Why Fighter Pilots DON’T LIKE Straight-In Landings

[@MrAlbertsimon]

Your videos have risen to a new level with VOICEOVER. Thank you so much!

[@miked5562]

completely agree. Awesome content before - now it's just plain awesomer

[@scottajones3]

Agreed😊

[@PfizerRN_USNavyReserveRN]

@@miked5562 it feels like I'm a F/A-18 driver

[@justincase01]

Great stuff, thanks for the ride along. Sharpen up that bank angle; off a bit there..
Jus kidn. Peace!

[@markzemak2812]

NAS whiskey had a great air show in the past. Got to watch the Blue Angels with the flight crew and also got an up close and personal pictures next to #1 jet.

[@michellelandis2519]

I'm a native Whidbey Islander (five generations born and/or died here). We used to get great sonic booms over our house (Partridge Point) once a week until all the weenies wrote too many letters. My Gpa flew PBYs into the Seaplane Base and lived at Strawberry Point. This was wonderful to listen to and watch. Thank you.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Tucummm]

I have seen an old Californian women complaining about the jet’s noise.

[@mikecrim5292]

I live in Sequim and love hearing and watching this magic

[@jaratt85]

@@Tucummm I live with an old California woman that still regularly bitches about the SR71 pilot that knocked all the fragile knick-knacks off the windowsill when I was a baby.. they don't seem to let things go well.

[@susantamas5400]

Tell the old lady to turn her hearing aid down​. I'm 78 and love the rumbling@@Tucummm

[@njjeff201]

Thank you again Pail for having us as your’copilot’… it’s an honor to be with you. Bless our Vets, you guys ‘n girls really rock! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@allen480]

Thanks Growler Jam! Really appreciate it.

[@williamtharp7070]

As an ex-VP40 pilot, that approach brought back some memories. I loved flying in the Pacific Northwest. You're right...God's Country!

[@anthonymiller3392]

VP-40 shout out. This is Doc Miller - I was the flight surgeon when you arrived. Fantastic area, fantastic squadron! Best wishes!

[@fly-navy]

Also a Marlin, and notice the 4 fans of freedom on the rollout when he starts the break!

[@peanuts2105]

I thought that was Yorkshire

[@bobv5806]

You could say the same thing about flying out of NAS Brunswick in Maine.

[@lcdrheywoodjablomie]

Laging Handa!

[@manolog.9962]

These voiceover videos are great. Love to hear the insight on what's going on during the flight and brief description of the surroundings

[@paulmartos7730]

Yes. And yes. For us frustrated military pilots, yes!

[@johncox4273]

I’m a retired corporate pilot who just recently discovered your channel. First, thank you for serving our country. When I was young I dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot, but unfortunately my eyes were not good enough. So I went the civilian route, and had a wonderful 43 year career flying corporate jets and helicopters. My best friend in collage became a Navy pilot, flying the A-4, F-4, and F-14. I got to visit him during his training at Kingsville, as well as at Miramar and Norfolk. Having talked with him and other Navy pilots, I have the upmost respect for carrier operations, and videos such as yours add to that respect. BTW, he just retired from a second career at Delta.
Second, your videos are awesome, and like everyone commenting here, love your voice overs. Really puts us in the cockpit with you! Thank you for doing them, and please keep them coming.

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome aboard and thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@mikebutler7605]

Your the coolest pilot I’ve ever. Thanks for your service and great videos. Can’t remember the source of these words, but in essence they say that I and my family can sleep in peace at night because of men like you who stand ready to rain down great harm on my enemies. God bless you for as long as you draw breath.

[@DonHoll-x5s]

Thank you for your service. Our son flies a P-8 out of Whidbey Island. He's deployed elsewhere in the world quite often, but when he's home we absolutely treasure our visits to the area. God's country is an accurate description.

[@nosaltadded2530]

I remember you told us in another video that you're an instructor now. I have to say your students are very fortunate to have you teaching them. You make it look so easy and explain everything so well.

[@andrewhontz3327]

Agree with another comment that the voiceover brings this to another level. Personally I’m loving the Fly Navy details, and learn something every time…this week it was fascinating to see how your break and approach mirrors that of trapping on the boat, just with velocity set to 0.
Awesome stuff and thank you.

[@BostonBuzz]

"Humanely raised coffee"? Lololol!!!!!! Absolutely brilliant narration !!! Lol!!

[@patersonplankrd]

Yeah...Another term used by the virtue signaling left

[@reggieongoogle3583]

Absolutely accurate depiction of Seattle. L.L

[@TheJustinJ]

Free range coffee.

[@TiaSun-wu8tz]

On occasion I'll see one or two Growlers flying northeast in Port Angeles as they were rtb to NAS Whidbey Island. Back in high school (2001 and 2002) I took NJROTC during my junior and senior year. One of my instructors flew EA-6B Prowlers for VAQ-139 (Go Cougs). I don't recall which building it was, but the group of students I was with walked up a flight of stairs, on the face of each step was the names of pilots. One of the names stenciled on the step said Captain Jack Flanagan. My senior year I received an opportunity to sit in the backseat of a T-34 Navy trainer. All seniors receive this opportunity, I almost missed out because I suddenly wasn't feeling well. But thankfully I felt better by then.
William
P.S. Thank you for your service! Great voice-over, well done 👏

[@_ducjk]

these voiceover vids are insanely underrated, you deserve a bigger audience

[@pollylewis9611]

This is the best VO so far, beautiful day, great explanations fun to see my old stomping grounds! Thank you again Pail!

[@GrowlerJams]

You got it!

[@omaverick2870]

I can only watch air shows, fly simulators, collect and build Tamiya's plane models hahah but nothing can beat this channel ride alongs. Thank you for bringing us along.

[@Sochlo50fo]

I grew up in Oak Harbor and Coupeville and often watched the planes practice over the fields SUPER close to the ground. I remember an exchange student freaked out because he thought we were under attack.

[@avoidingtrees6692]

Thanks for your service sir. As a Frenchman, I rely too , On you for my safety and my freedom.
Cheers from France america.

[@josephpittman7245]

You can never forget how beautiful Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island is. I would love to go back and see the base. Could have done whole tour there and been happy.

[@PeteVA-212]

Pail, my hometown, Mount Vernon, WA. Thanks for the air tour of Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island. A-4 Skyhawk driver in the '70s. My father flew PBYs out of NAS Widbey and in the Aleutian Campaign in WWII. Needs of the Navy, I was stuck in Lemoore...

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks for watching, Pete. Cheers!

[@williamcody5271]

Yeah, Lemoore nice to visit, okay for a tour. Hanford and Lemoore were decent. Spent every weekend not on duty camping/climbing at Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequia, or diving in Monterey. VA-122 Framp, VFA-125 Framp, and VFA-161 Avionics. Lived in Mount Vernon While Stationed at Whidbey. Now in Marysville.

[@PeteVA-212]

@@williamcody5271 Did pretty much the same when not on cruise. Lived in town before while in the VA-127 RAG and in base housing in between two cruises with VA-212 on the USS Hancock. Lot of scuba diving at Monastery Beach in Carmel and some camping ln Sequia. Now on the East Coast but miss the Skagit Valley!

[@duodream]

I've flown GA out to the San Juans a few times and Whidbey has been kind enough to clear me overhead, and we've seen Growlers landing under us more than once. Great to see this from your perspective.

[@steveparsons6324]

In the early 1970s, I lived on the north side of Dugualla Bay. The A-6 community kept me awake many a night as they did touch and go landings. Thanks for the aerial tour.

[@marshallwebber9682]

I lived in North Deception Circle in 1994. Lots of touch-n-gos.

[@dvandkq]

Live in Snohomish County and frequently camp at Deception Pass - partly because of the free airshows! Thanks for sharing your world with us!

[@Donnie9by5]

Deception pass was a favorite of ours go to when we got time off!

[@lori1270]

Cool memories! I used to take my older son out to watch the planes when he was little - loved watching planes come in for the break! My husband flew A-6 Intruders at Whidbey - which, as you know, you left off your list..... Now I listen to you guys fly overhead and occasionally get to see the break! Fun to see the break from inside the plane!

[@XBradTC]

Home sweet home. My dad was skipper of NAS Whidbey from '73 to '75. I lived in Oak Harbor for 12 years, and will always consider it home.

[@bigranchjr.3612]

Not sure if its just me, but your voiceovers are very relaxing.

[@Wormhole798]

My dad was the 145th sailor stationed at Whidbey NAS during WWII. He was an Aerographers Mate 2/C. 😊

[@Garfield91076]

From Seattle myself, you rattling off what's great about WA brought a tear to my eye 😁. As close as I get to aviation is flying original hornets in DCS, favorite line of modern military jets!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@themackguyverchannel7713]

My son just retired from USN. His last assignment was as a CPO in Whidbey. His rate was aviation mech. He was on the P3 squadron.

[@davidryder3374]

Ditto for my kiddo. She was at Whidbey many times and we visited her often. Now she's working for a defense contractor at Patuxent NAS near DC doing testing for another Navy plane. Hope your son is doing well with his retirement.

[@halfassnit6997]

As someone who grew up on Whidbey, this is pretty damn amazing. My old man got stationed there in '89 and never left. I have some very fond memories watching the Intruders and Prowlers over oak harbor and doing touch and goes at OLF. You need to petition to bring the Air Show back to that base! Keep up the great vids, not all the locals hate the noise :) Cheers!

[@jaredragland4707]

I am one of those old men, PCSed to the Island in'98 when Growlers were called Prowlers. Still miss those leaky old pigs some days.

[@memmu291]

I love so incredibly much when you whisper at the end "Welcome home." I'm so week in the knees.😍

[@malig0413]

Another great video Pail. As we say in Bawston…”smooth as buttah.”

[@seventhsealhere]

Best videos with the voiceovers! Totally makes the channel unique, inspiring, informative and exciting! Keep it going! 👍

[@benmorgan51]

Love the voice overs. I’m all civilian aviation with 33000+ (yes that’s correct, Thirty Three Thousand hours plus. Retired airline pilot) I’ve flown with pilots from all branches of the military and never had the details of military flying explained in detail like you do. I did get to fly the F-18 simulator at naval air station Norfolk with my First officers help in getting in the door. He was an instructor there. I flew with him for 2 months. Great guy and a great pilot. Very well done. Keep up the good work.

[@Derskimeister]

Nice approach and landing. Really appreaciate your videos. It's because of guys like yourself that I sleep well at night. Thanks.

[@johnshields6852]

Your video voice overs are the best, unique insight we don't get to see normally, I'm these days of USA military movement around the world it's good to know we have pilots like you who'll be ready to defend our great country. Thank you.🇺🇸🙏

[@brewster5739]

My dad moved to Whidbey Island after he retired from the Navy. After he passed some of his things are displayed at the base. He served two tours to Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

[@richardmielke3553]

I grew up in Oak Harbor. My dad was Chief with VA 126 which no longer exists( A-6’s). I just want to say thank you for your noise! He lives right next to the OLF and we love watching the touch and goes. Thanks for keeping us Safe

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@DaveChristopherson]

@@GrowlerJams VA-128 was the A6 RAG.

[@ronaldstarreveld]

Spent 17 years on Whidbey. Love watching your videos.
Always Intruders and Prowlers.
Keep them coming. AE1 (AW) Starreveld Ret.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS

[@Twitch0331]

I had a friend who was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. He was an intelligence officer on the P3 (going from memory here). His name was Scott Kinkele. Sadly, he was murdered for no reason up in Skadgit County by a guy who was just released from prison, received his guns back, and went on a random shooting spree that Scott was caught up in. Such a tragedy. He loved flying in the Navy. It didn't hurt that he looked like Tom Cruise, either. Thanks for sharing the video and bringing back the good memories that Scott and I shared together. Love your vids! Semper Fi. 👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@MegaDeansy]

Sorry for the loss of your friend!

[@dangoleshootnetwork6036]

My wife and I were on Whidbey Island about 5 years ago now, and just happened to witness F-18's doing touch and goes on that same runway. We were just driving around aimlessly on the island when I heard the unmistakable sound of fighter aircraft to my left, and saw an F-18 landing through the trees. I followed the road we were on to the end of the runway, and we sat and watched you guys for about 20 minutes. It was an awesome, and unexpected part of our trip!

[@whidbey1927]

Hi From Whidbey Island Sound of freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@GeeBee909]

My dad was almost stationed at Whidbey back around the late 1950's but settled on NAS Alameda. We lived right across the street from the base. We saw EVERY plane the name flew back then from 1960 to 1967 land at that base including sea planes. My brothers and I got so good a recognizing the planes that we could tell what it was just by hearing the engine sound. Fun times, and we always knew when a carrier came in as all the planes would fly off it just outside the Golden Gate and land at the base. Our house was the last one the plane flew over, so our view of the planes was excellent (imagine 20 A-1 skyraiders in the sky at once). I truly miss those days

[@barnettg66]

There used to be a Navy Flying Club at Whidbey with two (possibly three) T-34Bs. I'd drive all the way from Ft Lewis (just south of Tacoma) to fly them. It was a long drive there and back, but totally worth it. Cruising up the Straight of Juan de Fuca past Olympic National Park, bopping about in the San Juan Islands, or exploring the greater Puget Sound never failed to amaze me. I knew it well enough to know every nook and cranny. The airplane was great to fly...best flying piston engine light airplane ever made. Too bad all of the clubs are gone now, so far as I know. The Monterey Navy Flying Club was the crown jewel, but Whidbey was a close second.

[@evry1sfriend619]

I fly my little 172 from Paine Field and see you guys zooming around all the time. Its so cool to see you fly around my home airspace! Thanks for the quality vids.

[@rogercurtiss3768]

I live in La Conner and the Whidbey aircraft are a daily presence. I have watched the Growlers making this approach to Whidbey many times and it is a pleasure to see it from the pilot's perspective.

[@Trojan0304]

Thanks for taking us along, great vlog. Go Navy🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@krabman22]

All the videos are killer, love the voice over. Keep up the good work 👍

[@backgammonskillset]

I do this with the wife each time we get back home. I drive around the block twice before I pull into the driveway. She thinks there is something wrong with me. Now you gave me the idea of doing a voice-over as I drive, it's gonna be great!

[@MrPossumeyes]

I watch you multiple times, Growler Jams. Thanks for posting jet pilot naval stuff.

[@karinnovak5145]

Another great voiceover that shows another talent of Pail: not only is he a great aviator, but could also work as a tourist guide😁. Thanks for taking us with you and explaining all the details for a smooth approach and landing while showing us the great scenery👍. Must be quite the contrast to where you live + fly now😉.

[@GrowlerJams]

Sure is.

[@PikeyScott]

I worked near NAS Whidbey for a while. Always got a chuckle when I walked up to my car and my key fob wouldn’t work. Gotta love that Whidbey jam.

[@Borzoi86]

Ya, but think of all the free extra electrons now pulsing through your body courtesy of the USN!

[@1038994]

@@Borzoi86its its not ionizing radation and the avarage person gets more ionization radation on a long flight then most people would expect.

[@allen480]

@@1038994 RF heating may occur if one was to walk very close to one; if it’s energized. Safety rules prevent that from happening.

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

Is the plane jamming the signals or is it the base? I’m ignorant 😂

[@1038994]

@@The_Red_Off_Road it's the equipment the plane use. I was never sure if they were ground checking or in the air.

[@jeffberg2010]

We live in Stanwood directly east of Whidbey Island. We watch you fly over all the time and hear you more. I agree that it’s the sound of freedom. We run out of the house to see you fly over all the time what an amazing sight. Thanks for your service and for this channel this is wonderful to see from the cockpit perspective.😊

[@IrishJimmyPA]

Love the voiceover! As an ABH on Enterprise back in the 80’s, I LOVED watching our birds come back and go into the break. Still do. Fly Navy!

[@oneilluminatus]

Thank you for taking us into your cockpit.
You guy have a job, the rest of us can only dream about.
And thank you for your service to the country.

[@rogerdirkx.1679]

This is so interesting and fun to watch. You’ve worked really hard to be able to do this. Your so lucky. I’m really enjoying your videos. It gives us the opportunity to experience what you do. Fabulous. Thank you.

[@vitamaltz]

I came for the aviation content and stayed for the geography and the love of a special part of the world. I can tell that you’re the kind of person who always gets a window seat on a commercial flight and looks at the world below the entire time.

[@GrowlerJams]

Sure am!

[@jd.3493]

Pretty awesome! Saw you flies over lake Cavanaugh, Conway, and then JUST south of my family’s farm in LaConner. Further farm directly south of the Rainbow Bridge. Love that sound of freedom! Fly Navy!

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@Slotcarking]

Love your voiceovers! Living vicariously through you sir. Working on these birds in St Louis for 4 decades & wished i could get a ride b4 retirement. I would have more luck winning the powerball than getting a ride though! Lol

[@stevebrennan3921]

I was stationed at Whidbey NAS in the late 70's and early 80's and it's still as beautiful as ever. I worked on the A-6 Intruders there but the Growlers are certainly better looking/more capable than the old Skypigs. Love the vids and the VO rocks it!

[@ericwestland4768]

I will probably watch this several times, thanks for posting it. As a child in the 60s, I can remember a lunch on a Whidbey beach while jets dropped low-level bombs for an observation tower on the beach. That probably doesn't happen anymore. Then in 1978 as a first-year teacher, I rented a cabin on the west side of Camano Island and actually enjoyed the nighttime jet noise from the practice fields on Whidbey. Fast forward to 1999 when I operated my homebuilt plane out of Arlington for years. On several trips north, I would see A6s and EA6Bs in front of me approaching NAS Whidbey. It always surprised me, but I'm confident they knew exactly where I was. Now I have two sons that are both Naval Aviators. I enjoyed revisiting this airspace and a closer look at NAS Whidbey. Thanks.

[@kevindown1592]

Thanks for posting this video. My sister and her husband live on Whidbey Island. I’ve driven by the main gate where the static display of Prowlers show the ALQ-99 under the wings. I built 99s for a couple of years. It’s nice to see the island from a different perspective.

[@archer3695]

Love the voice overs and the no-fluff feel of these videos.

[@ellenritchie3342]

Enjoy learning from your videos! My son is a pilot stationed at Whidbey Island😊

[@IronHammer59]

God’s Country Indeed. Born and raised on the Olympic Peninsula and spent many summers working Ft Casey State Park while doing college. Love your voice overs. Missed a pair of your wingmen scooting through Snoqualmie Pass today. Friends said it was a sight to behold. You all stay safe out there and up there!

[@user-eb2tg9nb5t]

This was great to watch! A fun story, I was living in Okanogen County and getting ready to build a log cabin in the mountains. A growler popped over the ridge and ran what looked like a mock bomb run on my travel trailer. Very exciting! i was like a little kid, jumping and yelling!
I'm sure that Alum skin is a great radar reflector.
Thanks for letting us ride along. I love seeing all the familiar landmarks.

[@umaikakudo]

"Vitamin D supplements." Spoken like a true local.😂

[@keithwisnieski4226]

You flew over my house at 5:47. Anyone wanting to experience the sound of freedom can come on by.

[@MrEvtmazda]

At 4:30 you are flying over the fruit stand off the side of the road. I have been through there many times when you guys are up flying and landing. Its awesome having y'all fly over the highway when driving through there. Thank you for your service! I want to leave Washington myself but last time i did, i ended up coming back because their is truly no other place like the PNW!

[@shaunolinger964]

As you rolled into your initial break I was leaning in.. I could feel it!!! Thanks for the ride!!!
I lived in Mossyrock, Washington for almost 20 years, and one of our favorite things was the sound of Whidbey NAS doing bomb runs on Mayfield, Mossyrock, and Cowlitz Falls dams. Two occasions stand out...
First was an A6 Intruder that overcooked his speed coming over Mayfield Dam and out over Mayfield Lake... he rolled and pulled hard enough he had vortice off of every single horizontal surface on that jet, but he still had to go UNDER the power lines right above Hwy 12!! I was standing on top of that hill directly under the power lines, and I remember thinking "if he piles it into this hill I'm DEAD!!!"... so I just stood there looking DOWN into his cockpit as he went by! His right seat looked up as they went by, flashed a hand at me and went back to work cleaning out his shorts probably, but it was pretty epic from my point of view.
Second was one of those days on Riffe Lake, a notoriously rough mountain lake known for its abrupt changes in wave conditions due to a venturi effect two-thirds of the way up-lake. I was in a 16ft Sea Ray with an open bow, bucking into 3 or 4 foot waves and trying not to sink the darned thing. Plowing along bow-high, I suddenly saw an F-18 come around that very point I called "Venturi Point". I was following a pair of tugs towing a MASSIVE log boom of flood debris, so when it came time to watch this 18 go by I cut power and dropped the nose. I looked back just in time to see a foot of water coming over my bow, but I was much more fascinated by the fact that I still couldn't hear this guy coming. He went by at what I'm guessing was .8 or.9 Mach... I couldn't hear him until he was very nearly 90 degrees abeam me... and maybe 400 feet off the deck. Absolutely AWESOME!!! No shock-wave, but a definite sound compression going on. Made for one hell of a sight and sound!!!
Another moment came to mind as I write this, but I'm thinking this one came from JBLM... Riffe was WAAAYYY down in water levels, like over 100 feet low, and as we were driving Hwy 12 towards Morton we saw a C-141 Starlifter BELOW the highway, TFing down-lake. What did those things weigh... 250,000 pounds? Yeah... a grunt goat down in the mud like it was a fighter!!! He was rolling 60 degrees easily when we saw him... pretty amazing those big planes could do that sort of stuff!
Again... Thanks for the ride-along, and for stirring up those awesome memories!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Codeeez]

Not much freedom left here, but love knowing you're up there! Thanks

[@stevencramsie9172]

Spare us your tears, you don’t know what “no freedom” really is.

[@williammoreno2378]

WTF are you talking about?

[@jeffbeck8993]

Plenty freedom, just you have no idea what the alternative is. Go back to binging Fox News with the whiners and exaggerators in MAGA hats.

[@Codeeez]

@@stevencramsie9172 enchroma glasses are a proven scam you dolt. There's no tears here, old man. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.

[@Codeeez]

@jeffbeck8993 "Plenty freedom." Says the guy in the youtube comments. The time tested and proven metric that is never wrong 😂. You fall right in line. Right where they tell you, huh? Like a good media lap dog. I bet he's all you talk about at family functions. I bet he makes you so angry, and you get all upset and stomp around your little apartment, but quietly, because you don't want to upset your neighbors, because you're only a tough guy on the internet and truth be told, you're a little scared all the time.
It's ok little buddy, I'm not going to hurt you.

[@RodCleaves]

You never explained "Why Fighter Pilots DON’T LIKE Straight-In Landings"

[@GrowlerJams]

2:50

[@ninjalectualx]

No that only explains why you like the fan break

[@heythere135]

It’s used in the Navy and Air Force as a way to get the aircraft over the field quickly and with as few radio calls as possible. A long slow straight in approach in a war time situation in the AOR is risky as it allows more time for the enemy to knock planes out of the sky. Keep the formation tight, low and fast, then break into the landing pattern over the safety of the airfield. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, please.

[@ninjalectualx]

Thank you, finally an answer lol

[@reccecs4]

@@heythere135if you have enemy fighters penetrating that far into your territory, especially uncontested to the point they can undertake offensive action, you have way bigger problems than landing procedures. Problems like an ineffective air defence system. “The safety of the airfield” should be a several hundred mile bubble of layered ground and air based air defence around it.

[@anthonymiles1446]

Respect you guys! I worked for 9 months on NAS whibey island. The pilots for the most part were awesome I loved getting a wave from you all. It made the work bearable. God speed and may jesus protect you all!

[@effortless_choice]

Wow…time flies! First time seeing your channel, brings back a lot of memories. I was an air traffic controller at Whidbey from 1982 to 86. Loved being stationed there. President Reagan had just fired all the civilian controllers, so the Navy offered us a wheelbarrow full of “casheesh” and our choice of duty station…Whidbey it was. Watching your approach reminded me of my most vivd Whidbey memory: imagine a 23 year old kid that had been an air traffic controller since he was 18, carrier qualified at 19, two WestPacs, helped integrate the first squadron of AV-8Bs onboard the USS Tarawa LHA-1 (first Harrier landed onboard while we were tied up at 32nd Street in San Diego. Carrier pier at North Island was “occupado”, so we’re tied up next to a bunch Spruance class destroyers. Imagine the faces on those boys as a Harrier in full vertical descent landed right next to them). I digress…I’m now at Whidbey, brimming with confidence. First evening of training on local control (I’m in charge of the active duty runway and the airspace) we’re doing short field FCLPs (field carrier landing practice) off the approach of 25. We’ve even got hot pit refueling in front of the tower. Those A-6s smack the approach end at the carrier deck outline and lift into an immediate left turn…I’m impressed. Now, throw in a bunch of training full stops combined with departure s that need to hit their training runs with a +- 5 minute window. It’s hectic…I can do this! Well, it’s at this precise moment of max chaos…I tell one of those departing A-6s to “taxi into position and hold, start your run ups.” I’m in the groove…I got rhythm! Well…actually…you don’t! It was at this precise moment, 3 seconds after the words departed my lips, that my trainer cancelled that approval on to the active duty because of…what you might ask…an A-6 at 3/4 mile on short final for a full stop. Once I realized my mistake, all the blood in my head “departed the pattern!” I unplugged and proceeded to thank God. That’s my story, I’m sticking to it.
While TAD at North Island flight planning , I had the pleasure of working with a WWII B-17 pilot. He had a blonde ponytail to the middle of his back…he was an enigma. I’ll leave you with his wise words (not the “pay attention dumba$$ words)…
Dubito ergo cogito
Cogito ergo sum

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@doctorotis3743]

father was Operations officer NAS Whidbey 1956-57. I later as crew member of A-3 EM flew and landed on NAS .
family lived on only residence on NAS. A log mansion , later the officers club. just on right after runway stops. We also lived on Seaplane base as we waited for qts.

[@evenflow925]

So frickin RAD!! Thanks from Aussie Pail! Go the mighty Growler!!!

[@GDogg84067]

I am a retired Air Force F-16 maintainer but I have a special affinity for Navy aircraft videos also. In addition, I am from the beautiful PNW!
These voice overs are just AWESOME! Keep up the great work!

[@heiferhopper]

Miss this place sooo much. Spent 10 years there in VAQ-134 and VAQ-129 working on the Prowler before I left in 2000. Tried my hardest to find a job out there so I could stay but it was not to be. I now fly my jets out of NASWI in MSFS through the valleys of the Cascades with the required fly through of Deception Pass Bridge. Thanks for this vid!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@lawrencerose5558]

Thanks for the video from a Sunset Beach Anacortes resident. It’s nice to know what’s going on in the jet as you guys fly over.

[@hurn1481]

Love the videos. I live out on the Olympic Peninsula and have grown up listening to the Prowlers and Growlers roaring overhead my entire life. Nothing better than seeing you guys turning and burning over the Quillayute.

[@hefeibao]

Just another former military PNW-er thanking you for these fantastic videos and voice overs. :) Always a treat to see our home state from the air.

[@PilotPhotog]

Another great video, I really enjoyed the brief history of NAS Whidbey Island along with the play-by-play commentary on the landing sequence. Bravo Zulu!

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@floydburgherjr.6505]

Thanks! Great video! I was Zapper Doc ‘78-’81 VAQ-130 (EA-6B), did a MED on the INDEPENDENCE, and lived in Coupeville… Truly God’s Country & I loved the “Sound of Our Freedom”…

[@g3pdhbelonis447]

I was a zapper tweet during the same time. I made the two Forrestal cruises, 78 and 81, and the Indy cruise.

[@floydburgherjr.6505]

@@g3pdhbelonis447 I missed Forrestal but caught Indy. Almost got two but my replacement met the Squadron in Norfolk and I got some time at NAVHOSP WHIDBEY, great time!!

[@johnfoulkrod4835]

Thanks for letting us come along. Always enjoyable!

[@russellreynolds1152]

LOVE THESE VOICEOVER VIDEOS PAIL, KEEP DOING THEM FOR THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY WATCHING AND LEARNING WHAT YOU ARE DOING! YOU MAKE IT LOOK TOO EASY WHICH IT IS NOT!

[@-108-]

NAS WI was also home to the A6 Intruder, as well. (VA-52 "Knight Riders")
Thanks for the vid. My late best friend grew up in Oak Harbor, and I spent some time there with him. His grandpa was a Naval aviator, was stationed at NAS WI, & lived less than a mile from the base. He had a ton of related stories to tell, of course.
What's crazy is it takes like 30-45 min. to drive from Mt. Vernon to NAS WI, whilst you made the trip in just under 5 min. flat! lol

[@davidregan9872]

That was my dads Squadron back in the early 70's. He was a CPO, and worked on the A-6's. I still have his book of the Kittyhawk with everyone's picture that was on it. We lived in Oak Harbor, and I loved it there. I was in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade there. After that we moved to Lemoore Calif where he retired, and now I live in Aberdeen WA. One cool thing that happened was a black friend of mine was moving to Lemoore around the same time we did. I did meet up with him on the base, and hung out until his mom put a stop to it for religious reasons. We did move back to Oak Harbor after I got out of High School for a short time, and I got to see my old stomping grounds that I loved as a kid. That was really cool to see again! Oh my dads name was Ronald Regan. Not the president! LOL

[@garethroberts9223]

Worth the Wait! The insights in the GJVO series are absolutely invaluable! Keep up the great work and love the now copyrighted signature move PPS 'Pail Pit Shuffle' Gotta go practice my section break technique!

[@user-ln8fu2lx3x]

Hello from Victoria BC Canada .Thank you for the work you all do in keeping North America safe .Enjoyed this episode .

[@tonywatkins6139]

Awesome video man, keep them coming. If I ever run into you, don't worry, the beers are all on me!

[@SR-fm1ft]

What a voice, I could watch and listen to this all day.

[@howardweymouth7195]

Used to hike in the nearby mountains and watch the planes scream through the valleys below me. Loved it!

[@AWFKproductions]

really enjoying these vids, envious, but enjoying them.

[@tonycoghill6129]

Ever been to South Carolina Pail ? You can't buy this slice of aviation heaven anywhere else .... love your vids that none other can touch... thanks man ! Meat in the meatball !

[@GrowlerJams]

No, I’ve never spent any significant time in SC. Hopefully someday.

[@kevinwillis6291]

Truly Awesome! Thank you for your service Pail!!

[@tedsmith3061]

Never ceases to amaze how you go from ground to flight and flight to ground. One nano second you're a bird, the next you're a heavy chunk of metal rolling on the ground. Transitioning from each medium is never boring to watch. Watching that184 mph catapult carrier launch really puts it into perspective for me. In two seconds you go from that heavy piece of rolling metal to a being a bird. All be it a very fast one. F18's are awesome airplanes. It looks like fun every time up. Like...every time.

[@user-kv8qk1px3o]

'Cause it IS!

[@williammcguire5685]

I would just like to say that watching this gives me so much confidence in our air power, in the men and some women who are flying it's so encouraging. The way the armchair quarterbacks at the White House the house in the Senate operate and supposedly do the best they can for you but don't. It's amazing you can keep your skills so high. Thank you for your service I mean that.

[@SplashJohn]

I'll add my agreement with other commenters: the v/o takes your videos to the next level. Lots of viewers (like me) are extremely interested in the procedural details, and with most videos we can't get them. So your explanations are greatly appreciated. I hope and expect your channel will grow faster as a result of the effort you put into the v/o.

[@darrenbradbury7686]

Flew in from the UK to visit a friend who lived in Oak Habor, around 25 years ago. Took a drive out and watched the Prowlers shooting circuits at NAS Whidbey Island one afternoon 😊 A good day.... 😁Great videos..

[@erichart9465]

NASWI myself. You nailed the description of the area and it's everything that kept me here.

[@anniestroklund2442]

As a general aviation pilot of a Cessna 150 from Arlington, WA it was awesome to see your view. I've encountered a few of you guys coming up quick on me a few times. I have always wondered what it would be like to fly into NAS Whidby. Thanks so much for the ride. I'll remember to salute the next time I see ya off my wing...❤🛩

[@ccserfas4629]

My youngest has been assigned to NAS WI next. Thanks for the tour!

[@ccserfas4629]

Ha! I came back to edit to NASWI after watching again with Wifey.
Thanks for the ❤, we'll be lookin for ya from HWY 20 at Naswee next June!

[@hugacreeper69110]

so glad this popped in my feed love hearing and seeing you guys! i fly GA out of KPAE and have had the pleasure of seeing you guys fly by me while i was on my way up to Bellingham. i also do a bit of fishing in the stilly and watch yall fly over all day long!