Fighter Pilot Podcast

November 10, 2025 marks the U.S. Marines' 250th birthday and to celebrate, we are dedicating the entire month to the Corps, beginning with this discussion featuring Jim "Bullet" Markel.Bullet, who flew the Vought F-8 Crusader, describes flight training, meeting the love of his life, and flying combat operations over Vietnam—including a harrowing mission for which he was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

The U.S. Navy has one of the largest air forces in the world comprised of a wide variety of aircraft from helicopters to strike fighters to patrol planes. While squadrons, air wings, and type wings have a well-established chain of command, ultimately they all fall under the purview of a single person. Known formally as the Commander, Naval Air Forces, the position is known better as simply, the Air Boss.On this episode, U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and air boss Dan “Undra” Cheever, joins us to discuss the current state and future of naval aviation. We touch on numerous high-level strategic issues and spend several minutes answering listener questions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

This week, we pause our monthlong celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday to check in with FPP friend, Dave "Chip" Berke.Fighter pilot extraordinaire, battle-proven forward air controller, and esteemed leadership coach, Chip codifies his many hard-won lessons learned into a powerful and concise new book, The Need to Lead."Every problem is a leadership problem," Chip asserts—find out why and, more importantly, how to effectively address these problems in this fascinating read available on Amazon and most major bookstores October 21, 2025.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Tony Grayson, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer with 21 years of experience, shares fascinating insights into the world of submarines. He compares undersea warfare with aviation, discussing the roles and missions of different types of submarines. Learn about torpedoes, the nuances of submarine operations, and how they collaborate with special forces. Grayson amusingly compares submarine films to reality, revealing how closely they align with actual operations. He also touches on the future of submarines amid advancements in technology.

October 2025 marks 250 years of the U.S. Navy and we begin our monthlong celebration with retired Rear Admiral Jeremy "Bear" Taylor, who considers himself the luckiest man alive.Commissioned in 1957, Bear would accumulate more than 6,000 flight hours in fighters and trainers and over 1,000 carrier landings during his 35+ years of service. He was assigned to 13 different aircraft carriers and flew 50 additional types and models of aircraft, including 10 helicopters.During the Vietnam War, Bear flew the A-4 Skyhawk, accruing 200+ Rolling Thunder missions in North Vietnam. He fired numerous AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles and was later involved in developing the JDAM. Bear commanded an A-7 Corsair II squadron, the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, and the Strike Fighter Wing of the Pacific Fleet.Visit https://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/ where Bear and other Vietnam veteran stories are chronicled.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Some aircraft have specialized roles most applicable to certain types of warfare—and thus only appear in certain conflicts around the globe.And then there are the workhorses that show up everywhere.On this episode, former Royal Air Force navigator-turned-pilot Elliott "Jellers" Jardine explains how the Boeing CH-47 Chinook is one of those aircraft. From Vietnam to the Falkland Islands to Sierra Leone and the more recent desert operations, the Chinook is always in demand. And always delivers.Stay tuned after the feature interview for an important update on the future of this show.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Colonel James "Fangs" Valpiani knows a thing or two about flight test because he's seen a thing or two: first an Air Force Academy graduate, then a combat-tested F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, a graduate of the French Test Pilot School, and most recently Commodore of the USAF TPS.On this episode, Fangs shares his expertise on the various schools he has attended or led and the aircraft they test, including the X-62 VISTA.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Per their website, the "Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents." Awesome, but what does that mean for the men and women comprising the team? How do they join, and what is a typical week like during show season?On this episode, former USAF Thunderbird solo pilot Michelle "MACE" Curran explains her rocky road to the Air Force, the seat of an F-16 fighter jet, and a coveted slot on the demonstration team. Now a keynote speaker, MACE distills her many lessons learned into a format we can all benefit from with her new book, The Flip Side, How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

Is it possible to capture the camaraderie of a fighter squadron ready room after hours in a spirits brand?Introducing Winglore. Founded by fighter pilots, for fighter pilots, Winglore captures the spirit of a squadron bar after a day in the skies—where stories get taller, roasts get louder, and the whiskey is always worth a toast.Founder Ernesto "Carlos" Howard joins the FPP to explain how Winglore came to be and how anyone over 21 (not just fighter pilots) can enjoy Winglore's signature spirits: Bogey Dope Bourbon and Nickel on the Grass American Single Malt Whiskey, and become a member of the Winglore squadron.Learn more at https://winglorespirits.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations

A 2008 mid-air collision between an F/A-18 Hornet and F-5F Tiger II near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada left one pilot dead, two aircraft destroyed, and dozens of squadron mates, family, and friends changed forever.This bonus episode of The Merge reunites the two surviving F-5 aircrew, exploring how the mishap has affected their lives in the years since.Brought to you by BVR Productions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations