8. Tomcat Ordnancemen

Aviation Ordnancemen, better known as “Ordies,” are the proud men and women who load the bombs, missiles, bullets, and other stores on naval #aircraft and none were more proud than those who used to do so on the #f14tomcat.

On this episode, former Ordies Randy Zeitler and Steve Folsom describe giving the Tomcat its claws and life in an F-14 squadron while working aboard the unforgiving flight deck.

0:00 INTRO
3:54 Randy Zeitler History
10:09 Steve Folsom History
13:07 Is there an Ordie standard?
14:26 Working on the Flight Deck
20:49 Flight Deck Team
28:01 Desert Storm
31:29 Did you work on the Flight Deck on your first launch?
35:04 Least favorite Ordnance
37:18 M-904 Fuse
41:34 War Stories
53:11 What did you like loading?
57:29 AIM-54 Belly to wing station
59:50 Hernia Bar
1:02:20 BOL CHAFF & BOL IR
1:07:50 What are you doing now?
1:26:35 OUTRO

[scotthayne]

Served with Randy in VF-102 ‘85-‘88. Loaded many missiles with him & Fincham & Opey. The iconic ordy, a perfect representation of what we all wanted to be as ordnancemen.

[Gotav-uqjr]

This is My favorite of all the Tomcast’s. Definitely better in video form, instead of. just podcast. Y’all did a great job of showing all the parts it took to keep the “Big Fighter” flying and combat ready.

[kellywilson]

I was an Aviation Ordnanceman in f-18 squadrons most notably VFA-131 Wildcats out of then NAS Cecil Field fla 1985/1988, Did one med-cruise 87/88 aboard the USS Coral Sea with CAG-13 airwing, It was a rough and tumble job but enjoyed every second of it mostly on the flight deck . Met some of the best guys and now call them my brothers, Sure miss it but our back and knees would tend to differ haa, Great video sir !

[milesbassin]

What a fantastic episode! I could listen to this all day long! Thank you for bringing this wealth of knowledge and experience. Straight talk and the realness. We need more channels like this.

[markspence]

Great chat and banter. Love how little prompts pop up when needed with the lesser know tech terms and abbreviations.

[coolhand]

i cannot state strongly enough how much i enjoyed this. priceless.

[elnach]

Even the Ordies on Tomcats were studs. It seems like just touching the Tomcat raised ones testosterone level.

[rodneyfincham]

I was the constant F14 order started with them on the wet coast in Vf 24 on 1977. Tours with Randy in 102 . Vf 101 and also 143. Then last tour in 102 in mid 90s. Yes I grew up when ordie were ordies a

[richardwl]

"What's a Super-Hornet ? " really cracked me up.
Great episode. Great series.

[colbypupgaming]

This is awesome, showing the camaraderie between the officers and enlisted in a Navy squadron.

[DPasadena]

This was a “you two characters” episode. I laughed so hard. This was the episode I didn’t know I needed. But, I needed it to lift my spirits. Thanks so much, guys!

[wayneroyal]

Again, watching this and the previous episodes again. These are fantastic! The ordinance guys are hilarious. Thanks again for reposting these!!

[mikesmith]

Love this series, and honestly, Ive heard from more F-14 flight crew than you can shake a stick at. Hearing from maintenance is a welcome reprieve. Id love to hear from the engine guys.

[MylesErwin]

'Bout time there was a show featuring ordies! Thank you for highlighting this profession. Was an AO3 with VFA25 Fist of the Fleet from 96-00. Great memories! Hard and yet rewarding work! IYAOYAS gentleman!

Edit additional- was CAG ARM/DEARM during sweatpac '98. Arming the Phoenix on the CAT was quite an adventure.

[hughscot]

Never in the military but I am a pilot and really enjoyed this conversation. Thanks so much for your service.

[mikejohnson]

I knew this was going to be good, but WOW! Great stories!!

[johnb]

Great job gentlemen, enjoyed it very much

[markspence]

That was the most enjoyable conversation I’ve been party to for a very long while. Thanks guys.

[vspecnurr]

Bloody brilliant episode, teamwork is everything, and you're all an exceptional team 💪👌🙏

[roydegenstein]

Another great episode my friends. Love it every time they come out. Love how Z-Man would bring up how Civilians don't understand. Many times my brothers and sisters in arms get together and tell stories over beers. Using words that only they would know. You see that Civilian a table over, head tilt, eyes wide trying to figure out what they are hearing. Good times.