The Final Interview with the AIR BOSS

[@chuckf1886]

I was VADM Whitesell's Targeteer in CVW-1. He's the real deal, the Navy got lucky that man joined, and the tax payer got a great return on investment. It was a pleasure to serve with him and under him. God speed sir.

[@haltersweb]

My son just finished NIFE in May. He was stashed for about 7 months before he started training. He begins Primary on Friday, Sept 1.

[@archstanton9206]

Listening to that conversation left me feeling very, very fortunate as an American, to have men like this serving our country. Godspeed, sir, and thank you.

[@MichaelSilva-r5k]

Hey Kenny! It’s Herbie from VF-142. Can’t tell you how grateful I am for your incredible service and especially your contributions to Navy Air and also how proud I am to have served with you as a fellow JO RIO in 142. I won’t claim to have known back then that you would ultimately achieve the amazing things in the Navy that you have. However, I will say I knew for sure that you were incredibly smart, dedicated, selfless, hard working and were definitely going to be successful in whatever direction you chose to take your life. Our country is extremely fortunate you chose a Navy path! Guess what. A little trivia about your interview with Mooch. Remember how I was always taking pictures in 142? Well the photo that served as the basis for Mooch’s signature backdrop that you were interviewed in front of is a selfie I took in Max’s backseat. And in the original pic, which I have the file for, there is a reflection of our flight lead in my visor and I am pretty sure it was either you and Killer or you and Wheats who crewed that lead! So your final interview occurred with a backdrop that you had a very direct connection to! Small world! Thanks again for your service. I look forward to catching up with you once you are settled into your next chapter. Best, Herbie

[@FlightSimVRDad]

Thanks for the interview. As an Old Marine I know how special that feeling is when two old warriors get back together. Thanks again to both you Gentlemen. Semper Fi

[@larry5508]

I never cease to be amazed, and proud, of the quality of our Naval Aviation community and its leadership. Thank you Mooch, and Admiral Whitesell for an interesting and informative interview. I will go back and smile at my March 1964 Naval Aviator designation certificate. 🇺🇸

[@bouronsailor]

Unbelievably good dude. Had the pleasure of being his Integrated Air and Missile Defense WTI when he was a 2-star at CSG-4.

[@jameshisself9324]

"I'm not crying, you're crying!" Great ending to a great video Ward. Thanks as always.

[@DonWan47]

The Air Boss is a straight talking guy, put it out there and laid it out. An admirable admiral. The real deal.

[@dwjr5129]

So thankful we have folks like the Admiral who are willing to protect us. 🇺🇸

[@irongron]

Indeed and helping to advocate to protect Ukraine too like the good Admiral Foggo does along with the other retired chiefs of staff like USAF Generel Phil Breedlove, our favourite Lt Gen Ben Hodges, General Patraeus et al. One thing for sure, I love and respect them all as true men of honour going to bat for us here. But my faves by fare are the retired Admirals, there's something in their pedigree and demeanour that sets them apart from the others and it really appeals to me. They seem to exude this extra-authoritative aura 9for want of a better word) without being arrogant and exhibiting the same humility and respect as Lt Gen Ben Hodges does. Big diff from the "Iron pants" Generals of WW2 such as MacArthur or Patton or "Old iron pants, bombs away" LeMay seem to be stereotyped as the real hard ass archetypes.

[@jwv6985]

Very good to hear that our naval aviation hardware is in good shape, and our pilots are kicking ass!

[@Trojan-n9t]

If you put a y in front of our in your sentence, I could have written it. It's quite important to large parts of the world too.

[@irongron]

@@Trojan-n9t That's good to hear as eventually I think the USN is going to have to get back into the Black Sea with a presence as it had during the cold war. Admiral James Foggo advocating for that since the war on Feb 24 last year. You guys should never have left (the Black Sea). I can't paste the oink as my comment might get zapped, but go to this Video below. I know because of the Montreaux convetion it's a tall ask, but man, I'd love to see that beast of badass carrier in there keeping it real! USS George H. W. Bush Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Greece, Will it Deploy to the Black Sea? | EU Military Defence

[@Trojan-n9t]

@@irongron Yes warships can leave the Black Sea, but not enter during conflict. Would have required being there before the escalation a year and a half ago, and berthing permission from Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, or even Georgia if they'd risk it. Not sure you'd want any carrier in the Black Sea tbh, especially not a CVN, it's a bit too small to hide in, being surrounded by land both friendly, which can provide the air base support making the carrier pointless, and potential hostile owned land, which leave surface ships vulnerable to missile and air attack. Maybe could have had a combined fleet of NATO destroyers and Frigates zipping about enacting freedom of navigation in international waters on an hourly basis. That or accidently start a rumour about Japanese torpedo boats in the area, either would do the trolling job quite nicely until they've all left for Kaliningrad in a wild panic.

[@irongron]

​@@Trojan-n9t Ahh ok, thanks for the comprehensive reply. I was vaguely aware that back in the cold war days it was the types of ships you mentioned and not a carrieer BG. But, wow, there was some real serious action back in the day like that 1988 shouldering incident. What really intruiges me back then, it was a serious incident but in the end it all blew over with no hysteria, even though it was a really full-on on-sea "brouhaha" , shall we say. Imagine if that happened today off Crimea with the Russian fleet. People would be screaming "OMG NUCLEAR WAR, ESCALATION OMG! " It's a really sad indictment on today's public in general (and governments) + journos & pundits etc that they are so gullible to Putin's loose talk with nukes. This has prevented us getting the hardware we need to win here. I think it's impretataive after victory and NATO membership that the USN gets back in there ASAP even if it's just to show some muscle and protect shipping. For those not familiar wit the 1988 Shouldering incident here's the first paragraph from wikipeida..... "The Black Sea bumping incident of 12 February 1988 occurred when American cruiser USS Yorktown tried to exercise the right of innocent passage through Soviet territorial waters in the Black Sea during the Cold War. The cruiser was bumped by the Soviet frigate Bezzavetny with the intention of pushing Yorktown into international waters. This incident also involved the destroyer USS Caron, sailing in company with USS Yorktown and claiming the right of innocent passage, which was intentionally shouldered by a Soviet Mirka-class frigate SKR-6. Yorktown reported minor damage to its hull, with no holing or risk of flooding. Caron was undamaged"

[@Trojan-n9t]

@@irongron Actually, I think that carriers are prohibited from transiting the straights anyway. That's why the latest Russian tugboat with a ski ramp was classified as something else, like 'large aerial missile cruiser' or something equally absurd so it was allowed in and out of the Black Sea even in peace time. Along similar lines, the Japanese have 'Helicopter Destroyers', which are basically like the UK's 'through deck cruiser' baby carriers of the 80's and 90's. I think that it's less about the Black Sea, and more about not worrying Asia too much where they're concerned though, long live the Kido Butai!

[@latinluv7007]

Great interview! God speed VADM. Thank you for your service to this great country! 🇺🇸

[@johnr7279]

Amazing discussion and makes me feel very positive that we’ve had folks like this that wear the military uniforms of our nation. 🇺🇸

[@themeatpopsicle]

Always love listening to these conversations with the consummate professionals of naval aviation.

[@larry5508]

DITTO!

[@pk4459]

We're so lucky to have great hard working guys like this on our side. Hope he enjoys the retirement and the family time coming!

[@simonruddy8265]

Two fantastic and amazing aviators here, thank you for your time an service.

[@patrickmccrann991]

Mooch, curious when you were in VF-101? I was the Airspace Manager for the Key West Opareas from 86-89 at "Tarpon Control". I routinely gave the Oparea brief over at VF-45 when the squadron would arrive. OSCS(SW) USN RET'D 1978-2002 AIC/AICS 1981-2002 C/S "Crane"

[@WardCarroll]

Senior Chief: I was in VF-101 '92-'94.

[@patrickmccrann991]

@WardCarroll Ah, okay. Guess we missed each other then. My tour at Tarpon was the best one of my career. Spent 3 1/2 years doing nothing but controlling Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Air Guard units with every active fighter type in service. Even got to attend TopGun in 1988 with help from VF-45.Keep up the great work, really enjoy your videos. Crane.

[@scottharris5714]

I really learned a lot about the state of naval aviation listening to this interview. It is a very good feeling knowing we have determined/committed leadership out there serving our great country keeping us safe! Fly NAVY!!

[@oldgoat142]

I was with VF-101 under Commander Hank Kleeman in mid '83, learning all about that beautiful bird jet! I miss those days, and when I was in the fleet. Godspeed Admiral. I wish you nothing but the best for the future. Thank you for everything you've done.

[@ibbylancaster8981]

Sir(s) , THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!!!!! God Bless all the men And women that take the oath to protect and defend. I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s with the threat of nuclear war over our shoulders and with grandfathers who served in WW2. I went to the army but my career was derailed due to a prior knee injury rearing its ugly head during bt. After watching all these videos of yours and many other prior service guys, I feel that I missed a brotherhood forged in fire and war. I live next to Ft Bragg and although I have some great friends and neighbors who are active and prior service, there is still that closeness that I see between them that I will never have. In the 90’s , I was a paramedic in Durham NC , and have been shot at before, but nothing like a war zone. You guys are the best. Much love to all and God Bless us all and our country.

[@Gurashi]

Fair winds and following seas, Admiral..

[@Kugerand727]

Pure Gold Sir - thank you for all those years of dedicated service. Mooch - thank you taking time to interview your good friend.

[@mariellouise1]

Having grown up at NOTS China Lake, California, I knew many of the civilians scientists who were the fathers of my friends. They were an impressive group of men. Most had fought in WWII. However, I never knew the military officers or fathers of my military classmates. There was quite a divide in our society. Watching these podcasts has shown me the quality, skill and courage of the men who served and employed the weapons that were developed at China Lake - which included the Sidewinder missile. Mrs McLean, wife of Dr McLean, was our PE teacher and was a mover and shaker of our high school years!

[@gregmaddock8969]

I always enjoy seeing military friendships go even further after military service. I am still in contact with so many of my military brothers and sisters.

[@davidb6576]

I got perhaps a third of the jargon and TLAs, but clearly this is a guy who knows his business and was doing great work for the Navy and the country. Thanks to Admiral Whitesell and the rest of the folks that keep America in the game.

[@harrylime3.143]

Thanks for getting us the inside tour with your access to the right people. ⚓💪🖖😎

[@skyking1328]

Wow ! Amazing interview here. I still want to see how far we have come since my Desert Storm retirement. It's true, you can take the sailor out of the Navy, but you can't take the Navy out of the sailor. Thank You !

[@mikebridges20]

Mooch, thanks so much for these interviews! This is KZbin at its best: providing a platform for dedicated providers like yourself educating us "out on the streets" with content we never would have access to otherwise.

[@SMITHWT3]

Went to high school with Kenny and graduated with his wife. He has had an impressive career. Something to be very proud of and I am sure he is.

[@ericmitchell5350]

Great interview Mooch! What an amazing career SheBoy! Great Americans both!

[@waynefletcher9884]

From a Marine who served from 1982-88; I’m wishing you, fair winds and following seas Sir! Ororah! SF

[@franksouthcott3740]

Awesome interview!! Thanks Mooch...

[@WardCarroll]

Thank you, Frank!

[@davyjones5890]

This episode was very informative. I feel fortunate to have found this channel, and the great interviews with the men who have a wealth of insight after decades of making US Naval Aviation as great as it is. Thank You for your Service, Sir.

[@jbatman5092]

Terrific interview, Ward 👍 Many thanks to VADM Whitesell on his many years of exceptional service for us all!

[@glennac]

Wow! To see both of you light-up when you started talking about TG and TG:M! That was a delight Mooch❣️

[@linzalabamaawake5230]

I love hearing from men like this. Such a breath of fresh masculine air

[@cgn2570]

It's exactly like the retired pro football player. Much , much knowledge is still in the mind. Letting go is hard. Writing the next chapter is complicated. It appears that the Admiral has found the right fit for him. Good guy.

[@Pincer88]

That's sincere brotherhood and some comforting intel at the same time.

[@ronhytoff6385]

Thank you. I loved the interview!!

[@WardCarroll]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephrogers5337]

I was USN enlisted from 1960-1980. One place I worked was Pinecastle. Another place I worked as a civil servant was Miramar Naval Air station Public works. Appreciate your video.

[@woodentulip]

Great Interview Mooch!!👍

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks for watching!

[@mike4480]

Yeah…enjoyed the interaction between ye two….. hope that there is more to come….💙💛💙

[@roderickcampbell2105]

Great to see Ward and Admiral Whitesell together. Dangerous times, but good days too, are ahead

[@Mike7O7O]

As a British veteran, the VADM reminds me of the great leaders that I served under, in two different branches. Some men, you'll follow into hell, because you know that if they can, they'll achieve the mission and also bring you home again.

[@pdoherty]

Great interview Mooch! Thanks for your service Admiral.

[@markb.1259]

Great to listen to you Admiral! All the best on and after Sept. 7th! CMDCM (Ret.)!! 29 years in Naval Aviation!!!

[@jeffvolimas5819]

Wonderful interview, well-paced, and super informative. Thank you, Admiral, for all your years of service. Commander, as always, great job.

[@jimz68]

I have to say, I was a little choked up at the "I love you, Brother" at the end. Such good men.

[@jeffreyjohnson8212]

Great interview! Whitesell was a great boss….enjoyed working for him!

[@andygyz122]

Thank you for this very impressive interview with VADM Whitesell. I just want to say that your channel is very impressive and informative. I grew up in Annapolis in the community of Hillsmere Shores and joined the Marines in 1980 at age 17. I am very familiar with the Naval Academy and the Mids and the traditions. The Blue Angels flying around during Commissioning week ( Big Big Fan) and all the traffic tie ups that accrued because of it. My grandfather always said to me growing up, "be proud like a Midshipman". I found your channel about a year ago and always wanted to leave a comment but was afraid it would turn out like this, a book. Sorry Sir (Mooch) Cmdr. I have always been a fighter plane nut. From WW2 all the way up to the present day. VF 103 and VMFA 212. I was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe Bay and VMFA 212 Lancers were stationed there as well. Enough for now. Sorry about the long comment. I just feel like I have something in common with you sir being from Annapolis and a love of fighter planes, especially the Tomcat. I'm in Glen Burnie now but my family is still in Naptown. Thank you for your service as a REO and thank you for this amazing interview with the Admiral.

[@moxie_ST]

Thanks for another great video and thanks for the insight that only you have and want to share with us. 👍

[@emmettjones5165]

Great interview, Ward ... keep bringing the heroes. Wasn't it neat to interview your own alma mater? I saw you two connect over that once or twice in the video. The content of this interview is golden, but the connection you have with your subjects in general brings out backstories and details that really puts the spotlight on these amazing people, working together for a common goal in the harshest environments imaginable. Fly Navy...

[@WardCarroll]

Thank you.

[@lawrencegaceta4839]

Amazing conversation!

[@davebeemer2834]

That was fun... Thanks! Noticed the Admiral wearing his brown shoes in civies. Glad to know the Admiral doesn't have a stylist! Go Navy!

[@timf6916]

I will say that, our Military enlisted people PULL THE LOAD. The Officers get the Glory but the EMs keep the wheels turning. YES we need to keep our aviator’s AND to take CARE of the workers. NO WORKERS no Glory for the Pilots. Our EMs get very little attention. And yes I was a EM, I did fly in a OH-6A in RVN for 19 months in 1969 to 1971. I have a DFC & over 50 AM with a V. Our Military fighting people are the BEST. I just hope they take care of the WORKERS. THIS IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD……..

[@realRainz]

It's Dep 9th. 2023 Air Boss is having his 2nd day of retirement! Thank you for your service to our country!

[@Andomaca1]

This was a fantastic interview. Great video 10/10

[@benjaminperez7328]

Good stuff, Mooch. Real brotherhood there in that closing handshake. Hope you all had fun at ‘Hook!

[@unclemikedoyle]

Sir, request you pass the following to the Air Boss: "Thanks for the interview, Sir. After hearing all the doom and gloom from outsiders, and the happy gas from the five-sided funny farm, it's a relief to hear from someone who knows what the hell they're talking about and shoots as straight as he can without crossing the bounds of OPSEC or public law. You've bolstered my faith in NavAir and the Navy side of the Navy/Marine Corps Team. Fair winds, Sir. Semper Fi." And thanks for what you do, Sir. I'd've never heard about this if you weren't out there doing what you do.

[@PrimarchX]

There were no publicly-released panels from the last Tailhook. Or if there were, I never found them! Glad to see your coverage!

[@fntsmk]

BZ Adm. Whitesell! Fair winds and following seas to you Admiral, on your upcoming retirement.

[@mikedell3144]

I was in VF-142 (Ghostriders) from 1987-1991 serving as the QA chief, Maintenance control chief, and finally as the maintenance chief. VADM Whitesell was a junior officer along with ADM Aquilino; both were outstanding officers who went on to have illustrious Naval careers. Good luck in your retirement VADM Whitesell. VF-142 was an outstanding squadron that produced (that I served with) 3 two star admirals, one 3 star admiral, one 4 star admiral, and a host of captains.

[@peterciszewski1034]

As an American who grew up behind the "Iron Curtain", it never ceases to amaze me how unique and powerful our professional culture is: Here is a Vice-Admiral (3 stars) talking with a Commander, with four ranks separating the two. Yet, they are shooting the shit, and talking openly about the good, the bad and the ugly in front of the entire world, on KZbin! That is unthinkable in "the East" where hierarchies are rigid and information is always held close to the chest. This is one of our cultural traits that makes our country strong!

[@peterciszewski1034]

@brianjohnson8745 A beautiful story, thank you for sharing! It is easy to take this culture for granted here in the US - it is not the norm world wide!

[@pinverarity]

Undemocratic countries always think diversity & openness are weaknesses. In fact, they are the necessary preconditions for a genuine meritocracy.

[@vivek27789]

True...But there is also the fact they are former colleagues and old friends.

[@peterciszewski1034]

@@vivek27789 Yes, that is a factor. However in the cultures I refer to 1) it'd be less likely for them to be friends, and 2) even if they were, the Admiral would hesitate to demonstarte it in public and speak so openly. In some societies the hierarchy is everything - it is the source of power and influence as opposed to competence. Those two men can speak openly because they are both competent and therefore respect one another. That is the cultural strength I referred to.

[@vivek27789]

@@peterciszewski1034 Actually Ward/Mooch was senior to Vice Admiral Whitesell when they were both in service together and before Mooch retired after 20 years of service in Navy.

[@The08450]

THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE SUPER HORNET IS AS BIG A STAR AS THE TOMCAT!!!!!!!

[@georgesykes394]

To speak as such is Blasphemy!

[@kevinphillips9408]

Wonderful one on one interview. So informative. Thank you

[@jackreacher.]

Leave the place better than you found it. Atta Boy.

[@markpettit1056]

This man represents the best of American character. Thank you for your leadership.

[@ronfontenot4534]

Another very informative conversation.

[@paulgriffith3549]

Great stuff guys. Thanks.

[@johncreedon2472]

Great stuff Mooch! Thank you Sir.

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

good news all positive great to hear

[@thomaskroyer3468]

I hope what Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitese now from Sept. become more available (and to fight boredom😊) can become a very welcomed anchor on the Mooch show more often, -the "Mooch Air boss deep Intel" with specialty on AI/UAV's in the future of Military Aviation, well it's coming fast in civilian Aviation too.

[@greg5023]

In June, the Enlistment Bonus for the Nuclear Power Program was raised to $50,000 with additional payments taking it to $75K. Reenlistment bonus is still $100K. It must be the worst job in the service.

[@Wickhaven1]

No, just bigger money waiting on the outside…

[@Fowlgun]

Thank you for your service Air Boss and enjoy your retirement!

[@riggodrill]

This video should have more views. Great information presented within.

[@riggodrill]

Great interview. Fascinating.

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Love watching the Navy and Air Force jets zipping down the Sidewinder route in the Owens Valley California. They also like buzzing the cars and trucks on hwy 395.

[@crice4148]

great interview, shared a lot about current capabilities. good to hear they are addressing the issue of overworking the super hornets.

[@captainamerica3814]

Admiral Whitesell, Thank you for your service. Enjoy your retirement.

[@danielmeegan6259]

Thankyou both excellent

[@cojaxart8986]

Thank you.

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks, Mooch

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks for watching!

[@texhaines9957]

@@WardCarroll I do for every post. My son is active duty Navy.

[@colintraveller]

Would love to a Carrier grace the Firth of Clyde off Gourock with her appearance . It's been 40 yrs or more since an America Carrier last sailed into Scottish waters USS Midway CV 41

[@frankhollein7093]

No LHA or LHD references for future air platforms. I think the ability to use the vertical fighers is a game changer. Everyone looks at the CV's as the big prize, but don't forget about the rest.

[@georgesykes394]

Love The Gator Navy.

[@JackWaldbewohner]

Well done Ward!!!!

[@richardmcgirr4057]

Thanks!

[@WardCarroll]

Thanks for the support, Richard!

[@Mr_D555]

Interesting comment on the VRC to VRM concept. I did VRC back in the 90's so I'm very in tune on how that works.

[@99Racker]

For decades now we have watched naval bases on the west coast in particular dry up and go away. This includes areas in WW2 were used to build ships. Our country has gave up a lot of capabilities. I spent time on the Queen Mary in Long Beach a year ago. I was stationed at MB, US Naval Base, Long Beach years ago and to see (or not see) those loss of capabilities there is sad. The same goes to the Mare Island area. We should reexamine naval and shipping support sustainability. Good interview.

[@schism6600]

I wish I still lived in fernley I would have volunteered to be you camera operator. Love your videos ward and I hope you have a safe/fun stay in the Reno Sparks area

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

You had me thinking that the Admiral had passed away by the title of this video. No worry's, Thanks for the great video!

[@ron.7105]

Proud to of been in their squadron, vf101 F14 side, 1975-1979.

[@robertdeforge6871]

Well done, Mooch!

[@archiehenderson2744]

Outstanding too you both. 🇺🇸⚓️

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks guy's

[@Tacticaldave1]

Great post Commander!

[@noahway13]

We need more organizations to tap the volunteers /retired guys who would like to keep their foot in the door. It would be a win/win.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@WardCarroll]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

It's not about equipment. It about people!

[@hoghogwild]

4:55 "Nimitz is going to get extended for her life, because we got enough tron still left in the tank." Tron? Nice interview Mooch.

[@airframer4life672]

As an FDNF current ground officer, I always know that Sailors will accomplish our mission. We need to look harder at our maintenance training pipeline. The classes are not rigorous enough. They are more like seminars in that no one fails. If we want to make NECs mean something, then we need random question tests. I would like a video on Ready Relevant Learning because the detailers controlling the money for NECs means Sailors must pass to fulfill orders and this is a tremendous problem.

[@bobwampler3387]

End of an era.