This is by far THE BEST podcast episode I've heard featuring members of the Blue Angels & Thunderbirds. Both Cdr Fay & Lt Col Elliott are incredibly candid in their remarks about the operations and history of their respective teams. And the sound quality, sounded like everyone was in a studio despite the remote connection. Just fantastic! Major kudos to Mike and "Rain" for this discussion.
Interesting that Astro talked about their trying to get the pictures off of Google of all of the messy Diamond 360's over the years. Since I was in middle school I've had a picture in my room of a super tight Thunderbird diamond (It says Practice, Patience Persistence...Perfection). Over the last few years I had noticed those passes being much wider, but figured it was because their demo had so many different formations and formation shifts that they didn't spend enough time in the diamond to close the distance.
This is such a fantastic episode. My nephew just started his tour with the Thunderbirds. Looking forward to seeing the team at Cocoa Beach this spring.
Love this AfterburnXMerge podcast episode. “I don’t think you understand this correctly. I’m not impersonating anyone. They’re impersonating us.” Thank you for the JATO video- Wow! These would be great #shorts clips. There are no minutiae in the Blue Angels, because there is no detail that should be overlooked.
13:27 One of your best ever! I can’t echo enough about how much this country needs men (and women) like this. The humility shown by both leaders is almost unrecognizable in today’s world. Thank you.
Would love to see a joint interview with a US team member and a Red arrows member to see what the main differences are between philosophies of the teams across the pond, great podcast. 👌👍
This episode is epic on so many levels! The production quality is great however the content and the people involved are the real showcase. Thank you so much for the service you all have done and are doing! Thank you so much toe the Blues and T-Birds for the amazing work in the sky and on the ground. Both made such great points and contributions of the logistics, the positive impact of one team to another. That’s hugely beneficial and the synergy created is long overdo. I can’t possibly overstate the impact the teams have in the public. I was one of those at young age that was wanting to the exact thing that you all are doing. I chose music but my heart skips a beat when I’m at an air show, hear some afterburners, or see a service member in the community. Again thank you for your sacrifice and the inspiration and leadership.
The most informative show about the tremendous undertaking, beyond the flight demonstration, that is required on week to week basis! Thank you to all four of you!
This is one of the best pod casts you guys have put together...you are onto something good...please, please keep doing these podcasts...It seems our Nation really needs you guys...
This is probably the most fascinating podcasts on the US Air Force and US Navy Aerial Demonstration Teams that I've ever watched. Tremendous thanks to all those involved in producing this truly excellent episode.
I spent 3 years with the Tbirds from 1983 to 1986. I found this interview most entertaining so much so that I listened to it twice, and I learned so much more about both teams..
I'm an old USS Lexington and USS Forrestal ex sailor. Yes, back in the day. I recall the pilots when they were were trapping and their butts were so very puckered up. To graduate to a blue Angel is a very huge accomplish. Yes they are rock stars. And being a female myself it's cool to have number 3😊
Great interview. The past few winters, I've made the drive over the hill from San Diego to watch these 2 teams practice. It's always a great day watching the practices.
1:06:29 Oh man, that whole comment about The T-Birds Pass-In-Review where boss will aim his jet to crash at show center to compensate, knowing that #2's positioning will correct his jet with the lift. Just incredible stuff. I could geek out over this podcast all damn day.
Truly enjoyed this podcast. I am a huge fan of both the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels. When i was stationed at England AFB at Alexandria, LA, there was an air show and I actually got to meet and talk to someone with theThunderbirds, got my picture taken with him as well! But that was years ago and they are all probably retired by now. I knew there was a lot of self-discipline, a lot of practice, and team work involved, but listening to all of you really brings home the amount of dedication, commitment, and work that goes into making these teams succeed. Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to do this discussion! Rest in Peace Chris Darnell...
I really liked the T-38. I thought it was a good-looking airplane and still had an afterburner. I think that was the only downside to the Blues flying the A-4 - that it didn't have a burner. It didn't hamper performance because I like the A-4 and know a few former Marines who flew it. Still, the sound of a burner can't be beat.
WOW! That was a maximum performance podcast and a greased landing. And you didnt break a jet. Thanks fellas. Maybe a joint podcast is something to consider!
Awesome podcast! I was a Parachute Survival Equipment Specialist with the 57 EMS at Nellis 88-92. Use to pack the T-birds chutes. I always hoped the T-Birds and Blue Angles would do some collaboration. Good Stuff! Like Lt Col. Elliot said, that Thundebird hangar is amazing, everything was so polished. You could certainly tell a since of pride and professionalism when you walked in to their hanger. Great memories.
I'm late in watching this, I'm not sure how I missed it, but thus far, hands down, this podcast is the best you've done, and has left an unforgettable impression on me for so many reasons. God bless our military !! #FlyNavy #FlyAirforce 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲
@19:18 I was just short of 4 years old when former POTUS Carter give his speech "The Crisis of Confidence" almost 44 years ago on July 15, 1979. Therefore, I'm to young to remember or have ever heard that speech till just 5 minutes before writing this comment. I feel that although the issues may be different there still are strong parallels that can be made that speak to our country's problems of today. There were a couple times in that speech that I got chills b/c I felt he could have been speaking to the people of today.
The inside look is fascinating,thank you for this podcast.However,the topic I would like to address is the cadence calls we hear on some Angel videos,eg.who calls the cadence and what exactly is being called……would love to hear more about it.Watched the Thunderbirds at Cocoa Beach Airshow today…..never a dull moment,hats off to both the bosses.Incidentally,I assume mechanical issues grounded one leaving five without so much as pause.The performance was however somewhat slowed,hopefully it was just mechanical.
I thought they called the Super Hornet the "Rhino' after the F-4 Phantom, also called "Rhino", because like the Phantom, it was a giant, twin engined beast of a plane.
I remember in 1979 at Macdill they were flying block five F16 and they were brand spanking new the pilots and ground crews we’re calling it the viper then and MC was first to have the F16 As a training base
I've heard (but of course cannot cite a source) that the choice of Rhino to differentiate it from Hornet was because it was a large, gray, and appeared to be lumbering compared to the smaller Hornet. "It looks like a Rhino!"
I thought the Super Hornet garnered the "Rhino" moniker because of the square avionics hump on their noses located just in front of the canopy windscreen and behind the gun port which the legacy Hornets don't have... forgot what is under that hump though. I also read that Phantoms were sometimes called Rhinos back in the day.
I like the XOs hair doo. I am Army retired and I love all the services. These pilots are all great. Believe me, it’s not the money. It’s the service to our nation. ❤
This is by far THE BEST podcast episode I've heard featuring members of the Blue Angels & Thunderbirds. Both Cdr Fay & Lt Col Elliott are incredibly candid in their remarks about the operations and history of their respective teams. And the sound quality, sounded like everyone was in a studio despite the remote connection. Just fantastic! Major kudos to Mike and "Rain" for this discussion.
That's a helluva compliment coming from you Ryan. Love your channel and podcast!
Have to agree Ryan - and that is a high compliment coming from you!
Interesting that Astro talked about their trying to get the pictures off of Google of all of the messy Diamond 360's over the years. Since I was in middle school I've had a picture in my room of a super tight Thunderbird diamond (It says Practice, Patience Persistence...Perfection). Over the last few years I had noticed those passes being much wider, but figured it was because their demo had so many different formations and formation shifts that they didn't spend enough time in the diamond to close the distance.
Wow...what an ending...
Toi chi nhan loi lam vo anh mantadevi army 54 armankhan johnson army 1 mantadevi army co quyen duoc lam chong toi
Facebook youtube tiktok tat ca cac ban giao liu tren the gioi nay toi chi coi cac ban la ban tot cua toi
This is such a fantastic episode. My nephew just started his tour with the Thunderbirds. Looking forward to seeing the team at Cocoa Beach this spring.
Amem Amen 💕🔙🙈
Love this AfterburnXMerge podcast episode. “I don’t think you understand this correctly. I’m not impersonating anyone. They’re impersonating us.” Thank you for the JATO video- Wow!
These would be great #shorts clips.
There are no minutiae in the Blue Angels, because there is no detail that should be overlooked.
13:27 One of your best ever! I can’t echo enough about how much this country needs men (and women) like this. The humility shown by both leaders is almost unrecognizable in today’s world. Thank you.
Would love to see a joint interview with a US team member and a Red arrows member to see what the main differences are between philosophies of the teams across the pond, great podcast. 👌👍
Amem Amen 🙏🌄🌄🆗🕤🕘
This episode is epic on so many levels! The production quality is great however the content and the people involved are the real showcase. Thank you so much for the service you all have done and are doing! Thank you so much toe the Blues and T-Birds for the amazing work in the sky and on the ground. Both made such great points and contributions of the logistics, the positive impact of one team to another. That’s hugely beneficial and the synergy created is long overdo. I can’t possibly overstate the impact the teams have in the public. I was one of those at young age that was wanting to the exact thing that you all are doing. I chose music but my heart skips a beat when I’m at an air show, hear some afterburners, or see a service member in the community. Again thank you for your sacrifice and the inspiration and leadership.
Thanks so much! Definitely a fun one to record!
What a great episode! Thanks for this unique chance of meeting people who excell in their jobs. The best America has to offer.❤
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
The most informative show about the tremendous undertaking, beyond the flight demonstration, that is required on week to week basis! Thank you to all four of you!
This is one of the best pod casts you guys have put together...you are onto something good...please, please keep doing these podcasts...It seems our Nation really needs you guys...
🤟🏻🇺🇸🤟🏻
Great episode. :)
This is probably the most fascinating podcasts on the US Air Force and US Navy Aerial Demonstration Teams that I've ever watched. Tremendous thanks to all those involved in producing this truly excellent episode.
Thanks!
I spent 3 years with the Tbirds from 1983 to 1986. I found this interview most entertaining so much so that I listened to it twice, and I learned so much more about both teams..
I'm an old USS Lexington and USS Forrestal ex sailor. Yes, back in the day. I recall the pilots when they were were trapping and their butts were so very puckered up. To graduate to a blue Angel is a very huge accomplish. Yes they are rock stars. And being a female myself it's cool to have number 3😊
Thank you all for this wonderful discussion, showing a bit of the depth in what you do relentlessly and with excellence. ❤
This was an Awesomely Amazing episode. Thank you very much
Glad you liked it!
Great interview!
How the heck do you not crash into each other flying that close that fast?
You kinda don't... They lose 1 in 10 pilots on average over their history
I was there in Michigan for both days of the airshow. The Sunday performance and missing man formation was very powerful
This was just an incredible interview. Thanks to all involved for taking the time and effort to get this done.
What an honor to listen to this podcast!
Great interview. The past few winters, I've made the drive over the hill from San Diego to watch these 2 teams practice. It's always a great day watching the practices.
It Doesn't matter Both are outstanding 😊
Congratulations 🎉👏👏 Amen 🙏🌄🙏🌄
As a former USAFA cadet this has been my favorite podcast. Great discussion and sharing of the pursuit of excellence.DO more.
1:06:29 Oh man, that whole comment about The T-Birds Pass-In-Review where boss will aim his jet to crash at show center to compensate, knowing that #2's positioning will correct his jet with the lift. Just incredible stuff. I could geek out over this podcast all damn day.
Absolutly wonderful pod cast.
Truly enjoyed this podcast. I am a huge fan of both the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels. When i was stationed at England AFB at Alexandria, LA, there was an air show and I actually got to meet and talk to someone with theThunderbirds, got my picture taken with him as well! But that was years ago and they are all probably retired by now. I knew there was a lot of self-discipline, a lot of practice, and team work involved, but listening to all of you really brings home the amount of dedication, commitment, and work that goes into making these teams succeed. Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to do this discussion!
Rest in Peace Chris Darnell...
Battle Star Galactica is why.
This is by far one of the best podcast on youtube.
Yes but 'why' RINO...Because of the antena bump just forward of the cockpit...a horned Hornet.
I really liked the T-38. I thought it was a good-looking airplane and still had an afterburner. I think that was the only downside to the Blues flying the A-4 - that it didn't have a burner. It didn't hamper performance because I like the A-4 and know a few former Marines who flew it. Still, the sound of a burner can't be beat.
One Thunderbirds maneuver from the '60s - '70s that I miss is the "Rollback to Arrowhead."
The only thing I've heard the F-35 called is Fat Amy. And it seems to fit perfectly. Especially viewed from a rearward aspect.
WOW! That was a maximum performance podcast and a greased landing. And you didnt break a jet. Thanks fellas. Maybe a joint podcast is something to consider!
Conveniently they’re both flying at the airshow today and yesterday!
Toi chi nhan loi lam vo anh mantadevi army 54 armankhan johnson army 1 mantadevi army co quyen duoc lam chong toi
2024 stop loveyou my viet nam woman thanhk 2024 stop loveyou my vn thAnhk amen
2024 stop loveyou my viet nam woman thanhk 2024 stop loveyou my vn thAnhk amen
Wow what a awesome episode, thank you guys!
Amem Amen meaning so be it Amen 🙏🌄🌄😅😮😮😢😊
The 2 photo of the diamond it is amazing, almost unreal.
Blue suite with a 'Racing Stripe".
Toi khong quan tam ai cuoi ai khoc ai yeu don puong la viec cua ho khong lien quan toi thiem vn
Toi khong quan tam anh ay co cam sung toi hay khong thi thoi gian tra loi va la thuoc do long nguoi
Great episode! Really really enjoyed discussion with both teams at the same time.
Tbirds rocks at Indy500❤
Awesome podcast! I was a Parachute Survival Equipment Specialist with the 57 EMS at Nellis 88-92. Use to pack the T-birds chutes. I always hoped the T-Birds and Blue Angles would do some collaboration. Good Stuff! Like Lt Col. Elliot said, that Thundebird hangar is amazing, everything was so polished. You could certainly tell a since of pride and professionalism when you walked in to their hanger. Great memories.
And not to steal anything from the Angels, but have wished the Thunderbirds would consider bringing on C-17 onto the demo team. :)
Sierra Hotel! Great podcast!
in the end we are all flying for the same team
Swim suit vs air suit. Think about it 🤔
This, is, Fantastic ! TY
I'm late in watching this, I'm not sure how I missed it, but thus far, hands down, this podcast is the best you've done, and has left an unforgettable impression on me for so many reasons.
God bless our military !!
#FlyNavy #FlyAirforce 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇲
@19:18 I was just short of 4 years old when former POTUS Carter give his speech "The Crisis of Confidence" almost 44 years ago on July 15, 1979. Therefore, I'm to young to remember or have ever heard that speech till just 5 minutes before writing this comment. I feel that although the issues may be different there still are strong parallels that can be made that speak to our country's problems of today. There were a couple times in that speech that I got chills b/c I felt he could have been speaking to the people of today.
Outstanding pod cast I've ever seen. Puts some pride back in the mission! Proud AF Veteran 68-72 394th Strat Msl Squadron. 👍❤🎅❤👍
The inside look is fascinating,thank you for this podcast.However,the topic I would like to address is the cadence calls we hear on some Angel videos,eg.who calls the cadence and what exactly is being called……would love to hear more about it.Watched the Thunderbirds at Cocoa Beach Airshow today…..never a dull moment,hats off to both the bosses.Incidentally,I assume mechanical issues grounded one leaving five without so much as pause.The performance was however somewhat slowed,hopefully it was just mechanical.
I thought they called the Super Hornet the "Rhino' after the F-4 Phantom, also called "Rhino", because like the Phantom, it was a giant, twin engined beast of a plane.
I remember in 1979 at Macdill they were flying block five F16 and they were brand spanking new the pilots and ground crews we’re calling it the viper then and MC was first to have the F16 As a training base
Viper - Another rumor is the shape of the front of the F-16 reminds crew chiefs of a viper snake (Cobra).
I've heard (but of course cannot cite a source) that the choice of Rhino to differentiate it from Hornet was because it was a large, gray, and appeared to be lumbering compared to the smaller Hornet. "It looks like a Rhino!"
From what i read, there were two Es and an F painted for Top Gun Maverick, and the Blues now have both E models. The F is still in Fallon, with NAWDC.
I thought the Super Hornet garnered the "Rhino" moniker because of the square avionics hump on their noses located just in front of the canopy windscreen and behind the gun port which the legacy Hornets don't have... forgot what is under that hump though. I also read that Phantoms were sometimes called Rhinos back in the day.
God bless you guys and thank you all for your service and sacrifice for this great country!
The years with Donnie Cochran as boss weren't so smooth. I think he was the last boss in the bug to cancel the airshow season midway through.
Did they get the mRNA juice? Or were they exempt?
They’re not conspiracy buffoons.
This was the best interview I’ve seen! Getting everyone together had to be a huge task, but it was worth it. Thank you to all involved!
God Bless yuo all leadership of America pilots and shoulders
One more sub! Powerful insight.
Great episode. Thankyou guys.
I like the XOs hair doo. I am Army retired and I love all the services. These pilots are all great. Believe me, it’s not the money. It’s the service to our nation. ❤
The Navy XO is not a pilot but an NFO (Navy Flight Officer) based from his wing insignia.
GREAT episode Paco!
Incredible episode
Need some chick pilots. Boyz Klub? So 1983 -
Blue Angels have their first female demo pilot this year-Lt. Amanda Lee. Thunderbirds’ #4 pilot is female too. She’s at least the 5th in team history
So amazing. Thank you.