The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present The Aerospace Advantage, with Heather ”Lucky” Penney as the host. Every week, Lucky takes 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
Thursday Mar 25, 2021
Thursday Mar 25, 2021
Episode 15 – Fear the Reaper: MQ-9 Operations Today and Tomorrow
Episode Summary:
The Mitchell Institute is pleased to release episode 15 of its Aerospace Advantage podcast: Fear the Reaper: MQ-9 Operations Today and Tomorrow. The MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most iconic combat aircraft in modern history. Whether you call it a remotely piloted aircraft, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or a drone—this aircraft, its mission enterprise, and the people who operate it have fundamentally transformed what it means to fly and fight. Nor have all the chapters been written for this aircraft. While the MQ-9 may best be known for what it did over places like Afghanistan and Iraq in low-intensity counterinsurgency and counter terrorism operations, future years will see it rack up new accomplishments in far different operating situations around the globe. Join us for a conversation with those who fly this legendary aircraft and the experts who designed, built, and sustain it.
Full Topic Guide
MQ-9 Reaper is a unique platform that has fundamentally changed the way we fly and fight. Join John “Slick” Baum as he is joined by Mitchell Institute Executive Director Doug Birkey, experienced MQ-9 Reaper pilot Lt Col Johnny Duray, and General Atomics’ lead architect for the MQ-9, Jaime Walters, to discuss the current and future applications of this unique aircraft.
The capabilities of the MQ-9 as a sensor-shooter aircraft, combined with the ability for long duration flight, makes it uniquely valuable. Although primarily used in low-tier conflicts, the platform will also prove very useful addressing more advanced threats like China and Russia.
Time Marks:
00:49 – Doug Birkey provides context regarding the way in which MQ-9s have been used in the past and will likely be employed in the future.
9:25 – Lt Col Johnny Duray joins the show to provide the operator’s perspective on what the MQ-9 brings to the COCOM’s set of capabilities
21:27 – Lt Col Johnny Duray describes the different ways the MQ-9 can adapt to meet future threats
28:30 – Jaime Walters provides his perspective regarding the MQ-9’s operating capabilities as General Atomics’ lead architect for the aircraft system.
39:20 – Jaime Walters describes the steps General Atomics is taking to better integrate the pilots into the Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS) for the MQ-9B and future MQ-9 adaptations
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Lt Col Johnny Duray, USAF
Guest: Jaime Walters, Senior Technical Direction – MQ-9 Platform, General Atomics
Links:
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Thank you for your continued support!
Sunday Mar 14, 2021
Sunday Mar 14, 2021
Episode 14 – The Merge: Future of the F-35, Long Range Strike, and the Space Force
Episode Summary:
The Mitchell Institute is pleased to release episode 14 of its Aerospace Advantage podcast: The Merge: Future of the F-35, Long Range Strike, and the Space Force. Join Mitchell Institute experts for a roundtable discussion to explore the present status of the F-35 program amidst increased scrutiny; a showdown that is emerging between the Army and the Air Force over the long-range strike mission; and next steps required for the Space Force to orient itself for long term success.
In air combat, the merge is when opposing fighter aircraft engage and one side emerges victorious. And we think it’s a pretty apt description for how the national security process here in DC works. There are multiple stakeholder positions in contention and people are playing for keeps. Above all, the future of our nation’s security is at stake in these debates. You’ve also got massive business deals and political equities on the line. Policy and budget decisions have seismic impacts felt for decades. “The Merge” segment of the Aerospace Advantage will explore these issues, with Mitchell Institute experts providing insights and analysis that are key to understanding the current state of play.
Full Topic Guide
This week’s episode of the Aerospace Advantage introduces a new monthly series to the podcast, The Merge. Join John “Slick” Baum as he hosts a roundtable discussion featuring Mitchell Institute’s Dean Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, Executive Director Doug Birkey, Director of Future Concepts and Capabilities Assessments Col (ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, and Senior Fellow Maj (ret.) Heather Penney.
The F-35 has recently received some critical press, but the program is the bedrock of the U.S. military’s modern fighter capabilities. Congressional critiques of the program have missed the mark.
Long range strike is often debated within the services, but this capability has often been misunderstood. Several branches of the military claim domain on long range strike, but the Air Force offers the best cost per effect value in conducting this unique mission.
One year after the creation of the Space Force, funding and authorities still present challenges for the newest service. The Air Force and Space Force share of the defense budget leaves both forces short on cash. This needs to change. Space is provides lynchpin capabilities for actualizing operational concepts like Combat Cloud, JADC2, ABMS and Mosaic Warfare.
Time Marks:
1:53 – The roundtable discussion kicks off with Heather Penney discussing the F-35 program
7:05 – Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula responds to Congressman Adam Smith’s comments on the F-35 program
18:34 – Col (ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger lays down the mission capabilities necessary to conduct long range strike missions
21:47 – Doug Birkey explains how cost per effect is the best way to calculate the cost of long range strike missions
32:10 – Maj (ret.) Heather Penney explains how the Air Force’s core strengths play towards long range strike missions
34:20 – Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula describes how and why the Space Force is currently undermanned and underfunded
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, USAF
Guest: Maj (ret.) Heather Penney, USAF
Guest: Col (ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, USAF
Links:
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Sunday Mar 07, 2021
Sunday Mar 07, 2021
Episode 13 – Weather for the Warfighter: Forecasting for Mission Success
Episode Summary:
The Mitchell Institute is proud to release episode 13 of its Aerospace Advantage podcast: Weather for the Warfighter: Forecasting for Mission Success. America’s national security interests hinge on weather. Few would guess this, since it’s something we take for granted, but whether we look at Gen Eisenhower choosing when to launch D-Day in the spring of 1944, or the type of munition that will be employed off an aircraft today against a fleeting, high-value target, it all comes down to weather. Join us as we speak to frontline combat pilots and technical experts to learn more about a mission many take for granted, but actually stands as a crucial lynchpin for modern combat capabilities.
Full Topic Guide
Episode 13 of the Aerospace Advantage explores what weather means for the warfighter and the programs that deliver this functionality. Host Lt Col (ret.) John “Slick” Baum brings MQ-9 pilot Lt Col Johnny Duray, Mitchell Director of Research Maj Gen (ret.) Larry Stutzriem, and General Atomics’ Vice President of Program Management Nick Bucci onto the show to understand the weather mission and the steps necessary to ensure warfighters can rely on this critical capability for years into the future.
Current space-based weather sensing capabilities have served on orbit long past their expected design lives and a new program, the Electro-Optical Infrared Weather System (EWS), stands as the next generation solution. However, the period in-between represents significant risk given the fragility of the current constellation of satellites and the time when EWS will be available for launch.
This episode will discuss the importance of the weather mission, how the technical requirements for space-based weather systems have evolved, and steps that need to be taken to ensure requirements align with available capabilities.
Time Marks:
1:15 – MQ-9 Reaper pilot Lt Col Johnny Duray joins the conversation and describes what weather means to the airpower mission
11:05 – Maj Gen (ret.) Larry Stutzriem talks about the historical importance of weather sensing capabilities, and the current and future programs that the military employs to achieve this mission
24:18 – Nick Bucci enters the conversation to describe the comparative advantage space-based systems have in weather sensing
35:30 – Nick Bucci lays down the case for accelerating the EWS program
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Col Johnny Duray, USAF
Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Larry Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Nick Bucci, Vice President Program Management, General Atomics
Links:
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
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Sunday Feb 28, 2021
Sunday Feb 28, 2021
Episode 12 – Securing Tomorrow’s Skies: A Conversation with ACC Commander General Mark Kelly
Episode Summary:
The Mitchell Institute is proud to release episode 12 of its Aerospace Advantage podcast: Securing Tomorrow’s Skies: A Conversation with ACC Commander General Mark Kelly. One of the Air Force’s key mission areas is gaining air superiority—a crucial objective given that no military function can succeed if subject to attack from hostile airpower. While the service is in the midst of modernization with types like the F-35, it must also think about the capabilities it seeks to procure in future decades. General Kelly provides insights into this process and how he expects the mission to evolve given the future threat environment.
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 12 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum welcomes Air Combat Command Commander General Mark Kelly to the show to discuss the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and future air platforms with Co-host and Mitchell Institute’s Dean, Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula.
Stealth, sensors, computing, real-time data links merged with advanced performance characteristics has evolved the way in which we fight. We operate in a world where long-range strike capabilities and stealth will allow us to take down an enemy before they even know we are there. These capabilities are not cheap, and money is tight, so we need to plan ahead and be prudent in our choices. When we imagine the platform that will rule the skies in the 2030s and 2040s, we need to start planning that aircraft today. That is what the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program seeks to address.
What does that fighter, or the NGAD platform look like and what capabilities do we need to maintain U.S. air dominance? To describe what he envisions as being critical to the NGAD program and future or air warfare, Gen Mark Kelly joins the show.
Time Marks:
1:26 – Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula joins Baum to describe the state of fifth gen, and the future for air dominance
8:14 – Gen Mark Kelly describes what the requirements for the NGAD program are from a military standpoint
16:12 – Gen Mark Kelly discusses the macro-level picture of what NGAD means for the future
21:22 – Gen Mark Kelly explores the importance of the migration from a kill chain to a kill web for the future of aerospace warfare
31:24 – Gen Mark Kelly talks about the importance of training and the Air Force’s Reforge program in getting pilots ready for the next generation of air warfare
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Gen Mark Kelly, USAF
Links:
USAF Brig Gen Alex Grynkewich’s paper An Operational Imperative: The Future of Air Superiority - https://www.mitchellaerospacepower.org/air-superiority-release
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
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Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Episode 11 - Flying and Fighting with the F-35: Pilots' Perspective
Episode Summary:
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 11 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum explores what it is like to fly America’s newest fighter jet, the F-35. Joined by Emmy award winning journalist Steph Stricklen as co-host, Baum brings experienced F-35 fighter pilots Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee and Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe onto the show to describe their firsthand experience flying this new aircraft.
Fifth-gen aircraft bring a whole new dynamic to the fight through their advanced stealth technology, and even more importantly, their ability to gather and process battlespace information for the pilot. These two capabilities, combined with impressive flight characteristics, make the F-35 a highly capable air combat aircraft.
No one can better describe the experience and benefits gained by these aircraft than the pilots who fly them. To hear this experience, Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee and Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe join the show to describe what they experience when they fly and fight in the F-35.
Time Marks:
2:17 – Baum lays down how stealth, information dominance and advanced performance is the new norm for the fighter pilot’s needs
5:43 – Steph Stricklen kicks off the conversation with Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe by getting her take on how she engages the community to educate them on the capabilities of the F-35 beyond aerobatic maneuvers
7:55 – Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee describes how the F-35 has evolved the operational level planning in the air
13:21 – First Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe describes how the F-35 has changed operating concepts, then Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee shares his thoughts.
20:37 – Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe and Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee share their experience flying the F-35 and how it changes how they fly
31:11 – Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee and Steph Stricklen each share their favorite F-35 flying story
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Stephanie Stircklen
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Capt Kristin “Beo” Wolfe, USAF
Guest: Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee, USAF
Links:
F-35A Demo Team’s website: https://www.388fw.acc.af.mil/F-35A-Demo-Team/
Maj Justin “Hasard” Lee’s The Professionals Playbook: https://www.professionalsplaybook.com/
Steph Stricklen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephstricklen/?hl=en
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
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Saturday Feb 13, 2021
Saturday Feb 13, 2021
Episode 10 – Hanging out with Unexploded Ordnance, Saddam’s Bunkers and Me: Experiences of a Fighter Pilot
Episode Summary:
Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Advantage takes you to the flight line and beyond in Episode 10 Hanging out with Unexploded Ordnance, Saddam’s Bunkers and Me: Experiences of a Fighter Pilot. When we think about military pilots, we almost always envision them in the cockpit. However, whether helping establish requirements for new aircraft, designing fresh operational concepts, or developing attack plans, the Air Force needs folks who are first-hand operational experts. Thus, pilots find themselves rotating through the Pentagon and other associated functions in-between their flying assignments. This podcast explores one such experience through the eyes of Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker, currently serving as the Vice Commander of 12th Air Force. A fighter pilot by trade and having just finished a tour as a Weapons School Instructor, General Baker found himself helping to build the Operation Iraqi Freedom air campaign. Subsequently, he was deployed to Iraq and executed after-action inspections at his recently targeted sites. Tune in to hear his stories and how he found himself hanging from the ceiling of one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces next to an unexploded bomb!
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 10 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum dives into the story of Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker, a fighter pilot who helped build the Operation Iraqi Freedom air campaign, and put boots on the ground to conduct after-action reports on his targeted sites. This episode is about his story, and his experience from the planning center to Saddam’s palace.
In late 2002, the U.S. military prepared to take offensive measure against Iraq. As part of war campaign, Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker, found himself as point man in bringing the JDAM GPD guided munition capability onto F-16s. With his background in weapons systems, he was the one of the critical people targeting Iraqi centers of gravity and assessing the damage of the new weapons systems. Bluto led the effort in ensuring that the new bombs were executing their missions successfully, and this was not always safe. It meant strapping on a rappelling rope and diving into blown out bunkers, sometimes to find unexploded ordinance waiting at the bottom of the rope!
The Aerospace Advantage is not just about concepts and technology, it is about hearing from the men that put these ideas into practice. New weapons systems are great, but we need to get them into the hands of operators for practice and to ensure that they are achieving the desired effect. Much like Bluto’s missions in Iraq, whether planning in D.C. or conducting field missions, even doing both, our airmen are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Join Slick in future episodes as we hear the stories of airmen and the incredible missions that they undertake to push our Aerospace Advantage.
Time Marks:
2:08 – Baum lays down the historic framework of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Northern and Southern no-fly zones in Iraq
3:31 – Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker joins the show to describe both what hard and deeply buried targets are, and how they are critical to the modern war effort
10:10 – Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker describes the role of different agencies in targeting hard and buried targets
14:55 – Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker tells his experiences collecting Battle Damage Assessments, or BDAs
21:45 – Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker explains the “Project 2000” target in Iraq
29:51 – Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker offers his lessons learned from his experiences for our future military leaders
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Brig Gen Craig “Bluto” Baker, USAF
Links:
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
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Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Episode 9 – Unmanned Wingmen? The Future of Air Combat
Episode Summary:
Episode 9 of Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage podcast explores the future of manned-unmanned aircraft teaming—one of the biggest developments that will shape the future of air combat. Thanks to advancements in autonomy, machine learning, computer processing power, and the ability to connect and share information, unmanned aerial vehicles and traditional crewed aircraft will partner in incredibly complementary ways. Host Lt Col. (ret) John Baum speaks with combat pilot Col Don “Stryker” Haley, one of the Air Force’s top experts on the subject, Col (ret) Mark Gunzinger of the Mitchell team, as well as two of the leading aerospace industry experts in this realm: Steve Fendley, president for the unmanned systems division at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, and Mike Atwood, Senior Director for Advanced Programs at General Atomics.
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 9 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum explores the future of air warfare in manned-unmanned teaming. He is joined by Mitchell topic expert Col (ret) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, Air Force expert and combat pilot Col Don “Stryker” Haley, and industry leaders Steve Fendley of Kratos Defense & Security Solution and Mike Atwood of General Atomics.
Manned-unmanned teaming was not always a possibility, but recent technological developments are turning this future concept into reality. To kick off the discussion, Slick and Gonzo discuss the technological developments surrounding this concept.
Next, Col Don “Stryker” Haley describes current Air Fore thinking regarding the requirement for manned-unmanned teaming and how it may be employed in the future battle space.
Finally, Mike Atwood of General Atomics and Steve Fendley of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions describe how industry is building the systems that will manifest this vision through Air Force Research Lab’s Skyborg prorgam.
Time Marks:
04:20 – Gonzo joins the show to discuss the technological developments that have led to manned-unmanned teaming in theory and practice
13:22 – Col Don “Stryker” Haley speaks to the developments in the Pentagon that is bringing this capability to life
29:38 – Steve Fendley of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Mike Atwood of General Atomics join the show to describe how industry is working to bring these capabilities online
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Col Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, USAF, ret.
Guest: Col Don “Stryker” Haley, USAF
Guest: Steve Fendley, President, Unmanned Systems Division, Kratos Defense & Security Solution
Guest: Mike Atwood, Senior Director for Advanced Programs, General Atomics
The Mitchell Institute’s Skyborg Report:
Links:
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
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Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Episode 8 - National Security Space Operations with Chief of the Space Force General Jay Raymond
Episode Summary:
Episode 8 of Aerospace Advantage features a conversation with Chief of Space Operations General Jay Raymond. To put it simply, there is no viable joint force without the Space Force. The capabilities yielded on orbit are fundamental for all forms of power projection. Host Lt Col (Ret.) John Baum and Mitchell Institute dean Lt Gen (Ret.) Dave Deptula explore current opportunities and challenges facing America’s newest military service in an extended conversation with Gen Raymond. This dialogue ranges from policy and budget issues necessary for Space Force’s future success, to opportunities afforded by new technologies.
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 8 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum is joined by U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen Jay Raymond and Mitchell Dean Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula to open the discussion on the U.S. national security space enterprise, emphasizing that space is a critical domain for both commercial and military purposes.
Military satellites provided by the Space Force underpin many of the technologies that we use every day and space-based capabilities provide with the U.S. military with distinct asymmetric advantages. However, our adversaries have begun to weaponize space, a development that must be managed with utmost attention.
Gen Raymond explains the present circumstances surrounding the national security space mission, challenges and opportunities facing Space Force, and his goals as he leads this organization in its second full year of existence.
Time Marks:
02:05 – Lt Gen David Deptula joins the show to elaborate on space-based capabilities in a military context
05:41 – Gen Deptula differentiates Space Force and Space Command
09:59 – Gen Raymond offer his opening remarks on the history of the U.S. military’s strategic space-based capabilities
15:17 – Gen Raymond describes the importance of bringing the weaponization of space into the public discourse
20:53 – As the Space Force grows, growing its capabilities is key, Gen Raymond explains what he sees as some of the top priorities for the Space Force’s future
30:22 – Leveraging industry and deterrence demands reducing the classification level of Space, Gen Raymond elaborates on what Space Force is doing to streamline this process
36:58 – Gen Raymond dives into some of the less focused on challenges and opportunities the Space Force is pursuing, and the accomplishments of the Space Force in year one
Credits:
Host: Lt Col (ret.) John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Chief of Space Operations Gen John “Jay” Raymond, USSF
Links:
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3HIZWyD
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Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Flying the Missions: The Desert Storm Air Campaign 30 Years Later
Episode Summary:
Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Advantage podcast is pleased to release the third installment in its Desert Storm retrospective, Flying the Missions: The Desert Storm Air Campaign 30 Years Later. Host Lt Col (ret.) John Baum and Mitchell Institute dean Lt Gen (ret.) Dave Deptula speak with airmen who strapped into their jets and flew into harm’s way as part of the air campaign. Guests include F-16 pilot Lt Gen (ret) “Orville” Wright, B-52 pilot Lt Gen (ret.) Mike Moeller, F-117 pilot Major Gen (ret.) Greg Feest, F-15C pilot (ret.) Colonel Rico Rodriguez, Air Force Special Operations rep Col (ret.) Randy O’Boyle, and Mr. Dale Burton, who was the Technical Lead for JSTARS. Each one of these individuals brings unique experiences to this conversation, ranging from Feest dropping the first bomb in Iraq from an F-117, or Rodriguez scoring multiple air-to-air kills against Iraq MiGs.
Full Topic Guide
In part 3 of this Desert Storm special series, host John Baum and co-host Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula speak with the men who strapped into their jets and flew on night one of the war. F-16 pilot Lt Gen (ret.) “Orville” Wright, B-52 pilot Lt Gen (ret.) Mike Moeller, F-117 pilot Major Gen (ret.) Greg Feest, F-15C pilot Col (ret.) Rico Rodriguez, Air Force Special Operations rep Col (ret.) Randy O’Boyle, and Mr. Dale Burton join the show to describe the emotions, experiences and tactics of flying and fighting in the opening days of the campaign.
Lt Gen David Deptula describes the war from a planning perspective and how he made real time changes to the plans as events unfolded. Stealth saw its first real test in warfare during Desert Storm. Maj Gen Greg Feest then provides his experience as the first F-117pilot to drop munitions in Iraq. Col Rico Rodriguez describes his role securing air superiority in theater, including downing two enemy MiGs.
Long range strike was another key tool employed during the Desert Storm air campaign. Lt Gen Mike Moeller provides direct insight to this mission area as a B-52 pilot. Lt Gen Wright shares his stories as a squadron commander of an F-16 unit. Col Randy O’Boyle explains how Air Force Special Operations played a key role in the attack plan. Finally, Dr. Dale Burton recounts how JSTARS command and control aircraft was deployed for its first combat use.
The episode wraps with each of our guests providing their top takeaways from the Desert Storm air campaign and why these lessons are especially applicable given the military challenges facing the US today.
Time Marks:
02:17 – Lt Gen David Deptula describes the opening moves from a planning perspective
06:09 – Maj Gen Greg “Beast” Feest recounts being the first person to fly an F-117 stealth bomber into combat.
14:28 – Col Rico Rodriguez emphasizes his training experience on his ability to engage MiGs in the air
23:03 – Gen Moeller’s B-52 flights demonstrated the value of long range strike in the air campaign
27:02 – LT Gen Bruce “Orville” Wright tells his stories of developing a streamlined bomb logistics chain and interacting with coalition and allied forces
35:05 – Col Randy O’Boyle describes the role of Air Force SOF units in disabling Iraqi defenses for the air campaign and the integration of SOF and regular forces in the war
44:03 – Dr. Dale Burton explains the role of experimental JSTARS aircraft in providing air support in Desert Storm
53:20 – Each of the shows guests gives a final lesson learned that they believe needs to be reemphasized for our airmen to be successful in future wars.
Credits:
Host: Lt Col (ret.) John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) Bruce “Orville” Wright, USAF, ret.
Guest: Lt Gen (ret.) Mike Moeller, USAF, ret.
Guest: Maj Gen (ret.) Greg “Beast” Feest, USAF, ret.
Guest: Col (ret.) Rico Rodriguez, USAF, ret.
Guest: Col (ret.) Randy O’Boyle, USAF, ret.
Guest: Dr. Dale Burton
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Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Commanding the Air War: The Desert Storm Air Campaign 30 Years Later
Episode Summary:
The Aerospace Advantage presents Commanding the Air War: The Desert Storm Air Campaign 30 Years Later, a conversation between Gen (Ret.) Chuck Horner and Lt Gen (Ret) Dave Deptula, the joint forces air component commander who led the air war and his chief offensive air campaign planner. These two individuals, along with a broad coalition team, guided 100,876 air sorties from January 17 to February 28, 1991.
This air campaign marked a turning point in warfare, seeing desired effects drive targeting across the entirety of Iraq, and more importantly, across all its regime key strategic and operational level centers of gravity. This winning approach contrasts sharply with those that evolved in the conflicts of the first decades of the 2000s, which saw our military become bogged down in nation-building.
Given the current security challenges facing the United States, the lessons of Desert Storm are more important than ever.
Full Topic Guide:
In part 2 of this Desert Storm special series, host Lt Col (Ret.) John Baum and co-host Col (Ret.) Rich Reynolds speak with the men who were key actors in the Desert Storm air war. Gen (Ret.) Chuck Horner and Lt Gen David Deptula discuss how their individual experiences shaped their actions during the conflict and noted airpower historian Dr Dick Hallion reflects upon key takeaways from the most successful air campaign in history.
Gen Horner describes his perspective as the lead air commander. This includes insights regarding engagement with allies, senior political leaders, and US commanders. General Horner’s experience in Vietnam also shaped his approach to leadership during this campaign.
Technology was a distinct factor in Desert Storm with stealth and precision dramatically affecting the outcome of the campaign. Lt Gen Deptula offers his own story of how he used the concepts of stealth and precision to develop an effects-basedstrategy that allowed him to yield the greatest military impact in a rapid fashion. As this was the first full-scale use of stealth aircraft, this technology set a new baseline for future air warfare.
Airpower historian Dr Dick Hallion joins the show and explains the unique role air commanders played providing unique options for collation leaders. He also reflects on the unique intersection between strategy, operational concepts, and technology during this campaign. His remarks conclude looking at the lasting impact of Desert Storm. The episode wraps with Rich Reynolds emphasizing the importance of the people in warfare, that individual personalities drive the key events that ultimately yield the way we think and operate in war.
Time Marks:
02:50 – Gen Chuck Horner describes his opening moves in Desert Storm
05:00 – Gen Horner breaks down the planning and military’s internal politics of the campaign
13:33 – Gen Horner describes working with the coalition forces
16:33 – The shadow of Vietnam still loomed over the planners, but Gen Horner explains how the leadership used lessons learned to succeed in Desert Storm
18:06 – Lt Gen Deptula explains how technology shaped the war
23:30 – Gen Horner and Lt Gen Deptula describe their experiences on day 1 of the war
28:15– Gen Horner’s lessons learned from Desert Storm
32:17 – Dr. Richard Hallion joins the show and describes how air power became a dominant concept in the military
37:01 – Dr. Hallion explains how the U.S. forgot some of the lessons of Desert Storm and how at a strategic level we need to leverage our aerospace advantage to fight conflicts in the future
40:15 – Desert Storms’ operating concepts influenced the concept of warfare around the globe
Credits:
Host: Lt Col John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Col Richard Reynolds, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Gen Charles A. Horner, USAF, ret.
Guest: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF, ret.
Guest: Dr. Richard P. Hallion, USAF, ret.
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