The Real Truth About the A-6 Intruder Partial Ejection

Rear Admiral "Nasty" Manazir talks about his role in saving an A-6 Intruder attack aircraft after the bombardier/navigator was partially ejected due to a seat malfunction.
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[@robinfoster-jw1ei]

I was the LPO of the EOD Det On that cruise. We got the call on the incident from the Air Boss to prepare a response. ??? I briefed the team, pulled the pub on the Martin Baker seat (micro fitch), and called the maintenance chief to send us their best seat guy. Two of my guys went to work on an RSP (render safe procedure) while my OIC went to the Air Boss, and I went to the flight deck to brief the crash crew. As I got there, a corpsman showed up, and we worked up how to respond to a successful trap. This all in less than 15 minutes. I went to flight deck control to brief the Handler, on the plan. He called the air boss and unless they had a better plan, this was what was going to happen. The seat. During the negative g maneuver, the part that holds the seat in place failed. The seat started to rise on its rail. The lanyard that functions the droug (sic) gun did its thing and punched through the canopy. The droug chute did its job and puled the main chute out. That inflated and blew up fouling the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The BN did not go for the long ride because the chut (main) caused the seat to cock reward and jam in place. None of the other explosive devices functioned. Most importantly the seat gun (moves the seat out of the cockpit) and the rocket motor which does the rest. Most importantly, if the pilot needed to eject, he would have to go through the canopy. The plan. When the plane traps, the plane capitan holds the plane where it stops, chocks and chains. Shut down engines. Crash crew moves in and cuts the BN from his harness. Cervical collar goes on, and out he goes into a stokes litter, the medics take over. A tug moves in and hooks up, chocks and chains come off, and the plane moves to the dearm area. The pilot stays in the plane. Ejection of the canopy moves it to the rear instead of up. Opps. There is a seat in the way. Pilot briefed to eject though the canopy is bad things happen. What might that be? who the hell knows. we're winging it the whole time. Back to the seat. My guys are going to conduct an untested RSP. All RSPs are classified. 1. Safe the seat gun 2. Safe the rocket motor. Keven McAfee, is my go-to guy. He climbs onto the canopy and goes headfirst to gain access to the underside of the seat. I read the procedures and pass tools. The pilot just hangs out. Naps, hail Mary's, who knows, we were busy. Step one complete. "Kev, you ok to continue?". " Pulling me out is a bad idea." Step 2 complete. Keven, " Miller time, but you'll have to pull me out." I bought the beer in Singapore. Next morning I'm headed to the shop when see this guy walking towards me, the looks like he went 1 round with Mike Tyson. It's LT Gallagher. "Good morning sir, Happy birthday". Thomas Foster HTC (EOD) (Ret).

[@Gunbudder]

i'd be all the way up the ass of everyone involved in manufacturing and maintaining the part that failed. pulling negative g's seems like a common use case and having such a critical part fail is insane to me

[@MrTsquared030]

Everytime I see or read about this incident, I'm astounded that it ended so well. Kudos to all involved!

[@davidsmith8997]

Totally!

[@ricksampson6780]

@@davidsmith8997 Absolutely!

[@standingbear6108]

Murphy is always present. Sometimes things end up going snake eyes.. other times murphy says. ok thats just enough pucker factor.

[@Just_Mark]

This day still haunts me. I was a young ‘Aardvark’ Avionics tech on the flight deck that day. It all happened so quick! Within like a minute, planes were moved out of the landing area and the ship was turned. He was right there, so close that I could instantly see Lt Gallagher sticking out of the canopy as the plane approached the ship. The way he flopped in the wind, I thought he was dead. It was a miracle that the jagged glass of the canopy didn’t cut him in half! But the man upstairs was looking out for him that day. His parachute had wrapped around the tail, keeping his body from moving forward and probably saved his life. Watching that changed me forever.

[@papatonysworkshop6584]

I was there as well, I was an AT2 final checker with VAQ-135 Black Ravens. VA-95 was our Sister Squadron.

[@andrewvenor8035]

I was on the Lincoln as well when that happened. To this day that was the most amazing landing that I ever saw.

[@willpugh8865]

Bros can we take a minute to appreciate that theres 2 of you on the same ship at the same time on the same youtube comment thread - and for all 3 of your service

[@steveschierholz5272]

I was there also VF213 I was an Ame2. The earth pigs (VF114) was our sistèr squadron. Remember while in port Hong Kong or Singapore someone pulled the canopy jettison handle?

[@papatonysworkshop6584]

@@steveschierholz5272 Ah, The" Black Lions" ! I remember on work ups, a couple of other Trouble shooters, Plane Captains and myself being hosted by VF 213 in 1990. We were sent down from Whidbey to recover our aircraft, refuel, turnaround and send them to the Lincoln. Then we were suppost to COD out to the ship. Ended up getting bumped for about a week and missed half of the 2 week work up. Spenjing it in Miramar. They put us up in the TARPS workcenter.

[@Tuffpaddy03]

Listen to how calm Nasty is under pressure! Remarkable self control. Exactly the kind of guy you want in that kind of a situation

[@fredwerza3478]

Definitely don't want the "apoplectic" LSO trainee running the show at that moment LOL

[@GMaragos123]

I was on vulture's row on the Lincoln when this happened. As the video mentions, the bombardier’s arms were fully extended to the side as the plane landed. From where I was standing on the 04 level, it looked almost as though he were conscious and gesturing for everybody on the flight deck to make room for them as they landed. Of course, when the trap was successful and his body remained motionless, I knew better. He remained in his partially ejected seat for quite a while, still motionless, and I began to think that he had probably died. He had been rendered unconscious from the sheer force of the buffeting he received from the wind traveling over his head and torso. For certain, some oxygen was still reaching his brain, but his lungs probably weren’t providing him with enough oxygen to keep him conscious-which is certainly understandable, since breathing in and out with a 550 knot wind smacking you in the face is like trying to drink water from a fire hose. The fact that this freak accident didn’t end in tragedy is testimony to the remarkable professionalism of everybody on duty, both on the flight deck, and in the pilot house. I was a mere observer who had the privilege of witnessing a miracle. Taking off and landing in a jet on the deck of a moving ship is a very dangerous and unnatural act under the best of circumstances. I've never personally cared for flying of any sort--civilian or military, so I was quite content to be a part of the ship’s company and stay below, where I belonged. Navy flyers are a breed apart from all the rest, and they seem to absolutely love what they do, despite the risks involved. I will always admire their bravery.

[@scooter748driver9]

Mark Baden (callsign Master) and I flew together as instructors in VT-7 in 92-93 and I got to hear about this incident first hand. Just an amazing piece of flying and coordination from both the pilot and LSO. Bravo Zulu!

[@av8rgrip]

Me too, 93-96, he was my neighbor. His BN's Birthday and Masters 100th trap if I remember correctly. So many ways the BN could have died.

[@bbbb98765]

"Master" Baden 😀 You guys are brutal

[@av8rgrip]

@@bbbb98765 now you know the secret of callsigns. They aren’t what people think. You will find that Navy fighter and attack pilots have some of the thickest skin out there. Just like SERE school, there are far worse things that we could face than what our buddies say about us. Anyone who objects in even the smallest way about their callsign has just cemented it in stone, unless of course a “better” one takes its place. Doesn’t happen often as a callsign usually follows you for a career or lifetime. I still have guys call me by my callsign. Been retired for close to 10 years. And god forbid you try to change it yourself.

[@dan725]

His callsign though omg 😂

[@KutWrite]

He got at least an Air Medal, right?

[@keresztesbotond740]

"From where I was he was high all along" What a god damn legend :D

[@jhudson8124]

I was there... I was the operator of the P-16 with the crash and salvage team that first respond after touch down... The images in my head still haunt me to this day. Thank you so much for this documentary, it helps give me some closure... Well Done Sir!

[@DRAGONSLAYER1220]

One of the most amazing parts of this story is how cool & professional the communications sound. Just amazing work in a high stress situation.

[@jasonnordgren1844]

I thought exactly the same thing. Cool as a cucumber in a highly stressful situation. I'm not surprised given how much our naval aviators train, but I'm still very impressed.

[@henrivanbemmel]

That's the 'Right Stuff' in action!

[@ronchesley6290]

Lt. Gallagher's humor in the face of such a harrowing near death experience epitomizes the character of military aviators. I salute you, sir! 🙋‍♂

[@dennishayes65]

The BN was flight again after 1 1/2 years of recuperation. Tough US Naval Aviation Officer! I was an A-6 plane captain back in 1973 to 1975.

[@albertsmith9315]

I was USAF Egress, and when this happened and we got the message traffic, all of us that worked Martin Baker seats knew exactly what happened. As the seat moves up the rail (normally ballistic during ejection) it pulls a pin to fire the drogue gun which deploys the drogue chute. That is what was entangled in the tail. In the Air Force we had a fatal incident in an F-4 where the back seater was pulled through the plexiglas after the seat moved up during negative Gs and the drogue gun fired. That seat was not fully locked to the catapult, which should have been confirmed during maintenance. That Navy aircrew was so lucky that the seat didn't continue its upward movement, probably because the chute went aft so quick.

[@bearowen5480]

Great technical perspective from someone who knows every detail of the Martin Baker seat system inside and out. Well done, and thank you sincerely for your service from one who trusted your expertise ffor over 1,400 hours of flight time in the A-6 and the F-4!

[@JoshWalker1]

Or because they were doing a pos/neg shake not a sustained negative pull. But in any case, “oh, holy shit” was my virgin reaction to reading your comment, before adding to it.

[@jameshisself9324]

Well explained, thanks Albert for that and your service.

[@REDMAN298]

I was in VMFA 235 F-4 squadron at KMCAS. We lost our XO when his left wing folded on take off. The RIO ejected but the XO didn`t get out and was killed from sudden stoppage. The F-4 was upright in the water facing where it came from after the crash. Rumor was that seat shop put a cartridge in backwards. This was in 1973 or so.

[@johnnunn8688]

But why did the drogue come out early? IOW, why didn’t the whole ejection sequence continue?

[@theejectionsite1038]

My mentor who was former MB rep for SEA during the conflict there at the time of this mishap was running mishap investigations on egress systems for the USAF explained to me the top latch window (a square hole in the top of the catapult tube that holds the seat in the aircraft unless you are ejecting or removing for maintenance) failed due to fatigue. This occurred during the negative G push and the seat lifted up the rails far enough to pull the trip-rod for the drogue gun. The gun fired and punched the drogue out of the canopy which extracted the seat partway. when the TRM released the drogue shackle the drogue pulled the recovery chute out and streamed it back hanging up on the tail surfaces. In no way did the seat fire or eject. All cartridges except for the drogue gun were still intact. He was very specific on that.

[@fredwerza3478]

I'm glad you explained that in detail --- seemed odd to have a "halfway" situation because I always thought ejections were 0 or 100 with no in-between

[@Clarkecars]

As a former Marine radio operator the A-6 is still my favorite. I served in the 1970s. It is an aggressive looking aircraft, it could deliver ordinance in bad weather and jam radar. I miss them not being flown anymore. When I lived in Georgia, the guys from AKTRON 205 "Green Flacons" were kind enough to give me some patches and and a ballcap. This story is amazing I had no idea such a thing could occur.

[@byronharano2391]

OORAH Marine!

[@ericcartrette6118]

My Dad was a 10-year Navy man (1959-1969). He served on the USS Essex during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the USS Constellation when the Mattox and C Turner Joy were fired upon by the North Vietnamese. He passed away in 2007 from cancer. I have his cruise books and recognize a couple of the squadrons on the plaques in your video from the Constellation in the '60's. He would have loved your channel. I am a 3-year Army veteran.

[@jg3nius135]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@ericcartrette6118]

@@jg3nius135 cancer is a ruthless killer.

[@danielvogel5252]

Small world... my father (also RIP) was on the Wasp during the Crisis. Condolences

[@ericcartrette6118]

@@danielvogel5252 Scary times, for sure. Our Dads are probably kicked back somewhere discussing those events. My condolences to you as well.

[@GetOffMyLawn1970]

Not an aviator, but my Dad was on the USS Long Beach during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

[@mackasack]

I always loved the Intruder, ever since reading "Flight of the Intruder" when I was 12. :)

[@markthomas6436]

The movie is awesome, too. Loved the "Spad" doing an aileron roll after the rescue.

[@NightIntruderPL]

Just stopped here to say - hey bro! The very same here, only the movie instead of the book was the source of my love to A6s. What a remarkable machines they are!

[@timsparks7049]

I left VA-95 just before the start of workups for that deployment those guys were FNG just checking aboard the squadron. I got chills listening to the audio tape. Landing with a starboard wind is a big deal!

[@bearowen5480]

Yes, only those who have traps can imagine flying a life and death pass with a 30 knot crosswind component in the groove and your B/N sticking halfway out through a busted canopy and his chute fouling your rudder and affecting your aerodynamics! Totally harrowing!

[@flagmichael]

I can't imagine the complications the anything-but-clean aircraft introduced. The Brits are right: "worse things happen at sea."

[@wallyhannah8335]

My Dad served with VA-95 at Whidbey Island in the early 70’s,

[@davidkitson635]

Left VA-95 (The Green Lizards) in December ‘88. Our Skipper was fond of saying...you just can’t do it without a lizard 🦎.

[@timsparks7049]

@@davidkitson635 who was the skipper?

[@andrewfarrow4699]

A good friend of mine, now deceased had a partial ejection piloting a Hawker Sea Hawk. He was flying off carriers in British Fleet Air Arm in the 1950s. I wish I could remember the details he told me a few times. I could be wrong about a few details but I think it was 806 squadron flying off HMS Ocean and the thing just went bang but didn't go off properly and was still on the rails. He was well out of the cockpit but could just reach the controls to fly back and land on OK. He told me the SeaHawk was a pussycat to fly and easy to deck land. A real gentleman, his name was David Tressider and he went on to a long career captaining B747s for Quantas.

[@tkeuvelaar9689]

One of my friends ( Prowler LSO) was on the platform when this happened. He said he was pretty happy when CAG paddles showed up to take over.

[@robzilla60]

This is absolutely incredible. The B/N survived this mess due to the extreme teamwork from everyone involved from the Captain of the ship all the way down, sweet precision flying by the pilot, guidance by the LSO, and a ton of luck. Great example of how things can terribly go to absolute shit, and then have such a positive outcome. Big Bravo Zulu to everyone. Great video and (REAL!) scary sea story.

[@morganmeehan5199]

This is an event that has always fascinated me. To hear the story from the perspective of the LSO was fascinating and I really appreciate you putting it out.

[@kschultz9268]

I was an E-3 Plane Captain with VFA-22 and was on deck when this happened. It was an amazing recovery and a very surreal moment. I was proud to be in the Navy and Naval Aviation that day. Every body involved did their jobs with such professionalism. Good on the Admiral, all the LSOs, deck crew, and the pilot.

[@ronstewtsaw]

I cannot adequately express how amazing this is without profanity.

[@gonavy5965]

The seat malfunction was the top latch window on the ejection gun was cracked. That style of seat is basically held in the aircraft by a pin that goes through the top latch window on the gun. when they pulled negative Gs the seat slid up the rails and finished breaking the top latch window. Once it slid up it broke the canopy and fired off the drogue gun and deployed the drogue shoot. That was a miracle the BN survived and Pilot was able to get back on deck safe. After that event all the aircraft with the same type of ejection had to be inspected for cracks. I don't remember how many were damaged but there were others found. I think this and the guy who went down intake of an A-6 at full power on the cat and walked away were the 2 craziest things that happened during my time in the NAVY.

[@michaelchristensen5421]

I was in A-6's when this happened. I never knew the BN said about the pilot being high for the whole approach. The KA-6D were built in six different blocks. My squadron had four tankers and were in block IV, V, and VI. All the instruments were the same, they used different black boxes and they were also located in different panels in the plane. Which made learning the tankers as an AE a bit more difficult because nothing was standardized.

[@craigfoster3431]

I watched the landing from a large port window just behind the ship's bridge. After the landing, several corpsman and the ship's Senior Medical Officer were lifted to the canopy to evaluate the B/N before he was raised out of the cockpit and taken to medical. Keep in mind, this was all done while the B/N's ejection seat was considered 'live' with everyone close by having no idea if one of the remaining ejection charges could go off at any time. After that, the plane was towed by a tug and spotted on the starboard side of the flight deck forward of the island. I watched a mechanic force the canopy open with a huge crowbar so the pilot, LT Mark Baden, could finally get out of the A-6. Found out later in that evening the B/N survived the incident. In my 24 year active duty career, this was the most amazing thing I ever saw.

[@fredwerza3478]

That coulda been "messy" if that ejection charge went off on deck

[@AA-xo9uw]

Gallagher returned to the cockpit six months to the day after the incident.

[@userbosco]

This is a terrifying story! Can't believe I've never heard this before. Naval aviators, best on the planet! What an amazing story.

[@j0esmith]

Ward these videos are so well done, the edits, the cuts to relevant equipment, the ship hard over to port, every just absolutely top tier. You really do justice to these stories that deserve to be told and heard

[@JW-ot5zq]

Damn right. You can tell Ward is passionate about this stuff.

[@av8rgrip]

Mooch, you should track down Master and add his story. In case folks didnt notice. Since the chute had wrapped around the tail, a continued bail out or full ejection (seat was still hot), would not have been survivable. Had the chute not been wrapped around the tail holding him back, he would have been thrown forward into the sharp jagged plexiglass on landing as seat/man separation had occurred disconnecting the restraint system. From what I recall from Master, was that it was Keith's Birthday and Master's 100th Trap. What could possibly go wrong?

[@stephenrrose]

This seasoned Paramedic got goosebumps listening to this one! Great to hear it from someone that was there, Thank God for a good turnout! Thank you Ward for all you do and for your Service!

[@cade83642]

So much of what us paramedics and other high stress careers have to master is the game face. like a Duck on water perfectly calm and collected. But under the surface you may be coming unglued and flailing your feet under the surface where no one needs to know or see.

[@kenmarsh2668]

I was amazed when I first heard about this incident that the B/N survived but it reminded me of a dark night in early 1974 on work ups off Hawaii. I had just landed as the off going tanker (KA-6D) pilot and as I was getting out of the cockpit as a flash of light caught my eye. The sky lit up, it was a midair between the ongoing tanker, my squadron mates who just relieved me, and an F-4 Phantom, they always took 2000 lbs. after launching, amazingly all four survived. Three had long chute rides to the water but the B/N, my close friend, had a couple of swings before getting wet. And that’s another story. Ward thanks for your channel.

[@werewolf5674]

Outstanding hearing from the paddles. I remember when it happened. We wore out the copy of Approach that had the story. No one could believe he lived. Awesome job by his stick.

[@user-xv9py3sn3y]

I was on the USS MIDWAY, PR shop. Within minutes we heard this, one pilot came to us said basically us PRs will save them even without a full ejection. I'm glad the BN made it. Thank God

[@howegav]

An amazing story. Thanks Mooch for bringing it to us. The bravery and skill of those involved, is a story that deserves to be told.

[@Starphot]

I did maintenance on A-6 Intruders with VA-34 in the early 1970's On the USS JFK (CV-67). We had one splash on takeoff due to a cold-cat launch, coming out of JAX in 1975 during carrier quals. Both the pilot and BN ejected safely. Hearing from the LSO on this mishap put another perspective on the partial ejection. Thumbs up!

[@nathanpaquette877]

I also went aboard the JFK in Rota to see some Blue Blasters when we were going in and the JFKout only to return to join the Rosey later on.

[@perryvath7617]

I was in CATCC for this. Daytime, case I, mid-cycle. Everyone was ‘relaxed’ … then the call. I love working with professionals!

[@JW-ot5zq]

Nasty tells the story very well. Amazing how poised he was throughout. Definitely saved their lives.I was on the edge of my seat during the recovery video!!!

[@HectorRodriguez-ve4ps]

AO3 Rodriguez VF213. I was working cag arm dearm and had to approach the aircraft for dearming. One experience I will never forget. AO3

[@PcPete123]

Max skill, hours of training and experience allowed all involved to keep focused. Yet I'll never know how the communications were kept so cool, clear, controlled and precise. A great big well done.!.! These stories will inspire generations to be the best that they can and achieve better than could ever imagine.

[@tomf3969]

Good timing for this video. I'm reading Nasty's book right now and this is the chapter I just started.

[@robmorgan1214]

Between this and the cockpit free flight, it seems like we're pining for the Red Baron scarf and goggles days... I'll warn snoopy. Keeping cool under pressure! Great flying.

[@jeffreywolf8332]

Nasty was my XO on Vinson. Worked with him daily, and no matter how crazy things got, that was how he was - cool as the flip side of the pillow. Tremendous leader. Fat Pig Wednesdays!

[@mhopper9329]

I was on board the USS Lincoln (CVN-72) during this incident. It was the Lincolns First West Pac cruise. I got chills hearing the story from the CAG Paddles. I remember that day vividly.

[@williammrdeza9445]

That must have been exciting as hell for all those involved! So glad it turned out well in the end. Thank you for the deeper dive into this story Ward.

[@peterfinucane8122]

Reminds me of BEA Flight 5390 in the UK, about 30 years ago. Pilot partially sucked out of the aircraft and survived.

[@jsauginas]

Again, these stories are incredible. And it’s awesome to hear first hand from the people that were there and involved. I love this channel Ward!

[@tylerjackson2372]

Another great show! Thanks for getting all these amazing interviews! You’re help preserve Naval aviation history.

[@sarnieken]

KZbin, in their wisdom, dump an ad slap bang at the point where the footage shows the A6 passing over the Fantail. Another quality video though.

[@BigUziVert2190]

Thank you for putting explanations to all of the lingo/terms I wouldn’t understand. It’s really helpful as I don’t understand a lot of the aircraft carrier terminology. Great video ward!!

[@julianneale6128]

Absolutely fantastic. Everyone was extremely professional from beginning to end.

[@wayneroyal3137]

The professionalism that is displayed is beyond compare. What a great story. Keep ‘em coming!

[@JBHRN]

Nasty's book is absolutely excellent and a must read for anyone looking to become a leader. His story and career are just exceptional and his book does a great job of two things that are necessary for leadrship development... it shares experience and provides mentorship. Leadership is grown, not born or inate. Nasty make a great point, leaders need to remove barriers and offer support as a leader. Too often micro management undermines the goal of growing leaders to move forward and be ready for the next challenge. There are just so many good leadership stories in Nasty's book. In this story, Nasty is confident enough in what needs to be done that he tells the CO of a Nuclear aircraft carrier to steady out the heading... unless you have been in a sea service, no tells the CO what to do. Nasty's book is an absolute must read... Ward. thanks for bringing this story forward. Cool side note here... Master, who was the pilot, was a graduate of USMMA, where I also went to school. Keep up the great work Ward. John Hall

[@craig9802]

An astounding story, and glad to hear that the BN recovered and returned to service. A true badass. Just finished Punk's War, with Nasty's book waiting on the desk and the other Punk books inbound. Thanks for the great stories with your friends and mentors!

[@keithgraham6889]

Incredible story! An excellent presentation! Even after being involved in a midair with an A6-e with my crop duster, 4/14/93 near Colfax, Wa. I was sad to see them retired.

[@janjacobs5690]

Great video, Mooch. BZ. Was surprised and pleased to see one of my photos toward the end of the piece (VA-145 KA-6D was taken by me from a VF-21 Phantom during Ranger's 1974 cruise);. Keep up the great work. Jan Jacobs Phantom and Tomcat RIO

[@timme9206]

What an amazing story...again. Thanks for sharing this great stuff with us, Sir 👍🏻

[@ericbruscoe5956]

Nasty is about as chill and smooth as they come on the mic ... Just hearing his voice as he guided him like nothing was wrong must have been so reassuring for the pilot..well done sir and thank you for all you have done to keep us safe.

[@billroettgen7099]

One hell of a sea story. Perfect execution on demand - wow. Loved the family photo also. Thanks Mooch..

[@guyk2260]

Awesome story , glad everyone walked away , thank you both .

[@pdoherty]

This story is amazing each time I hear it retold. Thanks for your service Admiral and Ward. PR2 71-75

[@alkitzman9179]

Thanks Ward for putting this out. I wasn't aware of this incident until this morning.. Its amazing Lt. Gallagher survived and what a great job by the pilot Mark Baden and LSO Manazir . You do a great job on your channel with various Military subjects. Thank You

[@johncentamore1052]

I remember reading the Approach article on this. One of those stories that sticks with you. Was amazing all the things that went RIGHT in the chain to come to a positive outcome.

[@Agnemons]

I remember a case where a BOAC flight had an explosive decompression of the cockpit on climb out. The Captain had just released his harness when the cockpit window blew out. The Captain was sucked out the window. The only thing that stopped him going out completely was that his legs, bent at the knee, were hooked on the upper window frame. The flight engineer grabbed his feet and held him there while they performed an emergency return. Apparently, he flew again.

[@Tacticaldave1]

Another great post Commander! Amazing the B/N survived. Complete with the parachute wrapped around the tail. US Navy carrier-based pilots truly are the best in the world.

[@46bovine]

As a black shoe who served on two carriers, that was an incredible incident. Great interview and video. Thank you, Mr. Carroll.

[@markh7430]

Thank you - I was hoping you might eventually do a video on this event. I had read about it decades ago when I was still in the USNR.

[@drdoolittle5724]

You Guys have always been THE BEST, what the Royal Navy calls, The Senior Service!

[@johndemeritt3460]

WOW! I never heard of this incident -- that was AMAZING! Good job to EVERYONE involved!

[@ronsilva4615]

This is awesome! Great job for everyone involved in this.

[@drs4649]

Three thumbs up to you and the admiral for a look at performance under pressure. Amazing! 👍👍👍

[@jameshisself9324]

Well done Nasty, on the wave and the story. Well done as usual to Ward for more great content.

[@fasst45072]

I feel like I vaguely remember my entire deployments, this fella remembers the exact drink and sandwich he had that day 30 something years ago. Military Aviators have absolutely astounding recall memory

[@booc5725]

Love your interviews Sir! Keep them coming!!

[@ChrisGilliland-te3yh]

Great story, sincerely appreciate your service, Mr. Carroll & Mr. Manazir V/r

[@dgb681]

Wonderful interview, I’ve always been fascinated by this story.

[@musicmanfelipe]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this one. Fascinating story.

[@iBeMar_]

Love the A6, would love more stories about the men and women who flew them. Thank you Mr. Ward for the great content as always :)

[@timsullivan4566]

Astonishingly detailed account. Fascinating story - thanks, Ward.

[@craigbowie8925]

Absolute heroes all. Pilot, BN, LSO, Captain, Helm, Medics.

[@ronnieam33]

Served with "Nasty" in the early 90's in VF-1 at NAS Miramar onboard the USS. Ranger. Awesome guy!

[@calarndt]

Nice interview Ward! Thanks.

[@SbrGrendel65]

That’s just amazing just shows how good the Military MOS are trained. I’m sure that situation never was drilled tor. But it might be something they did after. Paddles was a hero along with the Pilot. Bombardier is tough as nails!

[@mikeoreilly4020]

I flew commercially for almost 30 years, and I can tell you just how incredibly important it is to have a calm, confident voice, like that of Admiral Manazir, on the other end of the comm, when the s_it hits the fan. Wonderful job.

[@465maltbie]

Amazing, so glad to see this out in the open and saved for all to see. I can only try to imagine all the thoughts in that pilots head...Charles

[@nelson5612]

Glad to see Mr. Manazir, I was on the IKE 11-14 when we did a back to back deployment. He was always energetic, always coming up with crazy ideas how to keep his crew up, we were tired but never beaten.

[@capetownwild]

You both tell great stories. Keep up the nice work.

[@wileybird69]

Love hearing stories like these!! Thank you👍

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

I've heard of this incident before. Awesome to have someone who was there.

[@RL-170]

Wow. I was a plane Captain on a A-6 Intruder with VA -145 during Vietnam. Sure glad everyone survived and was ok.

[@jeffe5367]

remarkable poise and focus. what an amazing story.

[@tsechejak7598]

Damn i envy that paddle’s calmness! Wow smooth and cool voice the whole time!! Gives me chills hearing it! God Bless all involved! This was about the time the intruders were nearing retirement, the attack version at least i believe were leaving squadrons in large numbers in 92 totally retired from attack wings by 96 unless im wrong on that

[@johnnolen8338]

Looking back on it, some events make me almost glad I didn't get my wings. This is one 'em. Great job, Nasty. 👍

[@ntcrwler]

Stories like these.. Unbelievable and amazing. And I agree with what other's said about staying calm under pressure. This would definitely be a moment to test one's nerves!

[@RandDCustoms2]

Wow what a story! So happy everyone was all good!

[@whiplash8277]

Great story and outstanding work by the finest America has to offer. Thank you to all who serve.

[@Jeremiah_Johnson139]

Ward has SO many crazy stories on this channel! I thought the F-14 with the nose-cone that came off and smashed the canopy was bad! This one is amazing that this guy not only survived, but was in pretty good shape as well!

[@joegalambos]

Great episode , Ward. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@rickyt11]

Thanks once again for a great video interview. I just noticed one of you wall plaques, VF-143 "Puking Dogs." USS Enterprise 1971 to 1974 - North Vietnam, Yankee Station.

[@AA-xo9uw]

No "g" in Pukin'

[@Dinops907]

Ward.....Thanks for the Flashback Picture at the end... VA-145 "Swordsman"...USS RANGER...i was an ABH-3...V-1/Fly-1...directed that Tanker many many times

[@rab61au]

An awesome day’s work. An astounding improvement - looks mint.