160th Night Stalker | AH-6 & MH-6 Pilot | DFC | Silver Star | CW5 Steve Lapping
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- čas přidán 24. 05. 2024
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Today we hear the Combat Story of a long-time Night Stalker from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), Steve Lapping. Steve participated in multiple high-profile operations that many of us have heard of like the Jessica Lynch rescue and the Saddam Hussein capture, and many operations we have not like Objectives REINDEER and LEADVILLE.
This was a special interview for me as you can imagine given Steve’s storied background as an elite pilot, spending over two decades in 160th. We also touch on some of the heartbreak that comes with years in the cockpit with accidents, shootdowns, and crashes, including the feeling in SOAR following Operation GOTHIC SERPENT (aka Blackhawk Down).
Steve is one of the most humble individuals you’re going to encounter. In fact, I had to dig to figure out that Steve was a CW5, which is a very difficult rank to reach and to learn about his awards and decorations in combat.
I hope you enjoy this Combat Story from inside one of the most lethal cockpits from such a humble warrior as much as I did.
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- Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Guest Introduction (Steve Lapping)
2:02 - Interview Begins
5:10 - First time flying with the W5 as a Junior Warrant
6:53 - Story of jumping into cold water at a young age
11:32 - Fascination with military at an early age and an interest in aviation
17:30 - Starting as a Warrant Officer
and no regrets
19:27 - First aircraft after training
25:35 - Path to 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and the assessment process
35:10 - Becoming a PIC (Pilot in command) in 6-7 months.
39:24 - Getting accepted into the 160th and events at the time
42:07 - Green Platoon assessment and selection course to become Night Stalker
46:16 - Flying MH vs AH personalities
and mission profiles
49:44 - Mindset first time in combat after a 15-17 year career already
55:48 - Morale after Black Hawk Down
58:05 - Earning first combat patch in Afghanistan and invading Iraq with tough calls and tough weather
1:11:26 - Combat Story - Objective REINDEER and DFC event
1:21:19 - Combat Story - Objective LEADVILLE
1:48:02 - Combat Story - Challenging Day Missions and engaging the wrong vehicle
1:52:36 - Reflecting on anniversaries and working with veterans
1:54:49 - What did you carry into combat?
1:56:06 - Would you do it all again?
1:58:20 - Listener comments and shout outs
This video covers the following subjects:
- 160th SOAR Night Stalker
- AH-6 & MH-6 Pilot
- DFC
-160th SOAR
- Silver Star
- CW5 Steve Lapping
The President of the United States of America, authorized by an Act of Congress on July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Five Steven A. Lapping, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving as Pilot of an AH-6 Helicopter with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), while operating against an entrenched enemy force during a daylight raid in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
If you would like to learn more about 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Steve Lapping I suggest you look into our various other video clips: / @combatstory
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That’s my pops! ❤
I was an fco stooge from 93 to 99....and helped keep your pops birds maintained....also got to come back as a nasty girl after 9/11....even went to 🇮🇶 in 93 for a short stint....NSDQ
🙏🏻
Your dad is a badass much respect!
🇺🇲🇺🇸🇺🇲
❤
My Friend and neighbor Major Matthew Wade Worrell was in the 160th SOAR NIGHTSTALKERS/GUNSLINGERS NSDQ/GSNM and was KIA in IRAQ on May 16th 2006 when his helicopter was shot down by intense enemy ground fire. He received the Silver 🥈 Star among other Awards and is buried in the DFW NATIONAL CEMETERY. A REAL HERO who gave his life in support of his mission and his guys on the ground and defending our FREEDOM here in the U.S.
I wanted to read about him and his sacrifices to this country so I downloaded the pdf on the official military. Here's the text
Major Matthew Wade Worrell died May 14, 2006, when his AH-6M Little
Bird helicopter was shot down by enemy fire during combat operations in
Yusifiyah, south of Baghdad, Iraq.
He was born April 4, 1972, and attended high school in Lewisville, Texas.
He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree
and received his commission in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant. In 1996 he
attended the Aviation Officer Basic Course and Initial Entry Rotary Wing
training.
After receiving an OH-58D Aviator Qualification in 1997, he was ordered to
Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as an Assistant S-3 in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st
Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. Later in his tour with the 7th, he served as a Platoon Leader attached to
Task Force Eagle (SFOR 5) and deployed to Bosnia.
Returning from Bosnia in 1999, he attended the Military Intelligence Captain’s Career Course at Fort
Huachuca, Ariz., followed by the Combined Arms Services Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. After
this schooling in 2001, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he
served as the commander for A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. He assessed for the 160th
Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 2003 and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th
SOAR(A) where he served as a Flight Operations Officer and later as a Platoon Leader in B Company,
1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).
His schools include the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape course, Airborne school, and Air
Assault school.
His awards and decorations include two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal for
valor, three Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two National
Defense Service Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global
War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service
Ribbon and the NATO Medal. He is also authorized to wear the Senior Aviator Badge, the Airborne
Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Combat Action Badge. Worrell was posthumously awarded the
Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
Major Worrell is survived by his wife, Camille of Clarksville, Tenn., and two children, Jake and Luke.
Steve was a great mentor for me when I arrived in A Company in 1994 as a BMQ warrant officer pilot. As a new guy, I had nothing but respect for the guys who had already experienced so much in the unit, post Mogadishu. It was an honor to serve with Steve and all the great men that I came to think of as brothers for life.
It was a pleasure flying with you Dave, enjoy watching the Camaro come along!
I've flown as a crew member with Mr. Lapping in the late 1990's in MH-60Ls. Great pilot and NightStalker. Proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him. NSDQ
NSDQ!!!!!
I was AH64D pilot with A Co 1-4 AVN on QRF at Camp Taji the day of the mother’s day shoot down in Yussifiyah. We were actually told that two 160th aircraft were shot down and that we were going to go provide support but we were stood down very shortly thereafter. I had heard rumors of what happened but to hear from a pilot that was there is insane. We wanted in the fight but head shed stopped us
My Father was in the unit. Seeing Mike Durant return with his berate clinched in the air was when I knew I would serve. I was 8 at the time.
I worked with your Dad
Good Man!
My son is currently in flight school in AL. He loves it. It is tough work but he loves it.
I had the incredible pleasure of working with the 160th SOAR on quite a few occasions in the 1980's/90's. I was an Air Force guy flying with the 16th SOS and the 711th SOS from 1987-1995. To observe these aviators, who are arguably the best helicopter pilots in the world, fly during exercises and real world contingency operations was, quite simply, amazing. Thanks to all the Night Stalkers for their skill and bravery in supporting our troops and ensuring our freedoms are maintained.
MC -130 guy here, ditto to that comment, those guys amazed me.
I had the pleasure to fly with him a few times at Bliss. Great guy, great instructor. Gave me great flight techniques and grilling me on my first AASLT brief... good times. One of the few pilots I remember clearly. I still remember his last flight wasn't in a Blackhawk but a mh6.
May God Bless you and your family. God Bless you for your service sir. Please know there are still many of us who love and adore our Military veterans.
Steve is my guy! I've flown and learned a lot from him! Serving with him was my honor, and humble is right!
Thanks Carey, enjoyed flying and working with you! Fly safe😊
My name is Paul Endicott.
I enjoy hearing the stories you shear with the viewers. I was given the honor of being a part of the 160th in the beginning. I was only support in the unit, but was able to know many people who were later to be known for some amazing things, in the units history.
I worked with these guys in Iraq. Didn't know Steve, but flew with some of them on their transport missions around the country. I was just a reservist and not Army, but the 160th is the absolute best. This was an awesome interview, recounting some of the same missions I had a very small part in.
"Reservist." Latin for expendable.
I remember Mr. Lapping from the NTC. He came and rode with CW 4 Rick Scrugham we were the round out unit for the 3rd ACR. We were with the 4th Squadron 278th ACR TNARNG I was Mr. Scrugham's aero scout observer and we let him have a great ride in our Loach. When we got back Mr. Lapping had a smile that the undertaker couldn't take off. Great interview.
Can't say thanks enough, really enjoyed the flight and talking with your team.
I served with Mr. Lapping as an armament dawg always enjoyed being around him SGDM!🇺🇸💪🏼NSDQ! 🙏🏼
Greatest respect for all the LB armament and crew chiefs, they did so much more than armament duties!
Mr. Lapping, nothing but respect for your work with the 160th. I met a few Night Stalkers while visiting Ft. Campbell and our Raytheon FLIR team. I also met Jamie Weeks a few months prior to his tragic death when he and SIMO folks came out to visit our program office in California. His death was a shock to us. May he rest in peace. From somewhere, I had heard he was flying with a rather new pilot to provide some sort of familiarization. From your descripation, that doesn't seem to be the case. Thank you sir.
Thank you for your service and protecting our son and other members of these special units. May God Bless You All .
Thanks for the stories of the unit history - I was a Hooter Bros. from 94-99 and I love hearing more stories and filling in the blanks of what I missed.
Thank you for your service. American hero. ❤🇺🇸
The historical value of these stories are immense. Thank you from Canada.
Ryan . . . I recently discovered your channel (subscribed). I myself am a Vietnam Vet, having served in the Mekong Delta as an Army Frogman (Engineer Diver). I couldn't help but notice the rotor blade hanging on your office wall. It reminded me of my son-in-law's office wall (with a bullet hole thru the blade). He was an Apache Driver and DFC recipient (first Apache pilot to medivac out two downed Kiawah Pilots - one on the side cowling, other up front). A true hero. Being a Vietnam Vet, I have a special spot in my heart for you helicopter pilots). I have an autographed (Mike Durant) Black Hawk Down book.
I've also sent in a form for a possible interview on your show. Hopefully we will talk soon. Thanks for your service, both in the Army and with this CZcams Channel.
Pretty awesome he talks about Karl Maier and Keith Jones landing their little bird in the street to rescue the crash survivors in Gothic Serpent. Karl and Keith actually landed twice that day.They landed again after Durant's crash happened hoping that Shughart and Gordon could bring survivors to them, but it got WAY to hot with them being shot at, and Col. Matthews was screaming at them to get the bird back in the air and they did. Incredible dudes.
Nothing but respect for the guys who get the awesome job of flying those helicopters, thank you for sharing these stories.
As one of the best dcs/arma/squad/dayz helo pilots, thank you 😄😄
My father was a CW4 helicopter 🚁 pilot flew the huey and Blackhawk and others and retired from the F.A.A. .....
Incredible men 👏
He's a part 2 qualified candidate if ever I've heard one. I'd like to hear him really deep dive on all the helicopters partially technically/performance/op flexibility/weapons and just more stories from hot missions. Gotta hear the Jessica mission in detail from his perspective too. More please, Steve is a top talker about his crazy vast time on the stick. 10/10
My Older Brother by 18 months was Stationed at Fort Campbell. He has Passed away but he was Airborne after 13.5 YeRs in Service, he spent 5 years in Schofield Army Base in Hawaii Island. The For Fort Campbell. His Kids were born while station there, They did theHonor Guard with the 21 Gun Salute at his Funeral. His Brother Inlaw retired as a Sgt. Major Of Command of the Base.
Completely agree!!
Got to fly in Hueys in 81 -82 at Hood as a grunt. So badly wanted to be a pilot especially after a night pick up and drop off in the field. Well done CW 5 Lapping. Thank you for your service and sorry for your loss.
I agree... with Tony Keast below
we need a PART 2, 3, 4 etc etc etc.. Such a great interview.. and would love to hear MORE from him!! He has a very captivating story telling manner in which he explained his time in service; great humor, appreciate all that he shared! He should also, like you mentioned at the end.... write a BOOK... I feel that we all will read it! Thank you, BOTH!
I was an OH-58 A&C crewchief from 90-94. Loved it! We probably knew some of the same folks back then. The CW3's and 4's were awesome and knew their stuff.
Thank you for sharing your story. Bubba was my platoon leader at 1/7. This is the first time I've heard the actual details of the event as I was never part of the SOAR community. I loved that kid and news of his death has been difficult to bear for all these years. RIP, Bubba. NSDQ.
Hi Neil, Bubba was a great guy and the kind of officer you could tell was going to continue to rise through the ranks at a fast pace. Still remember that feeling when they relieved us, the CAV to the rescue! RIP Bubba and Jamie
@@stevenlapping2576Thank you for sharing your story. This country is indebted to you. Bubba was in my flight class. Thank you for telling the story. Much respect sir.
Thank you so much for your service. These stories really bring it home to the folks that built these machines. That are still being built! I started out as a line Supervisor on the 369E and 369FF in 1982, Culver City, CA. building 100 a year. Then transferred to Mesa, AZ in 1987. Went to the dark program to develop the MELB bird, which is still supported. I am still working on the Helicopter, and enjoying everyday day. Thank you CW5 Steve Lapping!
We need this guy to do another interview!!!!
I feel so privileged getting to hear first hand knowledge of one of the highest ranking combat pilots America has! Thank you both gentleman! 💪🇺🇲🫡
I worked 3 years for a company in Arizona called MD Helicopters who actually manufactured the little birds shown in pictures in this interview! Very cool to see the birds in use!
Very nice. I flew with CW2s, never did see any 3 or above. I flew with B Troop 7/17 Scouts. RVN 1969-1971. OH-6A. OH-6A was the BEST. We flew the tri border in Vietnam, out of Pleiku.
Remember the wrist worn Garmen GPSs they gave us? I kept mine upside-down on my kit so I could just look down at it anytime I needed to. I loved that thing.
I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and War Gulf 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment
I was in Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) in 1989 with 1st Battalion, 245th Aviation (Airborne) ... May 1990, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). As demand for highly trained special operations aviation assets bloomed, the regiment activated three battalions, a separate detachment, and incorporated one Army National Guard unit, the 1st Battalion, 245th Aviation (Airborne) (OK ARNG).
NSDQ!
That homecoming on CAAF back in 93 was heartbreaking and still is.
Went thru green plt about a year after....was a fco stooge.....i just remember it being very intense training ..think they were making up for shortcomings they learned from that
cheap warrant officer 5That's like a unicorn They exist but there's very few of them . i am a former 15 Tango crew chief UH 60 Blackhawk from one to another sir thank you for your service to our country and humanity
I love these aviator stories. I grew up at Rucker. I had two grandfathers that were Army aviators in the 50s and 60s. One was a dust off pilot in Vietnam and the other retired around 65. I joined shortly after 9/11 and my grandfather that was still alive tried to get me to go WOC out of high school. I wanted to be on the ground and in the fight so I enlisted as a 11B. Years later I was stationed at Rucker and was promoted out of a job so I ended up working for the Directorate of Simulations for a bit. I decided to try and put a packet in then but I failed the physical. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 3 months before the physical. I regret not trying earlier in my career but I believe that everything happens for a reason. Anyway, great story and good job getting these people’s stories out. There’s so much forgotten to history. I think this helps preserve a lot. Keep up the great conversations!
Ryan never fails. Another great show 👍🏻
Let’s get another interview with this man. Great life story.
Great interview on an amazing soldier! It’s men like you that make me proud that I wore the same uniform for 22 years.
Thanks for the episode, this brings back a lot of memories. I served with the Night Stalkers from 1987-1989. I flew several times with Cliff Wolcott, he was a hellva pilot and person. Another pilot that that I flew with was Keith Jones, incredible pilot and a great guy.
Were you in C Company? I was in the TF May '83 until I retired Mar '88, went on terminal leave Dec '87. I knew Cliff also. NSDQ!
@@JF-cf8ih I was with F Company AVIM in the avionics shop.
@@bobhaggard8974 Then you must have known Jerry Landgraf who was in F Co. Production Control. I was retired a couple months when I learned of his death. R.I.P. Jerry. Great friend, we worked closely together, I was the non-rated maintenance tech in C Co.
@@JF-cf8ih Yes I did know Mr. Landgraf though not personally. I was on the honor guard and did the rifle 21 gun salute. That was a sad day. I got out in 89 though I went to work for the company that built the Rocket Management System and gun controls for the little birds and the Blackhawks, so I was back at Ft Campbell several times after I got out.
As a Vietnam combat vet I served with the 101st airborne division in Vietnam, 1969-1970 you guys are the best you saved our lives. You were always there for us. Thank you sir 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎖
My brother in law was a recruiter for the Night Stalkers in those years....Is really rare to see anything in print for this group of patriots...
AH -6 has always been one of my favourite platforms. Nothing like an AH-6 with twin cannons and rocket pods. 🤘🏻
Our little bird pilots are the best in the world, (I tend to use crazy to describe them), but their skill is absolutely amazing. I remember riding on one MH-6, it was a wild NOE ride but I trusted them completely.
Great story from what seems to be a normal guy (besides being a CW5!).
I went into the Army as Huey crew chief with the plans on flight school. Shoulda coulda….
Thank you for your service Mr Lapping!
Thanks Shawn
One hell of an interview of a true hero. Great that this has been has been preserved for future
generations.
Just wanted to leave a comment here for you Ryan. You are an amazing interviewer. You obviously do your research, and ask amazing questions to lead the interview. However, what sets you apart for me, is your silence. You let the person tell their story, only asking for clarification afterwards. It keeps the flow going and gives the space for the person being interviewed to truly impart their story without needless interruption. Keep up the good work Sir.
Thank you for your service Sir and for sharing your stories! Welcome home! Ryan has to have you on again to get more of your stories told! Thank you Ryan for having him on! Cheers
One Love brother.. To the wife.. great job gb you for your sacrifice too❤
Much respect to the wife’s no doubt
Biscuits me excited watching him nerd out with another pilot😂😂. His reaction is letting me know how awesome some of the stuff this guy pulled off
What a story an what a man! You can hear the pain in his voice when hes reliving the events….. great stoy teller realy draws the listener in! Thank you for your service Sacrifice blood sweat and tears for our country!!!! Godbless❤
Two things that occurred to me during this particular episode were 1) The fight that he talked about the most occurred about the time I rotated out of Kirkuk and I reflected upon the bubbles that we operated in where we had little SA about whatever was happening outside of our own AO's. The folks back home had a better idea of the big picture than we did and 2) I it just hit me that in a different episode that you mentioned that one if your son's does a lot if your editing. That has to be a powerful experience for both of you as you see your child be exposed to the viscera of combat and see him become cognizant of how his father is carrying similar baggage of post combat life. It wasn't until a few years ago that I sought any help or really talked about Iraq beyond the superficial, banal, and raunchy details. Both times that I deployed, I went as a single that was attached to another unit. That meant that I never knew anybody when I arrived and never saw them again after the tour was over so there were few people available to even talk to later. By the time that I reached out, I had almost irretrievably estranged my wife and daughter. My daughter saw the military as a bad institution that took her father away for 11 of her first 11 years. As she told me later, I never really came home after my tours. After I finally opened some, I took my daughter to lunch as a young lady, by that time, and told her some things that only a handful of people ever heard me consciously speak of. I saw a softening of my daughter's feelings as she gained some small insight into her father's experiences and the resulting effects. I hope that your son is truly appreciative of these experiences that he is being exposed to and to seeing some of the raw emotion that is communicated in your shows. Thank you for what you do.
Part 2 pleeeeeeease. This guy rules. Great story teller.
I love these two hour interviess. I just watched/listened while cleaning the kitchen and fridge. I had to stop a few times and really zone in. Truly incredible story but I think you know this deserves a part two!
Steve had a fascinating career, doing a difficult job right up close to the action. It is not difficult to see how be became a CW5. I was a pilot in the air force, and a target to us, was an impersonal thing, a whole world of difference from the world he lived in. With respect to you and your fellow airmen..
Great Guy & Great Family
True Legends from Australian
Another amazing interview. Really really enjoyed listening to this one and I can’t thank enough this man’s service to our Great Nation. Take care of yourselves. God Bless.
Love hearing these guys stories! I have an uncle that flew with these guys, so I have always had a fascination with this elite group of pilots!
What an amazing story! Great job Ryan! This guy is a Natl Treasure! When he started talking about the Somalia guys and got choked up. I did as well! I was a young LCpl and during that time. I was supposed to be on a MEU that went to Restore Hope or Continue Hope (Cant remember which one anymore) and got pulled for some reason, that as an E-3 I was never told why!
In the Marine Corps the CWO5 is rare as well. We also have what we call a "Gunner" (many times though the term Gunner is used to describe all Warrant Officers in the Marine Corps but its wrong) which is a CWO5 that is an expert in all weapons systems on the ground side. I did 20 years in the Marine Corps and only ever met 2 Marine CWO5's and NEVER met a real CWO5 Gunner. I saw one at the Commissary on Camp Pendleton once though....LoL....
Thank you for defending me and my family.
Ryan, thank you for all of the awesome warfighters you have had on your show. Amazing stories from amazing warriors! Please try to get Mr. Lapping back on. Although this show was just over two hours it seemed like it was only 5 minutes lol. I'm sure that Mr. Lapping has barely scratched the surface of a stellar and honorable career. Thanks again Ryan for this show and for being a stellar warfighter yourself.
I never shared a room or even met a 5. To have 3 on one rotation had to be nuts. I was lucky enough to ride in plenty of UH 1's with Vietnam vets flying at NTC. You could tell right away the Cw4's from Vietnam vs the new pilots
Outstanding. He and Greg Coker could go on for days. Hopefully they will come back and also suggest teammates who might come share their amazing contributions.
I’m half way through this video and you are asking the questions I would. Thank you for covering the bases on these incredible warriors and making it relatable to the layman and also not glossing over details. Amazing job. Thank you
Served with a W5 who served in Vietnam and was our PC officer/test pilot in 1st Cav 227th. The stories, OMG. He loved passing on what he knew! The dude was over the edge! Heart monitor the whole 100 yards! No joke! As a QC NCO? He raised my game every day!
Incredible. Please consider a Part 2.
Muchly Thankya Brudder Grasshopper wid Respectfully Appreciation fer "Pop's Doin! Muchly Safe Travels in days Remaining of 2023.
What a amazing Man, thank you for your service. And all you went through.
I could listen to him all day long.
I was a young news photog in the early 2000s, interviewing the family of 160th member Sgt Philip Svitak who lost his life in combat…first introduction to SOAR.
Loved aviation forever but not much into helicopters until my brother became a flight nurse. Years later I live by two level 1 trauma hospitals and can tell largely by craft sound alone which model it is. Turns out helicopters are actually prob almost cooler than airplanes.
Those Little Birds though….it’s like throwing a supercharged engine in the most maneuverable car possible. The more you watch them the cooler they are.
Fantastic interview. Very humble guy and wish I could have seen him fly back in the day.... bet he was super sharp.
I deployed with a CW5 to Tikrit, Iraq in 2003. He had served in Vietnam. Amazing careers to achieve that rank.
I'm gonna be brutally honest as😮 a veteran. I haven't cried that hard in years his pain of losing his flight. Lead hurt me and brought back a lot of memories. Thank you so much, Ryan, and thank you, Steve. Steve you didn't miss anything buddy
Deep Insertion and Extraction.
I was at Ft. Rucker in the early 1990s. As I entered the Officer’s Club, headed for the casual bar. Three CW5s were leaving. I had heard of CW5s but had never met any. I was a CW3. One of the W5s braced me and ask, “Chief, don’t you salute a superior officer”? Prior or CW5 Warrant Officers never saluted each other. I stepped back and asked “How much flight time do you guys have”? Then I asked “How many Army Aircraft are you qualified guys qualified to fly”? Long story, these guys 20:05 turned around, into the bar we went and they bought me a drink. Great guys they were.
Always been an issue within the Warrant Officer Branch…. To salute or not to salute. There’re some guys who felt Warrants shouldn’t salute each other, although the Reg say otherwise. I felt it was better to simply follow the Reg. Junior officers salute senior officers.
" Steadfast American" is what I have watched---Sept. 1, 2023 === I thank both of you and all.
I love how Steve talks about Steve in the third person! Great episode Gentlemen!
This is a great interview. The only thing it needs are photos of the different helicopters and some jargon translation. Thanks for posting.
Great interview. I think I might have been one of those TAC Officers in C company. It was such a long time ago but his name is familiar. Either way, these stories are amazing to listen to.
Best pilots in the world. If it wasn’t for this pilot and many like him with the 160th more people would be written on the memorial of the dead. They were all hero’s to many.
God bless you sir. You are a hero. With that said speaking in 3 rd person is usually military.
Thank you for posting this great episode! I flew OH-13S and OH-6A scouts in A Troop 1/9th Cav, 1st Cav Division in 68-69. Steve's story about the blade hit causing them to have to land was pretty common with our OH-6 scouts. A blade hit on the OH-13 was noticeable and noisy but it kept flying fine. Not so on the OH-6. In the 1990's I was a staff officer working for BG John Dailey, Fourth ROTC Region CG at Fort Lewis. He had just left Command of the 160th. I accompanied him to a Navy Memorial Service on the USS Carl Vinson where they were honoring a Retired Navy Captain who had done heroic things at Pear Harbor. We entered the ship via the hangar deck. It was my first time aboard modern carrier and I was amazed at the size of the hanger space. I commented to General Dailey that it looked like I could fly a Loach around in there. His reply was, "yes, we did..." When I pressed him for the story, he told me how the 160th went after the Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz.
They were our taxi. My respect to them. Excellent crews...
Thank you for sharing I’m a Vietnam vet and I now how much ment to me
Awesome stuff! It’s always good hearing about these operations from a different perspective. Particularly after the folks involved had an opportunity to totally reflect on things with a lowered heart rate. And Chief is absolutely right about the scarcity of CW5s in non-aviation units. For the seven years I wore the CW5 rank, prior to retiring, I was 1 of 1. I was one of the few that could have retired at 42yrs, but decided 35yrs was a good stopping point. Awesome stuff… just subscribe.
These are all incredible pieces of heroes history, spin me up too much to watch, but knowing they are here at least means I can find them when the time is right.
One of the few CZcams videos I’ve watched from start to finish. Would be great if our nation was assured that there will be more young men with this much character quality to fill the shoes of men like Steve. Thanks for this unrestrained video, a great interview.
I was a ground pounder Baghdad Aug 2006-Aug 2007. 1st CAV Hooah. Thanks for the detailed review.
Awesome interview! Respect to you Sir and your teammates!
Thanks
Worked at HAAF, Savannah GA. for 4 years with the Rangers, as a RDF Crewchief/Flt Engineer on Blackhawks. Probably the best 4 yrs of my 22 yrs. We flew nights under goggles multiple times a week over Ft. Stewart lands, trained with the Rangers with everything they did. Deployed many times. We were the best Blackhawk company flying at night in the Army.. I had hundreds of hrs under googles. Had to remove pine limbs & pine straw from my struts/wheels many nights…Loved my job! This all right before the Nightstockers were formed. We lost several pilots from our unit to the 160th SOAR unit. Sure miss those days, but I made E-7 and they took my bird from me to fly a desk. So I went looking for a new job. The number 2 most critical needed MOS was Counterintelligence Special Agent. So I became a Spook for the next 10 yrs, after flying for 12 straight yrs….Huey’s & Blackhawks for 12 yrs is what I called the best job in the Army. SGM Tony (Ret).
Great interview. Worked with Steve for years. Good man.
Great exchange/interview! Love the “more gas, more bullets” comment👍
Great to see you on Combat Story brother. Hope you talk about your hair products an hair cut at H1. 🤣
They should have both of on, TM 6 Gun. SGDM!
Gravy sends
Hi Greg, definitely still some stories to tell, but I have put the haircut memory in the back of my mind in a small little compartment that I don’t think about it!😂😂
@@stevenlapping2576 you bet buddy, we have plenty. Pray you are well brother. SGDM!
Fastest 2 hrs on CZcams -- riveting.
Maybe round 2 in the works. Great guest
I had to pause the video when he talked about going to the recruiting office. The exact same thing, word for word happened to me. I was fresh out of college, had done my private helicopter training on y own (I had my private), and wanted to enlist. I went down to talk to the Navy or Marines, but they were out to lunch. The Army guys told me they weren’t hiring pilots tight now, this was 1994 during the drawdown, but if I went in as a crew chief and did a good job, the pilots would recommend me to flight school. Even as a dumb kid, I wasn’t that dumb.
Fast forward 30 years, I have a great friend the was Navy EOD, he told be never go into the recruiting office with out someone who’s been in.
Now back to the rest of the interview!
Thank you for making these, they are so important.
20 yrs in Air Force and loved his stories. Does he still fly helicopters today
Yes, very fortunate to have friends I can go fly with every now and then!
Please have him on for part 2! Very interesting stories