It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground.

Mover, Your story brought me back. I was struck by lightning in an F/A-18E over the Pacific about six years ago. Loudest bang of my life. The bolt entered between the nose gear doors, traveled down the center barrel, and left via the left vertical stab---blew a little chunk of it off. Every display went dark, cockpit got eerily silent. Got most of the avionics back. Lost the ADC, one FCC, NWS, and it lit off the DBFS. Dirtied up over the water, did a controllability check, and took a trap back at Atsugi. She flew like a champ. Jet was f'd and had to go to depot and didn't fly for a year. Only time I ever kissed the ground getting out of the jet. Good to see that you're in the T-38 these days---I'll have to live vicariously through you. I miss flying the jet like crazy. Be safe, brother.

I love how they let you continue to fly around for ~1hr but then wouldn't let you walk to the ambulance.

How have I not seen this video before? I am the guy in gear on the ladder. We were told he would catch the gear so first time he hit the deck and then took back off we thought it could be an issue with brakes and that is why he did not full stop on runway. I remember being really impressed that he was able to get that bird on the ground after that declared emergency. I even remember being toned back out to take you from clinic to E.R. I will refrain from commenting on the clinic and their EKG readings lol and the medic who took you is our EMS Chief. I didnt even know there was an article and photo in the paper.

Calling him "Sparky" and then not giggling all the way through the video is the ultimate in subtle understated humor my man. Hahaha!

Base medics. I feel your pain. Im a retired AF Pararescueman. I had a really hard opening shock during a free fall jump that left the muscles in my neck really sore. An xray at the base clinic caused a panic and next thing I know 5 people are surrounding me with a c-collar. Just like you I got an ambulance ride (no lights or sirens) to the local hospital where the attending looked at my films and said "theres nothing wrong with you" and discharged me. Life in the mil.

It was 20+ years ago, but I was a plane captain and line supervisor at VFA-204 from 96 - 99, and 411 was my airplane! I don't know if it's still there, but one of my plane captains and I painted the River Rattler insignia on the hangar doors summer '99. Miss my time there; we used to go to Key West for 2 weeks every other month. I counted up all the days we spent on detachment there, and it came to almost 7 and a half months! I grew up in an aviation-centric family, and I love your vids. If you ever make it back there, I hid $50 in the ceiling tile right above the door to maintenance control. I'd be surprised if it's still there, but never know. Take care brother!

6:17 "I'm like 'dude I think we just got struck by lightning... which is non-standard comms." lol as a civilian this cracked me up. I'm sure there are codes for getting struck by lightning or or alien sightings and all that but still thought it was funny.

Dude your kids and grandkids will love your bedtime stories. Looking forward to an incentive flight with you one day.

This story is legend at 204 people still talk about this . Glad both of you landed safely .

great story! would love more stories like this. just hearing the procedures you went through is super informational and interesting for guys that wish they did what you did!

Of course you have super powers. You've got Marines on your side. Semper Fi sir...

My father flew RF-4Cs out of Shaw AFB, on exchange from Cold Lake, from 75-77. He was flying lead with a two ship. His Phantom got struck by lightening. It hit his left wing, went into his wingman's right wing, and exited out the nose. His wingman lost all instruments and just like Mover, Dad had to "guide" his wingman home. When the lightening exited the wingman's plane through the nose, it fried the radome. Dad said it was melted into something the size of a volleyball. Dad and his RIO and the other pilot and RIO were all okay. Thanks for the story Mover. Keep em' coming.

What a story! Our tanker (-135) got hit between PSAB and Kuwait. Put a gigantic hole in the radome and blew out the flood light in the tail. I will never forget the sound, the smell, and flying back on standby instruments because half of our panel went out. WX Rdr was not painting a thing! Needless to say our chicks had to find the reliability tanker in order to complete the frag. Love the page dude!

"You're going to have to do a safety report" Mover: I was hoping you clocked out for the day while I flew laps. 🙄 haha

Dude was struck by lightning and was still able to land the plane safely, thats pretty amazing.

_"On the A model Hornet, there's no lightning protection for the pilot. Just the systems, not the pilot."_ *WUT* CNAF are you crazy?

Being an ex Air Force guy myself, I always enjoy these kinds of stories especially anything aviation related.

“They couldn’t get the stretched wheels to close while it’s raining on me”😂😂😂😂😂😂

"It's like my body turned off and turned back on" Yeah, that's a brain injury right there. Not fun, hope he doesn't have any permanent damage from it.

Wow! I had no idea that the other pilot in that scenario was you. I came across the story (I presume you wrote it) while researching VFA-204 aircraft to paint for DCS World. I was so captivated by the story, as it was well written and the way it was written made me feel like I was there, I researched the incident further and found out the pilots's name. I painted his bird in one of my VFA-204 packs for DCS World too! And....hahahaha..... the name is Bananimal as in a cross between a banana and an animal. Pronounced "Banana-mul." I'll accept Ban Animal this one time though. LOL! J/K. Hey, thanks for the recognition and thanks so much for sending me a book. After reading your recollection of this incident, I have no doubt your writing skills are sufficient enough to keep me captivated! And, YES, more stories. The video during the story was awesome as well. I'm in VFA-204 heaven, no doubt!

It's a damn good thing he made it. I know you don't prop yourself up on a pedestal and stick your chest out with pride in this scenario, but you did what a brother does for a brother and made sure he was able to go home another day. You did for him what you would hope a brother would do for you.

Awesome job on getting your flight lead down safely! I'm sure a mother,wife, daughter and sister is eternally grateful for what you did!!!

20:17 “There's nothing heroic about it” holy shit sir that's the understatement of the century right there, what you did WAS heroic

It sounds like your flight lead had an unscheduled electroconvulsive therapy session (ECT). It electrically 'rebooted' his brain while flying a fighter jet, it's amazing that he was able to land after that! Scary stuff, great story, good on you for calmly guiding him down to the runway. This is a reminder as to why the Navy and Air Force value training and skill repetition so much, those flying skills and procedures need to be hard-wired into your mind and body, so that if something goes wrong, or parts of your nervous system aren't functioning properly, your skills are instinctual and deeply ingrained so your body will continue to carry out proper procedure in emergencies. I do wish military aircraft cockpits were better protected from lightning strikes, as well as the rest of the aircraft's skin, and internals. I think protecting the pilot should be the first priority for those aerospace engineers.

Really enjoyed that story Mover, thx for sharing. As a 'mere' forklift driver ( but at an explosives factory), nothing gets the pucker factor going more than when u carrying a pallet of nastyness and the sky goes very dark. We have limits on when to take shelter, but we aren't the ones moving at light speed...

Just got your first book off Amazon, left 5 star + review. Thank you!

Kudos to you Mover for recognizing his problem. You saved his life.

For my birthday I bought the first book in the Spectre series, can’t wait to read it!

We were struck by lighting on a c-17 that was the loudest sound I ever heard it actually caused damage to the load ramp lucky we were at low Altitude and the ramp lowered the loadmaster was going insane. Great times on a globe master I had to be checked out

Was his call sign sparky before this incident

I can listen to your stories all day. Thank you for sharing. (former Air Force ROMAD from the early 80's).

WOW! More heroic then you think. Losing cognitive function like that but still fly and land an F/A-18 is impressive.

You talking him down deserves an AFAM. I love hearing stories of how we take care of our brothers and sisters.

Pops was a 20 year Air Force and 16 year commercial pilot. Grandad was a SAC pilot and my uncle was a Prowler Navigator. Listening to their flying stories (even if I had heard them before) never got old. Keep the stories and experiences coming. Can’t wait to hear what the Tyndall Chapter brings...

Being a Sailor (and a Master-at-Arms K9 handler the Mover Security Forces shoeing he is an AF guy) and a lover of all things aviation. I love your videos!!! Keep up the great work and love your books as well.

Yep. I was in police communication for thirty years. I do love good "war stories." A sprinkling of your once-upon-a-times would be top drawer. :)

Dam bro glad you and your buddy are still here🤠👍

Thunderstorms are so dangerous ! I still have a hard time accepting how one of the greatest pilots ever was killed by one. Scott Crossfield flew his Cessna into a thunderstorm and was killed. He helped design and build the X-15 and was the first to fly it.

Excellent recount Mover.

I'm late to this party but you're both bad asses for pulling through that. I'm glad you're both alive to tell the tale.

What a story! Some years ago I also had a weird blackout while I was driving to work. About 10 minutes after leaving home, driving on the highway, out of nowhere I had no clue where I was. I didn't even know whether I was going home or to work. It was really terrifying, like my brain had just rebooted. I had to look at the road signs to figure out my whereabouts, and in what direction I was driving. I had not fallen asleep, I wasn't fatiqued... Luckily it has not happened again.

Glad you made it and glad he didn't punch out!!! CRAZY!!!

Mover, this is the 3rd time to watch this event that happened to you. Your young life you have experienced more than most people, Gonky and WOMBAT too. I non-fiction book combine the three would be a awesome read.

Thank you for your service ! I grew up part of my life at the end of the run way and Beaufort Marine Air station in South Carolina . I saw the FA/18 when they replaced the F 4 s with the smokey Roles Royce engines.

The filling blowing out and continued strafing is the most awesome thing I've ever heard ever. Lessons learned and happy landings. Better than no joy. I salute you sir.

I was struck at night over Philadelphia, while descending on approach to McGuire AFB. I remember everything turning bright white for a second, and it sounded like a shotgun went off in the cockpit. It put a silver dollar-sized hole in the left horizontal stab. Other than that, and the unwanted surprise from Mother Nature, everything else was fine. We landed uneventfully about 20 minutes later.

I am little late discovering your videos. I really enjoyed this story. I was TACP with 2nd Bn 7th Marines back in the mid-80s. Have been testing avionics and electrical systems and doing preflight for Boeing over 3 decades now. I remember in one of your videos you had said you flew the 737. I tested a lot of them in the early-mid 2000's when the 747-400 was bowing down to the newer 747-8. Over 2 decades testing 747s. I see that you are an author, and write a lot. I am an avid reader. Going to try out Archangel Fallen first, even though it is book three....its one on Audible, my eyes aren't so good anymore, but I do did want to reach out and say thank you.

"We have 4K subs" In a year you added over 50K? Well done, sir. Onward. Upward.

Bro, that was a great story. I felt like I was there especially with the clips you added. Keep 'em coming.

More STORY TIME, More STORY TIME UNCLE MOVER!!! I LOVE STORY TIME.

Cool story ! Good luck flying the T38-A.

A good landing is one you walk away from. A great landing is where you can still use the plane again too :)

Thank you for your service.

I live vicariously through you.

Glad all ended well for the both of you! Thanks for sharing that very interesting story :)

Great Story! Love hearing these things and procedures you guys go through

Good stories never get old...keep ‘em coming!

Great story, would like to hear more. Some of us who only have C-172 time in their logbooks are grateful to hear them.

Enjoyed the story Sir!! Love that you always add video while you're telling it! Please tell more stories!!! Thank you!

Really good story! Glad everything worked out for you guys! Keep them coming with the great details and vernacular.

What a fascinating and scary story. I'm glad you guys both made it back safely

Enjoyed storytime! Glad your instructor is ok!! More stories, please. Thank you for your service!

I appreciate all that you guys do! Thank you for your service sir!

Awesome story! Thanks for sharing.

What a story sir. Amazing. You fighter pilot guys are beasts.

More stories, please! Really liked this one. Glad you’re both okay!

"So Doctor, your TREE got struck by lightning? Is that a summary of your lightning experience? Did you do a consult with a tree surgeon?"🤔

Great story, thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

I really love your channel, I am planning a Career in the Airforce and look up to you. Thank you for existing on youtube and thank you for writing your amazing book series.

Thanks for sharing champ nice story that’s amazing how the spirit of a warrior can still be on when your body is damaged incredible.

Great story! Thanks for sharing. God bless you and safe landings from the UK!

A little late to the party here, just started doing a bit of binge watching all your videos. Just amazing content and love this kind of story telling, I was glued to this one for sure. Great to hear it turned out OK for both you and sparky. Thanks for serving and again thanks for sharing the truthful honest content, a rare thing these days.

Awesome story...yes...please do share more!

At least he went back out flying bro and that’s badass both of you guys. I still get a little emotional you c an feel it bro.

Thanks for sharing this story and glad your wingman was okay in the end and that you were able to help him keep it together and talk him to the ground safely.

That story was simply amazing! Man, that could have easily ended in a tragic manner and I'm glad for you that it didn't. I'd love to hear more stories like that some time. thanks and cheers!

Great job bringing him back! That was a very cool story!

I enjoyed this story, glad you two made it out safely.

Wow ! Probably one of the best videos I've ever watched on KZfaq. Thanks for sharing.

Badass story. Glad to hear both of you are ok.

I know this is an older video, but I enjoy hearing some of the reality of being a fighter pilot or a pilot in the military in general. All your videos are inspirational and some humorous. Way to give back and "pay it forward". Keep it up!

Great story! Kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through!

Love the story, specially appreciate how Pilots in general put aside the ego and admit mistakes, violations and errors. It makes sense to suck up the embarassment in exchange for a lesson that can possibly save lives. Want more. TKS

Wow. The flight stories you share are amazing, i have been watching them one after another. Thank You for your service to our country, total respect for you!

Well done looking after your buddy assisting him to land safely. Respect 👍

I am going through the 'older' videos on your channel that I missed - and man I bite my fingernails while listening. What an ordeal for both of you ... thank you for sharing this incident, happy to hear you both recovered from this

you and your comrades where very lucky and I'm glad that you all survived without any major injury.

Great story C.W. I’m glad Sparky is OK and hope it never happens again. Safe flying my friend.

Amazing story. I’m glad you both are okay. And thanks for your service sir. I have read your book awhile ago, and love it. I had no idea it was you who wrote them lol. I plan on buying them all 👍🏻🇺🇸

Great Story!!! Keep em' commin'!

You ARE a superhero! Thank you for your service!!

very much enjoy hearing these true stories told in a matter of fact way, thanks

Your facial expressions in the still shots were priceless! Great story

Great Lightening Strike Physiologic Incident story for our Flight Surgeons. Awesome video, Mover. Thanks, Dr J

I was a corporate pilot and at one time I was flying a King Air 90 on a LS approach no more than 2 miles away from the threshold we got struck by lightning went in through the tail came out to one of the Spinners on the left engine and blew a big ole hole in it. Nothing like losing an engine in IMC doing a Precision Landing at almost minimums. RVR was well at 3/4 miles I didn't see the threshold

Great story! I'm very happy you two are fine after what could have been horrible!

Normally I turn videos off when people talk too much but I really enjoyed this. More stories please.

Electrifying!!!.......thanks C.W.

MOAR Stories!! I enjoyed this one, thanks for sharing!