Ryan another great interview and production. Gil is a great story teller and served the Navy and his country well. Thank you sir. The story about practicing the walkout with his kids tells you about this boss and his determination to do his best. Excellent. Congratulations.
My grandpa was a math teacher back when he lived in North Dakota a long time ago and Gil Rud was one of his students and he told me about how it’s amazing one of his students became a Blue Angel pilot. My grandpa passed away last year....I thank him for what he has done for me and for helping Gil..... Thank you Grandpa...I miss you. 🥺💙
A real service to those you interview and a joy for us who get to see the results! Thanks Ryan and keep going! Another great interview with REAL heroes.
I was stationed at NAS Whiting Field (30 miles east of NAS Pensacola) back when he was the Angels' CO, and my parents had come down from Indiana to visit me on leave and I took them over to NASP to look around. We stopped at Forrest Sherman Field to check out where the Blue Angels were based. While I was able to enter because I was active duty Navy, my parents were leery so we hung out at the fence to watch some of the goings on the tarmac.Just then, an officer walked up from behind and asked what was up. We turned around and it was CDR Rud, Blue Angel One himself. I explained about my parents' visit and how we were just checking out the flight line and he said "Why not just bring them in? You're active duty and they can be your guests."We followed him in and he just said "Have at it!" and we did. They got to chat with some of the ground personnel attending the #4 Skyhawk and tour Fat Albert, not to mention through he hangar and offices!Mom and Dad are gone now but they never forgot the kindness of this man....thanks, CDR Rud!!
I don't know if you'll ever see this Captain, but I served under you from 1982-84 as a member of the Golden Dragons. You were a fine officer and an excellent CO. SSHWFGD
I first met Gil while he was assigned to the San Antonio recruiting district. I was looking into the AVROC program while I was at the University of Texas at Austin, and dropped by the NAVY ROTC offices on campus. Gil met with me and told me about the AVROC program. His stories of flying the A7 and carrier operations were inspiring, and to give me a taste of what flying was like he invited me to take a flight in the T6 Texan. We met that weekend at Georgetown airport, north of Austin, and after getting geared up and briefing we manned up and went for a 30min flight. We did barrel rolls, loops and wing overs and a few other exciting things, and the best part was, after having me follow along holding the control stick while he did these maneuvers, he let me give it a try. I was hooked. A few years later I found myself at NAS Pensacola, checking in to my AOCS class. I had the pleasure of meeting Gil again at a Blue Angels change of command I was invited to attend in the mid-90's.
I know he won’t see this, but... Mr. Rud, thank you so much for serving in the Navy. When I was a boy, seeing you on “Skyhawk to Hornet” inspired me to want to become a fighter pilot. You have done great things!
I flew on the Snowbirds 86/87. I met Gil in Pensacola 1987 during a 'practice' as we were not cleared to do a show. along side the Blues. He was a true gentleman. Hearing Mark Bircher's name brought back memories as we flew the same position. Also Hollywood and 'Leroy's in for the sneak pass', brought back a memory or two. I also recall our double take and the comments from the Blues. Man you guys roll that? Yup we do. Thanks for the fine memories Gents.
Capt. Rud was the CO when I was stationed on Constellation. I was just a kid and hadn’t even made third class when I first met him. I was trying to move some type of gear cart on the flight deck and it wasn’t budging. I had my head down and was really trying to push that thing when someone in running shoes and shorts came up and jumped in to help out. Yep, Captain Rud. When we got the cart moved a bird flew over and he asked me if I knew what that sound was. I didn’t want to appear too dumb so I took a quick peek, saw an F-18 and said it sounds like a Hornet. Nope, he said, that’s the sound of freedom. Then he jogged the flight deck. Really cool guy.
That was definitely his saying (re: "the sound of freedom"). I also served aboard Constellation from September 1993 to November 1994. Captain Rud was my first CO in the fleet. As an FC3 without having an NEC, my division sent me TAD to ship's Security Department. On more than one occasion, I stood as bailiff during Captain's Mast. Captain was always fair, but firm. I appreciated him a lot.
I love how the "Blue Angles" and the "Thunderbirds" would punk each other. What a great sign of friendship. Like the Army vs. Navy at West Point on a cold winter's day but with the Air Force instead. I love the Navy. My dad was a young kid at the end of WWII putting together new engines at Pensacola and remained in the reserves for 20 years thereafter. I remember him taking me to Floyd Bennett Field on the lower east side of Manhattan when I was a young boy. It brings back memories. The strange thing is I've seen the Thunderbirds at least 4 or 5 times but I've never had a chance to see the Blue Angels. Maybe someday.
Such another great interview!!!!. For a moment I felt like the interview was going to last forever which secretly within I was hoping for. Gil Rud couldn't have been more open about his Naval career and Blue Angels past. Wouldn't mind to ever come across a book by Gil Rud about his life in the service, flying duty and most prominently his service time with the Blues. Great story telling, contagious attitude and a vid way too short to my liking. Once again, WOWWWW, what a pleasant, insightful and exciting vid to watch.
Thanks, Victor. I recently started a Blue Angel Phantoms podcast. With Boss Rud's permission, I plan on publishing the unedited interview there, as there was so much I had to cut out. Keep an eye out for it!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms by the way, please, keep posting these awesome interviews not just with the flyers themselves but with ground crews whenever possible. They e got also a say, a very compelling one indeed, in the Blue Angels history and track record.
The second he said Mark Bircher, USMC, it was like a bolt of lightning went off in my brain. I have his autograph on a Blue Angel Program from when I was a kid. Pretty awesome I got to personally see Boss Rud and his Team fly a Demo. How freakin' cool is that!
My fist airshow was watching the Blues during Boss Rud's final year, in 1988. It was at Grand Forks AFB, about 40 miles from Cdr Rud's hometown, making it his "home" show. Interesting note: Boss Rud oversaw the transition from A-4s to the F/A-18, and is from Portland, ND. Boss Kesserling will oversee the transition from legacy hornets to super hornets, and is from Fargo, ND. The 2 moat recent aircraft transitions, both with Bosses from ND. And the only two Blue angel Bosses from ND, that I am aware of.
A few years back I kept my RV-8 at St. Mary's Airport, Md. Right next to Patuxent Naval Air Station. This gentleman kept his SR-22 in the hanger across from me. He was one of the finest and most unpretentious people I have ever met. I knew him for a year before I learned of his history. He used to share some of his stories which kept me enthralled from beginning to end. He is a true patriot and the ultimate credit to the uniform he wore. I am honored to know him. I hope someday our paths will cross again.
These interviews are incredible. That footage of the Hornets landing in formation is rarer than rare! Please keep it up, there are a lot of us who just eat this up and can’t get enough! Thank you!!!
Fantastic video Captain Rud. You are one of my heroes. Thank you for your service especially your tours with the Blue Angels. Who knows how many young airmen have served and are serving because of the inspiration you and your team has provided?
Cmdr Gil Rud I Salute you. You was the last leader that flew the A-4F Skyhawk in the Blues and the first leader that flew the brand new F-18 Hornet in the transition to the Blues in 1987
Great Job Gilman. It was awesome to be around during all of this and to serve with you. As a Former SSWFGD CO as well, it is even greater to be in good company. I'm glad to have served with you also in your time with McDonald Douglass and Boeing. Can't wait to see the Super Hornet Show.
I first saw the Blues flying Grumman Tigers. They had one on display at the entrance to NAS PNCLA when I was there. Beautiful and inspiring. Then they got Phantoms. Impressive plane, but less maneuverable, so their turning took more area. The show seemed less intimate. The A-4s they got later turned tightly, so the show was more close-up. The F-18s kind of combined maneuverability and power, so that show was very impressive. I worked for Navy Fighter Weapons School by then (TOPGUN) so I saw Rud's crew in both the A-4 and F-18. Three TOPGUN instructors I knew went on the Blues, including one who became leader. Good times.
Wow...quite the story there sir! I can't imagine how awesome it must have been to do the things you did in your career and especially with the blue angels. From one vet to another...HOOOAH! 😁
I'm humbled to say I have seen Gil in the A-4 as well as the F -18. What an incredible man in charge of the most incredible team of pilots in the world. Thank you for your service GIL ✌🏼✌🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏼👍🏼
I grew up right under the El Toro departure route. I used to spend hours watching the jets in the pattern, the formations come in for the overhead, In the 90 do think there was a time that there wasn’t four F-18s in the pattern. In the eighties you could see just about the entire Navy/Marine aircraft inventory fly. 4 plane formations departures one a free the other. And when the Blues came, their practice was better than the air show.
@@goobytron2888 I grew up and lived near El Toro Marine base also. Having an air base in the area was so amazing. You'd see almost every type of military plane come in to land on many occasions. I'd attend every almost practice the Blue Angels had which was on a Wednesday. I'd park on Barranca Pkwy and be right in the flight line as they flew right over your head. I also grew up in Dana Point and i remember the late 60's and 70's..the flight path was much wider then but as more homes were being built they were restricted to a much tighter flight pattern. Oh how I miss the air base :(
@@goobytron2888 Dad was career Marine. I lived on base El Toro in the late 1960s. Brother and me would sneak out at night and go lay at the approach end watching the F-4s make full burner takeoffs. They'd take off in two ship elements sometimes and sometimes we'd have to move back because of the heat. It was awesome and thrilling. And deafening. After the show we'd walk back home and we'd be so excited that we would be non-stop talking. Except we were yelling to be heard. At tht time I reckon I was 8 or nine. I'd already seen the Blues about 20 times. Later, I saw the Blues at K-Bay at one of their rare Hawaiian shows. Currently, I reckon I've seen the Blues over fifty times. And sneak still gets me more times than not. God bless America.
The precision and discipline to be this perfect is too incredible for those who don’t fly to appreciate. Every pilot who’s ever participated in the Blue Angels is a master about men. Thank you for your service and dedication.
Always loved the A-4 Skyhawk as the Blue Angels aircraft. My USN squadron flew the E and F mods while I was an AO. Great little bomber and I appreciate the tribute given this plane to serve so long as a Blue.
Living in Annapolis we saw the Blues every year. For me the practice day was the best as they were orienteering the area. My friend lived in the big White House across from the Naval Academy and it was a checkpoint for them. Their entrance was directly over the house. Best 2 days of the year. I experienced them from the F-11 Tigers to the F-18 Hornets. My favorite will always be The A-4 aka Heineman Hotrod.
I watch the Blue Angels Rolling in the Sky video from time to time. It revolved around his 1987 team. When I was little I first saw it and wanted to go see them at an airshow. I finally got to see them in 1994 when they came to my area. Got to go on board Fat Albert and buy some swag and meet a lot of wonderful people. I was just impressed by the overall culture of the team.
What a back story this heroic man has👍♥️. I ran across this while watching the Angels music videos. Thank you Sir for sharing and for your service and the entertainment you brought to so many of us. God bless you and your family and the Angels.
BZ on a great video, the Blues are an amazing group of people! I was working on Tomcats during Commander Rud's time in the Blues, great time to be in Naval aviation!
Interesting how things come full circle. My dad was aboard the USS ORISKANY, probably while Commander Rud was deployed with the air wing. Many years later I saw “Boss” with his Blue Angels when they started flying Hornets. Once I entered service as an AT aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) I found myself under the command of Captain Rud working the ship’s AIMD. It really is an awesome thing to observe the simplest things and how things can come full circle. And yes, he was and is a fine leader. I would have been surprised if he didn’t make admiral....
....does anyone know the name of the NAF El Centro Navy Base "civilian contractor" Photographer who photographed the crash scene on 12-FEBRUARY-1987 of Lt. Dave Anderson's FA-18 that experienced a double flameout and crashed onto the railroad tracks dead center between two electrical power lines running on both sides of the tracks...?
In 1986 while I was working for Hughes Aircraft Co. at NAS Lemoore training F/A-18 pilots in the Weapons Tactics Trainers and Flight Simulators, on a late Friday afternoon witnessed a very funny Blue Angels joke. When the Blue's arrive at any airfield before a show they do a familiarization flight around the area and the solos buzz around and often buzz the tower and hangers. After they all landed from one of those flights after arriving at the air station they parked on the visitor ramp in front of the PHASO maintenance hanger in front of the tower. Well even when nobody is watching without crowds the Blue's all exit their aircraft in unison choreographed as if during the show. They shutdown together, exit together and egress and march together. Well, right as they shutdown their A4 Skyhawks the F-14 flight demo team arrived in the pattern. They did not buzz the tower. The F-14 crew aborted their landing on 32L went into afterburner on the deck and at just about 500 feet AGL began a tight circle pulling at least a 6G turn over the top of the Blue's and kept this up for at least 4 full circle turns while the Blue's left their cockpits and marched together. NOT ONCE DID AY OF THOSE BLUE's PILOT LOOK UP!!! I am laughing my butt off and the noise from the Tomcat was splitting eardrums and the Angle's never broke rank until they were done salting and than even they doubled over in laughter and probably a few swear words. Funny as hell.
Gil was my boss 1992-1994....at counter drug smuggling Task Force. I certainly can read about his remarkable flying...but to me he was an inspirational leader ...the kind you charge up the machine gun infested hill for. I hope God has continued to bless him...he certainly earned it. DZ
I was on a cross-country flight in an A-4M when the Blues were transitioning to the F/A-18s. For some reason, one of the Blue Angels was parked on the ramp at an Air Force Base near my jet and he was checking out a leak along the bottom of his jet. If I recall correctly, he was a fellow Marine aviator. While I'm sure that he had solid understanding of the F/A-18's systems, this leak was a mystery to him. I had been an A-4 plane captain in the Marine Reserves while attending college, so I had some basic maintenance knowledge and offered to troubleshoot the issue with him. After some investigation, it turned out that the oil running along the bottom of the jet was the source to create the smoke trails. I never did get that verified, but it made sense to me. While the F/A-18s had far more capabilities than the A-4s, my preference was for the show when flown in the Skyhawks, but I might be biased! A-4s 4Ever!
Met him while working with his daughter at Sal's T-shirt shop as an airbrush artist on Pensacola beach. I Airbrushed a painting of his F-18 and I ended up giving it to him. Hell of a nice guy.
When I was a little kid living on base (NAS Lemoore), he was one of my neighbors. He still remembered me 15 years later when I said hi to him after a Blues show.. “good to see you again, tell your dad I said hi.”
My uncle flew F4 Phatoms in Vietnam for the USAF so i'm more Air Force then Navy but when it comes to airshows I think the Blue Angels are a tad bit better then the Thunderbirds.
Grew up in Beeville, Chase was a good base. We lived 4 miles north of the runway so you flew over us all the time. Knew some good pilots that went very high up in the service. Thank you for your service
I am Fan of the blue angels since I was a kid, they are just the best, I just remember the transition of the F18, it was WHAO!! after 30 year still amazing to watch, they no question they are the best of the best.
Got to meet Captain Rud a few times at El Toro air show, he was one of my high school friends uncle so it was pretty cool getting VIP access. Kept joking with him of when do I get a ride in the back seat. Lol.
Just finding this channel, my grandpa is RADM Corky Lenox if you have any contacts or ways to get info on him I would be greatful as his memory is gone. He was commander of the pacific fleet and was thebproject manager for developing the FA-18 Hornet.
Ryan another great interview and production. Gil is a great story teller and served the Navy and his country well. Thank you sir. The story about practicing the walkout with his kids tells you about this boss and his determination to do his best. Excellent. Congratulations.
My grandpa was a math teacher back when he lived in North Dakota a long time ago and Gil Rud was one of his students and he told me about how it’s amazing one of his students became a Blue Angel pilot.
My grandpa passed away last year....I thank him for what he has done for me and for helping Gil.....
Thank you Grandpa...I miss you. 🥺💙
That is a great story
A real service to those you interview and a joy for us who get to see the results! Thanks Ryan and keep going! Another great interview with REAL heroes.
Absolute legend.
I was stationed at NAS Whiting Field (30 miles east of NAS Pensacola) back when he was the Angels' CO, and my parents had come down from Indiana to visit me on leave and I took them over to NASP to look around. We stopped at Forrest Sherman Field to check out where the Blue Angels were based. While I was able to enter because I was active duty Navy, my parents were leery so we hung out at the fence to watch some of the goings on the tarmac.Just then, an officer walked up from behind and asked what was up. We turned around and it was CDR Rud, Blue Angel One himself. I explained about my parents' visit and how we were just checking out the flight line and he said "Why not just bring them in? You're active duty and they can be your guests."We followed him in and he just said "Have at it!" and we did. They got to chat with some of the ground personnel attending the #4 Skyhawk and tour Fat Albert, not to mention through he hangar and offices!Mom and Dad are gone now but they never forgot the kindness of this man....thanks, CDR Rud!!
Phil Conner great story and thanks for sharing!
This is a Man of Valor . Go Navy
👏👏👏👍👌✈
Thanks for the share. Awesome!
I don't know if you'll ever see this Captain, but I served under you from 1982-84 as a member of the Golden Dragons. You were a fine officer and an excellent CO. SSHWFGD
Have you ever met Corky Lenox? He's my grandad
Wow, spectacular interview. I was glued the entire time!
I first met Gil while he was assigned to the San Antonio recruiting district. I was looking into the AVROC program while I was at the University of Texas at Austin, and dropped by the NAVY ROTC offices on campus. Gil met with me and told me about the AVROC program. His stories of flying the A7 and carrier operations were inspiring, and to give me a taste of what flying was like he invited me to take a flight in the T6 Texan. We met that weekend at Georgetown airport, north of Austin, and after getting geared up and briefing we manned up and went for a 30min flight. We did barrel rolls, loops and wing overs and a few other exciting things, and the best part was, after having me follow along holding the control stick while he did these maneuvers, he let me give it a try. I was hooked. A few years later I found myself at NAS Pensacola, checking in to my AOCS class. I had the pleasure of meeting Gil again at a Blue Angels change of command I was invited to attend in the mid-90's.
I know he won’t see this, but...
Mr. Rud, thank you so much for serving in the Navy. When I was a boy, seeing you on “Skyhawk to Hornet” inspired me to want to become a fighter pilot. You have done great things!
Why wouldn't he see it? I bet he sees your comment.
Now, that's an ACTUAL boss.
I flew on the Snowbirds 86/87. I met Gil in Pensacola 1987 during a 'practice' as we were not cleared to do a show. along side the Blues. He was a true gentleman. Hearing Mark Bircher's name brought back memories as we flew the same position. Also Hollywood and 'Leroy's in for the sneak pass', brought back a memory or two.
I also recall our double take and the comments from the Blues. Man you guys roll that? Yup we do. Thanks for the fine memories Gents.
Capt. Rud was the CO when I was stationed on Constellation. I was just a kid and hadn’t even made third class when I first met him. I was trying to move some type of gear cart on the flight deck and it wasn’t budging. I had my head down and was really trying to push that thing when someone in running shoes and shorts came up and jumped in to help out. Yep, Captain Rud.
When we got the cart moved a bird flew over and he asked me if I knew what that sound was. I didn’t want to appear too dumb so I took a quick peek, saw an F-18 and said it sounds like a Hornet. Nope, he said, that’s the sound of freedom. Then he jogged the flight deck.
Really cool guy.
That was definitely his saying (re: "the sound of freedom"). I also served aboard Constellation from September 1993 to November 1994. Captain Rud was my first CO in the fleet. As an FC3 without having an NEC, my division sent me TAD to ship's Security Department. On more than one occasion, I stood as bailiff during Captain's Mast. Captain was always fair, but firm. I appreciated him a lot.
Cool video. I served On the Wabash while he was Captain.
So did I.
I love how the "Blue Angles" and the "Thunderbirds" would punk each other. What a great sign of friendship. Like the Army vs. Navy at West Point on a cold winter's day but with the Air Force instead. I love the Navy. My dad was a young kid at the end of WWII putting together new engines at Pensacola and remained in the reserves for 20 years thereafter. I remember him taking me to Floyd Bennett Field on the lower east side of Manhattan when I was a young boy. It brings back memories. The strange thing is I've seen the Thunderbirds at least 4 or 5 times but I've never had a chance to see the Blue Angels. Maybe someday.
CAPT, was your AO for a couple of months before TAG took over on CONNIE. Enjoyed that short period immensely. All the best.
Great interview. I met him back in 87. Nice guy
Such another great interview!!!!. For a moment I felt like the interview was going to last forever which secretly within I was hoping for.
Gil Rud couldn't have been more open about his Naval career and Blue Angels past. Wouldn't mind to ever come across a book by Gil Rud about his life in the service, flying duty and most prominently his service time with the Blues. Great story telling, contagious attitude and a vid way too short to my liking.
Once again, WOWWWW, what a pleasant, insightful and exciting vid to watch.
Thanks, Victor. I recently started a Blue Angel Phantoms podcast. With Boss Rud's permission, I plan on publishing the unedited interview there, as there was so much I had to cut out. Keep an eye out for it!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms I sure will!!!!!. Can't hardly wait for it to happen!!!!.
Thanks a lot!!!.
@@BlueAngelPhantoms by the way, please, keep posting these awesome interviews not just with the flyers themselves but with ground crews whenever possible. They e got also a say, a very compelling one indeed, in the Blue Angels history and track record.
The second he said Mark Bircher, USMC, it was like a bolt of lightning went off in my brain. I have his autograph on a Blue Angel Program from when I was a kid. Pretty awesome I got to personally see Boss Rud and his Team fly a Demo. How freakin' cool is that!
My fist airshow was watching the Blues during Boss Rud's final year, in 1988. It was at Grand Forks AFB, about 40 miles from Cdr Rud's hometown, making it his "home" show.
Interesting note: Boss Rud oversaw the transition from A-4s to the F/A-18, and is from Portland, ND. Boss Kesserling will oversee the transition from legacy hornets to super hornets, and is from Fargo, ND. The 2 moat recent aircraft transitions, both with Bosses from ND. And the only two Blue angel Bosses from ND, that I am aware of.
I watched Gil at my 1st airshow, Fargo, ND 1986
i used to have the Blues poster hanging on my wall in the late 80's, and they all had signed it, including Gil. amazing.
I still have my poster that was signed by all of them including Gil.
A few years back I kept my RV-8 at St. Mary's Airport, Md. Right next to Patuxent Naval Air Station. This gentleman kept his SR-22 in the hanger across from me. He was one of the finest and most unpretentious people I have ever met. I knew him for a year before I learned of his history. He used to share some of his stories which kept me enthralled from beginning to end. He is a true patriot and the ultimate credit to the uniform he wore. I am honored to know him. I hope someday our paths will cross again.
What a great interview! A perfect man to lead the 'Blues".
These interviews are incredible. That footage of the Hornets landing in formation is rarer than rare! Please keep it up, there are a lot of us who just eat this up and can’t get enough! Thank you!!!
Brilliant interview and video - a very impressive man
Great interview. I actually flew on one of your early BA training flights at El Centro. Hoss and I were in the TA-4J. A flight I will not forget.
Great interview!! Loved the story about the belly dancer!
Fantastic video Captain Rud. You are one of my heroes. Thank you for your service especially your tours with the Blue Angels. Who knows how many young airmen have served and are serving because of the inspiration you and your team has provided?
A4 best Blue Angles aircraft ever!
What a great interview. Thank you.
As an American, I hope to live up to your standard sir. God bless you, god bless your wife, and god bless the USA.
I think I saw the Blues Demo in ‘86 at Kingsville NAS.
Love hearing stories like that!!! Just awesome!!
I wonder if my dad trained this guy my dad was a pilot instructor in Pensacola 67 through 70
Well done on a great interview. An interesting man.
This is a wonderful interview.
Cmdr Gil Rud I Salute you. You was the last leader that flew the A-4F Skyhawk in the Blues and the first leader that flew the brand new F-18 Hornet in the transition to the Blues in 1987
WHY are you repeating what he ALREADY knows?! See....he LIVED it. It's not news to him.
The title of this should be “Why Fathers are Important”
Great video...I didn't want it to end!
Great video!
Ft Lost n da Woods n the State of Misery...hahaha....peace
Great story thank you very much for posting!
Great interview, thanks for publishing.
He was my 1st CO aboard the USS Wabash.
We have this in common…I came aboard during the 1990 WESTPAC while we were in the PI.
Bad ass. Thank you
Great Job Gilman. It was awesome to be around during all of this and to serve with you. As a Former SSWFGD CO as well, it is even greater to be in good company. I'm glad to have served with you also in your time with McDonald Douglass and Boeing. Can't wait to see the Super Hornet Show.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing. This mans life experiences are truly incredible.
Gil is the same in person as he is in the interview. He was my recruiter that started my Navy career flying F14s.
thank you for your service sir wish i was born in the US so i could become a Naval aviator.
Great job Ryan; Boss Rud...it is an honor to be on the roster with you sir!!
I first saw the Blues flying Grumman Tigers. They had one on display at the entrance to NAS PNCLA when I was there. Beautiful and inspiring. Then they got Phantoms. Impressive plane, but less maneuverable, so their turning took more area. The show seemed less intimate. The A-4s they got later turned tightly, so the show was more close-up. The F-18s kind of combined maneuverability and power, so that show was very impressive. I worked for Navy Fighter Weapons School by then (TOPGUN) so I saw Rud's crew in both the A-4 and F-18. Three TOPGUN instructors I knew went on the Blues, including one who became leader.
Good times.
Awesome flying experience and Can Do Leadership shared by Skipper Rud USN. GoNavy ! 🇺🇲
Wow...quite the story there sir! I can't imagine how awesome it must have been to do the things you did in your career and especially with the blue angels. From one vet to another...HOOOAH! 😁
Thank you and your fellow service members service!
I'm humbled to say I have seen Gil in the A-4 as well as the F -18. What an incredible man in charge of the most incredible team of pilots in the world. Thank you for your service GIL ✌🏼✌🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏼👍🏼
Great interview,I saw Gil fly at El Toro marine airbase its gone now .Its houses and condos now and a park.
I grew up right under the El Toro departure route. I used to spend hours watching the jets in the pattern, the formations come in for the overhead, In the 90 do think there was a time that there wasn’t four F-18s in the pattern. In the eighties you could see just about the entire Navy/Marine aircraft inventory fly. 4 plane formations departures one a free the other. And when the Blues came, their practice was better than the air show.
@@goobytron2888 I grew up and lived near El Toro Marine base also. Having an air base in the area was so amazing. You'd see almost every type of military plane come in to land on many occasions. I'd attend every almost practice the Blue Angels had which was on a Wednesday. I'd park on Barranca Pkwy and be right in the flight line as they flew right over your head. I also grew up in Dana Point and i remember the late 60's and 70's..the flight path was much wider then but as more homes were being built they were restricted to a much tighter flight pattern. Oh how I miss the air base :(
@@goobytron2888 Dad was career Marine. I lived on base El Toro in the late 1960s. Brother and me would sneak out at night and go lay at the approach end watching the F-4s make full burner takeoffs. They'd take off in two ship elements sometimes and sometimes we'd have to move back because of the heat. It was awesome and thrilling. And deafening. After the show we'd walk back home and we'd be so excited that we would be non-stop talking. Except we were yelling to be heard. At tht time I reckon I was 8 or nine. I'd already seen the Blues about 20 times. Later, I saw the Blues at K-Bay at one of their rare Hawaiian shows. Currently, I reckon I've seen the Blues over fifty times. And sneak still gets me more times than not. God bless America.
This was a great interview, I truly got a sense of the man. Thanks!
The precision and discipline to be this perfect is too incredible for those who don’t fly to appreciate.
Every pilot who’s ever participated in the Blue Angels is a master about men. Thank you for your service and dedication.
Fantastic interview, thanks for posting!
Always loved the A-4 Skyhawk as the Blue Angels aircraft. My USN squadron flew the E and F mods while I was an AO. Great little bomber and I appreciate the tribute given this plane to serve so long as a Blue.
Living in Annapolis we saw the Blues every year. For me the practice day was the best as they were orienteering the area. My friend lived in the big White House across from the Naval Academy and it was a checkpoint for them. Their entrance was directly over the house. Best 2 days of the year. I experienced them from the F-11 Tigers to the F-18 Hornets. My favorite will always be The A-4 aka Heineman Hotrod.
Another fascinating story. Many thanks for this, Ryan.
Gil-what an amazing guy! Thank you for the memories of the blue angels! :)
Definitely going to homecoming this year for the transition! Awesome videos brother!
I watch the Blue Angels Rolling in the Sky video from time to time. It revolved around his 1987 team. When I was little I first saw it and wanted to go see them at an airshow. I finally got to see them in 1994 when they came to my area. Got to go on board Fat Albert and buy some swag and meet a lot of wonderful people. I was just impressed by the overall culture of the team.
So cool! I can't get enough of this channel! I love listening to the stories!
What a back story this heroic man has👍♥️. I ran across this while watching the Angels music videos. Thank you Sir for sharing and for your service and the entertainment you brought to so many of us. God bless you and your family and the Angels.
i could listen to his stories all day
BZ on a great video, the Blues are an amazing group of people! I was working on Tomcats during Commander Rud's time in the Blues, great time to be in Naval aviation!
Interesting how things come full circle. My dad was aboard the USS ORISKANY, probably while Commander Rud was deployed with the air wing. Many years later I saw “Boss” with his Blue Angels when they started flying Hornets. Once I entered service as an AT aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64) I found myself under the command of Captain Rud working the ship’s AIMD. It really is an awesome thing to observe the simplest things and how things can come full circle. And yes, he was and is a fine leader. I would have been surprised if he didn’t make admiral....
Great interview!!!! Thank you for your service!!!!
....does anyone know the name of the NAF El Centro Navy Base "civilian contractor" Photographer who photographed the crash scene on 12-FEBRUARY-1987 of Lt. Dave Anderson's FA-18 that experienced a double flameout and crashed onto the railroad tracks dead center between two electrical power lines running on both sides of the tracks...?
Terrific interview of an awesome guy. Pleasure to watch (And miles better than all the crap that's on TV today.)
In 1986 while I was working for Hughes Aircraft Co. at NAS Lemoore training F/A-18 pilots in the Weapons Tactics Trainers and Flight Simulators, on a late Friday afternoon witnessed a very funny Blue Angels joke. When the Blue's arrive at any airfield before a show they do a familiarization flight around the area and the solos buzz around and often buzz the tower and hangers. After they all landed from one of those flights after arriving at the air station they parked on the visitor ramp in front of the PHASO maintenance hanger in front of the tower. Well even when nobody is watching without crowds the Blue's all exit their aircraft in unison choreographed as if during the show. They shutdown together, exit together and egress and march together. Well, right as they shutdown their A4 Skyhawks the F-14 flight demo team arrived in the pattern. They did not buzz the tower. The F-14 crew aborted their landing on 32L went into afterburner on the deck and at just about 500 feet AGL began a tight circle pulling at least a 6G turn over the top of the Blue's and kept this up for at least 4 full circle turns while the Blue's left their cockpits and marched together. NOT ONCE DID AY OF THOSE BLUE's PILOT LOOK UP!!! I am laughing my butt off and the noise from the Tomcat was splitting eardrums and the Angle's never broke rank until they were done salting and than even they doubled over in laughter and probably a few swear words. Funny as hell.
Great video! Thank you for your service and the excitement that you brought to thousands.
Gil was my boss 1992-1994....at counter drug smuggling Task Force. I certainly can read about his remarkable flying...but to me he was an inspirational leader ...the kind you charge up the machine gun infested hill for. I hope God has continued to bless him...he certainly earned it. DZ
I was on a cross-country flight in an A-4M when the Blues were transitioning to the F/A-18s. For some reason, one of the Blue Angels was parked on the ramp at an Air Force Base near my jet and he was checking out a leak along the bottom of his jet. If I recall correctly, he was a fellow Marine aviator. While I'm sure that he had solid understanding of the F/A-18's systems, this leak was a mystery to him. I had been an A-4 plane captain in the Marine Reserves while attending college, so I had some basic maintenance knowledge and offered to troubleshoot the issue with him. After some investigation, it turned out that the oil running along the bottom of the jet was the source to create the smoke trails. I never did get that verified, but it made sense to me. While the F/A-18s had far more capabilities than the A-4s, my preference was for the show when flown in the Skyhawks, but I might be biased! A-4s 4Ever!
I remember as a kid watching them perform over Hamilton Ontario during a airshow in 86'. Good memories:).
Excellent video thanks and Salute
Met him while working with his daughter at Sal's T-shirt shop as an airbrush artist on Pensacola beach. I Airbrushed a painting of his F-18 and I ended up giving it to him. Hell of a nice guy.
When I was a little kid living on base (NAS Lemoore), he was one of my neighbors. He still remembered me 15 years later when I said hi to him after a Blues show.. “good to see you again, tell your dad I said hi.”
My uncle flew F4 Phatoms in Vietnam for the USAF so i'm more Air Force then Navy but when it comes to airshows I think the Blue Angels are a tad bit better then the Thunderbirds.
Grew up in Beeville, Chase was a good base. We lived 4 miles north of the runway so you flew over us all the time. Knew some good pilots that went very high up in the service. Thank you for your service
I am Fan of the blue angels since I was a kid, they are just the best, I just remember the transition of the F18, it was WHAO!! after 30 year still amazing to watch, they no question they are the best of the best.
I must have seen them quite a few times at Moffett Field back in the 80's. Miss the A-4's.
Awesome, storytelling. I loved the A-4 until I saw the F/A-18
This was just awesome. What a great interview
A life well lived. Amazing.
Got to meet Captain Rud a few times at El Toro air show, he was one of my high school friends uncle so it was pretty cool getting VIP access. Kept joking with him of when do I get a ride in the back seat. Lol.
These are a great series of videos...Most impressive. Thank you for interviewing these Legends for posterity.
Thanks for the kind words! I'll keep at it!
@@BlueAngelPhantoms
I hope you can do one on Donnie Cochran. It would he nice to hear his side of story from being a formation pilot to being a Boss
Who were the 9 people that didn't like the back story of The Blue Angeles and their commander? What could possibly be wrong with This?
Legend…
One of your best so far !!!
Thanks, Dad!
From a Pensacola civilian, thank you Sir.
This guy's a True American Patriot...
GodBless Him....Thankyou 🙏🇺🇸
IT BE A COLD DAY IN HELL, if we ever see the BLUE ANGELS switch too f-35s junk jet.
Really need to know,, Bill Wharley was my Moms boyfriend ish,, and I reamember as a young boy after his death sitting in an A 4 blue angle
I can picture CAPT Rud as being a terrific skipper to work for.
Just finding this channel, my grandpa is RADM Corky Lenox if you have any contacts or ways to get info on him I would be greatful as his memory is gone. He was commander of the pacific fleet and was thebproject manager for developing the FA-18 Hornet.
So proud to call him family.
I had his wife as a teacher in Lemoore, CA.. SHE WAS A GOOD ONE!
Nice guy. Minimal use of the first-person singular nominative case personal pronoun “I”