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

In response to the 9/11 terror attacks, American and coalition forces commenced combat operations in Afghanistan with conventional operations commencing 7 October 2001. It was an incredible period in history, and our guest was a key participant. Former F-14 RIO Mike "Tung" Peterson describes what it was like being deployed when 9/11 happened…and flying in the first strike to begin the military response. A member of VF-213 flying from 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 his “Afghanistan ordnance Christmas tree.”