What's Really Impressive about Operation Midnight Hammer
🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺 In this episode of The Lowdown, we’re breaking down one of the biggest military aviation operations in recent memory — Operation Midnight Hammer, a massive coordinated strike targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure. With over 125+ aircraft, B-2 stealth bombers, Tomahawk missiles, and full-spectrum cyber warfare involved, this was no ordinary mission. We also dive into two major budget updates hitting the U.S. Air Force: The E-7 WEDGETAIL, the much-anticipated AWACS replacement, may now be on the chopping block. The F-35 Lightning II program faces significant cuts in the 2026 defense budget proposal. This is your no-BS, fast-hitting update on the biggest stories in defense and aviation. Whether you're a pilot, a defense pro, or just a military aviation nerd — you're in the right place.'
🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcastSponsors:💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial
--------
8:28
Bro Chat 18.0 Fighter Pilot Reality, F-35 Magic, Why Torching Waymo Cars is Bad
Three time zones. One car seat. Two hotel WiFi connections held together by hope. In this Bro Chat, “Rain”, “Vader”, and “Bender” catch up on everything from flying jets to why flyovers are a lose-lose game. Vader’s knee-deep in the IPUG grind, Bender’s dodging work at a chill TDY, and Rain’s flying big ole fat planes around the world. We break down F-35 vs Viper radar logic, relive the Indy 500 flyover chaos, and the Netflix Thunderbird doc (what happened with “Primo’s” rejoin ). Also: Iranian strikes, the death of the F-35 order, AI drones that headshot mannequins, and why Waymo might trigger Skynet. Come for the jet talk. Stay for the tuna sandwich fight story.
🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcastSponsors:💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial
--------
1:03:54
F-18 Journey Through TopGun and Beyond | Ep 135 Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight. They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. JJell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot. Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6 Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor
🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcastSponsors:💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial
--------
1:17:42
#134 Vince "Snapper" Sherer | A-10 Fighter Pilot - Inside Close Air Support and Combat Operations
In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@snapperlandSnapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland
🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcastSponsors:💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial
--------
1:33:43
Dos Gringos is Back! Live Concert 7 June 2025
Before Netflix made their documentary, Dos Gringos captured the true spirit of the USAF Thunderbirds. Born in the trenches of a fighter squadron and fueled by the finest Jeremiah Weed, Dos Gringos turned the fighter pilot life into a soundtrack—raw, irreverent, and unapologetically real. On June 7th, "Trip" and "Snooze" reunite for a one-night-only gig that’ll rock your socks off in support of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. They'll reflect on the wild ride that made their music legendary in ready rooms across the globe.The Event: DosGringosDenver.ComListen to Dos Gringos on Spotify: Spotify LinkFlyteCo Brewing Tennyson: Flyteco TowerTrip’s Spirits: Winglore SpiritsDate: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 PMLocation: FlyteCo Tower Brewery, 3120 Uinta St, Denver, CO 80238 (Note: Event is at an offsite location)What's going down:Dos Gringos, the iconic Fighter Pilot Band, is storming FlyteCo Tower to rock out and fuel a mission that’s as high-octane as their music: hauling a Thunderbirds F-16—painted in that classic red-white-and-blue—across state lines to land at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a full-throttle push to ship a 30,000-pound jet from Texas to Denver.Tickets:• $100 GA: Rock with Dos Gringos & help get the F-16 on its way. Open seating.• $250 VIP: Tower-top tour** + band meet-up + VIP seating overlooking the action + premium Winglore Spirits tasting.
🛫 Become a Fighter/Bomber/Cargo/Tanker/RPA Pilot 🎯 : http://bogidope.com/?bd=tappodcast 🛫🔺 Aviation & Defense Newsletter - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺✈ Your Pilot Destination E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3AviationBecome a Patron, Support the Show, & Gain Exclusive Benefits: https://www.patreon.com/c/theafterburnpodcastSponsors:💉Take Control of Your Health with Whole Body Lab Testing: https://bit.ly/FunctionHealthAfterburn 🩺🥷 Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 14-day free trial
Strap in the cockpit as we dive into the stories of the men and women who defend the freedoms we love. From the cockpit of military jets to boots on the ground. The Afterburn Podcast dives into their stories, the planes, and the missions.
For Advertising Opportunities or more information visit: https://theafterburnpodcast.com/
Ireland