Flying Special Operations MH-53 in Combat | CV-22 Osprey, Apache, and Cobra Aviator

Flying Special Operations MH-53 in Combat | CV-22 Osprey, Apache, and Cobra Aviator | Sean Borland

Рет қаралды 32,518

Күн бұрын

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Today we have a unique Combat Story from a long time aviator Sean Borland. Sean flew Cobras, Apaches, MH-53 Pave Lows, and CV-22 Ospreys providing direct support to war fighters pre and post-9/11.
Notably, Sean was in the first set of aircraft to go into Afghanistan immediately after 9/11 as part of Air Force Special Operations flying the MH-53 in both combat search and rescue and multi-purpose infil and exfil operations for special ops units of varying flavors from white SOF to OGA.
This is a deep dive into some of the technical aspects of aviation, particularly rotary wing, and some of the differences between the Air Force Special Operations aviation elements and 160th.
I hope you enjoy this wide ranging discussion and insight into the rotary wing side of operations as much as I did.
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Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Guest Introduction (Sean Borland)
01:37 - Interview begins
02:05 - Background in Aviation
07:07 - Media and influences
10:47 - Deciding to go Marines
17:10 - Flying guns
20:30 - HelloFresh
21:45 - Differences between Cobra and Apache
24:27 - Apache mentality in the 90's
30:32 - Going to FLERE??
32:38 - Path to the Air Force
40:33 - Mision set of MH53
47:35 - Crew Configuration of MH53
50:42 - 9/11 and deployment
01:05:00 - First time outside the wire
01:28:18 - Fighter weapons school
01:32:48 - Challenging Operations
01:52:24 - Change to Osprey
01:58:44 - Close call Operation
02:07:13 - Sentimental items
02:08:44 - Would you do it again
02:09:28 - Vietnam History Flight
02:11:59 - Closing thoughts
02:12:39 - Listener comments and shout outs

Пікірлер: 43

@johncapute1824 Ай бұрын

I truly am amazed at these stories. We’re fortunate that people like this man have lived.

@stephenlawyer3031 10 ай бұрын

We need a part 2 to this one. I could listen to him for much longer. I never served, my dad did 30 years in AF, I was a LEO for 30 years. Anyone that served in any Branch has earned my respect.

@amandacantrell1146 7 ай бұрын

Thank you & Thank your father for both of your sacrifices and services to your community and country. It shouldn't go without notice or at least a thank you. So again I thank you both for your long and dedicated careers of helping others. My Dad was in the U.S. Army and was a.combat veteran who fought in the Vietnam war. My brother also served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer and is a combat veteran. He is retired from the military and now currently works for the Department of Justice. He has been with the D.O.J. in the Bureau of Federal Prisons for about the last 15-17 years. Then last but definitely not least in any way, shape or form, most definitely first I'm my heart is my son. He is going on his third year in the United States Air Force. He works in the Stealth Bomber Squadron on the B-2 Stealth Bomber Jets as a fuel technician and mechanic. I'm very proud of all three of these men. Each one is close to my heart and I'm proud of each and every one of them. My Dad knew I was super proud of him as well before he passed. I tell my brother and son whenever I get a chance because tomorrow is never promised, losing my dad taught me that more than words from people ever could. Plus y'all deserve to hear it any time someone gets an opportunity to tell you. You deserve to hear it more than once. Again sir thank you and your Dad both again for your sacrifices, service and long term dedication to the community, the people of your community and your country. May GOD Bless both of y'all and every other veteran or currently serving of our United States Military Armed Forces and our Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Officials in the United States of America. 🇺🇲🇺🇸🇺🇲

@Tom.Connolly 10 ай бұрын

Think we need a part two to this Ryan so much more to cover , love the part were he gave the old vet a chance to take the controls and how he never got the chance to let his father do this. Great show as always thank you Ryan.

@amorgan20111 10 ай бұрын

@rustybaldwin4851 8 ай бұрын

Yea Buddies would love to see a part two !

@riehle.j8561 10 ай бұрын

What an outstanding Patriot and Professional.

@patrickgreen2361 10 ай бұрын

Inspirational. Army/Navy veteran. Switching services is way more common than most realize. Awesome interview.

@JHillNC 10 ай бұрын

Man, this was great! Sean has so many cool stories that I think you should consider bringing him back for round two. I have an intense interest in the Afghanistan combat stories directly after 9/11, so hearing it directly from someone who was there flying combat missions is so rewarding. Thank you Sean and Ryan.

@martinp1544 10 ай бұрын

oh the old "Fix to Fix" I spent too much time trying to figure that out...... prior Army helo to USAF Rescue...

@xprettylightsx 10 ай бұрын

If you had to generalize is the Army rotary wing a competent fighting force or incompetent? What letter grade would you give the situation in general while you were in?

@martinp1544 10 ай бұрын

It depends on what unit and in what time. The Clinton Era 90's Army Avn was a shell of its former self. Low budgets. Not a lot of flying. Low Proficiency. Except the 160 SOAR. All the Vietnam guys retired and nobody with combat experience were around. Army Avn had a rapid learning curve starting after 2001. Budgets were increased. Training was improved. TTP's adjusted and taught. Equipment was purchased. I'm afraid we are slipping back into the Democrat / Clinton / Biden Era of DoD.....

@xprettylightsx 10 ай бұрын

@@martinp1544 thank you for the lengthy reply, and while reading said reply, I became extremely frustrated with myself by not firstly, saying to you. God bless you and thank you so much for your service. I’m very sorry for that. Wishing you nothing but the best.

@bearowen5480 10 ай бұрын

"TACAN fix to fix"....Hadn't thought of that one in ages. Once the light bulb comes on, it's a piece of cake. I was the NATOPS officer in an A-4 Navy training squadron, and it was my turn in the barrel to take an instrument checkride under the bag with the CNATRA standardization officer from Corpus Christi. Fortunately I knew some of the gouge on this guy and suspected that he might give me a frozen compass card fix to fix to the IAF followed by holding, then a TACAN penetration and approach, missed approach, and no gyro GCA. That's exactly what happened. Good thing I had been forewarned and had prepared. Typical check pilot, he thought he'd get some ego satisfaction out of making me look bad (not a very high bar in my case), but ended up having to compliment me on successfully completing the scenario. Forewarned is forearmed.

@bearowen5480 10 ай бұрын

@@xprettylightsxWhat a rude question to ask, Mate!

@PavelowFE 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for finding a Pavelow vet to talk to! Sean is a great pilot and awesome human being! I was the flight engineer in "the seat" in the bird following his crew back to Khandahar that night. That was one of my most memorable missions, without a doubt.

@pjwright7636 3 ай бұрын

Great interview! Sean was Awesome to fly with! I was a PAVE Gunner!

@paulprigge1209 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the interview. Watching listening to Alan Mac just really enjoy is technical stuff you can tell the difference between a warrant officer and Regular officer. WO able to really just focus on their job flying. They don’t have all the administrative stuff.

@shawnp6653 10 ай бұрын

great interview! Toko-Ri & Strategic Air Command - classics! Thanks for your service! Hans & Frans - lol, this is one funny dude...

@friscostreetstories5403 7 ай бұрын

I had a similar childhood to him. Dad and Gramps were Vets so I would listen closely to boths war stories when their buddies would come over. These guys are all heros. There's awesome footage of a Pave low hovering over the jungle in Vietnam shooting flares and doorgunner shooting his minigun into the trees. I think they were trying to save a pilot.

@oliverroper1062 10 ай бұрын

Brilliant. Best interview bar none. What a guy.

@Strange_Brew 7 ай бұрын

My friend was a pilot on a AC130 Gunship. They would call him if a base or if the troops were about to be over run. He had some great stories too !!

@MANC2311 10 ай бұрын

Most acronym heavy episode ever! x

@tfred2129 27 күн бұрын

I heard the pilot almost landed on the ODA, and he knew the pilot couldnt tell he was as close to touching as he was.

@terrenceb.9860 10 ай бұрын

Must be a great guy, he had a Jack Russell!

@gregthornton4750 6 ай бұрын

We used 12 oclock high as a leadership learning tool in the Navy as well.

@channel27heidivandenberg38 7 ай бұрын

Great interview and you are an amazing interviewer. You are a fantastic listener even with your knowledge!

@JuanRodriguez-my8mm 6 ай бұрын

Outstanding testimonial, Semper Fi!

@michaelrobbins9679 10 ай бұрын

I hope you bring him back!

@timbroderick4454 10 ай бұрын

I love these type of stories. Also a MC/Army veteran.

@JRAT777 10 ай бұрын

30:32 Isnt it FLIR?

@rustybaldwin4851 8 ай бұрын

Speed tape ??? We called it 100 mph tape in my army rotor head daze !

@michaelrobbins9679 10 ай бұрын

Ryan... Is there any way to find a pilot from eagle claw that knows the real deal? I know two people from that op that do not have the same view as the touted narrative. Can you find anyone?

@davidwatson2399 10 ай бұрын

An Osprey has crashed in Australia today. 😟

@terrenceb.9860 10 ай бұрын

Why does the 160th not use the MH-53?

@tacoenvy 10 ай бұрын

Just no need to really.

@RamadiTaxiDriver60M 10 ай бұрын

The Army is considering the MH53K as a Heavy Lift bird as it meets the FVL requirements but nobody has made a decision yet. 160th picked 47 as it was already in the inventory and easier to air transport via USAF heavy lift fixed wing birds.

@michaelrobbins9679 10 ай бұрын

Sweet! Rotary guys talking shop! I still hate egg beaters..