Fighter Pilot Podcast The Merge-4: Flight Lead and Wingman
Aug 5, 2025
Explore the vital partnership between flight lead and wingman in military operations, emphasizing their teamwork and safety. Reflect on the life of Jeremy Shug Wise, a dedicated pilot lost in a tragic accident. Dive into the intricacies of military aviation training, revealing the intense conditions aviators endure. Experience the chaos of a midair collision and the emotional aftermath, highlighting the resilience and leadership challenges faced in the wake of tragedy.
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Stickett's Bond with Wingman
- Stickett was Jeremy Shug Wise's instructor pilot and flight lead during many training flights.
- Jeremy was smart, eager, and soaked up knowledge like a sponge, showing strong dedication to flying the F-18.
June 13 Mission Setup
- On June 13, Stickett and his flight briefed for a strike mission in Fallon with careful planning.
- They executed a complex mission involving a sweep and two distinct target sets, coordinating precisely as a team.
Collision Moment Described by Stickett
- During the flight, Stickett engaged an F5 at close range and called a kill on it.
- At rollout, he saw a flash and multiple pieces breaking apart, signaling the collision and breakup of the F5 and the other aircraft without immediate clarity.