Operation VENGEANCE-Killing Yamamoto-Episode 208 

Sadly I lost a two-volume bio of Yamamoto in a move years back (translated from the Japanese). He was a very colorful figure, there was really no one else like him in the Japanese military in this respect. Seth and Bill noted his wide public popularity and high profile; he was also famous in the Ginza, and in the gambling houses. He was probably what would be considered a gambling addict today. It was credibly claimed that he seriously considered resigning from the IJN and moving to the US to become a professional gambler at one point in his life. His travels in the US were extensive not just during his Harvard time but his later stint in the naval attache's office in Washington. As noted in the show, during these trips he saw the industrial and resource might of the US, and he was fairly awestruck by it all. At one point during his diplomatic assignment he traveled all the way to Mexico's Caribbean oil region (after seeing Texas's oil riches on the way). The Mexican foreign office advised the US embassy that there was a Japanese naval attache who lacked the funs to return to DC (he probably gambled the money away). The State Dept. fronted him the cash to get back to Washington. Not a great naval tactician, but a colorful one.

I love this series! As a high school-educated working man with a passion for military & political history, I love your work and am very thankful that channels such as this exist for my continuing education on history.

Thanks! TV is trash today, haven't watched in years except for Sports, I feel a need to give support for programs I enjoy of some sort, Do'N my Part.

Bill's point regarding China was an important one.

Senior military officers are all legitimate targets.

Bill's comment towards the end of the podcast is so on point and shows how history should be studied in relation to current events. Who's the sleeping giant now, is a perfect example 👌

The military makes you a professional mover.

Very well made and very accurate. Therebarebtwo minor corrections. 1) Lanphere, Barbara and Mitchell were initially recommended for the MoH but had it reduced to Navy Cross by Halsey when Halsey found out the pilots talked to a reporter about the mission and broken code JN25. 2) pilot Hine was seen by a PBY near the Russell Islands trailing smoke. The PBY communicated with Hine who indicated he thought he could make it back to base. He didn't make it. See Jeffery Cox Dark Water Starry Sky and Dan Hampton Operation Vengeance

I have read accounts by credentialed historians that suggest FDR was not consulted in the attack. I would not call the attack an assassination. Yamamoto was in uniform, in a military aircraft and conducting military operations when he was shot down. All of Japan's WWII leaders (including the emperor) had no problem with murdering millions of Chinese civilians.

I'm never disappointed with your Podcasts. This particular one dives into depths that I've never seen discussed, such as the moral questions brought on by this mission, and just how high up the chain of command it had to go to get approval. Of course, it also includes the common misconceptions, personal thoughts and contributions of the people involved, and myths associated with this operation. As usual, it was very educational, entertaining, and insightful. Thanks guys!

dig that sub behind bill

Another, simply flawless episode in this unmatched history of the Pacific in WWII.

This was an amazing operation done on such short notice. It was done with such precision without all the technology we take for granted today. As a USAF veteran, I take a touch of pride in both this and the Doolittle mission to Japan. In 2006, I was at the Doolittle Raider reunion at the USAF Museum in Dayton, OH. I got all 8 Raider autographs including Lt. Col Cole, Doolittle's copilot. Sadly, all are gone now. The men of both missions are heroes. Both did what many thought couldn't be done. Both at extreme range for the aircraft involved. Both missions did far greater harm to the Japanese than we had any right to expect. Neither were turning points in the war. Both had a much greater impact than the numbers of people involved. Keep up the good work. These videos should be standards for our kids to learn about WWII in the Pacific.

Seth & Bill: Thanks for dispelling the popular myths about Yamamoto, and especially for placing the entire affair in perspective. I've always been somewhat morally conflicted about the hit on Yamamoto. The observation that the Japanese wouldn't have been the least bit hesitant to take out any of the U.S. commanders is spot on. That's what happens in war. It sucks, but reality is what it is.

You guys are awesome. This podcast is the highlight of my Tuesday mornings ❤🎉

A truly wonderful series of investigations, presented by two awesome men and their guests. Many thanks for your work, which I look forward to always.

Great job guys, I never miss an episode. Glad to see Bill back!

Incredibly accurate planning is a wonderful disguise for extraordinary luck. Often plagued by technological problems, the Japanese planning and scheduling seems to have been faultless and we lucked out by depending on that planning and scheduling. I have read that Yamamoto and Billy Mitchell used to play poker at the Naval Officers Club in Washington and that one of the favored topics of discussion was a hypothetical air attack on Pearl Harbor. However, not having been there to overhead, I can't swear to it.

Top show chaps. The scope, detail and balance of this neglected theatre are appreciated.

In the 70s I read about the conflicting claims between Barber and Lanphier and there was no settled result. That confused me. Didn't each plane have gun camera footage? Seth and Bill finally gave a logical answer to this question. Well done guys.

Excellent story. I had no idea how time-fixed this thing was. I always assumed they had some time to look around and prepare. Some time margin. Yet they had mere minutes to pull this off. Astounding.

Happy to have another episode to listen to, and lose myself for an hour or so…. Thanks Seth and Bill….

What a great conversation

Seth and Bill, once again a great show. I seem to recollect there was some nasty backwash soon after the conclusion of the mission regarding violation of opsec, specifically the continued maintenance of the mission’s intentionally fabricated cover story. I can’t remember where I read about this, but it went into great detail about how days or weeks after the successful mission, certain participating pilots couldn’t keep their mouths shut off duty about the true target and foreknowledge of the Admiral’s itinerary. I understand these alleged alcohol-fueled violations of security eventually drew the ire Admiral Halsey and Admiral Nimitz. Supposedly there was talk of withdrawing proposed military decorations and possible punitive actions, e.g. non-judicial punishments, special courts martial, etc. I recall Capt. Lanphier was front and center in this sh*tstorm. Apparently the continued violations were fueled by Lanphier’s questionable shoot down claim. Supposedly it reached a point to where they thought the cover story was blown and it might have leaked by now to the Japanese military that we’d been reading their mail all along and presently still were reading their message traffic. You guys know anything about this stain on the mission as it relates to possible UCMJ violations and intentionally damaging our code breaking efforts?

Thank you Gentlemen! Nice background Captain!

Mission complete on this episode. Well done, gentlemen! I have to note a really good read on this subject, Lightning Strike by Donald Davis. A really fine portrayal of the American pilots and planners - Mitchell, Barber, Holmes, and Lanphier, among others. Simply incredible planning and meticulous execution. Literally. I look forward to every Tuesday. Can't wait until Leyte (I know, we have a long way to go yet). I imagine that will be at least four episodes. Keep up the great work. This series is all headed Library of Congress someday.

Good to have Capt Toti back. Love the background !!!

Bill, as a former sub driver, your thoughts on Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide. Great stuff, I would like to point out that the raid on Pearl Harbor was a brilliant plan and executed to perfection. Yamamoto was quite capable of planning other successful strikes using his knowledge of the US and his leadership abilities to accomplish that. Therefore he was a legitimate military target of high importance, just like any other command or control persons/places. The same goes for MacArthur being a legitimate target for the Japanese, of course, they might have chosen not to 🙂 My father fought with the 32nd.

Thanks again for another great video. I get notified every time you have a new video, since I have the All Bell selected, I don't want to miss a single episode.

Once again; you two gentlemen have given us valuable insight on the shared humanity of INhumanity. WAR. As a Cold War submarine veteran; we saw Eastern Bloc ships as targets; never realizing that they were just as human as we were.

Hi, I saw the Captain's new background, and I had to make my first comment to say, wow, that is an amazing shot! Thank you all for doing these podcasts, because, as has been said in previous episodes, we all need to remember the sacrifices, hardships, and lessons of WWII as they are poorly taught, at best, if at all anymore. especially the PTO side of the war. I really like the format, it is serious, but relaxed, formal yet informal, so to say. and and I always feel as if we are all friends sitting in the same place together discussing Naval History, so, a big Well Done! The Night the Giants Rode was the best overview of the 2nd Naval battle off Guadalcanal I have seen, Adm. Lee most definitely got the drop on Kirashima. I would have loved to have been on the radio net when he said " This is Ching Lee Stand clear we are coming through chop chop" or something close to that. That good old Kentucky Windage

What makes you guys so phenomenal is how you make us listeners really THINK about this stuff, and put ourselves in that time and place to do so. This episode prompts the “What If?…” the mission hadn’t been approved, or had failed, which it easily could have for all of the reasons you laid out. OK, Yamamoto is still in charge in June, 1944. He’s in command of Japanese forces at the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. Does Yamamoto the Rock Star survive becoming Yamamoto the Guy Who Just Got Routed? Would he have the cache to go to the highest military leadership, PM, and Emperor himself and say “We have to fold, we’re done here. I told you we had to do this quickly, before it turned into a war of attrition against an enemy with vastly more industrial capacity than we have. That capacity is now at sea in the form of their Task Force 58. Essex-class carriers, Iowa-class battleships, so many cruisers, the Pacific isn’t big enough for them to all turn around in, so many that they converted some into Independence-class carriers. So many submarines, you could walk from Singapore to Tokyo on their periscopes. Seek peace.” Would he still have enough cache that they’d listen to him and surrender, before Iwo, Okinawa, and the incendiary & H-bombing of their home islands?

I try to comment every episode! This is the only channel I try and do so for because I appreciate every episode so very much. The operational genius those Lightning Pilots had was truly impressive! 1000 mile missions back in the day are more than stunning and to arrive on scene 1 minute early is just unbelievable. Thanks again guys and glad to see the youngster Bill back and excited to see what next week has in store! 🤟

This was an incredible episode. Thank you for doing all the research. Keep it comin' boys

Great episode. Bill, I hope your feeling well and good luck in you’re new house. Awesome job Seth and Bill on this. Yamamoto was a fascinating person in many ways, good and bad.

Seth and Bill, another fantastic episode. Every time, you guys add in all those awesome little details that we just_don't_get anywhere else. Incredible work! You guys are appreciated immensely.

Another masterpiece! Thank yall so very much.

Absolutely blown away- I have never found a podcast one day and then binged episode to episode non stop- to the level I have with yours! Both of you- and your guests- are amazing broadcasters and speakers. I love every minute of this! Thank you so much!

Just an outstanding commentary to accompany some video I've never seen. Seth and Captain Toti, you are becoming downright professional. Your regular guests are really enjoying themselves, and are LEARNING from YOU both. Seeing you all evolve and meld is as engrossing as the content. We'll played, Men.

Just discovered this channel a couple days ago and it is fantastic: The best videos on WWII I have ever seen. Doug Canning was on of the pilots on this mission and was my middle school science teacher. I knew back then he was part of the mission but was too shy to ask him about it, even though I was a WWII aviation nut. One of my regrets was not talking to him about his experiences.

Another great discussion of history, thank you gentlemen.

Moving! No Joke, I hate it with passion, Good to have you back Bill.

April 18th, an important date in the military history of this country. 18 April 1775 General Gage's Regulars begin preparing to march on Lexington and Concord. 18 April 1942, The Doolittle Raiders launch from the carrier HORNET for the raid on Japan. All of these briefs on the nitty gritty of WWII events and personalities are fabulous. BRAVO ZULU 💯🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍MERICA'!!

What a pleasant surprise! I have exactly 1 hour and 30 minutes left on my shift and needed something (interesting) to keep my mind occupied. This should do just fine 😎

Excellent. I read a book on Adm Yamamoto the detailed his career from about 1918 to 1940 and his advice not to war with the US. It addressed the changes that cornered him into the Pacific war. Excellent book, from the library in the 70s. I do not remember the title. Great presentation..... very much appreciate this series, and every episode.

"I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant ... and filled him with a terrible resolve"

Thank-You!

Please know that I recognize my coming late to this discussion. Thank you, Captain Toti, for recognizing that China is the preeminent manufacturer these days. That was our strength in WW2, and it will be their strength in any upcoming military conflict. I have wondered how long it would take for that to be seen for what it is. Having visited China in depth twice, and having had a close relative work there more than once for several years each time, my perspective has matured into a berlief that it is time that we wake to their prodigious work ethic and to their innovation, especially in efficient, rapid, volume manufacturing. And we need to recognize that they bear a grudge against us for participating in militarily forcing trade upon them in the early to mid nineteenth century. They still have destroyed monuments dating back to that time, while we have let ourselves become ignorant of it at all levels and sectors of society.

The idea you have left me to puzzle about relates to whether or not all the flyers involved knew the real purpose of the mission. If any of them had ended up in Japanese hands it would likely have blown the cover for our decoding efforts. Telling the flyers had the advantage of letting them know that it was vitally important that they get out of dodge right after the shoot down, so that's a plus. Were they also perhaps instructed to shoot themselves if they got shot down, or at least fight to the death to protect this secret? By the same token, a flyer captured alive who didn't know about the code side of the issue might well have been coerced under torture to confess to lie about the truth, and the net result could have been the same. It's an intriguing proposition and I am sure the best choice was to tell them all, which was a huge violation of the code 'need to know' restrictions.

I read the comments about how great you guys are. Every one of them is spot on. Such fine preparations. Thank you. I am learning so much I can't believe it.

I need to hear more about Bill advising about naval matters in a Godzilla movie!

There is nothing like listening in on a conversation between two intelligent people who like and respect one another on an interesting topic. Thanks, gentlemen.

The Admiral was a completely legitimate target even back then, the more interesting hypothetical would be: what if it had been the Emperor for whatever unlikely event...

Seth and Bill do a great job with this podcast!! Thanks guys!!

I live in the small farming community of Culver Oregon home to Rex Barber. I know members of his family. They say Rex was just a small town farm boy. I love your channel.

No. This was not an assassination. This was the execution of a war criminal.

Another great episode! Wish you two were able to do more than one a week, but I understand you both pack this project into your otherwise full schedules. It is just so interesting to learn something new every week.

Very well done gentlemen.

Admiral Yamamoto was a captive of his culture. IJN with or without him, the IJN habitually relied on overly complicated plans. The Admiral while looking for the Kantai Kessen, when it presented he didn't see it, Guadalcanal. Japan habitually conserved their forces for the much the war until the Sho plan. This was probably a carryover from Yamamoto, he new they could not replace their ships as quickly. So they lost the war.

It's silly to wring your hands and call this an assasination Yamamoto was a legitimate target. Military Commander directing combat operations

New subscriber here, liked & subscribed (twice stated now), great content! You two have great chemistry and do an amazing job bringing history to the present! 🍻

I searched for, located and wrote to Rex Barber many years ago and had him sign a book on the mission. A great American.

Thank you! So looking forward to more!♥

Wow 16 moves in 40 years. That's low for a navy family. Mom said, they moved 30 time in 20 years. Only two of her kids was born in the same state. Happy is the man who finds a good wife

Good stuff guys. Thankyou. Liked and subscribed.

This is such an excellent series! I finally got caught up after discovering you guys a couple of months ago. I have learned so much. Your coverage of Savo Island was especially meaningful as my Great Uncle Charlie survived the sinking of the Chicago, and went on the finish the war on the same ship as his brother (my grandfather). Bill, your background is outstanding. Jon will most likely strip his wallpaper when he sees it😂 Congrats on your move.

Love the wall!!!!

Thank you, guys! One of the very few RU-vid channels I watch at "Normal" speed!

Thank you for (another) superb show. I really appreciated the discussion about the human side of this event, the decision making, reflecting on how we might view it (ie an assassination) today, the impact, and the portrayal of it. Episode review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Series/show review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The show as a whole is not attempting to be "balanced" in terms of US versus other points of view (this is not a criticism!), but it is clearly approaching this from an academically appropriate and balanced objective and subjective viewpoint but then adding an approachability to the material and analysis that is often missing from such academic assessments. This is not easy and is done really really well 🙂. I am also hugely appreciating the output rate 😁

Great show gentlemen.

I knew one of the pilots on this mission, Larry Graebner. I wish I got more details from him. What an impressive feat of airmanship and luck.

Side Note: DH98 Mosquito V’s P38 Lightning - The DH98 was designed as a light fast bomber and it excelled in this roll. The P38 was designed as a fast interceptor and it excelled in this roll. The issue between the two aircraft is how well they adapted to roles outside their design parameters and they both converge from separate directions to be applied in the same rolls (fighter Bomber). Both multi-role aircraft have different strengths and weaknesses that can be applied to the mission profile. The Westland Whirlwind is a better comparison to the P38 Lightning except the Whirlwind concept wasn’t properly realised.

keep these coming fellas 👏

Thank you, wondered this out loud. His terrible battle plans saved hundreds of American lives.

I have always been interested in Japanese culture, and cult of personality that surrounded Admiral Yamamoto during his life was pretty astounding for that period of time. Beginning in the mid 1920's, the militarist factions had really whipped up an anti-western frenzy to drag the Japanese people back from the influences of the Western culture of the Roaring Twenties. It became anathema for the Japanese to show any Western characteristics, in dress, entertainment, movies and the like. Women were required at some points to drop Western dress and dress in the more traditional kimono. And it is significant because there weren't many people in Japan who were aware of and enjoyed Western culture like Yamamoto did, which I'm sure that the firebrands in the Japanese Army did not like at all. Add to that Yamamoto's point that war with the United States could only be won with a quick lightning strike to demoralize the "weak and cowardly" Americans into a peace favorable to Japan's aims. These firebrands were wrong in SO many ways, as we will see. But on a personal level, Yamamoto was, as you said, a legendary person to the Japanese people. He was very involved in the geisha culture and was considered and honored patron, to the point of different geisha house vying for his favor. When he went to get a manicure, his nickname was "80 sen", because a manicure price was 100 sen. But Yamamoto had lost two fingers at Tsushima and only had 8 fingers. There have been a lot of misconceptions about the geisha culture over the years. Traditional geishas were primarily entertainers and provided an area of comfort and repose for their clients. They played traditional Japanese instruments like the Koto (a horizontal harp), Shamisen (a three-stringed instrument that is sometimes compared in the West to a banjo) and the Shakuhachi (a wooden flute), and performed Traditional Japanese dances, such as the Shi (fan) and Ken (sword). They were experts in the Japanese tea ceremonies and other similar things. They also played games of chance, such as Shogi, Go and Western card games like bridge. They were not out-and-out prostitutes, though some geisha had arrangements with favored customers. The prostitutes were known as Oiran and were an entirely different operation. Admiral Yamamoto was married and fathered four children with his wife Reizo, but it was not a loving match. He had a favored geisha named Kawaii Chiyoko, who in a lot of respects, acted as a surrogate mother rather than a girlfriend. When he was having his issues in opposition with the Army militarists, he lived on his flagship under the protection of his sailors, first on the Nagato and then the Yamato after it was put into service. When he had issues that depressed him, Kawaii Chiyoko would come to see him on his flagship and acted as a combination psychologist and therapist. She had a very prominent part in getting his head straight after the crushing defeat at Midway. Admiral Yamamoto was both very Japanese and very Western at the same time. As far as Operation Vengeance is concerned, it was something that had to be done, and there should be no qualms or regret about it. His successors, Mineichi Koga and Soemu Toyoda, were not as talented or aggressive as Yamamoto, but if he hadn't been killed, the war would have ended in a similar fashion. But he still is a very interesting person to know about, enemy or not.

Another great episode gentlemen. Time went quickly but the details presented up to this operation was appreciated.

You guys are doing an amazing job! When I see y’all the 2 words that come to mind are knowledge and respect. Love the channel and wish you both the very best.

I’m going to have to read Bill’s article. I’ve been talking for 10 years about the very thing he briefly mentioned and our lack of preparedness for the fight we are actively trying to pick with China.

I call him the reluctant warrior. Everything I have read indicates he felt it was the wrong war at the wrong time.

Camp Shelby? You mean: Federally Occupied Mississippi...hey, great broadcast. One of the most remarkable stories to come out of WWII.

Let's be clear about words. Yes, Yamamoto was clearly assassinated. US Military intel discovered he would be at a location at a specific time and the proper US military resources were there as well. Here is the thing. Going all the way back to my HS days in the early 1970s I have been part of many discussions about Japan and Yamamoto. Let's also remember that the outcome of the Pacific War was generally not in doubt after the events of Midway. Had Operation Vengeance failed Yamamoto would have either committed Seppuku (or its equivalent) later or would have suffered Hideki Tojo's fate. I have actually heard some speakers say the US allowed Yamamoto to go as a warrior with some dignity. I have also heard it said that the message about Yamamoto's travel plans being broadcast might well have not been an accident for that very reason. Understand I am not saying anything like that is true. Still, it does lead to some interesting things

There was a story that Lindbergh assisted the P38 pilots By giving them the best fuel mix and propellor pitch for maximum distance.

I really love these podcast. I cannot get enough history about the Pacific War. Bill I really hope your move is successful. I hope I never have to move again. Also, WTH, Godzilla movie!!! I cannot see why you don't have this in your bio. Really you should be introduced as a naval Godzilla technical advisor.😂 Keep up the great work.

I am a Japanese aficionado of the Pacific War who enjoys watching these videos. I'd like to share an episode in the memoir by his son that defines the kind of person Admiral Yamamoto was. On the last day before moving to his new command as chief of the combined fleet, the admiral came home. Being ill, his wife was unable to come to the dinner table. Together with his children, Yamamoto carried the dinner table to his wife’s bedroom where they ate together. On the center of table was whole roasted red snapper (think Thanksgiving turkey). At the end of the meal no one had touched the fish. The family must have had premonitions. The next day when the son left home for school, Yamamoto for the first (and last time) saw his son off. This was the last time the son would see him. According to what I have read, the base Yamamoto was to inspect was to serve as the rear guards as Japan shrank its defense perimeter. Yamamoto knew the men at the base would be left behind. This was the reason for his risking the trip. Even though it was war, to me the whole course of events was tragic for a man who had opposed the War, but was a patriotic Naval Officer.

By far the most riveting episode of the podcast so far. Thanks.

I love ❤️ Bill’s background in his new Studio!

Excellent podcast. One thing Ii think deserves mention when evaluating Yamamoto as a commander, which was mentioned by Ian Toll in a detailed character sketch from his trilogy, was that Yamamoto was vehemently opposed to the practice of Japanese captains insisting on committing suicide by going down with their ships - he believed it was stupid and wasteful.

Still at the beginning of y'all's presentation, but just wanted to say: 1) Yes, it was indeed an assassination. Bear in mind that at least down here in Texas, for a long time "he needed killin'" was a valid legal defense if it could be proven. Seems to be the case here. 2) IIRC, after Pearl Harbor, the Admiral commented to a colleague, "I am afraid we have awakened a sleeping giant," precisely due to his tours through the US while attending Harvard.. [ETA3: Thanks for the correction, Capt Bill.] ETA: 18 Apr is a signal date in American history: 1775, the Battle of Lexington, 1942, Doolittle's Raid, and then this. ETA2: as for the morality aspect, the man wore the uniform of his country. He was fair game.

Any idea if this mission was before or after Charles Lindberg showed the P38 pilots how to extend their range by running the engines differently? Apparently Lindberg arrived in the south Pacific as a civilian consultant at some point and actually flew combat missions with P38 squadrons to prove that his range extending techniques worked. The higher ups were not happy and forced Lindy to stop doing that. I'm wondering what the time line might have been? Did that affect the mission planning?

Wonderful podcast as always. What a terrific series.

As I recall the book "Operation Vengeance" by Dan Hampton delved extensively into the Barber/Lamphier issue, resolving it the same way Seth and Bill did in this show.

This is the best description and analysis that the battle. Thank you!

I loved this show! I do think Yamamoto would have gambled the fleet more hoping for a miraculous victory and anything can happen in war. But the US Navy and other forces grew stronger everyday. While the Japanese grew weaker. Nimitz gambled at Midway and it paid off. Preserving the fleet. You have to ask for what? For example: They ended up sending Yamato on a one way suicide mission to beach itself. And simply maintaining and supplying it without using it but still sucking up resources. The war was obviously lost for Japan but a major naval victory might have delayed the Allied victory as well. And that was the whole Japanese strategy from the beginning of the war until the end. To make it costly to the Americans and hope they'd give up and offer peace terms allowing Japan to keep at least some of what they'd taken. So I think Yamamoto's death was a huge win for the US. It had a Doolittle Raid effect upon Japanese morale and confidence in and within the IJN as well. 'Our greatest admiral and we can't even keep him safe. We must be weaker than the government is telling us. And do we trust the new guy?' That's just my two cents. Brilliant show I really learned a lot and enjoyed it.

This just keeps getting better and better I hope people appreciate all your hard work.

Congrats on the upcoming anniversary! And thanks for the dedication to the podcast. Really enjoying you guys

Keep up the excellent content!

You guys give great insight and info on these battles. I'm actually surprised this mission was approved, mainly because the info on Yamamoto's planned route was so precise, I'm surprised that someone didn't think it was a fake transmission to check if we were intercepting their messages.

Love these podcasts. Great work, as always guys. Thanks so much.

Been waiting on this one!

I love your podcasts, thanks for your insights.