Why Navy Pilots HATE This Aerial Refueling Tanker

[@kevinw8593]

The Bob Ross of the Skies

[@agapeeternal]

I didn’t even think of it that way but he really is

[@diggler64]

with a pair of aim9x

[@kevinw8593]

@@agapeeternal His voice is just smooooth like butter

[@agapeeternal]

@@kevinw8593 I loved when he said that 😂 but his voice really is. I can always watch them when I’m feeling down.

[@jpturner171]

So true brother!

[@davemoore6690]

"Enjoy your per-diem and your long runways," classic Navy smack! Well done, Sir!

[@GrowlerJams]

😎

[@aikibend]

The hotels were nice! Thank you for leaving the drogue, beautifully done! Man those things were heavy, it is so weird to see it flip to the right on disconnect…The speed and forces briefly visualized in that quarter second.

[@CMDRSweeper]

Dos Gringo's song "I want to take off from a carrier" is the other side being equally "smacky"

[@karlchilders5420]

@@aikibend You know why it does this, yes? The slipstream catches that thing and it is a cone, so it wants to be "straight" behind the probe. As soon as the forward pressure is removed, it wants to go "Aft" and straight out behind that probe. Been there, done that many times in a legacy hornet. We used to LOOOOOOVVE the KA-6. The KC-135, not so much. The KC-10 was not bad to tank behind as well.

[@drewrubtheMando]

Was at an air show years ago and got to take a walkthrough of the upper cargo area of a KC-130. Plane's flight crew were taking questions so I asked how far could they fly with a full load of fuel onboard and not needing to refuel anyone. Pilot looks at us (me) and deadpans, "I can take off from Kansas City and land in California (pauses for about 5 seconds) ... flying East." Entire bay of civilians busts out laughing. Best line ever.

[@barrygrant2907]

My longest flight--as "cargo"--was 11-1/2 hours.

[@tonymorris4335]

@@barrygrant2907 That's not that impressive these days, I just took an Airbus A350 flight back from Asia to the US that was 14.5 hours. The efficiency of modern engines is impressive for long haul flights.

[@barrygrant2907]

@@tonymorris4335 It's pretty impressive in 1981 for a 1950s aircraft with old water-burning J-57s.

[@Jamez3l]

I saw one of those ski equipped hercs that said it CC went from New Zealand to Hawaii on one tank, and went from Hawaii to Colorado Springs no stops. Hawaii to Colorado was 11 hours according to a crew member.

[@kenclark9888]

Upper cargo area of a KC-130? Only one ?

[@NecrOdium]

As an old KC-135R crew chief, I approve of this video

[@SanDiegoHarry1]

Water Wagon CC here. I'm with ya.

[@herbh9348]

The constant detailed narrative is surreal. You really put us in the cockpit with all the nuisances of your flight is amazing. For people that will never get the pleasure & demands of flying in an F18, I personally thank you for inviting us into your cockpit for a quick flight. I'm glad I found you on KZbin, huge fan!! Thanks Growler...

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@longtimepittsowner5589]

The intricate detail of even thoughts at the moment includes cognitive decisions on just what to do at a given “moment”; to build that in to memory takes repeated actions in order to accomplish this=Experience

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

errrr ...sir ? ..."nuisances"?? ...you mean "nuances"!? Cheers.

[@N989JT]

Well said!

[@agapeeternal]

These voice overs are honestly so interesting to me. Thank you for taking the time to do this. ❤

[@GrowlerJams]

Sure thing.

[@m118lr]

..awesome stuff. Man, I love ‘em. The dude is SO ‘passive’ sounding..BUT you KNOW he’s got it by the Ying-Yang!😊

[@aubreylanglinais3538]

You beat me too it

[@brianjones4026]

Yeah love this channel, what a Thrill to experience this !

[@markherring3513]

Dude..that sun is RIGHT in your eyes.

[@GrowlerJams]

Yeah...makes it tough!

[@RicCrouch]

It always is. First rule of air refueling. :(

[@Cat-Branchman]

There are tons of carrier ops videos out there. The way you narrate yours are like "Im in the plane learning the evolution from you." As an instrument student I can't explain how calm and smooth you sound and how lucky your students must be to have you. Thank you for your time in making these, your service and letting me hitch a ride at the top tier of aviation!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers.

[@steviewonder9209]

Pail is the Bob Ross of USN aviation!

[@glennparker2124]

As a former navigator on KC-135's in the 1980's, I've seen quite a few refuelings from the boom pod but this gives a whole new perspective........especially with your excellent voice-overs. Thanks for sharing. Lots of tiny stick, rudder and throttle..........and a ton of concentration.

[@Berend-ov8of]

Don't forget the wiggling of fingers and toes, very important to stay relaxed.

[@glennparker2124]

…..and one’s own signature move, very important!! 😊

[@riogrande5761]

My father, who died in 2020 at age 90, was a navigator aboard KC97s, KC-135s, as well as C-133's and C141s. He retired after 22 years in 1973.

[@rogerramjet8369]

There's something ridiculously therapeutic about these videos. Thanks.

[@baomao7243]

Refueling ASMR

[@BonnieCassler-dx6sd]

And his voice❤

[@gerrylg1219]

I agree with "therapeutic". Very professional voice.

[@benp3627]

Pail these voice overs are next level. For those of us that don’t know all of the intricate details of flight and these maneuvers/procedures, these voice overs are absolutely fantastic. I appreciate all the effort that goes into this. Thank you thank you. I love the patented “signature move.”

[@jimhaskell]

As a retired KC-135R Boom Operator, we didn't like the 'Iron Maiden' either. It's a remnant of the SAC era. I flew 5 Provide Promise missions in Feb-Mar '93. All Drogue. There were times I was as nervous as the receiver pilot. Some of them were real cowboys. But, all of us landed safely with no parts missing from either aircraft.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS.

[@johnshackford]

What base. We may have crossed path . I supported the Provide promise provide Hope missions out of Incirlik in 93 early winter time frame remember because we were still in the tents and our alarm clock was the AWACS and EF-111 taking off off at 4AM. btw MY LAST FLIGHT AS A 135 CREW CHIEF WAS ADROGUE MISSION HITTING F-18 from Miramar. And yes we did get a hard disconnect on one of those sorties took the entire drogue and hose.

[@baremetalmafia]

US maintainers didn’t like them either.

[@johnshackford]

@@baremetalmafia Drogues were easy peasy don't know why so many 135 guys didn't like them. I'd rather have the Iron Maiden than having to deal with MPRS drogue pods.

[@baremetalmafia]

@@johnshackford I went to MPRS class in the UK (it’s a Brit pod on the 135s that have them) and learned about them. U are right that they are dogshit but they are far less disruptive to the MX cycle and the flying schedule. If we had a drogue bird go down hard we had to swap to hit the line for the day. If they had all been MPRS it wouldn’t have cause any special change. But yah the pods themselves were garbage.

[@davidprice7231]

I recently discovered Pail. Wow! This is gripping viewing. The asmr cool, confident, competent without bravado or ego. The detail is the mark of a professional at the top of his game. More please!❤

[@GrowlerJams]

Welcome, Davis. New video Saturday. Best one yet. Check out the community tab. Cheers!

[@jonhayes9223]

Another great video. From a former boom, it was always difficult resisting the temptation to assist the receiver pilots in maintaining that sweet spot. Always cool to see the receivers perspective too.

[@jacobpalmer9247]

Here I am sitting at home white knuckling it through a video, even though the calm voiceover explains the procedure.

[@Mak10z]

Indeed, nothing but respect. that racetrack turn was nerve wracking.

[@chrisxx3594]

This videos are next level. It's so interesting to see the day-to-day work of a fighter pilot instead of the usual "dogfights" clips. Thanks !

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks. New Jam coming out Saturday. Stay tuned. I hope you like it.

[@jasonstruthers1015]

As an aviation enthusiast, I sincerely appreciate your channel.

[@Redbirdstol]

As someone who flies for fun, and does forms for fun as an air to air photo pilot and photographer, I found myself locking onto where you were on the boom, as if I was in your seat. My neck feels for ya. I love these videos. Shows just how technical forms can be.

[@sstrick500]

As if that refueling isn't challenging enough..."Lets turn!"

[@randallhunt9170]

Why can't they just fly straight while connected?

[@SVSky]

@@randallhunt9170 think about how far you fly going 350 knots? The tanker needs to be in a predictable area.

[@Pow3llMorgan]

And just for kicks, lets do it flying into the sun!

[@gcflower99]

At 6:00, I was certain that Bob Ross had entered the chat. Great video...thank you for your service to our great country!

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@mrgone658]

I got to ride on a KC-10 a long time ago and watch another one come up behind us and take on some fuel. It was an intense maneuver, but this right here is whole other level of intensity.

[@etarheel1]

Plausable deniability, subtle but detectable humor! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 that was informative and hilarious! ❤

[@GrowlerJams]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PeteVA-212]

Tanking 50 years ago was probe and drouge basket from another A-4 or an A-3. This is a revelation to me the ole guy. thanks for sharing the technique. I am impressed!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@edf.847]

you don't realize how difficult this maneuver really is, great description an video

[@rickysneaks7424]

Holy crap! That's bonkers! The explanation makes precision so much more paramount. All you pilots should be seriously proud. What you're doing is freaking fascinating! 🤙

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@gusviera3905]

Shit hot, Pail! Hanging on the hose for 10+ minutes straight, through two turns, and not moving more than a meter from your contact point. Respect, man. Go Navy. Fly Navy. Of course, doing it in a USAF 4-engine transport (the C-141 was what I used) with a UARRSI on top and a galley is much easier (grin). And we would have offloaded approx 100,000 lbs in that time. AIM HIGH-FLY U.S. AIR FORCE. Thanks for the vids. Let's everyone see what it takes. And thanks for your service, brother. Cheers.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@reggierico]

Alaska ANG. Great job staying in position. Although I'm Air Force with conventional boom/receptacle, we refueled mostly at night and low, around 10,000 feet. We also did a lot of no comm, no lights for our rendezvous's and refueling operations. Man, that was an outstanding post and I'm sending it to my son, Alex, who is a Souix City ANG pilot finishing up a 90 day deployment to Guam. He'll like your 135 history brief. Really well done and very awesome hardly noticeable signature move!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@katjack1966]

Very Nice! I've never cheered so much for a "U", lol!!! "Give me a U, give me a U, Yes"! 🎉 Thank you so much. A true pleasure hearing your Voiceovers. Fly Navy ❤

[@katjack1966]

Just wanted to leave a couple of notes. After enjoying your vids so much I find myself "wiggling my fingers & toes" when I feel anxious 😊 Thank you it really helps!

[@katjack1966]

Also The US Navy Blue Angels have arrived here for the MCAS Air Show this weekend in Beaufort, SC. Really Excited !

[@MikeMacYT]

Got a chance while in AFROTC, to watch over the boom operator's shoulder while he was refueling a B-52. It was a few years before I got behind a stick, and was something I'll never forget. Some nice flying there, brother!

[@gerrylg1219]

Did I understand correctly that naval aviators have the biggest refueling phalluses in the U.S. military aviation services? 😮 What amazed me was the amazing control aviators must have to succeed in refueling aircraft without damaging anything (or physically harming themseves). Admirable skills and discipline, sir!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Cooper_013]

Iron Maiden’s were the bane of my existence, anytime during brief they told us that’s what we were getting, I just sunk in my seat. Back and shoulders always killed after going off these. Never got used to em and always tensed up.

[@tomadams2547]

Another outstanding job with the voiceover! Love the way you added some history of the KC-135. Keep up the good work and thank you for your insights.

[@mike.47]

I’m in awe of your physical and mental ability, to concentrate so hard while manoeuvring the aircraft. I’ve tried doing this on my flight sim and as yet have failed miserably. Great video. 😎

[@brianmorg]

Channeling your inner “Bob Ross” with the “little bit of power!”

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@gwhunter07]

Its interesting to see the KC-135 in action. Been a mechanic for the 135 for several years but never get to fly on it.

[@johncreel9807]

Your work brought my Dad home every time! Thank you! (He flew AF bombers with nucs.)

[@snakerstran9101]

They've been around. I worked on em them when the avionics had a bunch of vacuum tubes. Same with the Buff's.

[@tonyrojas5139]

Nerve racking yet relaxing somehow

[@alasdairmunro1953]

It looks incredibly difficult. I didn’t realise you had the capability for such fine power control. Really interesting; excellent narration. Thank you.

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks!

[@iannock5948]

Phenomenal skills, stick and power. You make this look so easy!! Love your narration Pail, simply the most informative flying vids on KZbin.

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy.

[@steviesteve750]

I'm pretty sure Pail could read a book whilst carrying out this exercise!

[@johningram9081]

That's intense. What skills you pilots have is incredible. Nice video and explained very well. Keep up the great work.

[@AVMamfortas]

The David Attenborough of Naval Aviators. Meticulous explanations, delivered with calm authority.

[@flickinlures]

Great work mate , absolutely love the commentary , it's a great insight into how you guys operate , it's comforting to have you guys as allies appreciate all you do in keeping the skies safe :)

[@peteschiavoni]

Enjoy your per diem and long runways- priceless😂😂😂😂 That was really cool. I see why pilots preferred the KC10 when going on West PAC. Thanks for sharing Pail! Fly Navy!!

[@SimonButler]

The insight into these flights you provide with these voiceovers is really interesting and valuable, thank you!

[@mikesellers1879]

Wow..never realized the skill it takes to refuel in flight..amazing !!

[@csnash9634]

thanks for giving a little insight into what goes on in a pilot during flight! I love these voiceovers! Keep going as these are very interesting!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, will do!

[@Paul-td8qs]

I doubt most of us watching that video could maintain your formation accuracy if we were riding tricycles on a flat roadway. Amazing flying skills in both aircraft. Breathtaking to watch.

[@davidcole333]

I was a Marine Corps avionics technician during the 80s and 90s...while stationed in Okinawa, I used to drive to Kadena AFB just to eat the Air Force chow. It was so much better. That's when I figured out that the Air Force put far more resources into quality of life for their service members than do the other services....and I can confirm...they did have long runways there at Kadena.

[@ShannansShenanigans]

I can confirm this statement as my son got back from a deployment (Army) November 2023 in the UAE. He said it was SO much better than his first deployment in Kuwait. "The AF has me spoiled." 😂

[@fjb5894]

My name is David and I am at Kadena now working. Across flight line.

[@USMC1984]

I was stationed at Camp Hanson in Okinawa 86-87. I took every opportunity I could to go to Kadena for their BX and chow hall. Ten years after separating from the Corps I reenlisted in the AF assigned to a tanker squadron. Our boomers didn’t like the d rogues either. And the chow halls were sooo much better!

[@kevinmalone3210]

It was that way back in Vietnam. The Air Force got more resources and better living conditions than the Army. I know, my Dad told me. He was in the Air Force and assigned to a base in Vietnam in the 60s.

[@adrenna123]

I was stationed at Kadena from Jan 80 to July 81, F-15 Avionics back shop and Sept 84 to Dec 88, F-16 Avionics back shop. There were always lots of Marines on base, especially after Burger King opened on Kadena!!!!

[@HEDGE1011]

Excellent video. Ex-USAF guy here and you did a better job of explaining the techniques involved with the probe and drogue than I’ve ever seen in one place. Well done. I was lucky enough to fly with a few F-105 guys earlier in my career and uniquely (to my knowledge) that aircraft was equipped for both the boom and probe and drogue, though the USAF almost always used the boom. On occasion they’d have to take fuel from the drogue and every one of them said it was terrible getting into the basket and staying on it long enough to get a full load of gas. Hats off to the Navy and USMC who make it look easy (I know it’s not)!🇺🇸

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@billybcgn25]

I appreciate the comments about the per diem and long runways. It's quite a feat, how the USN has perfected the drogue method of buying gas. It requires you to use more piddle packs, though, seeing that you don't have to stop as some FBO and buy gas and take a potty break. Oh, and thanks for doing an excellent job keeping the warriors on the ground safe.

[@TC-bj8pu]

Powered by four GE F108 engines. A real workhorse for the USAF which I’m proud to be managing. Great video! Thanks Pail!

[@johnhicks7057]

Former “squid” here! Excellent video and narration. I found myself holding my breath during this. Thank you for serving. Fly Navy

[@GrowlerJams]

Fly Navy!

[@joshbasarab6869]

USMC Equivalent to an AE - We super appreciate not hurting that AOA cone. It's the worst thing to replace on that Jet. Wings are easier.

[@tabortollefson]

My dad's cousin was a navigator on a KC-135 whose crew won the McKay trophy during the Gulf of Tonkin incident. F-8s desperately needed fuel but couldn't connect to the KC-135. So the KC-135 refueled an A-3 which simultaneously refueled the F-8s. His name was Dean Hoar. He died in a Cobra Ball crash in the early '70s near Hawaii. My middle name is Dean after him.

[@AngusMcIntyre]

I'm here for the signature move and the casual 'long runways' banter. Beautiful.

[@GrowlerJams]

🫡

[@silverman785]

These voice overs are amazing. Keep them coming

[@UKAviationMovies]

There I was sitting in front of my computer basically not breathing until you've disconnected from that drogue. Phew... I do not know how you guys do it. Incredible video 😎

[@alexanderherrhausen]

this is another record of the most amazingness of all videos ever published...and I dont even want to think about the years of training, intelligence and discipline to even come to this point, to be in the situation to shoot this vid...like we say in Austria "Wahnsinn" and really very very good work! Thanks for sharing and cheers from Vienna! :D

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers and thanks for watching, Alex.

[@robertstewart1223]

Loved this! Absolutely loved it! In the 90's I got really hooked on Jane's Fighter simulators on PC. One of my favorite sims simulated the EU's Typhoon. Most of the sorties required you to refuel mid run using the hose and iron maiden set up...The Typhoon, as I'm sure you know, has the long "male" connection like your Growler. Anyway, you had to locate Texico, call in a request to refuel and you would either be given clearance to the boom or told to move aft and off to the left to wait in queue. lining up the two aircraft, slowly approaching, making connection with the basket and keeping it through all the turns of the tanker's patrol route had ME white knuckling the controls and it's just a damn game! To watch you do this in real time, and with a real multi million dollar fighter jet??? A treat I never thought I'd get to witness. You put us in the cockpit with you! Thank you for your service AND for making these videos. I appreciate you so much!

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@DirtyLilHobo]

Super informative. I really like the voiceovers explaining what is happening throughout the video, like we were there with you! I've had the opportunity to ride the KC-135 on refueling sorties, AR-602, and the AZ National Guard - Coppers. The view out the KC-135 rear window is tremendous!

[@kevincameron8437]

one of the best refueling videos out there. As a crew chief on both KC-10 and KC-135, the 135 was the easiest, except when it came to putting the drogue on...but we got where we could do it in about 30 min. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS.

[@Ed_in_Md]

That looks crazy intense! Love the voice over.

[@marcricaud5877]

As a former electrical mechanic, on French C-135 F and C-135 FR, I approve of this video

[@pollylewis9611]

Just watching your videos one really can't understand how hard fueling really is but now with your VO wow now I can, and also the diff. in both types, yikes Pail you make it look so easy! I really like the history you add, thank you again for all of your hard work for us, have a great day...Polly!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks, Polly.

[@hoyks1]

Us maintainers called it 'The wrecking ball'. Many an afterflight had canopy and windscreen gouges, bent AOA vanes and pitot probes or dinged up door 3's and radomes.

[@briankilpatrick1121]

It's so nice knowing that you know booms can't lock the boom. I can't even tell you how many 18 pilots ask me to lock the boom. Its easy to keep steady, usually, but nobody likes the hard drogue

[@ItsNotAllRainbows_and_Unicorns]

The Iron Maiden is one BFFO (big flying f__ing object). Love the voice over and I can see I'm not the only one. There is something to be said about being blinded by the sun when operating a vehicle.

[@sue-ellencallaghan8238]

Aired at 1:30am where I am but I've caught it 3:30am. Well worth watching at that time of the morning😃. WOW, white knuckle stuff, I bet you did a couple of big signature moves after you disconnected. Boom operaters 👏👏👏good job. Loved that there was some "matchy matchy" going on with the colors on the boom with your eagle decal. Light refraction on the boom? Seriously though, these insights into routine manouves are amazing. What an amazing career you have had so far. How the heck do you top that? Again thank you for sharing . Can't wait for the next one🤗

[@dennisbrown3274]

I was Air Force for 11 years and almost signed up for this job. I changed my mind after seeing how these Airmen, Aviators depended on us. Wether you are Air Force, Navy, Army or Marines, THESE GUY'S do work for a living. Some serious WORK. Thank you all for all you do. Balls of Steel.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@cseivard]

Thank you. I am home,recovering from a stroke,(lived) my 15; year old son is considering the Navy to fly. I am trying to get him hooked on the channel. So far, so good!

[@cseivard]

I did! Currently, my left hand and foot are paralyzed. Getting them to work again? Let’s call it a Hobby?

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@cseivard Well wishes and prayers for a speedy and full recovery. God bless, Rob

[@raybeavers3123]

GET WELL VERY SOON SIR! 🤗👏👍🇺🇸🫡

[@g.patrickbryant9674]

This is one of the best channels on youtube. I'm a private pilot (and former Navy musician - Go Navy!) and just can't get enough of flying vicariously with Pail.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@flippah9101]

It's always a delight to hear your voice. Greetings from Germany :)

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@keeythnnevada5107]

I have spent much time doing exactly what Pail just showcased with a fantastic narrative. Just take this evolution and do it at NIGHT which Navy Pilots do quite often. The precision and smoothness required is overwhelming! FLY NAVY!!

[@Turnip199]

Just found these on Thursday and binged all of the Voiceovers then, so I'm glad to already see a new one up! Someone in a different comment called you the bob ross of the navy and i think they might be onto something. Keep it up, pail!

[@GrowlerJams]

Thanks for watching.

[@rrcline4]

I was a boom operator on the 135 for 20 years. You did a perfect job on this AR. Mad props to the probe and drouge rececivers. The envelope is so much smaller than typical boom AR’s. Loved the perspective from your end. Perfect on the history of the tanker.

[@GrowlerJams]

TYFYS.

[@hmrody]

Thank you so much for your service and these videos! Outstanding!

[@gchesterton]

Growler: “Pre contact” Tanker: immediately commences turn. 😂 Builds character.

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@Chagenmelon678]

Love the voiceovers! They really help me understand what’s going on and learn more about the navy. Hopefully soon you’ll hit 100k subscribers.

[@GrowlerJams]

Fingers crossed.

[@OngoingFreedom]

Love seeing a pro doing, and commenting on, his job.

[@thomaskohler4257]

I love the voice over. Interesting and educational. Even though I will never fuel up my glider this way 😊

[@BonnieCassler-dx6sd]

There's also something fabulously therapeutic about that voice.❤

[@paulfox3532]

You're the Bob Ross of aviation videos. Sugary smooth and soothing. It's never made sense to me why they couldn't just fit a probe and drogue assembly to the underside of the KC-135 and enable it to refuel whatever A/C happens to need it.

[@matthewcombs5065]

That looks stressful as hell, but you made it look fairly easy. Kudos to your skill as an aviator!

[@SEJay-gj2cv]

"DOD service members are not authorized to solicit or accept gifts because of their official position." ...Too bad the same can't be said of politicians, or supreme court justices for that matter. Lame that we can't tip those that actually deserve proper compensation.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers.

[@j.s.elmendorf2836]

I really wish my father was alive to see these videos. It's refreshing to see a how-to without the fan fair. Please keep it up. Oh and 'Fly Navy'.

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@Mando-d4k]

This guy has the smoothest voice ever. I could listen to him read the phone book.

[@LionPride11241968]

@GrowlerJams I served at RAF Mildenhall, U.K.('88-'97) Loved it when our KC-135s had the two MIPRS(Washington ANG 2003-2009) installed, which meant our flying boom could take care of our USAF jets, and MIRPS for the USNAVY and our Allies jets. However, for our mostly MIPRS-less KC-135s('88-'97), it was hang the drogue and put it on a stand, until tasked. Refueling those Navy/Allied jets were a slight pain, but happy to support! The only USAF jet that was a major pain refueling was the F-4 Phantom, which required us to lube the flying boom contact points everytime, and pray that the F-4 Phantoms didn't cause a 'Brute Force Disconnect', thus potentially damaging the entire boom assembly every mission. Not Fun! Still glad and honored to have served! I am also honored to support building the new replacement, and State-of-the-Art, Most Advanced Tanker in the World, the Boeing KC-46A. This 1980s technology jet gets some of the 🛩 787 avionics/cockpit 💺 advancements included, along with a brand new 3D Refueling Boom control deck 💺 for the Boom Operator. This is leaps & bounds above, laying on your belly and staring out the back boom window! Also, when I served we transition from the old water burning KC-135 A/Q (limited to 135K take-off fuel), over to the upgraded KC-135 R/T (limit increased to 180K take-off fuel), thanks to the new at the time, GE CFM-56 jet engines. ✈️

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers!

[@skyepilotte11]

Daylight in flight refueling is pure concentration...night ops have to be even more so. Thank you for the detailed explanation as usual , Pail

[@Wikkus]

Never disappointed with your vids; excellent footage and informative and relevant narration. I work with -135s, albeit in a non-flying capacity, and have heard the "Iron Maiden" referred to as "The Wrecking Ball" too :) Keep up the great work!

[@memmu291]

Your voice is amazing. Your narrations are amazing. Together your voice and narrating make me feel better, to smile and to laugh. 🤗 Everytime I'm listening your voice I'm more relaxed and more calm. Your voice helps me focusing on. Your soft, smooth and already familiar voice is calming and I'm also able to focus better. Now I'm packing up my stuff for a move. A lot of memories come in to my mind while doing that... Help with focusing is really needed to get the packing done asap instead of just constant daydreaming. I love your versatile jams and narrating, your laugh and your smooth voice. 🩷🩷 Thank you very much! 💜

[@gabby15107]

You had me concentrating on that boom so much i didn't notice the go-pro until you mentioned it. And the subtlety of that dig was brilliant. Go Army.

[@somethingclever1234]

i still have nightmares about tanking off of the 135 over 30 years ago, this video brought back memories, 5 - 10 minutes of total concentration with huge risk. Don't be the guy that rips the basket off on the TransPac. Throw in some turbulence or a tanker turn and the fun goes up.

[@GrowlerJams]

Yup. Sure does. Thanks for watching.

[@patgiblinsongs5]

Well done, Sir! Like watching a tie-breaking final shot at The Masters! Soothing announcer voiceover, with an underlayment of white-knuckled tension.

[@GrowlerJams]

😂

[@roundrock63]

Full sun glaring in your face!! Excellent job!! Love your channel and THANK YOU YOUR SERVICE!!

[@mikeclancy1930]

I looked at my ungloved knuckles, during your amazing video. I saw very pale talons. So exciting, your work deserves awards. GO NAVY

[@mikeclancy1930]

It's my honor. I just watched ""Walking the Tomb "" documentary and how can anyone, not be in tears with honor.

[@mikeclancy1930]

GO EVERYONE

[@tonywatson7988]

Many years ago I was a Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Signaller on the Long Range Maritime Patrol Shackleton aircraft which, for the uninitiated looked a lot like the wartime Lancaster but was, in fact developed from the Wellington Bomber. We were from number 37 squadron stationed in Aden at the southern tip of the Arabian peninsular but at the time I'm referring to had landed at Isfahan in Iran in the course of an international exercise titled, as far as I can remember Nejed meaning Rescue. I got chatting to a member of the crew of a USAF C 97 which was also on the ground there waiting, like us for the next phase of the exercise. When I asked him what his crew role was he explained that the aircraft had previously been a KC97 air to air refueler but had been converted to or back to the transport role. To quote his words "Well I was the boom operator only now we aint got no boom" so apparently he was 'enjoying' a free ride. In a previous incarnation I had been an airframe fitter and had been trained on the airborne refuelling system on the RAF Victor and Valiant jet bombers so although our system was different I had some idea what his role had been. Later in my career I became a pilot and flew transport aircraft. To anticipate another question, this was in the early 1960s when Iran was still ruled by the Shah and friendly to western countries; hence our participation in the exercise.

[@jmd1327]

Wow intense 11 minutes! You’re verbal descriptives are like the fine brush strokes of an artist on a great big canvas in the sky. Thank you. 🫡

[@GrowlerJams]

Cheers. 🫡

[@captaintoyota3171]

So much good info, a great voice, and unmatched footage of EA 18 flight.

[@bryanbeers7209]

Really enjoy your channel videos! All the best! I'm old enough to remember seeing KC-97 Tankers refueling B-47 Bombers flying almost directly over my house in New York State.

[@flatworm00]

As an F4 pilot did many refuelings using the probe. Much easier, my hat is off to you!

[@UncleMarcFudge]

The precision flying of aerial refueling has always impressed me, but to see it done while the tanker is turning blew me away! I'm assuming the risk of wandering into unsafe airspace in a combat situation would make for a worse day than damage from a refueling mistake.