FPP049 - Sharpening the Spear

Virtually everything requires periodic maintenance and upkeep. Think about it: our cars, our homes, our health, relationships… you name it—if it operates, functions, or has value, odds are precious resources are required to keep it so. And yet, very little attention is paid by the public or Hollywood to this irrefutable fact.

But since this show tells the story of military aviation, on this episode we take a break from the glamorous planes and amazing weapons to explore what it takes to keep a 1,000-foot long, 10-story tall, $8B, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier protecting the nation’s interests on the world’s seas. Joining us to help describe this massive undertaking is U.S. Navy Captain Matthew “Pappy” Paradise, commanding officer of the USS Carl Vinson, and Mr. Mike Irby, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard project lead for the Vinson’s current ‘availability’ period—as a carrier in drydock is known.

During the listener question segment, Jell-O and Sunshine address Navy VFA squadron organization, loneliness in flight, the effect of dihedral on pulling Gs, the differences between the Naval Academy and ROTC when it comes to flight school performance, and more.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Our thanks to the public affairs offices of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Carl Vinson for making this episode possible.

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