USMC F/A-18 Hornet Exchange. Tug Wilson, Part 1 

I love Tug’s irreverence and self deprecation, the first couple of interviews were fantastic and I can’t wait to tune in to you too talking again!

Former Marine aviator here, Vietnam combat experience, and veteran of the '224 Bengals, '533 Hawks, and '121 Green Knights during the Marine A-6 Intruder era. It's always interesting to get an outsider's intimate and unique view of USMC culture and mindset. Tug's love of the Marine Corps, developed from his experience as an allied foreign exchange pilot, is heartwarming! He's right about the "grunt" orientation of Marine aviators. In combat situations, when your average Marine aviator hears on the radio from the FAC(A) or ground FAC (Marine aviator imbedded with the grunts) that the target involves "troops in contact" his whole mindset goes into hyper mode. To a Marine aircrewmember, his first priority, his number one raison d'etre, is the protection of his brother/sister Marines (or other friendly US service members) on the ground. When he hears "troops in contact" his risk-reward situational calculus instantly changes. He becomes a different animal whose whole purpose in life is to eliminate the threat to Marines fighting for their lives, whether in the jungle or the dusty arid deserts of the Middle East. He'll hang his ass outside the envelope, the wing SOP, or basic self preservation, for his imperiled ground-bound comrades in arms. Back in '68, before I went to pilot training, I was required to attend Infantry Officers Basic Course. The concept of the air-ground team and the use of supporting arms was incessantly drummed into our fertile minds. It was an essential principle of the Semper Fidelis ethos. Sounds like Tug picked up on that, big time. God bless all of us who were so very fortunate to fly the Phantom in all its various Cold War roles, fighter, attack, and recce. She was a dream to fly. I have a patch on my leather flight jacket that reads, "The Phantom, someone over 30 you can trust!" Thank you, Tug, you're definitely an honorary Marine in my mind. Semper Fi, Brother!

Keep up the great work Steve!! I love your videos and as a young person trying to get a shot at the world of military aviation, the wealth of knowledge that you so expertly uncover through your interviews is invaluable. I look forward to continuing to enjoy and share your fantastic content!!

Another brilliant episode, Steve. Tug’s a delight!

You sir give the best military aviation podcast of all. Thank you so much and godspeed!

“It’s California baby”! Hey Tug, you have an exchange on Hornets in Canada - choice of Cold Lake, or Bagotville! 😆

I know that part 2 of this is spectacular but I’m already looking forward to Tug’s next appearance on 10PT. What a legend.

I love this channel Steve and you do such a great job with asking the right questions. And tug is just the man! Love hearing his stories.

Great interview Steve, Tug’s insights are fascinating with a good sprinkling of humour as well.

Exchange programs seem to be a great idea that countries do and it was a quick and entertaining two hours getting the nitty gritty details. Looking forward to part two..

Another great episode Steve, Tug is a Stella guest an awesome conversation.

Man, if I could ever make a request for a guest it would be to hear ‘Henry’s’ FAC-A puffer game story! Lmao

Tug is defintely on my wavelength. I fly in DCS and when I hear people talking about flying the numbers you know that they're going to suck at air combat. Those numbers are important to know but they are not the holy grail. Rather than max performing your aircraft it's more important to dominate the fight and try to ensure your opponent cannot max perform his aircraft and to do that you need to be looking at the picture and directing the fight.

Awesome, that was a blast. Thanks for the story's Tug looking forward to the book. Steve, great video looking forward to more.

Awesome!!! Semper Fi!

Phenomenal chat guys, cheers. Looking forwards to the reserves

The hornet has fixed inlets. There are no ramps in the inlet.

Gets better every episode. Just bought a cool polo to go with my “All the F-16’s are Dead” t-shirt, and an advance copy of your book. You don’t mention in the lead-in that it has been updated with info from your recent interviews. You should. Merry Christmas Steve and Tug!

Great Interview about Marine Aviation

Steve, without getting too far in the weeds, will you ask tug what year he flew to Chicago midway. in my career, I remember a singleton 18 flew to midway one Chicago weekend on a summertime Friday and flew out on a Sunday. I figured it was for an airshow. If my memory serves, it was a single seater. quite an impressive site to see an 18 on approach, but more so on departure. check that. hearing the rest of the story, it wasn't him. most likely the mate he's talking about.

These are so good episodes! Thank you!