Podcasts about special operations aviation

In Episode 133, John “Rain” Waters sits down with F-16 pilot Trent “Teddy” Meisel for a gripping and emotional conversation. Teddy walks us through his journey from small-town Oklahoma to the cockpit of the Viper, including a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. "Teddy" is also the founder of  @4th_GenHuntingCo This episode dives into the moment-by-moment chaos of that day in May 2023, when a systems failure during a combat exercise forced him to make the ultimate call—pulling the ejection handle. Teddy reflects on what went wrong, how his training kicked in, and what it's like to come back from an ejection both physically and mentally. Rain and Teddy also discuss the realities of Total Force Integration, life in a Guard unit, and the camaraderie forged through the crucible of flying fighters. Plus, hear how Teddy founded 4th Gen Hunting Co. and how the outdoors became part of his recovery journey. This is more than a story of survival—it's a deep dive into resilience, pilot culture, and the unforgiving nature of modern air combat. 4th GenHuntingCo: https://www.4thgenhuntingco.com/

“One of the biggest things I've learned in both the military and agriculture is that success isn't just about what you know—it's about who you surround yourself with. If you build the right team and focus on the mission, you can accomplish just about anything.” In this episode, I'm joined by Charley Jordan, a retired US Army aviator and Special Operations veteran who has channeled his military experience into a thriving career in floriculture and veteran mentorship. Charley shares his journey from flying MH-47 Chinooks with the 160th Special Operations Aviation unit to building Jordan Farms in Tennessee, where he grows specialty flowers for his community. We talk about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of mentorship, and how programs like TN AgVols are helping veterans step into agriculture with confidence. If you're a veteran looking to carve out your place in agriculture or just want to hear an inspiring story of resilience and reinvention, this episode is for you. Let's get into it

Send us a Text Message.On today's  Zero Limits Podcast I chat with Mike Durant former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment aka Night Stalkers. Mike deployment to Somalia was portrayed in the Hollywood movie Blackhawk down.Durant was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 Blackhawk helicopter Master Aviator in the 160th SOAR after participating in combat operations Prime Chance, Just Cause, and Desert Storm, and also Gothic Serpent, in which he was briefly held prisoner in 1993 after a raid in Somalia.During Operation Gothic Serpent, Durant was the pilot of Super Six Four, the second MH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to crash during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993. The helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in the tail, which led to its crash about a mile southwest of the operation's target. www.getsome.com.auInstagram @getsome_auDiscount Code ZEROLIMITS www.3zeroscoffee.com.auInstargram @3zeroscoffee Discount Code 3ZLimits Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=en

Paco flew the A-6 Intruder and the F-14 Tomcat in the United States Navy. He also wrote the book Lions of the Sky which you can find here.I'm happy to announce a partnership with Authentic Media, a new service that provides subscription content to you from a variety of creators, most notably and importantly myself... I'm very humble, I know. But seriously, check them out and use the promo code CASMO to get 15% off your first month. I'm currently working on a series about Special Operations Aviation, including crew from the AC-130 and various members from the 160th SOAR. Check out Paco's Book hereAuthentic MediaWant to support the show, get early episode access, and bonus content? Check out the Patreon page for more information.Exclusive Low Level Hell Merch available here!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-low-level-hell-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Greg talks with author and pilot Greg "Gravy" Coker who is a retied CW4 from the U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment "Night Stalkers"

Bryan Bean is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served in numerous leadership positions in Special Operations Aviation, retiring in 2004 after a 20 year career. He earned a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management in 1993 and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of George Mason University in 1984. Prior to entering the Special Operations community, he served as a senior trainer at the Joint Readiness Training Center and developed extensive experience in the design, conduct, evaluation and management of field training exercises. He served as an Attack Helicopter Company Commander and Platoon leader in the 7th Infantry Division (Light). Joining the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment on 1993, Bryan served two consecutive tours in 1st Battalion. He served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Mission Commander for the Nation's only Light Assault Helicopter unit. This assignment at the tactical level included numerous deployments including Operation Uphold Democracy. A truly Joint Officer, Bryan served as a Liaison Officer to a US Navy SEAL Team, and was responsible for maritime training and integration with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Following the Command and General Staff College, Bryan served as the Task Force Operations Officer for the Nation's most deployable Aviation Task Force, synchronizing operations and training for multi-service units, other government agencies, and federal and local law enforcement. He planned and executed numerous sensitive deployments in support of high-priority missions in the Baltics, Middle East, and SOUTHCOM Areas of Responsibility. Bryan finished his Active Duty career serving in the USSOCOM Assessment Directorate where he helped prioritize and allocate resources for the transformation of SOF following 9/11. Though selected to command an Assault Helicopter Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division, Bryan elected to retire and address important family issues. He has specialized training from a wide range of defense-related courses and institutions, including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Joint Special Operations Planning Course, He holds the rating of Master Army Aviator.

"The Taliban was dragging his buddy away and you ask him in his.... when he's interviewed about why he... you know, why did he run in there? [He said] 'Well they had my friend, I mean that's why.'"- Col. Cary Harbaugh, Episode 103“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” ― Margaret Thatcher​“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” ― Nelson Mandela​Colonel Cary C. Harbaugh began his Army career serving as an enlisted soldier and noncommissioned officer in Airborne and Special Operations units from 1978-1987. His enlisted assignments included the 101st Pathfinders, the 1/509th Airborne Battalion Combat Team, Task Force 160 (Special Operations Aviation), and the 11th Special Forces Group. He was commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate through the ROTC program at The Ohio State University in 1987. He retired in August of 2019 after over 41 years of military service.​His wisdom, years of service, and first-hand experience in being resilient paved the way for others to step into a higher level of strength mentally and physically. Being resilient is an important trait we can and should implement in our lives.​Today, he shares with us how we can have Spec Op type resiliency! So if you're ready, take out your pencils, and let's begin!​Connect with Col. Harbaugh here and read his full bio.Support the show (https://paypal.me/pencilleadership)

MG Hutmacher became the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in September 2018. He was a career United States Army Officer and retired in 2018 having served over 40 years in uniform. As an Army Special Operations Aviator, he commanded at every level during his three tours with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, where he served as the MH-60 Direct Action Penetrator platoon leader, company operations officer, executive officer and commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command. MG Hutmacher’s last active duty assignment was the Director of Operations in the U.S. Special Operation Command, Tampa, FL. His previous assignment was as the deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, NC. A native of Wenatchee, Washington, he was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval Command and Staff College, and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Get access to bonus segments with our guests: https://www.patreon.com/m/TheTeamHouse NEW! Team House merch: https://teespring.com/stores/my-store-10474963 Team House Discord: https://discord.gg/wHFHYM6 SubReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheTeamHouse/ Jack Murphy's memoir "Murphy's Law" can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Murphys-Law-Journey-Investigative-Journalist/dp/1501191241 The Team Room Reading Room (Amazon Affiliate links): https://jackmurphywrites.com/the-team-room-reading-room/

Mike Prince graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 38. After spending 10 years as a helicopter mechanic in Special Operations Aviation, I was looking for a career change. A logic and design college course introduced me to the Python language, and after learning the basics, I developed a passion for software development.

Eric's Background:Was a Special Operations Aviation crew member in the military and has his Masters in Aeronautical ScienceCo-founder of Active Duty Passive Income which helps active duty and veteran military members invest in real estate using the unique advantages they have through the militaryOwns/manages 500 doors between his own properties and syndicated propertiesIn this episode we cover:What qualifies you to use a VA loanThe type of properties that you can buy using a VA loanSimple strategies to make this process work for you multiple timesFinding the right agents that will help you find an investment vs a primary homeEric's history using VA loans to his advantageConnect with Eric:https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/eric@activedutypassiveincome.comConnect with Dave:https://www.lvare.com/dave.morgia@longviewacquisitions.com

David joined The Protectors to talk about his time with the legendary 160th SOAR as a member of the Nightstalkers.  After David left the service he embarked on an ambitious journey, to document his time with the famed Nightstalkers.  Listen in..From book:  David Burnett takes readers into a unique world of the 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment. His journey starts in a conventional Army unit where he doesn't feel fulfilled in his duties and obligations. This lack of responsibility drives David to pursue the dream of becoming an MH-47G Chinook helicopter crew chief in the most secretive and elite aviation unit in the world. David on the Web: https://makinganightstalker.com/ Buy MAKING A NIGHT STALKER here: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Night-Stalker-David-Burnett/dp/0999856502 Sentinels of Freedom: https://www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/ Warriors Rising: https://www.warriorrising.org/ Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/theprotectors)

As far back as he can remember, Michael Rutledge wanted to be a Naval Aviator. He lacked the grades to get him there, so he enlisted in the Navy, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL. Unable to ignore his desire to fly in the military, after 8 years as a SEAL, Rutledge started the process to transfer to the Army to fly helicopters. All of this happened not long before 9/11. Despite his love for the Teams and its inherent brotherhood, Rutledge felt a greater calling to make it into the aviator ranks and fly in combat. He would be one of the very few aviators that would go from flight school straight into the Army's elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Rutledge shares with us the high's and low's of his journey, and what it meant to be a part of some of the military's most daring and precise missions, on this latest edition of HAZARD GROUND!  Do your Amazon shopping with us, and give back to veterans organizations at the same time! Go to www.hazardground.com, click on the Amazon banner on the home page, and do your Amazon shopping from there. THE BEST PART IS we donate proceeds from this partnership to the vet organizations featured on this podcast. We just made our 3rd donation, this time to the Pat Tillman Foundation. So let's keep this going so we can make more and bigger donations! Help us out, help out these great organizations, and head over to hazardground.com and click on the Amazon banner today, and shop away! Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors! So many great and honest companies with great products! Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes!

https://makinganightstalker.com Join Red Velvet Media as we talk to David Burnett about his new book “Making A Nightstalker”David Burnett’s Making A Night Stalker,Rare Insight into The Elite 160th SOAR NIGHTSTALKERS. David Burnett takes readers into a unique world of the 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment. His journey starts in a conventional Army unit where he doesn’t feel fulfilled in his duties and obligations. This lack of responsibility drives David to pursue the dream of becoming an MH-47G Chinook helicopter crew chief in the most secretive and elite aviation unit in the world. David Burnett was born and raised in Parker, Colorado. After a few semesters of college he decided it wasn't for him and he enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was stationed with 563rd ASB as a 15U (Chinook Helicopter repairer). After realizing his job in the regular Army wasn’t as fulfilling as he had hoped, he applied for 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment SOAR. After making it through the unit's five-week selection process he began his journey as a Special Operations crew chief. He went through countless years of training and deployed with the unit five times before deciding he wasn't going to reenlist. He put pen to paper after receiving an honorable discharge from the unit and began writing. He invented and patented a clamp intended to be used on the very aircraft he crewed on, and runs the day to day in his pre-revenue company Tac-Clamp. He finished his Bachelors in Business management after being discharged. In his free time he enjoys golf and snowboarding.   

David Burnett, is a Special Ops Veteran and the author of “Making of a Night Stalker”. The book provides the reader a glimpse of the unique world of the 160th Special Operations Aviation regiment. David’s journey starts in a conventional Army unit from where he pursues his dream of becoming an MH-47G Chinook helicopter crew chief, in the most secretive and elite aviation unit in the world.After almost a year in training he is deployed with 160th, and it is nothing short of intense. His new unit’s mission is exactly what he hoped for. He continues to hone his craft over the next four years. After five deployments with the unit as a crew chief, he is discharged from the military and begins a journey into deep depression. Alcohol becomes the most important thing in his life, and David finds himself on a new and reckless battlefield against an enemy he never saw coming.Making of a Night Stalker has been reviewed and approved by the Pentagon.Colorado after HS went to college for aviation technologyFixed wing pilots normal airplane Father was a fighter jet pilot in Marine uncle and cousins fly for FedExPeace time service = dadHe was attracted to Rotary wing = helicopter As a child wanted to try and do something completely differentRecruiting station in college….went for the ASFB test to identify what he was good at and it said he could work on helicopters.Signs up and he was set to take off for basic training within a month.Fort Jackson South Carolina – Army went fort advanced individual training MOS military occupational skillHelicoper repair SHANOOK twin engine twin rotter flying school bus – enormousAfter training received his orders was with 101 in Fort Campbell KentuckyFinds out he won’t be working on helicopters you are them deployed within 2 months of arriving.Maintaining them in Afganistan….full blown emersion…ever 400 hours they need maintenancechoppers taking troops into and out of areasHad door gunnersInitially did not set out to write a book – became an alcoholic was with the VA and he started writingHe had a chronical history of his experience. 6 years in the army.In afg maintaining the helicopters…he feels unfulfilled and wants to become a night stalker, these soldiers would fly on missions – he wanted to be a crew chief…talked to leadership – she was told there were no Crew Chief slots available – his path was to apply for Special Operations Aviation regiment Fills out application, turns it in. He is accepted after review and gets an opportunity to try out “Green Platoon” – Gets back to states 5 week physically and mentally challenging course. Learning different skills than Basic Training. Went through 5 weeks and graduated and was competent to become a Crew Chief. Alpha company = a flight company. He graduates meets new Sargent but had more things to complete, more training and skills to complete.Passed everything – “dunker school” sinks rolls over and you have to egressFinally flying night runs with goggles - First deployment was 2 years into the Army – see action SPECIAL OPERATION SHANOOK4 years of clandestine missionsReoccurring nightmare after service 4th or 5th deployment – 3 males by a truck AK-47sFelt he didn’t have a purpose…tried to kill himself was an alcoholicWhen he got out got married…Would have re-enlisted if singleWanted to try something new in civilian spaceDriven by loveNow has 3 inventions for military purposes = problem solving in terms of hisspecial ops for Chinook helicopters named after Indian Tribes - fishWas positive help – experienced traditional psych support went to mental health care specialist

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a member of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)? Making A Nightstalker: The Triumph and Near Tragedy of a Special Operations Aviator. Guest: David Burnett Apple Podcast Link: apple.co/1WaEvb Robert is a retired US Army Armor and Recruiter/Retention MSG turned Fortune 50 executive and Scott Johnson is a former British Army EOD and SAPPER. Join our new Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentors4mil Follow Mentors for Military: iTunes: http://apple.co/1WaEvbB SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/mentors4mil Instagram: www.instagram.com/mentors4mil Twitter: www.twitter.com/mentors4mil Facebook: www.facebook.com/mentors4mil Homepage: www.mentorsformilitary.com Use Code Mentors4mil at www.SkeletonOptics.com to receive your discount.

Flying long range assault missions at extremely low altitudes on NVGs with a cabin full of special forces soldiers is all in a days work for the men and women of the 160th Special Operations Regiment. Mike Durant was a Blackhawk element flight lead with the ‘Night Stalkers’ and in this interview talks about his … Continue reading "RWS 34 – Special Operations Aviation with Mike Durant" The post RWS 34 – Special Operations Aviation with Mike Durant appeared first on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.