In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience.

From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces, and how Denmark’s 37-hour workweek model may be the secret to long-term pilot retention.

TEO also unpacks the evolution of the Danish demo jet—including the iconic “Dannebrog” paint scheme honoring the world’s oldest national flag and the F-16’s 50th anniversary.

Whether he’s intercepting Russian aircraft or wowing crowds at international airshows, Captain TEO exemplifies the mindset and mission of the fighter pilot brotherhood.
Subscribe for more veteran stories, tactical airpower insight, and global combat aviation perspectives.

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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
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Part IV in @AfterburnPodcast Supression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes a seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann and Wild Weasel veteran to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.

The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition from F-4G to F-16CJ in the Weasel role, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the mission set developed. He discusses deployments supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, including a gripping account of being in Turkey when 9/11 occurred and the political complications that followed. As the conversation shifts to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he recalls leading night SEAD sorties over Baghdad, vividly describing the chaos, coordination, and execution of real-time missions under fire.

This episode is a masterclass in SEAD tactics, pilot training philosophy, and the high-stakes decision-making required in modern air combat. Tune in for unparalleled insight into the mindset of a fighter pilot operating at the tip of the spear.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
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🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Introduction to the Weasel Legacy
03:13 Vandal's Military Journey and Passion for Aviation
06:10 Choosing the F-16: A Fighter Pilot's Journey
09:01 The Evolution of Weasel Tactics and Technology
12:12 The Road to Operation Iraqi Freedom
15:03 The Build-Up to Iraq: Political Context and Military Readiness
17:53 The Experience of Northern and Southern Watch Missions
20:48 Preparing for Combat: The Final Days Before OIF
24:12 The Absurdity of Military Protocols Before War
27:09 The Night Before the Invasion: Tensions and Expectations
44:22 The Calm Before the Storm
52:33 Night One: Shock and Awe
01:10:05 Evolving Tactics in Combat
01:20:17 The Weasel Legacy and Modern Warfare
01:28:52 Desert Storm Insights and Tactical Evolution
01:36:04 The Art of Killing a SAM
01:54:20 The Spirit and Culture of Being a Weasel

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

In this packed episode of The Lowdown, host John “Rain” Waters breaks down a wide range of developments in global military aviation and defense strategy. From General Kane’s anticipated confirmation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the strategic forward positioning of B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia, the episode delivers an insider’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retiring the A-10 from the Maryland Air National Guard, the ongoing debate around the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and why the Air Force’s readiness rates are falling year-over-year. He also touches on troubling espionage cases involving U.S. soldiers, a bold Russian SOF infiltration via gas pipeline in Ukraine, and a $15 million bounty tied to illicit drone tech transfers. Plus, hear about the KC-135's service life extension into the 2050s and the story behind the lost B-2 at Andersen AFB in 2008. Don't miss the update on the SEAD series and the legacy of Wild Weasel missions.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸


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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

In this short promo episode, host John “Rain” Waters highlights an exciting new release from fellow aviator and podcast host Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, founder of the Fighter Pilot Podcast. Jell-O’s new book offers a rare, first-person look into the making of a real fighter pilot—from his early dreams sparked at an airshow, through flight school, and ultimately to the elite ranks of TOPGUN as a F/A-18 Hornet instructor. The book doesn’t shy away from the highs and lows, including a near-fatal medical scare late in his career, making it a must-read for anyone serious about understanding the reality of combat aviation. Stay tuned—Jell-O will be joining Rain in an upcoming full-length episode following the SEAD series to share more insights from his journey.

If you’re passionate about military aviation and fighter pilot culture, don’t miss this. Be sure to subscribe and keep listening for more veteran stories and tactical airpower discussions.

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

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In this episode, John "Rain" Waters explores the unveiling of the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter aircraft announced by President Trump alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Allvin. Designed to define the next 30 years of American air superiority, the F-47 represents a leap beyond the F-22 and F-35, integrating next-gen stealth, Super Cruise, enhanced sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, and collaborative combat aircraft. We break down what defines a sixth-generation fighter, explore the classified innovations likely included in the F-47, and examine its strategic value for long-range strikes in contested environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Tracing its origins to DARPA’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and the Air Force’s 2016 Air Superiority 2030 Flight Plan, this episode also discusses Boeing’s role, procurement challenges, and how the F-47 is designed for adaptability through modular systems and open architecture. As threats evolve and China pursues its own next-gen fighters, we analyze how the F-47 fits into the future of air combat and why it’s a critical component of U.S. defense strategy. Subscribe for more veteran insights and expert analysis on combat aviation and modern military power.

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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the F-47 and Its Significance
02:49 Understanding Sixth Generation Fighters
06:00 The Evolution of Air Dominance and NGAD
08:48 Future Implications and Global Competition

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host Mike "Flash" McVay continues the exploration of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in Part II of the series. Joined by Pat “Curly” Pence, they delve into the evolution of the Wild Weasel mission during Operation Desert Storm. Curly recounts his progression from pilot training to becoming a Wild Weasel, sharing insights into the challenges and tactics of air combat against surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

The conversation further explores the preparation for conflict, intelligence assessments of enemy capabilities, and the execution of strike packages. Curly highlights the realities of engaging with air defense systems and the significance of pre-conflict training missions. He also discusses the evolution of weapon systems in air-to-ground tactics.

Additionally, Flash and Curly examine the intricacies of the High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) system, its development, and tactical lessons from various military engagements. Curly shares personal accounts of radar engagements, underscoring the importance of system proficiency and tactics in countering SAMs. The episode also covers the transition from the F-4G to the F-16C Block 50, the critical nature of SEAD missions, and the ongoing necessity for effective intelligence in modern warfare.

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---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Introduction to Operation Desert Storm
01:14 Curly Pence's Journey to Becoming a Weasel
03:24 The Weasel Mission and Its Evolution
07:52 Weaponry and Tactics in Desert Storm
12:01 Training and Preparation for Weasel Operations
21:05 The Role of Vietnam Veterans in Training
30:18 The Context of Desert Storm and Saddam's Invasion
33:40 Training for the Unknown: Preparing for Conflict
35:12 Understanding the Threat: Intel and Expectations
37:15 Lessons from the Past: Comparing Iraqi Tactics to Vietnam
40:04 The Reality of Air Defense: Engaging with SA-2s
43:08 Strike Packages: Planning and Execution in Desert Storm
49:41 Rehearsing for War: Training Missions Before the Conflict
58:42 Rising to the Occasion: The Importance of Preparation
01:00:09 Engagement Tactics: The Art of the Harm Shot
01:04:41 Weapon Systems: The Evolution of Air-to-Ground Tactics
01:09:05 Understanding the HARM System and Its Evolution
01:13:39 Curly's Radar Kill Stories and Tactical Insights
01:18:43 Targeting Tactics: Engaging IADs Effectively
01:25:41 Transitioning Tactics: From F-4G to F-16C Block 50
01:31:55 Best Practices for Engaging SAMs
01:38:43 The Importance of SEAD and Air Superiority

In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience.

From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces, and how Denmark’s 37-hour workweek model may be the secret to long-term pilot retention.

TEO also unpacks the evolution of the Danish demo jet—including the iconic “Dannebrog” paint scheme honoring the world’s oldest national flag and the F-16’s 50th anniversary.

Whether he’s intercepting Russian aircraft or wowing crowds at international airshows, Captain TEO exemplifies the mindset and mission of the fighter pilot brotherhood.
Subscribe for more veteran stories, tactical airpower insight, and global combat aviation perspectives.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
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Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

Part IV in @AfterburnPodcast Supression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes a seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann and Wild Weasel veteran to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.

The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition from F-4G to F-16CJ in the Weasel role, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the mission set developed. He discusses deployments supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, including a gripping account of being in Turkey when 9/11 occurred and the political complications that followed. As the conversation shifts to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he recalls leading night SEAD sorties over Baghdad, vividly describing the chaos, coordination, and execution of real-time missions under fire.

This episode is a masterclass in SEAD tactics, pilot training philosophy, and the high-stakes decision-making required in modern air combat. Tune in for unparalleled insight into the mindset of a fighter pilot operating at the tip of the spear.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Introduction to the Weasel Legacy
03:13 Vandal's Military Journey and Passion for Aviation
06:10 Choosing the F-16: A Fighter Pilot's Journey
09:01 The Evolution of Weasel Tactics and Technology
12:12 The Road to Operation Iraqi Freedom
15:03 The Build-Up to Iraq: Political Context and Military Readiness
17:53 The Experience of Northern and Southern Watch Missions
20:48 Preparing for Combat: The Final Days Before OIF
24:12 The Absurdity of Military Protocols Before War
27:09 The Night Before the Invasion: Tensions and Expectations
44:22 The Calm Before the Storm
52:33 Night One: Shock and Awe
01:10:05 Evolving Tactics in Combat
01:20:17 The Weasel Legacy and Modern Warfare
01:28:52 Desert Storm Insights and Tactical Evolution
01:36:04 The Art of Killing a SAM
01:54:20 The Spirit and Culture of Being a Weasel

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

In this packed episode of The Lowdown, host John “Rain” Waters breaks down a wide range of developments in global military aviation and defense strategy. From General Kane’s anticipated confirmation as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the strategic forward positioning of B-2 bombers on Diego Garcia, the episode delivers an insider’s perspective on rapidly evolving geopolitical signals. Rain discusses the implications of retiring the A-10 from the Maryland Air National Guard, the ongoing debate around the sixth-generation F-47 fighter, and why the Air Force’s readiness rates are falling year-over-year. He also touches on troubling espionage cases involving U.S. soldiers, a bold Russian SOF infiltration via gas pipeline in Ukraine, and a $15 million bounty tied to illicit drone tech transfers. Plus, hear about the KC-135's service life extension into the 2050s and the story behind the lost B-2 at Andersen AFB in 2008. Don't miss the update on the SEAD series and the legacy of Wild Weasel missions.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸


🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod