The Real Story of Slate 46: The F-14 Tomcat Shot Down in Desert Storm

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2021
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    In this episode Ward describes the harrowing and heroic experience of the crew of Slate 46, an F-14A+ Tomcat shot down over western Iraq during the fourth day of Desert Storm, and the Air Force Pave Low helicopter and A-10s that attempted to find them.
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ความคิดเห็น • 893

  • @thomastrask1230
    @thomastrask1230 2 ปีที่แล้ว +472

    Great telling if this story. I learned new things 30 years later! Two very minor corrections: the Moccasins did not launch together on the first sortie, only because we still thought there was an A-6 down also, otherwise we would have always operated as a 2-ship. Also, the gunner you mention was actually MSgt Tim Hadrych. Ben Pennington is the PJ who is in the photo you showed.

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 ปีที่แล้ว +174

      Thanks for the detail, sir. And amazing airmanship, courage, and determination on that mission. Thanks for getting Boots out. Beers on me if you're ever in Annapolis.

    • @JustinLong1977
      @JustinLong1977 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      Seems like this comment should be pinned!

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

      @@JustinLong1977 Great idea. Done.

    • @Damitsall
      @Damitsall 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Here comes the roosters.

    • @Mrcrisis2012
      @Mrcrisis2012 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      My brother Maj Ed Ashley was commanding the AWACS on a rescue mission that was written up in Readers Digest....not sure if this was his mission or another rescue. I think on his mission they rescued the crew...he called in strikes against Republican Guard coming after the Crew.

  • @dokken440
    @dokken440 2 ปีที่แล้ว +190

    Minor correction: Ben Pennington was a pararescue specialist, PJ, and was on the aft ramp with myself, the tailgaters. The left side gunner who made the call was Msgt Tim Hadrych. Tim also took that picture by blindly pointing his camera over the right gunners shoulder. That was an awesome day for sure.

    • @thomastrask1230
      @thomastrask1230 2 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      Dock. I most remember you saying "pilot, tail, up 5, we're kicking up dust" so we climbed from about 15 to 20 feet

    • @CoryC1033
      @CoryC1033 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      👊💪

    • @HAL_9001
      @HAL_9001 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I'd like to nominate this for a pinned comment as well, Mooch.

    • @hoghogwild
      @hoghogwild 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@thomastrask1230 Sounds like the UK Buccaneer crews at Red Flag. "OK Gentlemen, final attack run, no lower than leader."

    • @Tuglife912
      @Tuglife912 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @dokken440 awesome pic of the Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV!!

  • @pmurray0511
    @pmurray0511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    I remember when Boots came back to the ship and I caught him right before he entered the ready room. I welcomed him back to the ship and I noticed the whites of his eyes were red. The blood vessels in his eyes burst with the yaw rate of the flat spin. I am truly grateful to everybody involved in getting my squadron mates back to us.

    • @pontiacGXPfan
      @pontiacGXPfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      did you see Ratsy again after he was released?

    • @pmurray0511
      @pmurray0511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@pontiacGXPfan I saw Rat one more time after we got back before he transferred.

    • @pontiacGXPfan
      @pontiacGXPfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@pmurray0511 you were with the Sluggers when all this happened right? was the skipper Bluto(James McFillin)or Santa(Don Santapaola)?

    • @pmurray0511
      @pmurray0511 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@pontiacGXPfan Santa

    • @pontiacGXPfan
      @pontiacGXPfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@pmurray0511 then Brian(Rocky) Fitzpatrick WAS the Sluggers' XO. He was interviewed in the Robert Wilcox book Wings of Fury

  • @DaveMcGhee
    @DaveMcGhee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +123

    A-10 pilot Captain Randy Goff grew up just 10 house down from me in Jackson, Ohio. I delivered papers to his mother when he was in Saudi Arabia. I remember delivering the paper with Randy’s story of this rescue to his mother who was very proud. I still have a copy of that paper. Thanks for covering this story and mentioning the people who were involved.

    • @dennisgoff4723
      @dennisgoff4723 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Dave McGhee, that’s a GR8 personal interest memory- Bringing the News to proud parents!
      Noticed yer Esty shop offerings - will be in touch 🔜 ! Gummit P’day💰 only comes 1 🦅 drop / month LoL 😝

    • @nexpro6118
      @nexpro6118 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I bet he did lol

  • @spyone4828
    @spyone4828 2 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    I work overnights in a convenience store, and being near Oceana and Norfolk Naval Base we got a lot of Navy folks on their way to work.
    One day my coworker asked me what a particular officer's ribbons were, and I said it isn't like I have them memorized - I would have to look them up. "But the purple one is the Purple Heart, and the star means he got it twice."
    So the next day my coworker says to the guy, "So, how does one go about getting two purple hearts?"
    "You get one if you eject over enemy territory, and another if you are actually injured in the ejection."
    And that's how we met Captain Slader (Rat), who was at the time he retired the last former POW on active duty. Or as he described it, a "former guest of the Government of Saddam Hussein."

    • @kiltedscorpio
      @kiltedscorpio 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      5

    • @Magikarp-4ever
      @Magikarp-4ever 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @spyone4828 another good reason they aren't worth shit and looked upon as a crybaby medal more often than not lol

  • @spacecatboy2962
    @spacecatboy2962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    any guy that takes on an A10 thunderbolt with a datsun deserves a medal of honor or something

  • @jamesesenwein5152
    @jamesesenwein5152 2 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    OIF in 2003, a F-15E was shot down over Tikrit by a SA-6. His wingman stuck around looking for survivors and ran critically low on fuel. CFACC at the time, Gen Moseley, directed a KC-135R out of Bahrain to go drag the remaining F-15E out of the area. Three days later, Gen Moseley shows up at Shaikh Isa in Bahrain and pins DFC's to the KC-135 crew. NKAWTG!

    • @jamesfuria3939
      @jamesfuria3939 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I had a Stratotanker buddy of mine that said on more than one occasion the tankers flew further north than directed to help a plane low on fuel. Thanks guys!, lots of people appreciate it more than you think.

    • @jamesesenwein5152
      @jamesesenwein5152 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@jamesfuria3939 when I flew KC-135’s in Afghanistan we would refuel Special Ops AC-130’s and MC-130’s. Due to the differences in performance envelopes we had to descend with them from 10k’. We took it to 1500’ AGL in the Hindu Kush mountains several nights, and then call disconnect. Got our asses chewed for leaning forwards in trying to get gas to the ass kickers.

    • @dananichols1816
      @dananichols1816 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@jamesesenwein5152 That took some professional stones. Good on ya and your entire crew, for just doing it and taking the heat later. I'm sure that the crews looking back up at you through their windshields are still grateful.

    • @DeliveryMcGee
      @DeliveryMcGee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The single-seat fighter version of the F-15 has a perfect record against the enemy (one got oopsied by his wingman), the Mudhen ... well, it's a low-level medium bomber, they get shot down rather often by ground fire.

    • @cacornett58
      @cacornett58 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That ancient SA-2 missile must be bad ass, shooting down an F-15 and 2 U-2s in the 60s, many B-52,s in Nam.

  • @jeffhanson9244
    @jeffhanson9244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Great story. Paul Johnson was a new pilot in my squadron when I got out of the Air Force. 20 plus years later we had an A10 reunion at Davis-Monthan AFB. BGen Paul Johnson got up to speak to us and told us he was very confident in his public speaking but when he looked into the crowd and saw the old Captains and Majors he flew with as 2Lt Paul Johnson, Snack bar officer, he was a little nervous. A great guy.

  • @ryankc3631
    @ryankc3631 2 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    This is probably the most accurate account of this event we'll ever have. Sometimes, the historical value of this channel is invaluable. BZ, Sir!

    • @flparkermdpc
      @flparkermdpc 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      SOMETIMES?!?!

  • @thomasd3862
    @thomasd3862 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Adequate proof of the well understood axiom that the SAR mission is always ten times harder than the original mission.

  • @chrischilds916
    @chrischilds916 2 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    It’s so interesting to hear the play-by-play on these uncommon but critical events, thank you. And the digital simulation of that truck exploding was nicely done!

  • @TheWeatherbuff
    @TheWeatherbuff 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Well, that was a story. Us Civvies rarely get to hear the intricate details of operations like this, told so well. Mooch, you always do a great job!

  • @dandychiggins8329
    @dandychiggins8329 2 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Incredible story. As it turns out I was deployed to Haditha Iraq in 2007 with 1st Battalion 3rd Marines and have been to Al Assad many times. I never knew I was in the general area where a Tomcat was shot down. I’m glad both aviators are alive and well.

    • @ahmedvawda1282
      @ahmedvawda1282 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Did you know you were in the area which had a more significant incident?
      The killings on November 19, 2005, in which a group of United States Marines killed 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians?

    • @dandychiggins8329
      @dandychiggins8329 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ahmedvawda1282 that’s not what the video is about is it

    • @dandychiggins8329
      @dandychiggins8329 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ahmedvawda1282 shall we discuss how many innocent Iraqis were killed by other Iraqis?

    • @ahmedvawda1282
      @ahmedvawda1282 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dandychiggins8329 yes I know.
      After the 20 year anniversary of the war of mass DECEPTION I want people to remember the 1.2M Iraqi victims also.

    • @dandychiggins8329
      @dandychiggins8329 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ahmedvawda1282 no you don’t, you are trying to push an idea that the US went to war to kill Iraqis. And btw General Odierno was told by Saddams top generals that there were nuclear weapons in Iraq prior to the invasion. So unless your some deep cover intel agent maybe just comment as to the facts of this video which took place in 1991. Also those Marines you spoke of were charge with war crimes.

  • @StrikerVTB5
    @StrikerVTB5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    As a former Pavelow aircrew member well done. The picture was taken from the right door (FE position w/50 cal) and not the cockpit. Always enjoy listening to your channel. Keep it up.

    • @citadelgrad87
      @citadelgrad87 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thats awesome. My dad was CINC of 23AF, ARRS in the late 1980s. Pavelows rule the night.

  • @On-Our-Radar-24News
    @On-Our-Radar-24News 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Thanks for doing this one Ward! As I briefly mentioned in your preview post of this story, I was a young E5 Medic with the 1st INF DIV during Desert Shield/Storm and the day this happened we heard all of the open freq as well as the encrypted tac freq of comms. I had no idea at the time who was who, we just knew that 2 pilots were down and that SAR was out looking for them. I went back and looked at my journal for that day and it says..."Long day...no orders...no contact...lots of radio calls on open frequency for downed pilots of two planes"...I guess I was wrong about the two planes. Anyway just thought I would add my tiny insignificant participation in this story.

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Thanks, Doc!

    • @On-Our-Radar-24News
      @On-Our-Radar-24News 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@WardCarroll Thank you, Ward! It was my pleasure.

    • @1-501Infantry
      @1-501Infantry 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Hey doc thank you for your service and welcome home!

    • @On-Our-Radar-24News
      @On-Our-Radar-24News 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@1-501Infantry Thank you, it was my honor to serve!

    • @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613
      @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Doc , you're a WAR CRIMINAL . 500,000 Iraqi kids killed . Do you think the price was worth it ???? Your honor to serve rotten WAR CRIMINALS politicians

  • @RWforRP2012
    @RWforRP2012 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Sounds like that could have gone BAT 21 in a hurry if not for the A-10s and the skill of the CH-53 crew hiding in a wadi. That's awesome.

  • @jerseyshoredroneservices225
    @jerseyshoredroneservices225 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The complexities of navigating a battle space or the globe without GPS are immense. Its amazing that people have been doing it for centuries with any degree of success. From the air the battle space may not look that huge but when you're on the ground the desert out there is massive.
    It can be very difficult to differentiate the good guys from bad guys when your positioning isn't very accurate.

  • @werewolf5674
    @werewolf5674 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I was in VF 74 at the time. The Squadron had gone out and bought handheld GPS. We put the dome antenna on top of the top of RIOs sunscreen. It was so much better then INS.

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We did the same thing when I was in VF-102 flying over B-H in '95.

  • @rickprice6312
    @rickprice6312 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Remember those guys. Also saw Zule (Jeff Zaun) in that last picture. Jeff and I were on the same strike planning team. Saratoga took its lumps. The worst was the ferry accident in Haifa.

    • @irongiant1961
      @irongiant1961 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I still have vivid memories of the Sara's hangarbay laid out with the survivors of the ferry boat. And the casualties layed out on the flight deck. Real bad way to spend Christmas.

  • @williammrdeza9445
    @williammrdeza9445 2 ปีที่แล้ว +74

    What a great episode, Ward! You have a gift for story telling that draws us in while also shedding light on the facts of the incident. This took me right back to the early chapters of Punk's Fight and juxtaposed the scenario depicted in the novel with actual events on the ground. Outstanding and thank you for a great way to start out my weekend! The best part is the fact that both aviators survived their ordeal and were able to continue their service. It was especially neat that you subsequently served with each one at a later date. Thanks again for the most interesting recounting of this operation.

    • @johnciccone
      @johnciccone 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      William, I write for a living. First, I must agree with you about Ward. He is a great writer, more important, he is a great story teller...two different talents.

    • @tylersathern1076
      @tylersathern1076 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You couldn't have said it better. Gifted and intelligent.

  • @halb37
    @halb37 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Sandy has been the call sign of SAR escort since at least the 1960s. As for the A-10s being airborne 9 hours I can guarantee (from experience) they had a major flat spot on their ass for the next day. Because of the complexity of the mission I'm also pretty certain all of the helo/F14/A10 crewmembers landed with no adrenalin left in their system.

    • @falconeaterf15
      @falconeaterf15 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Read a book written by an A10 pilot. His squadron flew all the way to Iraq non stop. A gruelling ordeal in a plane that flies as slow as a WW2 prop plane.
      Even sketchier when the refuel probe starts leaking fuel into the cockpit !
      Nothings easy in aviation. Especially in wartime.

    • @schwenk929
      @schwenk929 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks , I was just about to ask if Search and Rescue always uses the call sign "Sandy".

  • @dksl9899
    @dksl9899 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I remember reading this story as a kid in Reader's Digest, your wonderful retelling brings me right back to that! I still recall the callsigns and the "Smoke the trucks!" moment.

  • @michaeldavenport5034
    @michaeldavenport5034 2 ปีที่แล้ว +146

    Great story. Always interesting hearing what goes on behind the scenes compared to the "Official release stories". Capt Johnson retired as Major General from the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for this mission. As per the museum website: The A-10A on display was flown on Jan. 21, 1991, by Capt. Paul Johnson on an eight-hour rescue support mission during Operation Desert Storm, for which he was awarded the Air Force Cross, the USAF's second highest award for valor. The aircraft was delivered to the museum in January 1992.

    • @erievon1
      @erievon1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I absolutely love that they stuck around with our downed crew and told the approaching trucks "not today son..."

    • @weaponeer
      @weaponeer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Capt. Paul Johnson (PJ) was known as likely the best A-10 pilot at the time. another great story is when PJ got hit by a SAM during Desert Storm and had a hole in his wing big enough to crawl through, and was down to flying the plane with just cable and pulley, and flew that plane home. you can see it in this video th-cam.com/video/ulMN22sQGWk/w-d-xo.html (BTW I'm a Desert Shield and Desert Storm Army Vet)

    • @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613
      @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      what REALLY went on behind the scenes compared to the "Official release stories . Empire of Chaos , Death & Destruction killed millions people , sent a country back to stone age , open the sectarian pandora box .Time for the fallen decay country Send ALL its WAR CRIMINALS to the ICC

    • @michaeldavenport5034
      @michaeldavenport5034 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@freegedankenzurbaukunst5613 you mean the illegal invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein back in 1990 which led to Desert Storm in 1991?

    • @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613
      @freegedankenzurbaukunst5613 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@michaeldavenport5034 That idiot got trapped like a rat by the Empire of Death , Chaos & Destruction . It was used by the Empire of Death , Chaos & Destruction to destroy Iran ( Google WAR CRIMINAL Rumsfeld shaking hand with Saddam Hussein ) . Koweit was the promised gift to do it . And that idiot felt on the booby trap . PS / When will USA send their WAR CRIMINALS to the ICC ??? I know the answer . Never . But karma is the bitch . At the end , you will get what you deserve . Clio never ever forgets

  • @colt10mmsecurity68
    @colt10mmsecurity68 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    The way Ward tells stories is so captivating!!! Love his channel!

    • @180mph9
      @180mph9 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, I totally agree, such attention to detail.

  • @rattler0812
    @rattler0812 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I remember the movie "Heroes of Desert Storm" from ages ago where their shoot down was part of the movie. They portrayed it as at night and more towards the opening hours of the air war. But this is great to hear the actual story. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @phillipburroughs146
    @phillipburroughs146 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    …to hell with Scott O’Grady & “Behind Enemy Lines”, they need to make this into a movie!

  • @ibbylancaster8981
    @ibbylancaster8981 2 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    These stories are so awesome. I wish when I was a kid in the 70’s that we had the tech that we do now because my grandpa and many of the men of the small town of Parkton NC had left to fight in WW2 together and some of their stories were absolutely remarkable. One of my grandpas best friends retired as a Brigadier General and was later the commander of the eastern NC Guard units. The man had some stories. They all did, and unfortunately, they are all gone like a breeze on a cool morning. God Bless all who have served our great country. Thank you again for the stories Ward. Maybe you could try and get some of these great older Americans that are left to share some of these stories they have before they are lost as well. Much love and thank you again for all you do and have done. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🤙🏻🤙🏻

    • @belindaintexas8789
      @belindaintexas8789 ปีที่แล้ว

      My Father was a WW2 marine bomber pilot deployed to Pacific Theater. Flew a modified Mitchell bomber (PBH-1 modified with 3 canons and rocket rails?) No real action. Mostly guarding shipping lanes. His last flight was to deliver one of their bombers to a museum in Oklahoma. He took a Marine buddy on the flight who had never flown before. The windshield blew out, fortunately at low altitude. He managed to land and was told a replacement windshield would be installed the next day. My Dad said I have been flying these things for 4 years and my final flight almost got me. You can get some one else to fly this to the museum and he walked off. That was the end of his service. Pretty sure his buddy never went up again after that. Told to me by one of Dads squadron . I thought it was kind of funny.

  • @rapscallion3506
    @rapscallion3506 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This took some work to put together. Thank you for investing your time.

  • @OMG_No_Way
    @OMG_No_Way 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I could listen to Ward tell stories all day long.

  • @dananichols1816
    @dananichols1816 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Again, 18 min of outstanding, detail-saturated history! This all happened while I was out of the mil for 16 years -- didn't re-enlist until after 9/11 -- ending in aircrew life support maintaining the egress/E&E gear for HC-130s & HH-60Gs. PRC-90s were being phased out for the -112s/GPS/encrypted radios (in the aircrew vests). 2012-ish, the new 406MHz GPS ELT beacons (attached to seats & inside the bailout chutes), were prematurely fielded with lots of critical failure points -- however, the faster, precise satellite acquiring GPS signals far exceeded the older line-of-sight beacons. ISOPREP very much in-play, as well. Many hours of disciplined mx and good mil techs behind each piece of your gear... and those systemic goddamn PRC failures were not on us, lads -- we (AF) had to send all of ours to the mfgr for almost every failure.
    Your happy hour discussion of returning to cel nav would have made my (recon & tac air nav) dad smile. You carry and tell high-speed, no bullshit stories -- all legit and real world, especially with how fast plans & SOP evaporate when the gear comes up. Great descriptions of the different players committing to cut-the-crap decisions and working the problems from their own seats! Thank you, Ward, and all of the old heads chiming-in with facts & stories!

    • @wretchedexcess1654
      @wretchedexcess1654 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      One of my side jobs as a 67U in the Army was ALSE and the Prick 90's were just plain amazing equipment for the time.
      Batteries were the only thing about them that I had to monitor/test closely/often.
      Once I got on flight status I turned my cage over to another 67U.
      The equipment was very simple but, there was a lot of it and every piece very useful with at least two purposes for each Item.
      I was glad to have gotten the experience with the gear before I went to survival training.

    • @dananichols1816
      @dananichols1816 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@wretchedexcess1654 Yes on those battery mx checks, and really frustrating that we couldn't provide more, expedient shop-level repair for the internal PRC problems. It was great that you had that familiarity when you showed at survival training -- huge advantage. By the time I retired in 2016, we were getting so much new gear, so fast, that I felt like an impostor for all of the stuff I did not know. Thank God for all of those sharp, great kids I had to carry the load and blast through the new iPad tech orders! I hope your flight status years were good ones. Thank you for showing up, every day.

    • @dohc22h
      @dohc22h 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Be like... Go tell the Master Sgt. your looking for a PRC E8

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I definitely sent a few PV2’s to see the Prick E7!

    • @mikeareno7406
      @mikeareno7406 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      to my knowledge the PRC-112 never passed the Standard Navy Water Immersion Test no matter what they did to it

  • @moonasha
    @moonasha 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    what a crazy story. It goes to show how absolutely essential AWACS are. And the A-10s in that story were badass too. You could totally make a movie out of this story.

    • @dougrobinson8602
      @dougrobinson8602 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Certainly a better one than 'Behind Enemy Lines'!

    • @bartk07
      @bartk07 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Movie yes, but not Hollywood-like.

    • @heatseekerws6
      @heatseekerws6 ปีที่แล้ว

      Along the lines of the movie BAT21

  • @christopherdarling7096
    @christopherdarling7096 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Mooch, your description of the faulty location coordinates is a perfect illustration of von Clausewitz’s “Friction of War”, a concept unfamiliar to most folks. Well done!

  • @ut000bs
    @ut000bs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I was on the roof when Boots came back. I'll never forget.
    Unfortunately, Spike never returned. LCDR (now CAPT) Michael Scott Speicher (July 12, 1957 - January 17, 1991)
    I proudly salute them all.
    Thank you very much once again, Mooch.

    • @rolltidelbc2832
      @rolltidelbc2832 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Roof of the Sara?

    • @ut000bs
      @ut000bs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rolltidelbc2832 Bah, I wasn't clear…
      I was on the flight deck of the Saratoga. Some don't know what roof is and, of course, some wouldn't know it was the Saratoga.
      Thank you. I was in a hurry.

    • @rolltidelbc2832
      @rolltidelbc2832 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ut000bs I was crash crew on Sara at that time.

    • @ut000bs
      @ut000bs 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rolltidelbc2832 I was with VAQ-132.

    • @timsparks7049
      @timsparks7049 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@ut000bs Sparky here, the OPS O in 132. TP was the CO I'm still in contact with Panic the pilot in the story

  • @davidruel213
    @davidruel213 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I got to Saudi Arabia as a Flight Engineer on MH-53's shortly after this mission. Thank you for telling the story.

  • @carabela125
    @carabela125 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hey ! I had one of those Datsun Kingcabs. It overheated but not like that one. lol

    • @steveperreira5850
      @steveperreira5850 6 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Me too, I actually have a 1985 Datsun king cab four-wheel-drive. I could’ve been working for the bad guys!

  • @thomaslore730
    @thomaslore730 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I worked at NADEP Pensacola on the MH-53J PAVELOWS.
    We were told about this after things had settled down and it was a GREAT feeling know that we were able to give a hand in this rescue.
    This was the 1st rescue of a down aircrew since Vietnam.
    PAVELOW Leads...

  • @Pricklyhedgehog72
    @Pricklyhedgehog72 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    That's a classic CSAR story, Ward! Thanks for putting this together for us to learn about some of these incredible missions, brave guys, and I do feel for Rat getting nabbed before help could get to him. I remember a friend at University just after Desert Storm describing being in Israel on holiday. They were issued gas masks, and plans were afoot to extract westerners out due to frequent threats of SCUD launches.

  • @reggierico
    @reggierico 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    An outstanding recount of that incredible time period in our lives. I was at King Fahd during the entire Desert Shield build up. The 20th SOS, the Pave Low guys, were certainly the right choice for this mission. The INS did have a ring laser gyro that made it pretty accurate but you had to update it regularly in order to keep that small CEP. A good friend of mine was in the 20th and put this on his Facebook. Thanks, LTC. Bill Berner! It is always bitter sweet to hear these great stories because our squadron lost 14 great guys during Desert Storm. Thanks again, Ward Carroll, great job as usual.

  • @samilsilta9004
    @samilsilta9004 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ward,
    You did it again! You took me right there! I felt like I was in one of the rescue aircraft during this operation. Well done in the finest traditions of storytelling.

  • @bluehornet6752
    @bluehornet6752 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wonderful story sir. Here's to no one ever having to go through that sort of thing again.

  • @chuckprice4541
    @chuckprice4541 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This might be my favorite episode so far.

    • @steveperreira5850
      @steveperreira5850 6 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      It was riveting. Very determined Air Force crew. They didn’t have to do it, it was just navy guys!

  • @DCS_World_Japan
    @DCS_World_Japan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The "digital simulation" of the technical was epic.

  • @joeangell5652
    @joeangell5652 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    First-rate graphics at 15:24! I felt I was actually there. Seriously though, another great video Ward! Thank you for everything you do and everything you’ve done. Take care.

  • @jameshisself9324
    @jameshisself9324 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    15:24 Ahh the sweet, sweet graphics of 'digital simulation'. Thanks for making this tense story a little funny too.

    • @WardCarroll
      @WardCarroll  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Only the best on my channel. 😜

  • @rong1924
    @rong1924 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Digital Simulation of the truck made my day. Thanks for that.

  • @bbarker5766
    @bbarker5766 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ward this hit really close as I was a PC with VF-103 when this happened. I wasn't the one for that flight but I remember hearing the news that they got shot down and both were alive. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @harrylime3.143
    @harrylime3.143 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Another great story I look forward to the next, I'm halfway through Punks War and it's great, keep doing what you do.⚓💪🇺🇸🍺😎

  • @cosmicyeti6804
    @cosmicyeti6804 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You are an AWESOME DUDE! And, as a proper-Irishman, you are a great storyteller. Take it from me, that IS saying something.

  • @allyp7
    @allyp7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    great story to end my Saturday night!

  • @lancet.346
    @lancet.346 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Shout out to the Jolly Greens!

    • @terryboyer1342
      @terryboyer1342 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And Hogs too!

    • @lancet.346
      @lancet.346 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@terryboyer1342 Definitely!

  • @unpilot1
    @unpilot1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great story....and great story telling skill.
    You have a gift Ward. Love the presentation of facts in a professional manner.

  • @eoyguy
    @eoyguy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The digital simulation of the Datsun truck exploding had me rolling! Nicely done.

  • @davidruel213
    @davidruel213 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Correction: Sgt Pennington was Pararescue (PJ), NOT a gunner.

  • @clwatts
    @clwatts 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That produced a cheek squeezing for me and I wasn't even there.

  • @jrshivley
    @jrshivley 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As usual great episode 👍👍👍

  • @12what34the
    @12what34the 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I could listen to stories like this all day, especially with Ward's excellent narration and the use of such cutting edge digital simulation 😄

  • @cplassen2138
    @cplassen2138 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I could listen to those stories all day long. Well done.

  • @jonathanmimnagh8956
    @jonathanmimnagh8956 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was aware of the MH53 rescue of a downed pilot but not the entire operation. Thanks for this Video Ward.

  • @PavelowGunner1122
    @PavelowGunner1122 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fantastic to hear the history of this event from the Navy side. My PaveLow brothers have relayed it from our end, but it's cool to get Squadron props from our esteemed sister services. Well told bro

  • @markmcleod4086
    @markmcleod4086 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well told story, Sir!! Even this old Harrier mech was able to keep up!! Haha!!Thank you, and keep em’ comin!!
    Semper Fi!!

  • @daryltolliver7271
    @daryltolliver7271 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Sweet vid Mooch! Keep it up buddy.

  • @larrywoodall5735
    @larrywoodall5735 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Very interesting! Thanks!

  • @timgeist1450
    @timgeist1450 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I flew with Boots at NSAWC in Fallon in the back seat of an F/A-18B. I was teaching electronic reconnaissance as an EP-3E NFO ('98-'01). Boots taught me to fly from the back seat for the first time, and I had a blast! Every Hornet flight after that, I jumped at the chance for some back seat stick time.
    Thanks Boots!
    - Polter

  • @thebronzetoo
    @thebronzetoo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great info Mooch. Been to Al Asad a few times. Took several helos/crews from the 160th SOAR to ArAr just before the war started in 2003 (I was a C-5 LM).

  • @LtLysander
    @LtLysander 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is subtle but , I love that your videos have no music . Another great story Ward!

  • @adamhenry5791
    @adamhenry5791 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You got a real Talent for this Mr. Carroll love this channel 🍻

  • @JohnS-ps9jv
    @JohnS-ps9jv 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never heard about them. Thanks so much Ward for telling us their story.

  • @jbizzletx3420
    @jbizzletx3420 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OIF 2 Combat Veteran and I just found your channel!!! Just subscribed!! Great content

  • @rox6385
    @rox6385 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WEll done as usual...always a pleasure to see your stuff on video!

  • @specforged5651
    @specforged5651 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Ward!! Awesome! And thank you to all the hero’s involved.

  • @JoelCorrente
    @JoelCorrente 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for telling these stories Ward!! You are really good at it and the internet needs more of this kind of content!!

  • @tmckenny2994
    @tmckenny2994 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love this story, Ward. I appreciate your no nonsense, straight forward approach to all of your stories/videos. Your YT channel is so unique.

  • @rvtrego
    @rvtrego 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love hearing the stories........Great Job Ward!

  • @stevecam724
    @stevecam724 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love these chats, really get a taste of air operations. Thanks Ward (Y)

  • @captdonwright2272
    @captdonwright2272 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great account, had me on the edge for the full video Tks Ward & Merry Christmas!!

  • @stonecoldmunchin
    @stonecoldmunchin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Always a great story teller. Keep the Tomcat tales coming!

  • @celtdawg01
    @celtdawg01 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loving your channel Mr. Carroll.

  • @223Carbine
    @223Carbine 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ward - Thanks for the research you did to compile this story. A compelling tale

  • @larryfisher7056
    @larryfisher7056 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Now that's a story.....well done.

  • @brenthopley874
    @brenthopley874 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well presented dit, thanks for the detail

  • @jj-nh8lz
    @jj-nh8lz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel is outstanding. Love the inside stories coupled with actual footage and first hand knowledge

  • @frankkorfias7874
    @frankkorfias7874 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for that story! It is so interesting to get the in-depth story.

  • @pedropatclar7926
    @pedropatclar7926 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ward, another epic story. I really look forward to your videos.

  • @m22tanker
    @m22tanker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent description-you do have a gift for story telling! I could feel the rising tension as the story unfolded.

  • @klemlao5463
    @klemlao5463 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Galf506
    @Galf506 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Amazing video. Thanks for getting the story out in such an informative, no bullshit way.

  • @gmdsr1177
    @gmdsr1177 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Funny, just saw you were in VF102 diamond Backs. I was in VMA 131 Diamond Backs in 80-81 USMC out of NAS Willow. They were deactivated in 98. We had A4 Skyhawks in 1980. Worked in power plants.

  • @JonJay66
    @JonJay66 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great one Ward, so much detail in a short time 👍

  • @1roanstephen
    @1roanstephen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for fleshing out the narrative. I saw the intel on this during Desert Storm and read an article on it later but you did a much better job of putting all together.

  • @sc1784
    @sc1784 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great episode. Thanks Ward and keep up the good work.

  • @commercialcleaningservices2946
    @commercialcleaningservices2946 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ward......I just love the accuracy and details that you repay in these stories. Thanks!!

  • @BOOSTEDH2
    @BOOSTEDH2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These stories are just amazing. Please keep them coming.

  • @sixstringsandamike
    @sixstringsandamike 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent job, sir! I very much enjoyed this

  • @davidnichols4770
    @davidnichols4770 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Col Tom Trask was the 58 SOW Wing CC during one of my tours at Kirtland AFB

  • @tomw3473
    @tomw3473 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow! Awesome story! Thank you. Love the channel!

  • @RevMishka
    @RevMishka 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great episode Ward…great channel as well…gives this old ATC Marine some memories of back in the day…very cool! Thanks!

  • @steeveomcjameson8673
    @steeveomcjameson8673 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great stuff! So detailed!
    Thanks Ward!

  • @1jbunceiii
    @1jbunceiii 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    We are so spoiled by gps these days!! I remember buying a Garmin gps back in the mid 90s, it was a Garmin gps 38. It didn't work very well in the cold weather, the batteries were not able to work very well. My dad had one he mounted on his yoke when he flew his bonanza. Great story as usual! I wonder if any military pilots bought their own to bring with them.

    • @DBWELDER100
      @DBWELDER100 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      See my reply on this very topic! The short answer is yes! Semper Fi

  • @kevinfrerichs8589
    @kevinfrerichs8589 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I remember that day, it is great to hear the back about it, Thank Ward love your stores.

  • @CraigGood
    @CraigGood ปีที่แล้ว

    I so appreciate the no-nonsense, concise, and inside-baseball way you tell these stories.