23. Claws Out: F-14 Tomcats over Afghanistan post-9/11

In response to the 9/11 attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan (and other locations), with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in recent history, and our guest was a key participant.

We talk to former F-14 RIO Mike Peterson, callsign “Tung,” about what it was like being on deployment when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response. A member of VF-213 flying from the USS Carl Vinson, Tung describes aerial refueling challenges that almost turned his first mission into a disaster (but was saved by a daring USAF tanker crew); enthusiasm among the ship’s crew to avenge the attacks; and dealing with the MANPAD threat. He relates a heart-stopping mission to support friendlies in a desperate situation and shows us his “Afghanistan ordnance Christmas tree.”

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