
Ryan, thank you. This is one of my top interviews of all podcasts ever. I was an Air Force Fire Fighter at a base where F-15's were the primary platform. They're amazing machines. Your stories are fantastic to hear, and you're an amazing storyteller. That Russian intercept story... wooh! Thanks for everything. Good luck in the future!!
This guys story is amazing best episode yet.
I’m a huge fan boy of the A10 it’s a life saver and death bringer, grateful for it..I grew up a airforce brat, being at the bases seeing the planes every day, you never think later in life you’d see them in combat..
This guy is such a legend!
Ryan seems like such a humble and down to earth guy. It sounds like his tough life experiences is what shaped him in to the pilot he is. That Syria story was intense and I’m sure his past experiences and his journey game him those nerves of steel.
Long time listener, first time commenting...Ryan Fishel...he epitomizes the "American Dream" of a military aviator! A man with many admitted stumbles along his path to becoming an amazing aviator! Great story of perseverance and a good story teller of a complicated life. I was an AW in the 90's in HS-15 in H'3s and H60s and definitely miss the camaraderie! Keep up the great interviews!
My father was the flight engineer on a C-130 in Vietnam. We were blessed he came home. But he never spoke of his missions. I know of 1 story about him. He carried a tire iron in his tool kit. And took a lot of ribbing from his buddies about carrying it. It came in handy once when the landing gear got stuck. He crawled down into the landing gear .....and used his tire iron and released the gear. One constant thread through out his life I will never forget was he could fix anything. I like watching your interviews for 2 reasons, Im reminded of my Dad and what it must have been like for him and second I feel safe knowing these brave men and women are out there protecting me and my family and my country. Thank you for your service just doesnt cut it. I am truly grateful. RIP Dad
Very inspirational story and his unabashed transparency is very commendable. 🙏
Indeed
Absolutely. I wish I could have made my comment as articulate as you.
Yesssss! ill never get enough of the pilot interviews
War is not family friendly. You should encourage these guys to hold nothing back. That would be really ideal.
Facts. Plus hearing about how these guys aren't just GIJoes who are just the best of the best and also do some pretty dumb stuff or get into bad situations is always a treat.
This was great, easily one of the best I’ve listened to.
Going from flying pre-cartel Cessnas to F35. What a legend.
I love this show. Still, respectfully, this is definitely one of my favorite episodes.
Keep doing this, so I can keep watching.
Again, great show, my friend.
Incredible respect for your life story and how you stuck with it through thick and thin. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Awesome! I was in avionics in the 1980’s that had just started to design multi-layer circuit boards. I am looking at jaw-dropping technology that is still evolving up and beyond. Thank you for sharing your great accomplishments, Ryan (Stinger). My husband and I are airshow junkies. I am 70 and I still love these aircraft!
This guys story is amazing it's crazy how life gives you chances if you take advantage of them awesome podcast Ryan
Epic story! 🤙 I definitely see God’s grace on this dude. Hope those crazy sketchy flying stories are all behind him now and he finishes out his military service strong, in one piece and able to pass along his combat aviation knowledge to those coming after him who will need it. Awesome interview!!!
My favorite so far.
The best fighter stories I e heard to date! Keep ‘em coming man!
And btw I never realized we were doing stuff in Syria?!? All I ever heard/and hear about is Afghanistan and Iraq.
Btw the F22 guys saying they were excited made me chuckle. Haha
My brother-in-law was an F-15E pilot. He flew in four wars. He was stationed at Lakenheath in England, twice, for a total of nine years.
Ret. Lt. Colonel Ward W. Severts ("Wardo"). Now deceased. We miss him terribly.
Thank you for this story, and I appreciate your service.
I was born on an Air Force Base and grew up on them. My dad is a retired Lt. Colonel and is now 92 and he is still amazing.
My favorite base was Barksdale, AFB. I loved our house, and my dog today is named Barksdale.
Absolutely unbelievable journey, speechless!
All these dudes with awesome story’s always have stacked book shelves. That’s cool.
Ryan, incredible job I I never would have made it through ERAU without the serious help of my friend who ended up becoming a Colonel in the USAF you rock. As for me I just drive a backhoe. Thankyou
Many thanks.. from an army combat engineer.
This guy definitely earned where he’s at much respect also an adventurist life .
Bad ass ryan loved this story, never gave up. Just kept trying till he got where he needed be so proud of you guys!
Looking forward to listening!
Great interview Ryan.
This was an OUTSTANDING interview. Absolutely loved it!
Built a lot of bombs fo Strike Eagles, got a backseat ride @ Combat Hammer in 09. I spent 15 of my 20 year career at SJ. Once your get to be an AMMO troop for E models, doesn't seem right to drop back down to any other airframe. I've been Chiefed and WFFFR'd many times, PSAB 1x Incirlik 2x, AUAB 3x, & Bagram 3x. Love to hear the terminal side of how our AMMO got employed after we put it together. I got a good laugh out of how the EOR crew thought the -120 fell off typical Toads ha. Thanks to both of you for sharing these experiences. Brought back fond memories from deployments & TDY's working with air crews on capabilities of the iron & how we could better the effects and precision & reliability to ensure air cover to our ground forces. My crew built the first LOCO's @ BAF in 11-12. IYAAYAS
best episode so far, by the way. Love the aviation stuff.
@Combat Story Thanks for a Great video from an old n crusty ex British army JTAC. Stinger gives a brilliant insight on how he felt whilst in Syria. It hit home when he said he will feel strange knowing that his fingers had dropped ordinance that in turn had killed people. The thing is I was having the EXACT thoughts when giving a 9 line to a jet/arty/mortar crew that in turn I will kill people. Good to know that they guy in the jet had the same exact thoughts. I was in Desert Storm, Bosnia/Kosovo prior to the GWOT, these were the days when you wouldn’t of even received permission for a strike a mere 35 meters away from your own position. The net would of been red hot just at the mention of it lol 😂
Awesome Interview!!!!
Makes me wonder how many times Stinger has flown over my home, the F-15 from SJAFB Fly over my house just about every day and even though im 46 it is still the most FRIGGIN AWESOME thing to see, hear and feel a pair of Eagles screaming over the yard in Burner.
The F-15 is my favorite Jet powder Warbird. It used to be the F-4 and i remember F-4's from SJAFB flying over the School when i was little, with all that black smoke pouring out the back of em and the amazing sound they made. Well slowly as SJAFB changed from the F-4 to the F-15 it slowly changed as my favorite Modern Warbird. My favorite Warbird its a tie between the BearCat & CoursAir. My Uncle was in the Navy during WW2 well hearing all his stories the CoursAir was and still is my favorite with the BearCat, even though the BearCat didn't get to fight during that time.
I've been Homeless on and off since 1985 or so,and now I'm studying like mad to become a pilot ....I'm aiming for PPL when the studying has rebooted my brain sufficiently,and then I'll see
As a kid of the 80’s Soldier of Fortune magazine definitely made guys join the military. If it’s even possible, I would love to see a podcast with a SOF writer who wrote on several conflicts.
Happy Days, great Scott. Delighted for you & now know what the tweets were. Stay safe❤
Really enjoying this video so far. Dude seems to have always been one of the good ones despite the "troubles" early on
What a story !!
WOW!
Was cool to hear Snort's name mentioned.
This guys story is as close to unbelievable as one could possibly get when we are talking about getting into an F-15 let alone one of the most advanced weapon systems on the face of planet Earth!
2nd favorite jet of all time. Sorry man... VIPER by a nose!
Very Informativ. Glad I subscribe. As a former USMC (VN) happy to learn how the Corps is working and adapting.
I wanna thank any of our amazing veterans for their service no words can express my appreciation and respect for u all ur the true heros were blessed for the military we have 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Man that was good!!!
You really have a great channel.
How did I miss this one?! Another job well done, Ryan.
Wow an awesome story and a cool career. A humble family man doing his job well.
I had my share of sketchy flights in my time. One time I flew across america when I was a kid in a 52 170B. Ended up flying up the east coast right before Hurricane Sandy (2012) made landfall in NY/NJ. Did it for my IFR training and some CPL time.
We took off VFR at dawn out of Jersey Regional to avoid the storm on the last day. 10m after takeoff NJ/NY transmitted the NOTAM closing all airports in the state. When we got to cloud base we picked up an IFR clearance in the air from Newark and they asked us 'CANADIAN CESSNA CAN YOU CLIMB ANY DANG FASTER? ' we of course could not, so our last instruction was 'I'm busy. You're on your own' gave us a northerly vector and sent us on our way. Hell of a ground speed for a plane that we just flew grounding 75kts from Niagara Falls to Los Angeles.
Fascinating. It came up as “up next” and I let it run. I thought it would just be a monotone rambling of a fighter jet pilot but actually it is riveting listen that you can picture in your head. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent!
Loved listening to his stories! He must have been the Safety Officer in his units 😉
Subbed, this stuff is gold. Unreal humans operating this stuff.
I’ve never seen this channel before, it takes a lot for me to listen, I’m a DVET, and done my tour, im a speed junky, even though I’m in a wheelchair I still like going fast..
What a cool interview, Ryan! Thanks for doing what you do, from an old ARMT dawg.
Bravo.spplendid content~ godspeed.
Good listen ! Thank you both . Old your funny you two have a few days to old .
This guy doesn't look old enough to do any of this. But he's been running with his hair on fire his whole adult life. He was either going to end up a fighter pilot or an inmate
Holy Sweet Baby Jesus... That was awesome. Thanks to both of you for sharing your stories. So Cool!
Wow! Great episode Ryans.
this guy is a legend
Good show, Job, I learned early "It's easier to apologize than ask for permission.".... this proves it. Finial question, I would do all my life over again, at 70 years old. would have saved a little more money and "if" I knew I would have lived this long,.... taken better care of myself. All gave some, some gave All.....
Incredible discussion. Syria, what the hell.
Flippin' Wow!!!
that also applies maintinance units as well
Excellent stuff American bro
What's the saying? If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit. The story of my career
I think him and I were stationed in the same place in Southwest Asia. Especially if he knows call signs Glock and Blaze. By the way I love your podcast. I'd love to hear a fellow combat medic give their story.
Super interesting life story/experience.
Fabulous Podcast. 🤙🤙
The most important piece of equipment when flying a jet is the moustache
I like how he keeps throwing new acronyms at us and assumes we know what he’s talking about.
Best episode ever.
Hey where's the interview with Casey the female A-10 pilot I understand you interviewed her twice, could you please give me the dates please thank you
Amazing testimony Ryan, hoping that after it’s all said and done that you can look back and see Gods hand in it all and reconcile the past with your parents and thank them for there prayers over your life. And I thank you, and all service men and women for there service. Jesus saves…
Reach out to retired Lt.Col. Daren Sorenson. 2x DFC and weapons school instructor.
So I'm curious... how have your parents reacted to all of these developments in your life and career that they probably haven't expected?
Go airforce kick some ass 👏
Man that stuff about locking up the SU-34 and SU-30 after doing CAS while taking AAA is fucking crazy. Really hope he writes a book one day once he’s out. Also I would love to see some of that pod footage hahaha
good work
As said by another pilot... make them tell you no.
If you ever need a wingman I'm here for you!
What’s crazy is his voice sounded like a really young guy, then when it switched to his face,you can see he is older,lol ..
Drop out of college, ran out of fuel on one tank, dead stick landing at night at an airport not on his flight plan......
Is this what the airforce looks for? 🤣😂
And it just got crazier.
If you get past Ryan's war stories (which are impressive by themselves), I'm guessing we're getting a great look into what the US Government looks for in a pilot:
High IQ? Check. Willingness to take calculated risks? Check. Self awareness? Check. Time slows down during chaos? Check. Compartmentalize Fear? Check. Objective application of lessons from previous experiences? Check.
I'm good with Ryan flying an $80M asset and and I'm guessing the other subscribers are too.
Look at these Gernagajendrer Boy.
"Superawesome vocabularies"
The guest has a voice on him doesn't he.??? Dyamn!!