The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ Post

I remember this like it was yesterday. I was in my first year of college, a mere four months after I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy—and departed the very squadron involved in the collision (the VQ-1 WORLDWATCHERS)—when I turned on the news and learned about this incident. I vividly remember seeing several of my friends in the photos that the PRC took and released to the media. I remember seeing the battered “PR-32” aircraft, and being amazed she hadn’t crashed from the extensive damage. I covered the crew’s heroic return to NAS Whidbey Island, WA in what was a surreal experience. I attended as a “member of the press” (yes, humorously I covered the homecoming for my college newspaper), but walking a flightline and aircraft hanger I knew like the back of my hand. Anecdotally, my article was better than The NY Times, CNN, CBS, etc., because I knew who to interview (i.e., my squadron leadership)—and secured their cooperation when they saw “Hoyt in a suit??” I later chatted with my friends who were aboard the aircraft, I was further amazed she held together—and was shocked at the level of unprofessional airmanship by the PRC. Their personal accounts are shocking. As I now reflect on this seemingly I forgotten international incident, 20-some years later, I have a few thoughts from the vantage point of now being an aviation attorney: 1) Don’t be like several members of the press and FOD a flightline with cigarette butts. You will get yelled at (I at least got a positive response from the corespondent I yelled at). 2) International aviation safety norms matter. The Chicago Convention matters. Professional airmanship and conduct matters. 3) Freedom of Navigation MUST be preserved. 4) Nations continue to willfully and dangerously disregard these norms. We must not forget these incidents—because they are bound of occur again. #aviationsafety #aviationlaw

I never make new year resolutions. But this time I did & it’s not what you think. Inspired by a podcast that I came across by Naval Ravikant, in 2024 I seek to develop strong opinions that are loosely held. The phrase was first popularised by Marc Andreessen. Strong opinions are formed by deepening one’s understanding of the matter. I  However, by having them loosely held one can course-correct based on external feedback. Having strong opinions that are strongly held results in a closed & intolerant mindset. This hinders the quest to learn continuously. On the other hand having weak opinions loosely held leads to mediocrity and a general compromise that leads to no progress. Do you agree?  What are your resolutions for this year? Read more about the subject here: https://nav.al/feedback

Tune in to the latest Military OneSource podcast to learn about common types of military relationship stress, how to strengthen bonds to create a more fulfilling relationship, and how to become the best version of yourself: https://lnkd.in/eXtUWvMf.

What did the Retired Marine Drill Sergeant say about building teams? Find out in this exclusive clip of the Tuesdays with Schwartz Podcast!! If you want to watch the entire episode - then follow the link: https://lnkd.in/gWHms7iH

This podcast packs concepts of effective vs efficient supply chain, resiliency, surge, and the state of the DIB all into 22 minutes. A great listen!

How do you transform collective training in the British Army? Who better to answer that question than Stephen Hart, leader of the #OmniaTraining team - our powerhouse partnership with Rheinmetall, Capita, Skyral and Cervus. In this new episode of the #HowToTrainAMilitary podcast, Stephen sat down with Dr Peter Roberts to explore the answers. Listen now: https://rtxcorp.co/3xH5NVj 🔊 #OmniaTraining #TrainingTransformation

Guardians, Perigee Podcast Episode 32 Part 1 is now available! Join Capt. Dustin Pessatore, CMSgt. Caleb Lloyd, TSgt. Brandon Lobrecht, Spc4 Alicia Floyd, and me as we dive into the topic of Space Force Generation (SPAFORGEN). We discuss how SPAFORGEN cycles #Guardians through three crucial phases – prepare, ready, and commit – which serve as the backbone for assigning and allocating forces to combatant commands. Tune in next Tuesday for Part 2 as we continue our engaging discussion about SPAFORGEN, exploring its impact on Guardians and their families, and addressing common misconceptions and rumors surrounding this important initiative. https://lnkd.in/dMZEhSsE

Anyone interested in my ramblings on #AI and the military should check out this edition of the Strategic Studies Institute and US Army War College Press podcast, Conversations on Strategy. https://lnkd.in/e-d6DFes

Guardians, Perigee Podcast Episode 32 Part 1 is now available! Join Capt. Dustin Pessatore, CMSgt. Caleb Lloyd, TSgt. Brandon Lobrecht, Spc4 Alicia Floyd, and me as we dive into the topic of Space Force Generation (SPAFORGEN). We discuss how SPAFORGEN cycles #Guardians through three crucial phases – prepare, ready, and commit – which serve as the backbone for assigning and allocating forces to combatant commands. Tune in next Tuesday for Part 2 as we continue our engaging discussion about SPAFORGEN, exploring its impact on Guardians and their families, and addressing common misconceptions and rumors surrounding this important initiative. https://lnkd.in/d8xE4Uk7

In our latest podcast, Una Bergmane discusses the Baltic Question, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the roles the United States played in them with host Medzibrodszky Alexandra. Listen to it now, or read the transcript: https://lnkd.in/dQCzKpFX