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.

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🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺
The U.S. Navy’s USS Harry S. Truman was struck by a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s air exercise featured JF-17s, Rafales, F-16s, and F-15s, showcasing multinational airpower. A drone strike at Chernobyl punctured the protective dome over Reactor 4, highlighting security vulnerabilities. China’s J-20 stealth fighter was spotted in "Beast Mode" carrying up to 14 PL-15 long-range missiles, signaling a shift in air combat strategy. The EA-18G Growler crashed into San Diego harbor, with both pilots ejecting safely.
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The Afterburn Podcast

J-20 Beast Mode, Navy Crash & Chernobyl Drone Strike | The Lowdown

In this episode of The Afterburn Podcast, Mike “Flash” McVay sits down with Col (Ret) Derek "Woody" Oaks, a pilot who made the rare transition from flying C-130 to the A-10. Woody shares his experiences flying combat missions, the challenges of transitioning between vastly different airframes, and the leadership lessons he learned throughout his Air Force career. From his time at the Air Force Academy to commanding a fighter group, “Woody” reflects on decision-making in combat, the art of close air support, and what it means to lead in high-pressure environments. Whether moving troops and cargo in the C-130 or delivering firepower from the A-10, his stories capture the essence of military aviation, camaraderie, and the evolution of airpower.
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#126 Derek 'Woody' Oaks – C-130 to A-10 | Combat Flying & Leadership

🔺 Lowdown Newsletter Defense & Aviation - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺
This week on The Lowdown, we break down the biggest headlines in defense and aviation. The Marine Corps is shifting its F-35 fleet, cutting planned F-35B purchases in favor of more carrier-based F-35Cs.
The Air Force has built a Frankenstein F-35—merging two damaged jets into one combat-ready aircraft. We also cover the Kirov-Class battlecruiser revival, a major development for the Russian Navy. The U.S. deployed F-16s to Greenland in response to increasing Russian bomber activity in the Arctic.
Meanwhile, a former Federal Reserve official was arrested for allegedly selling U.S. economic secrets to China—a case that could have major national security implications. We also dive into the VH-92 Marine One helicopter delays, hypersonic missile threats, and how infrared search & track (IRST) is reshaping air combat.
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Frankenstein F-35 - Marine Corps F-35 Shakeup - U.S. Official Caught Selling Secrets to China

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This week on The Lowdown, we break down the latest aviation and defense stories. An F-35 crashed in Alaska, but the pilot ejected safely. Meanwhile, Iran has secured a deal to purchase Su-35 fighters from Russia, adding to its aging fleet of F-14s and MiG-29s. We also discuss Sweden’s massive $1.2 billion military aid package to Ukraine, which includes combat boats, anti-tank missiles, and long-range strike drones.
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John "Rain" Waters

The Afterburn Podcast by John "Rain" Waters

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