I have many great Bug memories. He was on the Ranger for Desert Storm when I was a first cruise squadron LSO under training. He wasn't CAG LSO, but he was always up there helping out with the new guys like me. One story: Bug had a fix for the notorious hook skipping older Tomcats; stack a few rolls of toilet paper under the 4 wire to raise it up about 8 inches! RIP Bug.

@chrissinclair4442

20 күн бұрын

Ain't that some shit.

@rockriver2652

20 күн бұрын

I saw TP used to help EA-6s get aboard on occasion. I wonder if it was the airframe or pilot specific? My money’s on the latter.

@felixvf31

20 күн бұрын

I first saw that in the mid ‘60s while on the Saratoga’s platform with T. R. Swartz waving an A4 with a “bouncy” hook. He directed 4 stacks each 2 high under the 2 and 3 wires. I didn’t think to ask him if it was learned or if he thought of it. I was lucky to have both he and Jim Flatley as CAG3 LSO mentors.

@TheEDFLegacy

20 күн бұрын

​@@chrissinclair4442 I see what you did there.

@noelcox1726

19 күн бұрын

What's the difference between an LSO and CAG LSO?

Navy son currently a squadron LSO and flies the Super Hornet very proud of him.

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

As you should be. Well done to both of you.

@MarkSmith-js2pu

19 күн бұрын

Me too!

@065Tim

19 күн бұрын

I hope to raise my kids like you did. Thank you for your contribution to our society. Thank your son for his service!

@xris5697

18 күн бұрын

@@065Tim I hope your kids the best. Thanks for your comment.

@GreenJeans1941

11 күн бұрын

Congrats to you and your son! My son was also an LSO and flew the Superhornet. It never ceases to amaze me that these young men/women can perform to this level.

I was there that night and listened to Bug's soothing dulcet tones coax Atlas into the barricade live on the radio as it happened. I could tell I was listening to the best of the best and I sure was glad he was on our boat. Complete legend gone too soon.

ATC controller on Ranger here. I served 2 west pacs with CMD Roach. He had some of the best sea stories I have ever heard. So glad I got to control him. I still tell stories about him. A walking legend at the time. Those boots he wore....... we were so lucky to have him! We had Bug, Boomer, and Burner.....the absolute best. So honored to have worked with these men.

@thetdchannel

9 күн бұрын

Hey I was a pilot in VS-38 from 1986-1988. All those PAC Surges and 1987 cruise.

@paulramirez7941

9 күн бұрын

@thetdchannel the Red Griffins. If you were ever the Squadron Rep in Air Ops that was me writing backwards in 88'!

@thetdchannel

9 күн бұрын

@@paulramirez7941 I left VS-38 in ‘88. Remember we got back to San Diego from the ‘87 Cruise in December. I was in the squadron a few more months. On cruise CAG wanted me to transition to F-14-stop my cruise and send me back to VF-124 @ NAS Marimar …but I ask CAG to go back to be an A-4 Instructor in VT-24, NAS Chase Field first. This is the reason I was able to leave VS-38 earlier in 1988.

Name: Rand McNally Callsign: Atlas ...Outstanding

@CarbideSix

15 күн бұрын

Based

Hozier talked about black night in the Med. On my first deployment as a new aviator in VS-24 in the fall of 66, we were on a Med cruise on the USS Randolph (CVS-15). On night on a sonobuoy monitoring flight, as we stepped out of the hatch from the island onto the flight deck, it was black. I looked down and could not see the deck, couldn't see me own feet. We knew where the aircraft were spotted, so we cautiously walked forward (heading to the port side of the deck, to the first aircraft, checked the number, then feeling our way forward, found our aircraft and manned the S-2E. As a nugget I was in the right seat and my senior aviator a LCDR, went of full instruments on the cat. When he was ready, he had me give the salute, and we launched with no horizon. I have never experienced as black a night before or since. Love this series. Fly Navy

Bug's resume is jaw-dropping. What an absolute unit. If he was a character in fiction you'd think he was over-the-top.

He also managed to project the ideal image of a military officer: incredible mustache, dashing yet out of regs hair and an absolutely monolithic military bearing. Also: night pitching deck with no ball on a PRC-90. How could you possibly make an approach any more difficult?

When I watch episodes like this, I'm always reminded of that line, "Where do we find such men?"

@ZATennisFan

16 күн бұрын

A mystery that never fails to puzzle me.

@brettgatz5834

16 күн бұрын

@@ZATennisFan😮r 😮😅😮😮😮I😮oooi😮😮we Oooosoiooipuoouojdi oo I kepluuiuuueiulooliiooooooooooooiii Drlllii I’m Oooiiyd Yes I youiiusuiii Ohioiiiui Oops Ooooooollll Iirrrrrooo ooo ii ooo ooo op O Ru 😅oooooo😅😅oo o😮oo

@carlbehr4909

15 күн бұрын

Bridges at Toko-Ri by James Michener. I have four well-read copies available that I can hand out to non-believers about carrier aviation.

As a former Tomcat maintainer, of which I'll be proud of till the day I'm no longer on this earth, do you know what part of that pride stems from? The fact that naval aviators like Mooch, Hozer, Bug, and a host of others, whether I served alongside them or not, could do things with jets and other aircraft that no one else could do. Witness this video. Men being ice cold in a particularly hairy situation. Business as usual. I can only think of one of my favorite movies, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, when Beer Barrel, the LSO, was trying to bring in Lt. Brubaker who was critically low on fuel and Tilley was set up to protect the jets up forward because his CAG had crashed the barricade. With one or two exceptions, I was always treated fairly by men like these and it inspired me to always give 1000% no matter how tired or hurt I was. I would do it all again at the drop of a hat. Commander "Bug" Roach, Sir, May you always have full bags, and fair winds and following seas for a steady deck.

The most dangerous work environment on earth, the flight deck of a carrier. Talk about unsung heroes.

@rossmansell5877

20 күн бұрын

I was on the carrier flt deck that operated the first jet squadrons in the world (RN HMS EAGLE)...we learned the hard way in the 50s...no mirrors..no angled deck..and Winkle Brown was my boss on shore.............

@diegorhoenisch62

19 күн бұрын

With all due respect to the audience here, there are jobs in the civilian world that are significantly more hazardous to your health(e.g. logging). That's a good thing! The US Navy spends a lot of time to make a potentially deadly environment relatively safe. Cheers, Alan Tomlinson

@ronniecoleman2342

19 күн бұрын

@@diegorhoenisch62 why is it when someone says with all due respect, respect is the one thing that's going to be lacking, lol 😆

@065Tim

19 күн бұрын

​@@ronniecoleman2342How was it lacking respect? He respected the audience by explaining his counter to the original statement, gave a instance to support his counter and even praised the Navy for their work on making flight decks safe. He used respectful language and even signed the comment with regards and his name! I'd wish most people on the internet were half this decent and well-spoken. I think you confused disagreeing with disrespecting. Respect was given, I guess you couldn't recognize it.

@hambo6713

18 күн бұрын

@@diegorhoenisch62 I think this demonstrates the difference between risk and danger. The risk is enormous on a carrier but the risk mitigation is so impressive that the danger is *relatively* low. Civilian jobs don't benefit from this as often. Wartime is a bit of a different story though....

Thank you very much for your commentary. From an aviation perspective, you both brought enlightenment to the LSO perspective on how dangerous a barricade landing can be. Bug’s innate ability and way of talking a pilot down would be extremely hard to duplicate today. The limitations and restrictions that keep our aviators and their planes safe at present did not exist during Bug’s long and colorful career. LSO’s today often balk at some of Bug’s more colorful calls on the platform. Although his record of safe and expeditious landings may never be repeated, his style and deep understanding of carrier landing may still teach our current LSO’s a thing or two. One of his biggest superpowers was his innate understanding of every pilot he landed. It was as if he climbed up in the cockpit with the pilot and sat next to him, feeling his fear and exhilaration while simultaneously feeding him the exact information he needed to get back onboard. He also had the biggest heart imaginable. If you watch the PLAT tape to the end you will see both “Atlas” McNally and his bombardier/navigator “Tank” Wolcott climb out of the A-6 and walk shakily away to sit on a tow truck. Then, if you look even more carefully, you will see Bug walk from the LSO platform, around the barricade and the stricken aircraft to make a beeline directly toward the two marines. When he reaches them, he wraps them both in a huge bear hug and then slaps them on their backs as if to say “well done!” Yet, more than this, the prologue and epilogue of this story is immense and extremely noteworthy. Atlas was not known to be a great night flyer. He’d previously had a similar incident and there was talk aboard Ranger of having the two Marines eject instead of attempting the barricade. With swells approaching 60 feet and no ambient light whatsoever, the chances of their survival would have been extremely low. Bug was heard arguing with the Air Boss to rig the barricade instead and won. After the success of this barricade landing, Bug wrote a report explaining the incident in detail including his personal struggle of staying upright during the whole process. He had to hold on to the MOVLAS to stay onboard during the massive pitch and roll that Ranger was notorious for. I challenge any LSO to have as steady and calm a voice in such trying conditions. In the following years, “Tank” Wolcott would keep a bottle of whiskey in his truck to give to Bug whenever he saw him again. Each time he gave him the bottle and his thanks, he would replace it for the next time he saw the man who he is quoted to say; “Saved my life.” Bug’s career was no straight line of an officer’s stripes. He struggled with being passed over multiple times because he wanted to stay doing what he was gifted at. He was often ridiculed but continued on with a boyish spirit and love of flying. Anyway, thanks again. Bug was one of a kind, never to be duplicated. He lived and breathed his last breath doing what he loved and saved hundreds of naval aviators over his many years of service.

@klsc8510

3 күн бұрын

The illogical military promotion system is geared to take the best and make paper pushers out of them. I am a USAF veteran and seen this first hand.

@d-rot

Күн бұрын

@@klsc8510 Then you'll even more fuckups move up and the situation will get worse.

Hozer is the Mr. ROGERS of carrier aviation

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

Just shows again the folly of judging the book by its cover. Or in Hozer's case, his many books.

Rand "Atlas" McNally who is the pilot of this A-6 later became a Navy A-6 pilot. "Atlas" later died doing FCLP's at NAS Alameda, CA while preparing for CQ's on the USS Constellation in the spring of 1994. My A-6 squadron had a bunch of former Marine A-6 pilots and BN's as when the Marines transitioned from the A-6E to the F/A-18D, lots of senior crew where told the Marines no longer needed them and to go home or join the Navy. They joined the Navy. They were some awesome low level pilots, but absolutely dreaded going to the boat. Because we had these Marine pilots and BN's, in late 1993 VA-304 was the first Navy squadron to carry and drop napalm since 1977 doing close air support with grunts on the ground at MCAS Yuma, AZ. Atlas was one of the pilots doing the napalm drops in 1993. I have a friend who was in VF-126 when "Bug" had his fatal ejection out of his A-4.

Great episode! I served with Lt. Roach in VF-24 aboard Hancock in 1975. He was probably the nicest guy I ever strapped into an F-8. He would drop by the line shack from time to time and shoot the shit. When a POD came out about maintaining grooming standards we asked him when he was going to trim up the moustache. I remember he laughed and said “ain’t going to happen boys”.

Roach strikes me as the type of Man who could park his Trans Am in the Admirals spot not get towed. And actually get it washed by his staff.

@Throttleplays

20 күн бұрын

Right.. 😂

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

I hate sad endings. I don't have the right stuff now or in 1970 when I was offered the opportunity to extend six months!OnlY! To become a flight surgeon instead of a mere GMO. I sometimes regret that, but I had lost two Navy ROTC classmates who died in training accidents during the time I was in med school, and in my examination of my comparison to those men, kids, really, I decided I wasn't the right stuff. And I hated LBJ. HATED, him, and his war. I did more good taking care of the unlucky Marines.

@Borzoi86

19 күн бұрын

As a cheeky Marine Corps captain I once parked at a close-in Navy Exchange parking spot marked simply, "Captain." Well, I figured . . .

@marksmith6091

19 күн бұрын

@@Borzoi86!

@klsc8510

3 күн бұрын

@@Borzoi86 I am an Air Force Veteran. An Air Force Officer could have made the same mistake. He would have had an even better excuse! A Marine should know better!

It's good to see Bug continuing to get the recognition he deserves. I first met him during carrier quals in the RF-8 out on the "Coral Maru" when I went to VFP-63 in 1978. The guys in that squadron were pretty epic in the eyes of this JO! Classic "fighter guy", like the Navy version of the "most interesting man in the world". I was in VFC-13 at the time of his accident after having been in VF-126 up until 1988. It was a sad day, for sure. Oh, and the RF-8 didn't have needles, so every IMC/night approach (thank the gods we only got 6 night landings to qual) were all CCA.

@davidpf043

20 күн бұрын

FDR's last cruise in 76-77 in F-4N (VF-51). No needles for anyone with nothing but CCA. Fortunately they got very good at their job.

@thereissomecoolstuff

20 күн бұрын

When you have that badass of a mustache there isn’t anything you can’t do.

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

Robin Olds of the Navy! I'm sure, had he lived, he would have awestruck incoming Middies as Academy Superintendent, if he could have landed alive one last time. Maybe it's for the best, after all. I'd be interested in the comments from those who know him.

How you communicate is everything! I have been a firefighter for 35 years. How you speak on the radio and to your crew really helps success. When stuff is going really shitty, speak calmly. I deliberately spoke calmly an "dull" when giving a report on conditions when shit was hitting the fan. I believe it sent a message to the receivers, stuff is bad, but we got this.

This video really took me back to my navy days. I was one of the AC's on duty at FACSFAC San Diego (Beaver Control) the day Bug passed. I remember the SAR ops and I then transcribed the radio transmissions between bug and his wingman. To hear those words again after so many years....

@BR-il9vl

20 күн бұрын

Hi shipmate….i too was an AC, stationed on IKe then facsfac vacapes (Giantkiller) 83-89…back when out school house was in millington TN ….good to meet you

@rickmay4261

20 күн бұрын

@BR-il9vl hey shipmate, went to Millington in 88 then to FACSFAC SD Then again in 93 for CATTC before joining USS KittyHawk.

@w.peterroberts9624

20 күн бұрын

A tough day for all. What a loss. RIP Bug.

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

Sorry for your loss, men. Salute your Cold War, and hot wars' service. We're still in. Getting warmer, with lesser leaders.

That was a hair raising recovery. All us maintenance guys were glued to video feed as this occurred. To this day I consider my tour on the Ranger with VMA(AW)-121 one of the most memorable of my career. I don't think people give the Navy folks enough credit for what they do.

Was a PR in the Marine Corps (6060 flight equipment Marine) and worked with the seat mechs. The loss of CDR Roach is our worst nightmare as parachute packers and seat mechs.

@marksmith57

19 күн бұрын

I know the feeling. We had an A-4 go down in Fallon when I was in VF-45 and I had just signed off on a 210 day on the aircraft's seat and was glad it worked as advertised. All that was left was a smoking hole in the desert and a seat,parachute and pilot.

@gravitypronepart2201

15 күн бұрын

Yeah, those Escapepac seats were pretty old. I remember that his seat was unstable, and his drogue chute tangled up in it. He never got seat separation. That's my memory anyway. I was stationed at the loft there at Miramar at the time.

Ward, I’m a veteran ship’s company PO1 1968-77, with three carrier Westpac’s under my belt prior to separating. This video is the best one I’ve ever watched or heard describing the minute to minute or should I say second to second job of the deployed squadron’s LSOs’ . I witnessed first-hand dozens of day and night landings, but never had the opportunity to hear the aviator/LSO close conversation. Especially surprised at the calm informal way the LSO is on that comm with the approaching aircraft. Thank you….

Wasn’t expecting the epilogue. You gotta love a realist. “What a lousy day…” RIP gentlemen. 😢

Same thing happened aboard USS Midway (without the barricade) on the night of September 25, 1972 in the Gulf of Tonkin. One of those rare pitching deck recoveries in the Gulf. VA-115 A-6 approaching the ramp, coming down, flight deck coming up. Hard landing. Right main wheel sheered off with the main mount remaining in place. Aircraft caught a wire. As the airplane began to pivot on the right main, the tailhook spit the wire and the aircraft careened up into the pack. Wing of a parked aircraft sliced through the upper right canopy causing the ejection of the BN. Lost at sea. Two aircraft parked on Cat-2 went over the port side, two others were destroyed on deck. Four fatalities of deck personnel. It was truly amazing how fast the fire crew reacted and extinguished a small fire on deck. A sad night indeed.

Thanks for this. I am a 5 year stroke survivor ( lived.) this whole story has been a lesson in patience and tenacity.

Mooch, if I may address you by your call sign, this is easily one of your best KZread episodes. You and Hozer nailed it. Great stuff! Thank you.

I really had to bear down to hold in a tear at "Stay with it, stay with it, stay with it". I'm not a pilot and never served, but i can say if there's nothing but one man's voice between me and the worst or last day of my life, I'd want it to be that one. My stomach lost touch with gravity watching that plane start to roll on the deck.

Emotional viewing! Every Naval Aviator and crewman should watch this entire video . . . even those of us who went to sea flying choppers. Respect for those who flew complex, heavy jet aircraft on dark nights with rolling seas and needed to get everyone safely back aboard. Thank you, Ward & Hozer.

@bricaaron3978

15 күн бұрын

I assume it's harder to land a jet on a pitching deck than a helicopter?

@Borzoi86

14 күн бұрын

@@bricaaron3978 I've only done the latter and not the former. In landing a helicopter on a moving deck I found myself getting in synch with the movement of the carrier deck. Somewhat easier to land a chopper wearing tires that metal skids since the tires can ameliorate some of the landing impact. Have landed onboard at night but never in bad weather + night. Jets operate at higher speeds and therefore need to take much greater care in proper procedures, alignment and power management. Crappy weather + night time operations + a pitching deck make for lots of additional workload for the pilot. Now bring a wounded aircraft back in bad weather conditions at night and you can feel the drama as expressed in this amazing video.

@bricaaron3978

14 күн бұрын

@@Borzoi86 Thanks. I knew that landing a helicopter in a storm and high seas was extremely difficult, but I figured that the pilot has more control over timing than a jet approaching a landing strip.

@Borzoi86

14 күн бұрын

@@bricaaron3978 The smaller the deck and the more contrary the winds + rains, the more challenging the landing becomes. Coast Guard chopper pilots launch from small ships into some of the worse weather imaginable. USCG aviators and crew never get the recognition they deserve.

@bricaaron3978

14 күн бұрын

@@Borzoi86 *"USCG aviators and crew never get the recognition they deserve."* Well, I think that's unfortunately true of soldiers/servicemen in general. Though in America military men got way more respect in the past.

It's always inspiring to see the kind of comradery you have with so many very high quality people. The mutual respect and friendship you have is such a positive reassurance of the good that exists in mankind. Thanks again Ward.

@davidsmith8997

20 күн бұрын

I'd just say well done team! :)

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

One of the many reasons to check in here!

Hozer and I were roommates in Meridian. Lost track after that as I was a Marine fighter pilot and Hozer went off to fly A-7’s. But I remember our time together fondly!

@kevinmiller5780

18 күн бұрын

Me too, Kev! Visit us in Pensacola!

@KevElder

18 күн бұрын

@@kevinmiller5780 same for you if you’re in Fort Worth area.

@BlyGuy

15 күн бұрын

What did you fly in the Marine Corps?

@KevElder

15 күн бұрын

@@BlyGuy Hornets

Very important that he told pilot that wave off will likely be because the deck is whacky and not the fault of the pilot. Keeps him from eating himself after a wave off. He won't be second guessing himself and getting too worked up.

These are the episodes that set you apart. Great story and sad to hear how Bug met his end.

Mooch and Hoser, thanks for an excellent presention. It is your best that I have seen. It gave a real great appreciation of trying to land on a carrier. I am a former B-52 Bomb-Nav and have had several hairy landings, including one night landing where an LSO would have been a great help.

I was the approach controller on Nimitz when the whale crashed. Very tragic! Like Hoser says...when the subject comes up, it really hurts...takes you back to the numbness and shock. The thing I remember most is the LSO screaming cut cut cut cut.

@georgeb424

9 күн бұрын

I was Eng./A-Deck/Aircraft Elevators on Nimitz and was on the flight deck that night. I moved up to Vulture's Row to be out of the way of the flight deck crew. Agreed, Shipmate, it really hurts to see it again...

I was the CATCC Final Controller that night, CAG was quite a character and great shipmate....that was the best cruise of my career....Very sorry to hear of the loss of these two shipmates.....

@thetdchannel

9 күн бұрын

Then you talked to me also…I was a pilot in VS-38 from 1986-1988! I was the last trap aboard-after my trap they erected the barricade. You all in CATCC were great! Hope all is well.

@guyoglesby6677

9 күн бұрын

Thanks, it was a great bunch of guys....and all is well....

You know a guy is a legend when pretty much everyone on base knows about him. It was a regular site to see him tooling his scooter past the Paraloft where I worked, headed to work every morning. I remember that day. I only ever met him in passing, but I remember his friendly disposition and the respect he got from all hands. I had never heard about when he recovered aircraft with only a PRC-90. Man, that must have been something.

The barricade stanchion covering the ball is something that had never occurred to me. It must have been nerve-wracking.

My father was the LPO in CATCC aboard Ranger during her 1964, 1966 and 1968 cruises. I was aboard, different division, on the '68 cruise. I was allowed to be in CATCC when we were not doing combat ops. I watched many traps called from CATCC. I had learned a couple years earlier that I wouldn't make a good AC. Between '66 and '68 he was stationed at Alameda. Every 3rd Saturday, I'd get to go down with him. It was really cool to be in the trailer and, as the AC said the plane was over the thresh hold, I'd duck outside and watch the plane go flashing past us. They'd let me take handoffs, but it quickly became apparent that I couldn't pick the plane out of all the ground clutter. This was in the days of green returns all over a black screen. Yes, there was a qualified AC listening to the call.

More than ever, we need to celebrate, and have those who are up-and-coming pattern themselves after, those who become the absolute masters of their craft. These are the people who show the way and who lead when the chips are down ... and, no matter how good things get, it's only a matter of time before the chips are down again. RIP Bug, RIP Atlas.

Other than flying the F-4 itself, LSO was the best job I ever had in the Navy, and the Bug Roach/Atlas barricade pass video is where I always send people who ask me what an LSO does. And regarding the LSO’s tone of voice: the calmer the LSO’s voice, the hairier you knew the situation would be. There’s a world of difference between a matter-of-fact “the deck’s pretty steady” and a slowly-drawled “the deck’s moving juuusst a little bit.” If you heard that second call, you knew you were in trouble.

When someone who has been there and done the real shit speaks highly of someone who is in their field, I listen! Mooch, I love your channel! Thank you for your service, and thank you for bringing these great stories to us!

Awesome story about how the leadership and mentorship of a single person can make such an impact.

This is one of those “Once Upon a Time vs. This is a no $**+er” stories. But, from what I have heard of Bug Roach, I believe it. One of my former COs in the Reserves had a great story about Bug during Desert Storm. This (now retired Navy Reserve CAPT) individual was a RIO and flew with Bug during one of the first nights of Desert Storm. Bug apparently didn’t cage his RMI (or something like that) and was flying 180 degrees out from his intended course for rendezvous with the strike package. This RIO was a very junior LTjg and he had to tell the very senior pilot Bug “You’re going the wrong way.” After correcting the problem, they had a successful mission and safe recovery. Bug invited the young RIO to his stateroom for a (against regulations) beverage. Apparently, Bug had a frozen margarita machine hidden in his stateroom.

The coordination with multiple ships, tanker, aircraft and mission specialists assisting bug is absolutely incredible to me. I have no military experience but i sure do appreciate how incredible you all are. Well done!

Another spectacular collaboration with Hozer! I am truly in awe of the skill and commitment required of pilots, lsos and deck crew to make naval aviation a reality. No one ever asked me to park an M88 on a pitching, dark motor pool lot as an ordinary end of mission routine! Thank you Ward and Hozer!

That’s one hell of a story. Thank you for sharing this man’s legacy 🫡🇺🇸

Great presentation of a outstandingly capable LSO and a stunning loss with his early demise!

I was below decks, AIMD Material Control when this event happened, I was stationed at Kingsville Texas when Cdr Roach was stationed there, outstanding Officer, Passed way before his time. Outstanding Tour on Ranger, CV61 scrapped way before her time.

4 minutes in'sh. ll say it again, Mr. Miller, being able to get back up on the plat' and call jets back to the boat has got to be an ultimate lifetime highlight. Congratulations, I bet it was sweet trip. Back to the vid.

Damn I don't know what I expected this episode to be, but I know I didn't expect it to be that intense. Damn. What you guys do always blows me away.

Gents, I very much appreciate the breakdown and explanation of this video. So much to unpack and you both did great. I could have used a little more explanation and maybe a visual of his wave off correction but I know Ward has explained several times before. I’ve seen this particular video many times before and was always left in awe of the pilot, the flight deck crew, and of course Bugs performance. His statement of “if I say your good, your good you got to trust me,” and the way he eases corrections is superb. Thank you both.

Fun fact: Capt Erik Brown of the Royal Navy. Holder of many records including the most carrier landings and most aircraft types flown, (who coincidentally taught himself to fly a helicopter by reading the manual over lunch and then flying it back to their base after a couple laps in the pattern!). He fly out to a RN carrier for testing. Upon arrival, no one was on deck much less any LSO. He landed, walked below decks to find the surprised crew preparing for his arrival and subsequent testing.

@gordonbergslien30

20 күн бұрын

Many years ago I gave a tour of the air museum where I volunteered to members of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. I nearly fainted when I discovered that Bob Cardenas, who had flown the B-29 that dropped Glamorous Glennis for its first supersonic flight and, later, flew the YB-49 and Eric Brown were in my tour group!

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

How did you catch yourself?

@higfny

19 күн бұрын

Winkle was in a league of his own. Probably the best pilot (not perhaps fighter pilot - but the best to fly a plane) that ever was or will be. If he had been an american he would have had 10 movies about him. You should really do an episode on him Mooch - his list of first is what carrier aviation is today.

@awuma

18 күн бұрын

@@higfny Fortunately there are many interviews and talks featuring Eric Brown here on KZread. He was a superb story teller. He could also have been the first supersonic pilot rather than Yeager... as could have been Bob Hoover. All three have left a remarkable legacy, but Brown's Naval experience is unique, though "Bug's" number of carrier landings was getting up towards "Winkle" territory.

@albatross8361

18 күн бұрын

@@higfny I have just finished reading Brown's book, 'Wings On My Sleeve". An amazing story and a very modest man.

You guys (and Bug) are awesome! The reason carriers are so massive is to carry the huge steel balls being deployed! Carrier aviation always reminds me of a documentary where a pilot is describing carrier landings: "In the daytime, imagine laying a postage stamp upside down in the middle of your living room. Now back up several steps, run and jump through the air and try and lick the stamp. At night, do the same thing, but turn the lights off!".

@flparkermdpc

19 күн бұрын

Funny, but close to reality!

@klsc8510

3 күн бұрын

If only it was just that easy!

It’s a sad indictment of the Navy today that a man who was the absolute best at what he did and who has awards and schools named in his honor could never happen again because his career doesn’t fit the proper mold.

@ChazToz

20 күн бұрын

Concur That isn't just a Navy thing either.

@covertops19Z

20 күн бұрын

​@ChazToz True. I have lots of offline comms that endorse your assessment.

@jonahhekmatyar

20 күн бұрын

up or out

@104thDIVTimberwolf

20 күн бұрын

That's a general indictment of today's US Military. That said, I'd go back tomorrow if I could bluff my way through MEPS.

@eanders7992

20 күн бұрын

Yep, the DEI or as I say it DIE movement has been extremely detrimental to the military services. The only reason we are still considered the top military is our technological advantage. If we ever have to go into a long protracted military movement I truly am worried for us.

More of this, please. I love hearing Mooch and Hozer talk shop.

I was on the Ranger during the A-6 incident your were talking about. That would have been when we went to Japan and Korea.

When I was a student and then instructor at VT-21 in NAS Kingsville in ‘83-‘84, Bug was the Asst Base Ops. He came by all the time to the Ready Room to bag some hops. He drove up in his ‘50’s small bed truck, black with side pipes and flames painted on the hood. I mean what else would he drive. He would tell us stories all day and never repeat any of them. He was the coolest pilot I ever met and so cool he just didn’t care about making rank or getting command. And if anyone should have had command it was Bug. His prayer at the Tomcat Ball, which is still on the Hook website, brought tears to my eyes. He is still missed. Throw a nickel on the grass…

@unklemilty

19 күн бұрын

Hello Mike, Uncle Milty here; been a long time since PLC SR in '80 and your subsequent commissioning in Denver. Huge respect for all you tailhookers!!

Ward, for the few years I've been following your channel, you've made a lot of great videos. This one is one of the best. Thanks so much for bringing such great info to those of us that are curious about carrier aviation.

My sister in law was the legal officer on VFP63, during Bug’s time with VFP63. I knew him mostly from bar time in the WOXOF room. I was a Royal Navy exchange instructor serving on VF121, at the time (75-77). When he died, he was skipper of VF126. As stated in the video, he died punching out of an A4. I also ejected from an A4 (TA4J) belonging to VF126 (January, 1976), but obviously, I was luckier, in that I lived! My seat’s rocket motor was murphied and my exit from the aircraft looked something like a firework spinning end over end, as a result. The rocket motor burned my lap straps off, it burned through my anti-g suit, my flight suit, my long johns and a few layers of my skin on my legs and rear end. I broke both legs below my knees from slamming into the seat pan as the seat spun end over end and both arms were broken in my arm sockets from being wrenched outside of limits as the seat spun. The lucky part to my ‘event’ was that I had a wingman who kept orbiting overhead and he directed a USCG helicopter that had been carrying out a test flight nearby, right to me. They carried out a water landing because I was incapacitated and pulled me in. They had me at Balboa within 25 minutes of my having ejected. Because I was a Brit on exchange, when I returned to the U.K., the squadron gifted me a complete copy of the accident report, and an amazing set of photos of my flying gear and of the bits of seat that were recovered. Quite the souvenir of my time with the USN! I’ve always wondered if what happened to me with my Escapac seat happened to him, as well. Coincidentally, the other combat phase instructor in the plane with me, flew the next day!

@klsc8510

3 күн бұрын

I am tempted to say, "What a ride!" I am just glad you lived to tell the tale. I hope you made a full recovery.

@klsc8510

3 күн бұрын

I am tempted to say, "What a ride!" I am just glad you lived to tell the tale. I hope you made a full recovery.

Proud fixer: F-4S, SH-2F, FA-18C, FA-18F. AE by trade. 8300 30 and out. 85-15. CAPT, thank you. This has been among your best in my time here with you.

Thank-you, gentlemen, for another gripping story of naval aviator heroes. May they rest in peace, their sworn duty done.

My wife's late grandfather, who served on the WW2 USS Portland, and my brother-in-law, who deployed on the USS Kittyhawk, both said the fight deck of an aircraft carrier is the most dangerous piece of real-estate on the planet earth.

I think you forgot the most important item on his resume is that legendary fighter pilot mustache

Thankyou both for your service.

I follow Ward because of my fathers service as an aviator from '59-'64 flying WF-2/E-1B's. I find this mans name an interesting coincidence. Dad name was John Roach Griffin. 😊

My old man had “Bug” as a sponsor for one of his cruises as a middy. He told me stories of sitting out at the LSO shack observing FCLP with him. Of course at the time he had no idea who “Bug” was. Only later once he became a fleet NFO would he realize that he had been in the presence of such a legend.

Randy McNally and I were in flight school together in Beeville, Texas at the now closed NAS Chase Field (1983-1985). We also were on Ranger together during the 1987 cruise. Bug was our CAG LSO-. I was in VS-38…callsign Coach.. I still have pictures of Bug with us in the baby pool we were in during [Steel Beach Day]. I was flying this recovery that night. I was the last aircraft aboard that night [before] they erected the barricades for Randy. The deck was really pitching that night. I still remember Bug saying….99 listen up, all you guys are adding just a little to much power at the ramp-so easy with the power. Many bolter’s that night. After I trapped, I went as fast I could, flight gear still on-up the island so I could watch Randy’s barricade. I will never forget it. I actually have the full video of that night. Unfortunately, years later while Randy were flying for the airlines, Randy was still in the A-6 Reserves. While flying a landing pattern at NAS Alameda, Randy aircraft had a mishap and crashed into SF Bay. Randy was a great friend in flight school, shipmate, Marine Corps Officer and a very smart and intelligent individual. Man, this video by Mooch really brings back the memories, and the memories of that night.

Outstanding video. My father and seven of my uncles served in the Air Force and Army. I worked at General Dynamics in San Diego during the 80's and 90's and drove past NAS Miramar every day. Today I lived close to NAS Pensacola and the Navy Air Museum. I've come to love naval aviation and your videos are always a treat. Thank you Ward.

Mooch, I was on board the "USS RANGER" as a Grumman Rep. for the F14 Tomcat when that happened. It was like a miracle just happened when the deck leveled & flattened-out seconds before that A6 hit the deck. I have video of the plat when that happened. I'll never forget that night when that pilot expertly landed that aircraft into the barricade. Thanks for the memories Mooch!!!

@thetdchannel

9 күн бұрын

I was with you on that cruise. I was a pilot in Vs-38.

I'm so thankful to be able to hear these stories from legends like you guys. It's going to be a very sad day when we've lost all of you to time...

I am a SWO. Bug is a Brown Shoe sailor I respect!

My favorite part of the full video is when someone asks Bug if he needs a backup. Bug, cool as the other side of the pillow, replies, “Uh negative, we’re all set.” The GOAT doesn’t need a backup.

@buffalobob1094

19 күн бұрын

I'm pretty sure that the pilot who asked that question was the other CVW-2 CAG LSO who was manning a turning spare A-6 tanker on the deck and was monitoring the frequency.

Sometimes, the appellation “Legend” is conferred too quickly upon the talented among us. That does not seem to be the case with this man. Thanks Mooch and Hozer for the introduction to the man and an example that serves as a capstone to his story.

I've loved this PLAT tape with "BUG" for a long time. It's like listening to a fireman talk a kitten down from a tree. I play it for my radio communications classes I conduct for international military pilots. Thanks so much. Former EA-3B crewman.

I'm an Australian Infantryman and I'm so impressed with this man, I was so upset to hear he died before his time!! What a freaking legend!!

Wing and training qualed paddles here from the '90s. Listen to Bug at ~ 17:52. As he is speaking on the handset, you can hear a whistle in the back ground, right as he says, "calling you to ease the attitude." Very faint, but you can hear it. If my mind serves me well 30 years after my last pass waved, the LSO "plat" at that time had a pitching deck visual and aural warning aid. If the ramp pitched more than 4', you'd get a light indication, and if it pitched more than 10', you'd get the whistle. On tough pitching deck recoveries, you'd hear that whistle bleating out constantly. This was a tough night to recover aircraft. Last thing, when I was a new ensign at the Miramar RAG, I met Bug just weeks before he passed away. All I remember is being told at the Miramar O Club about what a legend he was. Definitely someone who made me love my time as Paddles.

Slow and calm voice, like an FM disc jockey at 2am. 😊 Kudos for thar one Ward. I don't think you can find a show like that anymore. Too cool.

THIS content is why I’m a subscriber to this channel! 4 star episode……..as usual.

This is a great example of Bug’s legacy. I flew in VAW-116 with CVW-2 on the Ranger and had the privilege of having CDR Roach as our CAG LSO for two deployments. I will always remember that night in our ready room watching this barricade live on the plat. Like any good CAG LSO, Bug was usually on the platform watching over the squadron LSO’s, and would only wave on those rare occasions when conditions required it. On those dark and stormy nights we would hear his voice-the bad news: Bug is waving. The good news: Bug is waving. That calm voice would always get all of us on deck safely and in good order. Sadly, in October of ’91 when I was flying an E-2 back-end training mission, we had to stop the training and work Bug’s SAR. It was a crushing blow to have lost him that day. There are so many great Bug stories. Thanks, Mooch, for telling this one.

The best conference room in OPNAV at the Pentagon is named after Bug.

I almost passed out holding my breath. What stellar professionals, all.

I’ve seen this viddy numerous times and every time I see it, I am honestly awed by the skill, courage, and ‘fighter pilot cool’, as Tom Wolfe called it, of the aircrew and LSO - like it’s all just a minor embuggerance, no sweat, hurry up so we can go get a slider and some autodog. I have the utmost respect and, yes, reverence, for Naval Aviators because I couldn’t possibly do that job; I get shaky knees if I hit a pot hole. Kudos, deep admiration, and utmost thanks to the finest navy on the planet. 🤗🤙🏼

Great look at an aspect of carrier operations most civilians don't give much thought.

@samwalker3441

20 күн бұрын

Yes! I have been a fan of the US Navy for most of my life. My favorite of the services. I had absolutely no idea how much the deck on the carriers moves until I was watching the mast lights on the destroyer. Wow. That is nuts. I have more respect for carrier ops now,

@Borzoi86

18 күн бұрын

Yes. Much respect is due for not only the crew on that very dangerous deck but also those thousands below deck either serving in their own roles, planning, preparing for missions, communicating, resting, cooking, tending the sick, cleaning . . . a busy beehive of activity, 24/7.

@CorePathway

13 күн бұрын

@@Borzoi86Take care of the cooks, take care of the clerks. I was Army, but it’s the same in every branch.

Cool "like an FM DJ playin' deep cuts at 2 am," 😂 so good. This is the cool naval aviation stuff I tune in for. Love it! Fascinating!

Served with Bug while we were at NAS Kingsville. Neat guy!

@mikematheny4552

20 күн бұрын

Hey Sword! Martini here. Missed you at the latest (and my first) Redhawk Reunion. Let me know if you want to get on Whizzer’s list so you can make the next one… if you wanna!

@garymurphy6980

19 күн бұрын

@mikematheny4552 Mike! Good to hear from you! Yeah that would be great. Didn't know about reunion. You still in the DFW area?

As someone who is not a pilot and has never even served at sea, I'm always fascinated with the work that LSOs do, especially under duress. I would love to hear many more mishap stories from the LSO perspective! If you haven't covered it already, I would love to hear the story of Lt. Keith Gallagher's partial ejection trap, as well as the mishap I read about in Approach! magazine many years ago where a Hornet ingested rubber that was still on the flight deck into both engines at launch and the pilot successfully landed despite having almost no power on both engines.

As a civilian, sometimes it can feel like everything I hear about our servicemen is distressingly negative. I really appreciate both Mooch and Hozer for sharing such a great story about such an amazing aviator, as well as everyone in the comments who served with him sharing their stories and invariably reiterating what a genuinely good man Bug was, both as a military aviator and in a more general, overall sense. I appreciate all of you for everything you've done in service of your country, and I hold the utmost respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom for all. Rest in peace, Bug.

@CorePathway

13 күн бұрын

What, pray tell, gives you that impression?!?

@cen7ury

13 күн бұрын

@@CorePathway What gives me what impression?

@CorePathway

13 күн бұрын

@@cen7ury Your first sentence. What are you hearing and where?

@cen7ury

13 күн бұрын

@CorePathway I don't mean in general, I'm talking about individual bad actors who have allegedly committed war crimes, without facing any kind of prosecution for being on the winning side. Trust and believe, I'm sure that the overwhelming majority of those in the armed services are good people, there for the right reasons, and fight with courage, valor, and heroism...and I've heard many of those stories over the course of my life, which, I think, is why the stories that don't generate that same sense of pride and patriotism stand out in such stark contrast to what I've heard my whole life, and why hearing about those who would commit atrocities under the guise of the US military or her allies leave me feeling conflicted when I hear them. I know its a bit of a fantasy to think that we're the absolute white knight good guys in every conflict, and I get that sometimes good people fight in bad wars through no fault of their own....I guess what I'm trying to say is that it can be rough going from thinking there are well-defined, clear cut distinctions between good and evil, and realizing that there's more gray than you had any idea existed, so it's comforting to hear stories of brave, honorable, heroic servicemen to help center me again. Sorry for rambling on, this was just hard for me to articulate in a way that I can only hope made some sense in the end.

@CorePathway

12 күн бұрын

@@cen7ury Fair enough. Thanks

I was on Ranger the night this happened. Bug was the best!! Commander Jim Bass, USN Ret.

Very interesting to see how much the deck pitches up and down at the stern. Good point out on the destroyer’s mast lights for reference.

Jeez I can't imagine having this extended conversation while flying and monitoring a stricken aircraft at the same time

I remember this incident. I was working on the E2 next to the island there. I helped position the net and stretch it out and get it ready for hoisting. Yep, that was an exciting time!

You did an excellent job laying out this episode!

"Rand McNally" Wait, that was his actual Name? A USMC Captain? "Call-sign 'Atlas' " Well... yeah. OBVIOUSLY. LOL

I have nothing but total respect for naval aviators - hardest flying job in the world. My heart rate was going up just watching!

Thank you guy's, another great episode. Sleep well Bug and Atlas, may you RIP.

So very sad how CDR Roach was killed. I was stationed at NASNI, and remember that day. Also, the pilot of the A-6 was also later killed in an aviation mishap. His brother has/had a KZread channel.

Great story telling and a wonderful tribute, Ward and Hozer, many thanks. So sad to lose Bug.

Small world ! I retired from VA-304 Alameda, a few months before the crash incident. As CSC I met with the Ward Room every month for a briefing on certain matters. I knew both aviators on 155694. It was areal shock to us all. VA-304 was a very professional, well led, active Reserve Squadron. Again great video, Ward !

This was an AWESOME episode, Ward Carroll! Hozer Miller…… -What an LSO!!! 👍 Total Respect! 🇺🇸SALUTE! 👍

That was a pretty good storm as I recall. Weren’t we taking green water over the bow? We were in it a couple of days I believe. Didn’t all of our escorts have to pull into port while we rode it out?

@thetdchannel

9 күн бұрын

You are right…but just to add…Capt. Davis was trying to VERTREP with our. AOR a day or two before. We had to do an “emergency break away” from the attempt because the sea state was to rough. That left Ranger very light in the water and she was really moving around (pitching, heaving, rolling as a result. I was a pilot in Vs-38-I remember those nights to this day.