The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present The Aerospace Advantage, with former Air Force weapons school instructor and Thunderbird Lt Col (ret) John “Slick” Baum as the host. Every week, Slick will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.
Episodes
Saturday Jul 23, 2022
Saturday Jul 23, 2022
Episode 86 – So You Want to be a Thunderbird? Insider Perspectives
Episode Summary:
In Episode 86 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, So You Want to be a Thunderbird? Insider Perspectives, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum is joined by John “JV” Venable of the Heritage Foundation, former commander in the Thunderbirds, and Caroline “Blaze” Jensen, former right wing in the Thunderbirds, to reflect upon their years as members of the Air Force’s famed aerial demonstration unit. We all know the public façade—the incredible flying, polished personas, and famed liveries. However, not many people know what it’s like to execute at this intense pace day-after-day on a national stage. This conversation between three veteran Thunderbirds looks at what it’s like to be on the team from an individual perspective. Flying skills are obviously crucial, but it takes a whole lot more to succeed as a member of this group. JV was selected in 1999 to command the Thunderbirds, and was on point for every practice, deployment, and air show for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Blaze flew the right wing position for the 2012, 2013, and 2014 seasons. Slick flew the left wing position during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, which included an international tour in Asia.
Credits:
Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Co-host: Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Col (Ret.) John “JV” Venable, Senior Research Fellow, Defense Policy, Center for National Defense
Guest: Lt Col (Ret.) Caroline “Blaze” Jensen, National WASP WWII Museum Board Member
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