Shot Down! U.S. F-16 pilot explains Infamous 'Dodging Iraqi SAMs' Video (ep. 162)

Former #usairforce #f16fightingfalcon #pilot Jeff "Tico" Tice was callsign 'Stroke 1,' the flight lead for the ill-fated "Package Q" strike on Iraq just days into Operation #desertstorm in 1991. Stroke 3 miraculously dodged multiple Iraqi SAMs and made it home safely where his #hud footage became a sensation. Tico was not so lucky...
Read about Package Q here: www.airandspaceforces.com/art...
Watch the Stroke 3 video here:
• F-16 dodging 6 Iraqi S...
0:00 The hook
1:48 Mission build up
8:00 Introduction
11:45 Military background
18:39 Desert Storm opening night
24:42 Package Q
46:02 Eject!
1:07:09 Credits
#fighterpilot Podcast
Website: www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/
Facebook: / fighterpilotpodcast
Instagram: / fighterpilotpodcast
Patreon: / ftrpltpdcst
Twitter: / ftrpltpdcst
Original music by Jaime Lopez. Video produced by Mike Henderson.

[@commdate]

Tico, Nice to see you are doing well. I was the pilot of #2 in helo. Formation that went up to find you on 19 Jan 91. We flew from Rafha SA and headed north. Lots of fog en route, low ceilings when we got to the area. We searched a while and finally had to RTB at bingo fuel. Sorry we couldn’t give you a ride home, but we tried. BTW I met your best man at Air War College in 2000. Best to you and yours.

[@rael5469]

Thank you for your service. I'm sure you guys gave it your max effort. We thank God that guys like you and Tico are on our side.

[@CatsAgainstCommunism]

Almost nothing more disappointing. God bless you and yours. Thank you for your service.

[@CAPEjkg]

Hope he comes back for his P.O.W. story if he chooses. What a story on how to keep fighting through adversity!

[@user-op2os3oe4v]

He's told his story many times, most notably on 60 minutes. Him and other pilots and astronauts published a book called "on the wings of geezers" where they tell their stories.

[@Benji-jj2bg]

So crazy, I was researching this incident the last couple days cause I was so fascinated by that hud video and the people involved. And here you are interviewing stroke 1 today. Lol awesome.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Serendipity.

[@andrewm4951]

Same! Was waiting for this one! Great cast once again!

[@X737_]

You have a link?

[@user-op2os3oe4v]

Jeff "Tico " Tice is my father. And I'm very happy this is all being documented for history from first hand sources. Dad is a great engaging story teller. I'm as proud of him as he is of me.

[@Gutpunchingseal]

Hey I found a guy claiming to be Mike 'Cujo' Roberts and I think it's stolen valor case. Does your father still have connections to him?

[@mikedempsey7804]

VERY interesting interview, just listening to the events after being hit by a SAM was incredible. The reaction of the airplane and the systems he described, the thoughts going through the mind as options and escape plans to get out of the area are considered. The slowing down of events as the mind speeds up was so intriguing because that is exactly how it is viewed and recorded under a stressful situation. Enjoyed the ejection sequence, the subject of not knowing the altitude, the cold air at altitude, the distrust of the seat ejection while falling, etc. The descriptions, timeline of events, and the situation as it unfolded made this one of the best Podcast on the Internet!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Appreciate the kind feedback.

[@mikedempsey7804]

Definitely subscribing to the podcast, sending link to my Delta Airlines buddy!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, @@mikedempsey7804!

[@sharoncassell9358]

We need to hear more. Please come back.

[@skyserf]

Jeff was in my crash pad in Kew Gardens when I was starting my career in the airlines. He was telling me the story about his time as an Iraqi prisoner one day when we were both on reserve. I really couldn’t comprehend how bad it was as he was describing it to me. Flash forward about 3 years I saw a 60 Minutes special on CBS and I see a gent talking about Iraqi torture and it’s Jeff Tice! I saw him in passing at LGA airport shortly after as we were working or commuting and said hello, he remembered me and I told him how sorry I was that he went through what he did. And the government didn’t allow them to get money from the former Iraqi government for the violation of war conventions. Congratulations on retirement Jeff from Brian Barnes.

[@lionsfan1478]

Nice story but he's just another American war criminal. Bombing uneducated brown people from 30,000ft on behalf of his corrupt tyrannical American government... He's no hero. He's a scumbag.

[@cfzippo]

Great video. Former Viper Driver here, Zippo by call sign. But I was an ALO with the 101st ABN on the ground when this happened. Later in life I taught egress training, and the comment about falling in the seat at about 50 min is why I told all the guys, it your falling in the seat, you’re gonna be falling face down! Boy that’s all been a long time ago now!

[@just82much51]

Thank you for your service!!! Our country has been so blessed by the brave service of so many! Please know you are appreciated and respected!!!!!

[@HN-ld6lm]

Fantastic interview !! What an example of professionalism, skill and resiliency. Thank you for the interview - he is a hero

[@markmarkplace]

I am proud, humbled, and grateful that there are people like you who make sacrifices for a schmuck like me. Thank You!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

I will assume you are speaking to my guest. On his behalf--you're welcome!

[@markmarkplace]

@@FighterPilotPodcast Intended for both of you. Throw in all your guests for that matter!

[@spookyNorbert]

I'd love to see Emmet Tulia himself tho too.. Proposals for a guest: - Mike "Brillo" Brill, the 7000h F-16 pilot, the first and last pilot that flown this many hours on the F-16...

[@ricbish4122]

Wow! What an amazing story! Really enjoyed hearing about this since I’ve seen that video multiple times! I really appreciate everything these guys did and do! Thank you for having him on it was great to hear! Glad he’s doing well.🤙

[@Crunch104]

Just wow! Thanks for getting these amazing interviews down!

[@kuryakin2483]

Amazing guest. Great details with the nuances of what can go right and wrong during an ejection like this. Pretty invaluable knowledge.

[@LeehamCoEUBFehrm]

What a great episode. And Tico is such a fascinating storyteller (you're the perfect host BTW, just letting him tell it in his fantastic way..). Amazing! I've seen the HUD video more than 10 times and now this👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thank you 🙏

[@troyledbetter6597]

Thanks for an excellent interview! Looking forward to part 2.

[@cristi99zz]

Great interview Jello. That HUD Tape is history. Glad he made it back.

[@jimnoz2]

One of your best....keep up the great work.

[@Guysm1l3y]

What a great guest! You keep killing it with the topics you've been covering!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, Guy. 🤩

[@jasonjavelin]

Man this is awesome, I’ve seen the video footage many times and it’s always so insane

[@dks13827]

What a great show. So glad you guys made it.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks.

[@PJNiteballer]

Great podcast. So proud of Military aviators all. My dad's birthday today...would've been 99. USN Ret. pilot ...I knew him as a school teacher. The stories I could've heard. Thanks again, JELLO!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You’re welcome!

[@kenlanier2131]

Good Stuff! Love the ejection story. I was a AF Parachute Survual Equipment Specialist 88-92 at Nellis, know the ACESII well. Much respect to you Tico! So thankful you made it home :)

[@ki3657]

Thank you so much for making all this information & these stories public. It is such a joy to listen to!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You’re welcome, Ki

[@koreysmith3635]

Outstanding! I don't know what to say...what an experience. Thanks for your good service!

[@scottharris5714]

I vaguely remember this incident. I was in college at the time and just about to graduate and like everyone else, was watching the news as it was provided regarding Desert Storm. What a stressful event! These stories are fascinating, thanks for sharing - keep them coming!

[@reneefariasphoto40]

I was a US Army combat medic with the 101st Airborne from 1989 to 1996. So many stories of that very short war, such as my first hand to hand combat kill in close quarters, etc. Great video.

[@0612Devil]

Awesome interview and great to hear Tico’s story.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@godfreynet]

Thanks on this one! Amazing to hear all this first hand...

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

👍

[@MartyBecker]

Absolutely fascinating discussion. Thanks for sharing that.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You're welcome, Marty. 👍

[@pinchus34]

Fantastic interview with some seriously quotable stuff. Varkasaurus? Love it.

[@vrendus522]

OMG! Great stuff. All that could go wrong went wrong. Terrific play by play. Thanks 4 the share. Dan

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You're welcome, Dan.

[@memelephant]

Finally, this episode is something i have been waiting for for a long time

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Hope it was worth the wait!

[@EricPalmerBlog]

When TICO was at RAF Alconbury he was with the F-5 Aggressor squadron. He had an additional duty of visiting my photolab to get their road show slides created. He and his people were of course great. Was so happy when it was announced he returned OK from the war.

[@michaelhazuda2703]

What an AWESOME video and great story I've watched that video they talk about NUMEROUS times! Great VIPER pilot

[@QXZ9027MKII]

Top notch guys enjoyed that very much, much obliged for the effort you put forth in producing an enjoyable informative footage. God bless you all for your services. Can agree more, there are no concept in the civilian world. They don't see the big picture and get cought up in nuisance matters that will drag you down.

[@dutchbrotherfan1284]

This is a classic. Great description with a timing for levity ,knew of the incident but not the participants stories.

[@user-ij6mf2hp3r]

Thanks for taking my questions about the Mig-31 Hound Dog. It was misleading at best. I can usually pick what they're putting down. You took time to answer me and I appreciate it. Keep putting the podcast out. It's very good. Thanks

[@glenncooper3524]

Awesome! Great interview , need to watch a few times I'm happy to hear they both made it. I've seen that video several times wondering what happened to the guys shot down

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Now you know!

[@eazymoneyracing]

Can't wait for part II!!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🤞

[@tzisme]

Thank you both.

[@chaddytee726]

outstanding episode Jell-o was on the edge of my seat..

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

For sure!

[@jbarvideo12]

Fabulous interview. Great questions and wonderful narration after being hit by a missile. Zoom Sound was great too.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks.

[@pilotpeego1820]

Amazing guest! Awesome!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@calvinhunt2335]

Juniority is a new word for me 😂 43 years in speaking English and I've never heard it. Lol It's definitely much easier than saying "low man on the Totem Pole." Thank you both for your service ❤

[@bpitotbrett5839]

Thanks for sharing. Shout out to family friend Jerry Curtis who spent 7.5 years as a guest of Ho Chi Minh.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

#respect

[@timcowden3513]

Awesome story Jeff !!! I flew F-14s in the 80s and 90s and I can relate to every detail of your story. You've got the "Right Stuff" and I want to thank you for your service buddy!

[@forthwithtx5852]

Fantastic interview. Great guest! In my business, that video is used to promote the benefit of stealth technology.

[@Meirele]

Very nice. Loved it!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏

[@blakena4907]

Sweet! Excellent Saturday morning video for running errands.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Enjoy!

[@wayneschenk5512]

Fantastic interview think it’s probably his sense of humour that’s got him through.

[@dmutant2635]

One of the best ejection descriptions ever! Glad it had a happy ending...

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Just an unhappy middle.

[@dmutant2635]

@@FighterPilotPodcast John Trotti describes his wingman's ejection in his book Phantom Over Vietnam. That was a good ejection too. He'd be a good interview btw...

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

@@dmutant2635 Not familiar but will add him to the list.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Unreal interview! Now that's one bad ass pilot!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks! And my guest wasn’t bad either, huh? 🤣

[@robertmayfield8746]

Vincent's amused face tells the other half of the story 🤣🤣😂😂Good video

[@michaelerfurth4891]

Your YT Channel is so interesting. Great 👍👍👍

[@Slowhandclap]

I've missed a few, but love the new intro

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks, Daniel.

[@matthewnewnham-runner-writer]

What an exceptional interview. Thank you both, Jeff and Jell-O. Like Jeff, I was also in F-111s (RTU at Mtn Home AFB in '82), before being based at RAF Lakenheath. (I never flew operationally, as a routine flight medical discovered long-standing cataracts in both eyes.) I'm a lifelong student of aviation, the military and good interviews, and this one combined all three superbly. I also read and watched a lot about the RAF Tornado crew (John Peters & Peter Nichol) where were shot down and spent six weeks as PoWs; ditto the Bravo Two-Zero SAS squad. Jeff's PoW track closely with their experiences.

[@Waxer72ndVFW]

Fantastic interview. I think one of the onscreen subheads in the video may have gone astray. P-sub-S is not "probability of success" I think the reference was to "specific excess power" in the energy management realm. I think Tico was referring to staying nose low to recapture airspeed during missile evasion. Love your content!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Ah, that makes sense

[@harryberger4241]

Great story, great podcast!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks!

[@DOGosaurus_rex]

incredible story specially the ejection part 👏

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Right?! 😳

[@greenlight6913]

I remember (at the time) Capt. Tice. RAF Alconbury 527th Aggressor Squadron F-5E. 1982 to 1887. I was a young E5 and a Crew Chief. Many trips to Decimomannu. Funny you worked with a guy 35 plus years ago out of the blue I watch this. Probably why I still love aircraft and flying today.

[@josephrosenbaum3343]

somebody needs to get major tulia on a podcast to talk about his hud tape

[@danb1059]

Excellent podcast! Going to air races again this yr?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks. Hopefully!

[@williamkillingsworth2619]

This is AWESOME!!!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

😎

[@Pandacat80]

I remember in a really old documentary "Front Line", Jeff Tice was an F-15 pilot. Didn't know he was driving F-16, rather than F-15.

[@av8tore71]

Great video! I was in Air Defense (PATRIOT Missile Unit) before going to OCS and the rest of my time as a JAG lawyer

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

#respect.

[@joeb1125]

Tico nice to see you came out so well! Joe B 1 one of the Life Support guys in the 614th

[@EliteExteriorPaintingCalgary]

Great Guys both of You

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

🙏

[@jmp.t28b99]

Excellent tale !

[@duke8022]

I will be forever be on the lookout to run into this guy here in the beautiful sunny Tucson Arizona!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Is your part “by the sea”?! 😂

[@duke8022]

​​@@FighterPilotPodcast the Sea of Heat and dirt!😂 maybe he was thinking of Tuscany?

[@jcheck6]

Ya never know who you might run into in Tucson Duke. Was on the bike path and ran into Gen Pat Halloran (92), well known SR-71/U-2 pilot. Lots of us retired pilots here.

[@codystout5353]

When I was in Iraq. I remember the aircraft would fly with all their lights out. I could see them in my night vision.

[@reltney20]

I flew with Tico in the PRANG…. Jeff was all that and more. Great guy. I wish he made it to Reno and hung out with us this year.

[@EbizzerHH]

Such a legend! o7 from germany!

[@Concetta20]

Man, this could be a movie.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Reminiscent of the end of Top Gun: Maverick

[@BarryBirther]

Did your guest spend time at Decimomannu in the early / mid 80s doing Aggressor duty on the ACMI system?

[@TravisNott1]

I have plans to become a naval aviator, im currently 15, dealing with depression and a personality disorder, but Stroke 1 and Stroke 3 has given me much needed motivation to push forward, ima fight through these mental disorders, i wont give up, im going to become a naval aviator, and ima make younger me proud, no matter what, i never give up.

[@TomSwift-wy1gx]

Do your homework, Travis, to find out what the medical limitations are. You might want to lose that depression and PD before you turn 17, so you don't need to mention it when you apply for a commission. I suggest team sports as much as possible. Good luck.

[@TravisNott1]

@TomSwift-wy1gx don't worry ima have it delt with, I got this shit thank you

[@davefost]

Wow. Just wow.

[@JC-kk5wg]

Very interesting exciting experiences glad you are back dealing with it and moving forward. Arizona is nice and if you ever want to get away Seattle has a great Museum of Flight. It is constantly growing and you can sneak in to visit or call and warn them and they may like to have you speak. Great factual story discussion and People would like to meet you. All the best. Thank you for your service.

[@elikimmett5223]

Awesome interview! What did he mean by H-word?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Not sure, when was that?

[@theodorebridges2293]

Hero. Heroes don't appreciate the label. That's how you know they're legit. Tico certainly is one.

[@sharoncassell9358]

Thanks for sharing. I read a few books about viet nam and had family in war there who came back & recently died. They did not talk about it. I went into the USAF as an aircraft mechanic in 79. C141s.

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

You’re welcome

[@MrWpns24]

On the Block 30'2 you only got 30 chaff and 15 flares, not very much. 1 bucket on each side. But the newer models, 40's and up had 4 buckets, 3 on the left and the 1 on the right so it could double those capacities

[@aonghasmackenzie2313]

This guy is a legend!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

For sure! And how about my guest--he ain't bad either!! 🤣

[@theodorebridges2293]

Fantastic recounting of the SAM strike! Tico is a stone cold hero! I bet he could barely believe what he had to go through after surviving the ejection seat malfunction. His spine was surely glad he didn't get the rocket ride. Thanks Jello for letting us hear that tale. WOW! By the way, the JDAM footage at the 25 minute mark was where I work, Camp Shelby Rattlesnake Range!

[@theodorebridges2293]

Correction, 23:43 JDAM impact on the south heavy at Rattlesnake

[@koblermat]

excellent airman

[@billinca9274]

Strongly Suggest using "Mishap", not the alarming word *Crash* !!! {Bill in CA, a Military Certified Aviation Mishap & Safety Officer/Investigator}. Thanks for your Aviation Reporting.

[@Plydrms]

Wow, when do you think that you'll host him talking about the POW experience?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

No current plans but if there is enough demand we can increase the priority.

[@Plydrms]

@@FighterPilotPodcast It seems like that you'd really be into that as well.

[@sedlo]

@@FighterPilotPodcast count me in for hearing about the POW experience.

[@planespotterclt123-jnav7]

Surprised this doesn’t have more views/comments!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Those who have found it seem to be enjoying it

[@cccalifornia7206]

Amazing SURVIVOR!!!😨👊😎

[@lnaesll]

You’d think this guy was a fisherman with this story…

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

How do you know he isn’t?

[@indy500tabasco8]

Great interview, great stories as we expect from FPP. New aviation warfare just got started. It's all about who can dump more fuel on enemy plane and bring them down.

[@ARSAMES007]

He has the most Turkish moustache ever!

[@sethr.4600]

when is part 2 coming out?

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

TBD.

[@flightsimstuff5417]

One of your best Jello!

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Thanks 🙏

[@ObsessedGarbageDotCon]

The intensity in his voice you know this shit was no joke

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

For sure

[@blakena4907]

40:40 "the airplane is just shutting down, starting back up, shutting down, y'know, no big deal." Are you freaking kidding me? No big deal? 😂

[@scottbussler4041]

"Still married and hopefully having some fun on the side" lmao

[@ecopropel]

Hello could you interview Emmett Tullía of the same package I was at Doha quatar

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Sure. Kindly forward ET's info if you have it.

[@duke8022]

one thing I would be interested about is the model of the F-16 was it a block 15, 50, 30, was it an A or B or C .

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Highly doubt it was a B, otherwise no clue.

[@duke8022]

@@FighterPilotPodcast I don't know what I was thinking when I posted B, I guess I was just throwing it out as an example. if it was a b or d model than this podcast would have been a little different and you would have two guests to interview. 🥳

[@tuggerthegriz5484]

This guy shutting him down from telling the story about the 6 weeks as a POW is mind blowing. “I normally keep the episodes around 60 mins” Check the game notes bud, Rogan doesn’t keep it to 60 minutes. If you have a treasure of a guest like this let him gallop.

[@bjjman95]

His ejection story had me on the edge of my seat " i was staring into the pito tube" cant spell but yeah

[@FighterPilotPodcast]

Pitot, it’s a weird one.

[@sharoncassell9358]

Pitot french tubes.

[@oogityboogity6644]

Just so people know the SA-6 travels at Mach 3 even after a up to 45degree change after departure

[@nobodyspecial7185]

What Wing? 48th? With 111's