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The Afterburn Podcast#131 Future of the Wild Weasel - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)In Part V of the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) series, host Mike “Flash” McVay sits down once again with A-10 pilot Ridge "Kelso" Flick to dive deep into the critical role the Warthog plays in SEAD and close air support operations. Drawing from his extensive experience flying the A-10 in hostile environments, Kelso shares insights into how low-level tactics, survivability, and precision targeting come together in the face of modern air defense threats. From Cold War-era training to post-9/11 combat deployments, this episode explores how A-10 pilots adapted to evolving SAM and AAA threats while maintaining their miss...2025-04-1158 min
The Afterburn Podcast#130 SEAD Part IV - Operation Iraqi FreedomMike “Flash” McVay welcomes seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition f...2025-04-042h 13
The Afterburn Podcast#129 SEAD Part III - Operation Allied Force - Wild Weasel Fighter PilotIn this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, we continue our Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series hosted by Mike “Flash” McVay.Our guest, Sonny “Blink” Blinkinsop, brings decades of Wild Weasel experience to the table — from Vietnam-era air combat tactics to F-16 SEAD missions during Operation Allied Force. Blink dives into the mindset shift required when flying into heavily defended airspace, the evolution of SEAD tactics, and what it truly means to wear the Weasel patch.This episode covers real-world use of air-to-surface weapons like the AGM-88 HARM, F-16CJ combat operations, and the tactical a...2025-03-281h 25
The Afterburn Podcast#128 Desert Storm's Wild Weasels | Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses Part IIIn this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm. Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. The conversation further explores the preparation for conflict, intelligence assessments of enemy capabilities, and the execution of strike packages. Curly highlights the realities of en...2025-03-221h 34
The Afterburn Podcast#127 Vietnam Wild Weasels | Deadly Evolution of Surface-to-Air MissilesIn this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay hosts Leonard “Lucky” Ekman and Jim “Gringo” Webster, two original Wild Weasel fighter pilots from Vietnam, as they share firsthand experiences and insights from their military careers. This is Part I of the five-part Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Series. The discussion follows their journeys from joining the military to their roles in some of the most dangerous combat missions of the Vietnam War. They dive deep into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission, a high-risk operation designed to counter deadly surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats. “Lucky” a...2025-03-141h 51
The Afterburn PodcastSurface to Air Missiles (SAMs) LowdownThe Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission has evolved alongside the development of Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. In this episode of The Lowdown, host Mike "Flash" McVay takes a deep dive into the history and advancements of SAM technology, from its early origins to today’s modern, highly integrated air defense networks.🛡️ How did SAMs start? The first concepts of surface-to-air guided weapons were developed in WWII, but it wasn’t until the Cold War that the technology became a true threat to air superiority.🚀 The Rise of Soviet SAMs – From the SA-1 and SA-2 in the Vietnam...2025-03-1117 min
The Afterburn PodcastSuppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) IntroductionThe Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, better known as the Wild Weasel mission, has been a critical component of air warfare since Vietnam. In this special five-part series, host Mike "Flash" McVay explores the evolution of SEAD from its early days in Rolling Thunder to Desert Storm, Kosovo, and today’s modern air battles.🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺☕️Attack Coffee : https://www.attackcoffee.com/🥷 Scrub Your Info from Dat...2025-03-0716 min
The Afterburn Podcast#123 Derek 'Woody' Oaks – C-130 to A-10 | Combat Flying & LeadershipIn this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close air support, and what it means to lead in high-pressure environments. Whether moving troops and cargo in the C-130 or deliv...2025-02-161h 37
The Afterburn PodcastSeamus "Flats" Flatley Legacy of Naval Aviation | F-14 Fighter Pilot & TOP Gun GraduateRetired Navy fighter pilot Seamus "Flats" Flatley joins @AfterburnPodcast for an episode that dives deep into Naval Aviation. Join Mike "Flash" McVay as he discusses with "Flats" a wide range of topics from the F-14 Tomcat's evolution into an Air-to-Ground platform, his experiences as a Forward Air Controller (FAC-A) during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his time at Blackwater and the light attack aircraft program.
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The Afterburn Podcast#111 Forrest Underwood | Former AFSOC Pilot | Defense Innovation, A.I., and the Defense IndustryA paradigm shift is happening in the defense industry with the integration of AI. AI has the potential to provide significant benefits to the warfighter. In episode 111 of @AfterburnPodcast Mike "Flash" McVay and guest Forrest Underwood dive into the world of defense, technology, innovation, business, and how they interact in today's world.
Helpful Acryonms: SIBR -Small Business Innovation Research | STTR - Small Business Technology Transfer | POM - Program Objective Memorandum | Primes - Lockheed, Raytheon, Boeing etc | CCAs -Collaborative Combat Aircraft | TRL - Tech readiness level | BD - Business Development | VC- Venture Capital/Capitalist
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The Afterburn Podcast#109 The Art of Dynamic Targeting: Future of WarfareMike "Flash" McVay, hosts episode 109, with guests "Zero" Fox and "Toad" Williamson to dive into the world of targeting. Both "Zero" and "Fox " bring years of experience in the intel world to the discussion to dive deep into a variety of topics.
Toad's blog: https://laymangeopolitics.substack.com/
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The Afterburn Podcast#108 Rep Burgess OwensIn episode 108, Mike "Flash" McVay hosts Congressman Burgess Owens from Utah's 4th district. They discuss his time playing in the NFL for the Raiders, winning a Super Bowl, to the issues surrounding Taiwan and education in the U.S.---Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial - No "Gotchas" - Cancel AnytimeRecorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn----Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access...2024-08-0250 min
The Afterburn Podcast#106 Brig Gen (Ret) Max "Stiffy" StitzerIn episode 106, Mike "Flash" McVay, hosts Brigadier General (Ret) Max Stitzer where they discuss a wide-ranging career in the military, from being an enlisted target intel specialist to becoming a maintenance officer and eventually a general officer.Checkout Aura | See Who Has Your Data | https://aura.com/afterburn14-day free trial - No "Gotchas" - Cancel AnytimeJoin our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geo-politics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletterHe shares his experiences and favorite assignments, including his...2024-07-191h 08
The Afterburn Podcast#103 Col (Ret) Tom "Gunn" Dorl | USAF Combat Search and RescueEpisode 103 of the Afterburn Podcast, hosted by Mike "Flash" McVay and Ridge "Kelso" Flick. They dig into the complexities of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) with their guest, retired USAF Colonel Tom "Gunn" Dorl. "Gunn" spent a career in the Air Force focused on personnel recovery and now flies for a corporate aviation company and is a Senior Director for Victory Strategies. In this episode, they discuss the world of CSAR and how elements from the world of planning and executing personnel recovery missions cross over into the business world.Secure Your Digital Identity...2024-06-251h 33
The Afterburn Podcast#101 Hal Sundt | Birth of the A-10 WarthogIn this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John "Rain" Waters and Mike "Flash" McVay sit down with Hal Sundt, author of "Warplane: How the Military Reformers Birthed the A-10 Warthog." https://amzn.to/3VC9B3iJoin us as we dive into the story behind the A-10's development, its impact on modern warfare, and the key figures who championed its creation. Hal shares insights from his extensive research and interviews, revealing the challenges and triumphs that led to the birth of this iconic aircraft. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a history buff...2024-06-101h 29
The Afterburn Podcast#99 Bro Chat - Hawg Edition | Hosted by Mike "Flash" McVayMike "Flash" McVay hosts episode 99 of @AfterburnPodcast for a "Hawg" Bro Chat. "Flash" is joined by fellow A-10 pilots (although "Flash" has since abandoned them and moved onto the F-16 and now F-35). He is joined by Dan "Satan" Levy, Dan “Duffle” Lusardi, and Ridge “Kelso” Flick. They share their unique perspectives on the A-10 community, the culture, and the mindset of A-10 pilots. They discuss the importance of preserving the Hawg driver mentality and the need for experienced pilots to pass on their knowledge. They also touch on the changing landscape of warfare and the challenges faced by t...2024-05-241h 58
The Afterburn Podcast#71 Mike "Flash" McVay - Flying the A-10, F-16, and F-35: Insights from USAF Weapons School InstructorMike "Flash" McVay is a United States Air Force Weapons School Graduate and Instructor. Flash's remarkable journey took him from flying the formidable A-10 Warthog to the mighty F-16 before ultimately becoming an accomplished F-35 fighter pilot.
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The Afterburn PodcastBro Chat 5.0 Mike "Flash" McVay joins the Bro Chat with "Vader" and "Bender" from the Kodiak Shack Podcast. "Flash" has flown the A-10, F-16, and F-35. He has also instructed at the USAF's Weapons School. You can check out a great article by Flash over on War on the Rocks: Still Flying and Serving, Just Not Active Duty Today we talk SEAD, the next fight, near-peer threats, pilot retention, and more.
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