I was John's primary RIO when he flew in Vietnam (Sundance Lead Bravo). We had 40 combat missions together (I had 316 over S. & N. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) in VMFA-115. He was one of the two top Naval Aviators I flew with during my time in the Corps. Very sharp, very intelligent, and not at all hesitant to make use of his RIO. He was also the squadron's ordnance officer. Originally, I was paired with him because we tried to have a new pilot/RIO fly with an experienced RIO/pilot, so when he checked in with us, I was made his RIO since I had around 160 combat missions by then. Almost all the Marine pilots I flew with were excellent but a small handful basically "wore" the Phantom and John was one of those. Our flights together were mostly close air support in South Vietnam and Steel Tiger missions in Laos. He was superb, never rattled regardless of the AAA, and extremely accurate. I was not at all surprised to hear he had become a Blue. Good man in the best sense of the phrase.
@@Collateralcoffee RIO = Radar Intercept Officer; the person in the backseat of the F4 in the Navy and Marine Corps (see aircraft on the left above). Handled the radar and intercept, usually the communications, and the weapon release mark. My apologies for using the initials. I guess I thought someone interested in Blue Angel Phantoms was familiar with RIO. I'll happily take the designation "weird" and will share that with my friends from 115 - they'll get a hoot.
Foggy and I were roommates at NAS Pensacola right after we were commissioned. Even then, you could tell that he was a special person. He had a great personality--worked hard and had a great sense of humor. It's no surprise that he became one of the best of the best.
These stories are great! I love how casually he describes not one, but three ejections, and three state of the art airplanes destroyed during one training mission. I guess when you've flown as many combat missions as he has, something like that becomes trivial. I could listen to him talk, about his tour of duty in Vietnam in more detail.
Was a student at VT 86, pncla, Sherman field , @1980. Formation flights in TA4J were always “tighter” when Maj Fogg was in the flight. Flew with him, and a lot with “Weasel”........ Check ride for my wings was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in an airplane!!! Went on to USMC prowlers, and VMAQ-2. SemperFi Maj Fogg, you were an inspiration, and made me proud to be a USMC student in a USN squadron..... You set the standard....
Thanks for your service John. I was friends with your brother Jarred who was very proud of his big bro. He told me how he was driving and heard on the radio about the crash in NJ, thinking he might have lost his brother. I will never forget that story.
Was a basic jet flight student at VT 23 after they switched to T2s. Flew with Capt Fogg during formation flight training and I’ll never forget that initial formation training flight. John was a superb instructor and I’m sure he was in the process of joining the Blues at the very time. So my claim to fame was that I had two excellent Marine pilots who trained me both in basic and advanced flight formation, the other being Capt Holverstatt (another Blue)who trained me at VT 22. They inspired me to fly the F4 with VF 161 aboard the USS MIDWAY. Thanks John. BTW I read your book. Nice job. Thanks for your service.
Good to hear of your experience. Capt John Fogg and I were instructors at VT-4 in 1972. Capt Holverstot was a classmate of mine as students in VT-4 in 1969. AS you know both were excellent aviators and instructors. Joe Carew
Having read your initial comment fully, I hope you don't mind the continuing possible coincidences. As I was an SNA winged from VT-22, though in '70, I had fleet orders to a Marine RF-4 squadron, VMCJ-3, which later had a detachment to the Midway. Since Marine pilots had long been absent from carrier operations there was no qualified LSO in the 3rd Marine Air Wing. When a Navy LSO from Miramar was brought on hand at El Toro for FCLPs he was ready to quit after the first day. Perhaps you were attached to the Midway when then VMFP-3 Det finally made it aboard.
In the mid 1970's, my Dad, a 1954 Naval Academy graduate and a career nuclear submariner, took my brother and I to Rhode Island to an airshow at the Naval Air Station near Newport. The Blue Angels were still flying the Phantom then, it was fast, it was loud and it had a profound effect on my life. I had always thought that flying in the military would be a great career, but seeing the Blue's that day cemented it for me. I ended up joining the Air Force, due to the cancelation of the AVROC program in the Navy, and flew AC 130 gunships for the better part of 8 years. I'm presently an aging airline pilot with somewhere over 20,000 hours of flight time and have about 5 years to go before retirement. Flying is a great way to make a living, it is adventurous, exciting, pays well and you meet and work with some of the finest men and women that our great country has to offer. I would recommend it to anyone who has the motivation to work hard and not ever give up because the reward is definitely worth it!
Jeffrey Collier thank you for sharing your memories of the Blues, and more importantly, thank you for your service! Wishing you smooth skies as you enjoy the last 5 years of your commercial aviation career. Cheers!
Jeffery, My dad flew the predecessor to your AC-130 the AC-119. We spent the summer of '69 at Lochburn AFB where dad trained to fly the plane. Good story!
Jeffrey Collier that is great!!!!!!! Thank you for your service to our country and community. I’d like to ask you for some advice if I may. My son is 12 and began taking flying lessons last year. He would like to become a fighter pilot and eventually an airline pilot. As far as a fighter pilot, would his chances be better in the Marines, Navy or even the Air National Guard? He likes the Airforce, but if I’m not mistaken, they are creating many positions for drones which may decrease his chances for a fighter pilot slot. I’ve also explained to him how it’s important to pick a good airline company and to stick with it for seniority, benefits, schedule, etc. Thank you in advance
Yellowhammer Wow! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your information and experience! That is a wealth of knowledge and information that we will most definitely use! I’m very sorry to hear of your tragic experience. We wish you the VERY BEST out of life and hope that you succeed in all of your endeavors! Thank you sir!
Yellowhammer Thank you very much for the additional information. Yes, he is a huge fan of the T38, F22, F35, etc. we are looking into him joining the Civil Air Patrol and he is interested in the Airforce Academy. It is very amazing that you have created such an advanced program that at your school! That is very admirable of you especially choosing to do something so productive and selfless after your unfortunate ordeal. Many people would have given up and stayed bitter, but you chose to do the opposite. The program that you’ve begun and your mentoring is most definitely contributing to society as a whole. In return, I am confident that you will leave a wake of success that will open doors for many people, thanks to you! We are in Texas. Thanks again for your advice, encouragement and for sharing your experience and knowledge! All the best to you!
As a little kid, my brothers and I just missed this gentleman performing. Our first airshow was at what is now Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA and as a 1st Grader I was very wide eyed seeing a formation of the new A4s come in low over Route 30 to land. I love the F18 but the A4 still holds very special memories for me.
Glad you are enjoying the interviews. It's too bad the F4 era of the Blues didn't last longer, but John does a great job explaining why they had to make that switch to the A4. Appreciate the time you took to comment. More interviews to come!
Lots of history - very well spoken - in those 13 minutes. Too bad there wasn't a clip of Fogg's F-4 squadron in Vietnam. He joined VMFA-115 in February 1970. Thanks, Sir, for being such a great ambassador for the Silver Eagles.
I was stationed at N.A.S., Norfolk, in VAQ-33, from 72-75. I saw the mighty F-4 Blue Angels there one of those Summers. That gorgeous plane with those great afterburners was incredible to watch. But I was no stranger to them. My squadron had 2 of the F-4's, along with some A-4's and some ERA-3B's, and 1 of the great ladies of the skies, the EC-121 Super Constellation.
Marine & Naval Aviators alike...A cut above, a salute with much respect to every single one of you, past and present. My time n the Corps, it was tough sometimes, but wouldn't trade it for anything. I miss it.
In June 1973 I was 13 yrs old .Albany Ga. The Blues came to town. My dad was navy and he took me to the show. I met this pilot and the rest of them. I was devastated when I heard about Umsted and murphy cuz I had just shook these men's hand just 3 or 4 weeks before. Now I'm 60 yrs old and it still hurts today. GOD BLESS YOU MR. FOGG your my hero.
Was fortunate to be an Air Control Man in the Navy and saw the Blue Angels fly at several of my duty stations. The show is even better from the control tower.
Congratulations, sir, on becoming a "Blue". The Navy/Marine Corps made an excellent choice. Your interview was most informative. I've learned more about the Blue Angels watching all these "pilot personal snippets" than the air show recordings, of which I've watched many. I've especially liked watching the 6-part series of a few years ago about "become a Blue" and have showed it many times in my high school aviation classes. America is proud of ALL you Blue guys. The fact that a pilot would even apply to be a Blue shows just how good all our military aviators are. It was the F11F Tiger the Blues were flying in the first Blue Angels air show I ever watched, this one at Sherman Field when I was a kid. God bless you, and God bless America from a Pensacola native.
I drove through the Lakehurst crash site a few day's later, The road was scared and ground was burnt, but there was no visual debris. Navy did a great job in recovery and clearing of crash site. Blue skies....
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that then MAJ Fogg was an instructor at VT-2 at NAS Whiting Field in 1979 when I was a SNA there. Never flew with him, but recall that he had a good rep as an instructor back then. Thanks for the nice video.
Major Fogg was the Senior Marine at MATSG when I arrived from TBS to start flight school. Outstanding officer and aviator, Semper Fi Sir ! I believe he was elected Mayor of Pensacola after retiring.
Foggy and I were in flight school at the same time. A group of us students would rent special services boats and practice 4 plane (boat) break up and rendezvous.
STOVEPIPES FSX & Guitar Riffs Channel Thanks! John is a natural in front of the camera and was extremely generous with his recollections. Appreciate you taking time to watch and leave a comment.
When the Blue angels was testing to see if the A-4 would be a viable aircraft for their demonstration team. They came to kingsville Texas for test hops. When they returned after each flight the aircraft had to be tested for over G stress.
I was privileged to have a ride with the Blues at Fallon in the mid-70s. Could you have been the pilot sentenced to drag me around the sky? It was a seminal event in my life.
Many thanks for this Ryan, a fascinating insight into the mindset and philosophy of the fighter pilot, even in the face of great tragedy. I do have a question for you, though ( unrelated to this wonderful video). Is it still the case that Angel pilots have to pay a nominal 'fine' (I read it used to be $5, in times past) for non-conformity with Boss e.g. if Boss was wearing his shades, or his jacket, and, say, 5 wasn't, none of the other pilots on the team would remind him to put them on; if he didn't remember, he'd have to cough up, as we say in the UK. I thought I might ask you given that you are an enthusiastic blue angel historian!
Foggy and I were Marine buds in flight training. Today I'm an administrator on a FaceBook group called Old Fighter Pilots. I've been trying to reach him and bring him into the group but have received negative replies from him or relatives. Is he okay?
Usually in these programs they explain (to some degree) the causes of the accidents. What did the Navy determine was the cause of the July 26, 1973 accident involving Umstead and Murphy's aircraft? Never Forget ^v^
Thanks, James! There are always a few. My mission is to share the stories of incredible individuals who are otherwise too humble to share. Hope you enjoy. Posting another one this Saturday. Cheers.
I was John's primary RIO when he flew in Vietnam (Sundance Lead Bravo). We had 40 combat missions together (I had 316 over S. & N. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) in VMFA-115. He was one of the two top Naval Aviators I flew with during my time in the Corps. Very sharp, very intelligent, and not at all hesitant to make use of his RIO. He was also the squadron's ordnance officer. Originally, I was paired with him because we tried to have a new pilot/RIO fly with an experienced RIO/pilot, so when he checked in with us, I was made his RIO since I had around 160 combat missions by then. Almost all the Marine pilots I flew with were excellent but a small handful basically "wore" the Phantom and John was one of those. Our flights together were mostly close air support in South Vietnam and Steel Tiger missions in Laos. He was superb, never rattled regardless of the AAA, and extremely accurate. I was not at all surprised to hear he had become a Blue. Good man in the best sense of the phrase.
You have my respect sir
Whatever RIO is... If you want to sound smart, try to be an explainer, not just a user of some weird abbreviations.
@@Collateralcoffee RIO = Radar Intercept Officer; the person in the backseat of the F4 in the Navy and Marine Corps (see aircraft on the left above). Handled the radar and intercept, usually the communications, and the weapon release mark. My apologies for using the initials. I guess I thought someone interested in Blue Angel Phantoms was familiar with RIO. I'll happily take the designation "weird" and will share that with my friends from 115 - they'll get a hoot.
@@Collateralcoffeewow, you are an unbelievably entitled asswipe.
@@Collateralcoffee
Don’t be a dick.
Google is your friend.
Foggy and I were roommates at NAS Pensacola right after we were commissioned. Even then, you could tell that he was a special person. He had a great personality--worked hard and had a great sense of humor. It's no surprise that he became one of the best of the best.
These stories are great! I love how casually he describes not one, but three ejections, and three state of the art airplanes destroyed during one training mission. I guess when you've flown as many combat missions as he has, something like that becomes trivial. I could listen to him talk, about his tour of duty in Vietnam in more detail.
Was a student at VT 86, pncla, Sherman field , @1980. Formation flights in TA4J were always “tighter” when Maj Fogg was in the flight. Flew with him, and a lot with “Weasel”........ Check ride for my wings was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in an airplane!!! Went on to USMC prowlers, and VMAQ-2. SemperFi Maj Fogg, you were an inspiration, and made me proud to be a USMC student in a USN squadron..... You set the standard....
Thanks for your service John. I was friends with your brother Jarred who was very proud of his big bro. He told me how he was driving and heard on the radio about the crash in NJ, thinking he might have lost his brother. I will never forget that story.
Was a basic jet flight student at VT 23 after they switched to T2s. Flew with Capt Fogg during formation flight training and I’ll never forget that initial formation training flight. John was a superb instructor and I’m sure he was in the process of joining the Blues at the very time. So my claim to fame was that I had two excellent Marine pilots who trained me both in basic and advanced flight formation, the other being Capt Holverstatt (another Blue)who trained me at VT 22. They inspired me to fly the F4 with VF 161 aboard the USS MIDWAY. Thanks John. BTW I read your book. Nice job. Thanks for your service.
Good to hear of your experience. Capt John Fogg and I were instructors at VT-4 in 1972. Capt Holverstot was a classmate of mine as students in VT-4 in 1969. AS you know both were excellent aviators and instructors. Joe Carew
@@JoeCrew-yv2kk Thanks Joe for your feedback. Another coincidence. I too was an instructor at VT4 following my winging in July73 from 73-75.
Having read your initial comment fully, I hope you don't mind the continuing possible coincidences. As I was an SNA winged from VT-22, though in '70, I had fleet orders to a Marine RF-4 squadron, VMCJ-3, which later had a detachment to the Midway. Since Marine pilots had long been absent from carrier operations there was no qualified LSO in the 3rd Marine Air Wing. When a Navy LSO from Miramar was brought on hand at El Toro for FCLPs he was ready to quit after the first day. Perhaps you were attached to the Midway when then VMFP-3 Det finally made it aboard.
In the mid 1970's, my Dad, a 1954 Naval Academy graduate and a career nuclear submariner, took my brother and I to Rhode Island to an airshow at the Naval Air Station near Newport. The Blue Angels were still flying the Phantom then, it was fast, it was loud and it had a profound effect on my life. I had always thought that flying in the military would be a great career, but seeing the Blue's that day cemented it for me. I ended up joining the Air Force, due to the cancelation of the AVROC program in the Navy, and flew AC 130 gunships for the better part of 8 years. I'm presently an aging airline pilot with somewhere over 20,000 hours of flight time and have about 5 years to go before retirement. Flying is a great way to make a living, it is adventurous, exciting, pays well and you meet and work with some of the finest men and women that our great country has to offer. I would recommend it to anyone who has the motivation to work hard and not ever give up because the reward is definitely worth it!
Jeffrey Collier thank you for sharing your memories of the Blues, and more importantly, thank you for your service! Wishing you smooth skies as you enjoy the last 5 years of your commercial aviation career. Cheers!
Jeffery,
My dad flew the predecessor to your AC-130 the AC-119. We spent the summer of '69 at Lochburn AFB where dad trained to fly the plane.
Good story!
Jeffrey Collier that is great!!!!!!! Thank you for your service to our country and community. I’d like to ask you for some advice if I may.
My son is 12 and began taking flying lessons last year. He would like to become a fighter pilot and eventually an airline pilot.
As far as a fighter pilot, would his chances be better in the Marines, Navy or even the Air National Guard? He likes the Airforce, but if I’m not mistaken, they are creating many positions for drones which may decrease his chances for a fighter pilot slot.
I’ve also explained to him how it’s important to pick a good airline company and to stick with it for seniority, benefits, schedule, etc.
Thank you in advance
Yellowhammer Wow! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your information and experience! That is a wealth of knowledge and information that we will most definitely use!
I’m very sorry to hear of your tragic experience. We wish you the VERY BEST out of life and hope that you succeed in all of your endeavors! Thank you sir!
Yellowhammer Thank you very much for the additional information. Yes, he is a huge fan of the T38, F22, F35, etc. we are looking into him joining the Civil Air Patrol and he is interested in the Airforce Academy.
It is very amazing that you have created such an advanced program that at your school!
That is very admirable of you especially choosing to do something so productive and selfless after your unfortunate ordeal. Many people would have given up and stayed bitter, but you chose to do the opposite.
The program that you’ve begun and your mentoring is most definitely contributing to society as a whole. In return, I am confident that you will leave a wake of success that will open doors for many people, thanks to you! We are in Texas.
Thanks again for your advice, encouragement and for sharing your experience and knowledge!
All the best to you!
My commanding officer in VMFA-122, I got to see him destroy Navy pilots in a beat up F-4 at Topgun in 1984.
respect man. thank you for your service
As a little kid, my brothers and I just missed this gentleman performing. Our first airshow was at what is now Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA and as a 1st Grader I was very wide eyed seeing a formation of the new A4s come in low over Route 30 to land. I love the F18 but the A4 still holds very special memories for me.
What a great personality this man has... is a pleasure to hers his stories. Thanks !
Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for your service!
What a great interview and segment! Always a fan of the Blues and love the F4!!!! Grew up watching them as a kid.
Glad you are enjoying the interviews. It's too bad the F4 era of the Blues didn't last longer, but John does a great job explaining why they had to make that switch to the A4. Appreciate the time you took to comment. More interviews to come!
Blue Angel Phantoms Awesome! I’ve subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to future content.
Lots of history - very well spoken - in those 13 minutes. Too bad there wasn't a clip of Fogg's F-4 squadron in Vietnam. He joined VMFA-115 in February 1970. Thanks, Sir, for being such a great ambassador for the Silver Eagles.
I saw the Blue Angels In El Toro flying F4's, then A4's and finally F18's, loved every bit of it, so impressive.
I was stationed at N.A.S., Norfolk, in VAQ-33, from 72-75. I saw the mighty F-4 Blue Angels there one of those Summers. That gorgeous plane with those great afterburners was incredible to watch. But I was no stranger to them. My squadron had 2 of the F-4's, along with some A-4's and some ERA-3B's, and 1 of the great ladies of the skies, the EC-121 Super Constellation.
HUMBLE MAN - God Bless You and God Bless America
Marine & Naval Aviators alike...A cut above, a salute with much respect to every single one of you, past and present. My time n the Corps, it was tough sometimes, but wouldn't trade it for anything. I miss it.
Great interview. Loved the F11 footage.
In June 1973 I was 13 yrs old .Albany Ga. The Blues came to town. My dad was navy and he took me to the show. I met this pilot and the rest of them. I was devastated when I heard about Umsted and murphy cuz I had just shook these men's hand just 3 or 4 weeks before. Now I'm 60 yrs old and it still hurts today. GOD BLESS YOU MR. FOGG your my hero.
Was fortunate to be an Air Control Man in the Navy and saw the Blue Angels fly at several of my duty stations. The show is even better from the control tower.
Great story and super interview. Thanks for your service as we all enjoy the airshows and the impulse it puts into us to be more patriotic.
Congratulations, sir, on becoming a "Blue". The Navy/Marine Corps made an excellent choice. Your interview was most informative. I've learned more about the Blue Angels watching all these "pilot personal snippets" than the air show recordings, of which I've watched many. I've especially liked watching the 6-part series of a few years ago about "become a Blue" and have showed it many times in my high school aviation classes. America is proud of ALL you Blue guys. The fact that a pilot would even apply to be a Blue shows just how good all our military aviators are. It was the F11F Tiger the Blues were flying in the first Blue Angels air show I ever watched, this one at Sherman Field when I was a kid. God bless you, and God bless America from a Pensacola native.
Great video! Enjoyed listening to John talk about his tour with the Blues.
Jerry White Thanks, Jerry! Always appreciate your support for the channel given your experience and time served with the Blues. Cheers!
Thank you for your service sir.
I saw in A-4 in the Bay area in the early 70s. It was a spectacular show even got to see Bob Hoover there. I will never forget that day. 😎
Do you remember what show site? Moffett Field, Alameda, SF Bay?
I drove through the Lakehurst crash site a few day's later, The road was scared and ground was burnt, but there was no visual debris. Navy did a great job in recovery and clearing of crash site. Blue skies....
Much respect to this man. Thank you for your service sir.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that then MAJ Fogg was an instructor at VT-2 at NAS Whiting Field in 1979 when I was a SNA there. Never flew with him, but recall that he had a good rep as an instructor back then. Thanks for the nice video.
Fantastic video, thank you very much!
Well done sir....you did a job most of us can only dream of.....
Another enjoyable interview Ryan . . . keep them coming. :)
Michael Hollister Thanks, Michael. There are a couple more on the way! Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. It really means a lot. Best regards!
Skip was our No. 5 and left then came back as Skipper . He died at Lakehurst, he was the first pilot I flew with
Major Fogg was the Senior Marine at MATSG when I arrived from TBS to start flight school. Outstanding officer and aviator, Semper Fi Sir ! I believe he was elected Mayor of Pensacola after retiring.
Semper Fi Sir!!! VMFA-323 Death Rattlers 1979-1981.
Great interview! Would love to hear his insights of F-4 vs A-4 performance-wise.
Foggy and I were in flight school at the same time. A group of us students would rent special services boats and practice 4 plane (boat) break up and rendezvous.
Outstanding insight.
STOVEPIPES FSX & Guitar Riffs Channel Thanks! John is a natural in front of the camera and was extremely generous with his recollections. Appreciate you taking time to watch and leave a comment.
When the Blue angels was testing to see if the A-4 would be a viable aircraft for their demonstration team. They came to kingsville Texas for test hops. When they returned after each flight the aircraft had to be tested for over G stress.
yeah, the slot pilot is always my favorite.
I’ve seen airshows by both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds flying F-4’s
Interesting! I didn't know that's how they got into flying the A-4's.
I was privileged to have a ride with the Blues at Fallon in the mid-70s. Could you have been the pilot sentenced to drag me around the sky? It was a seminal event in my life.
awesome... thanks
this is amazing
Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed!
All respect sir
Good stuff
nice to see he is from Indiana
I haven't' seen John since '82!
Thanks :,)
RIP THE FALLEN ..73
Eli m
Many thanks for this Ryan, a fascinating insight into the mindset and philosophy of the fighter pilot, even in the face of great tragedy. I do have a question for you, though ( unrelated to this wonderful video). Is it still the case that Angel pilots have to pay a nominal 'fine' (I read it used to be $5, in times past) for non-conformity with Boss e.g. if Boss was wearing his shades, or his jacket, and, say, 5 wasn't, none of the other pilots on the team would remind him to put them on; if he didn't remember, he'd have to cough up, as we say in the UK. I thought I might ask you given that you are an enthusiastic blue angel historian!
The best
Foggy and I were Marine buds in flight training. Today I'm an administrator on a FaceBook group called Old Fighter Pilots. I've been trying to reach him and bring him into the group but have received negative replies from him or relatives. Is he okay?
You were alone on the Blue Angels F4 s or had the navigator behind you?
Usually in these programs they explain (to some degree) the causes of the accidents. What did the Navy determine was the cause of the July 26, 1973 accident involving Umstead and Murphy's aircraft? Never Forget ^v^
I love being Daisy I'm so proud of my family
SALUTE!💚
A-4 SKYHAWKS GREAT BIRD
NASPFD,SHERMAN FIELD 1978,-2005,CRASH RESCUE.
Who’s the one person (at this time) who disliked this video?
Thanks, James! There are always a few. My mission is to share the stories of incredible individuals who are otherwise too humble to share. Hope you enjoy. Posting another one this Saturday. Cheers.
Lost in the FOGG ☁️
Mayor Pensacola....past