Life Under The Willow Tree
Life Under The Willow Tree
The Podcast Group at Willow Valley Communities
E167: A Navy Story: From Plane Mechanic to Plane Captain During the War in Vietnam
23 minutes Posted Jun 13, 2025 at 8:42 pm.
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Show notes
Host: Don Helin
Guest: Bill Bastian
Description: This episode features an interview with Bill Bastian, a veteran who shares his experiences as a jet engine mechanic and plane captain in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, specifically working on F-8 Crusaders. He recounts details of training, serving on aircraft carriers like the USS Kittyhawk and USS Midway, and the dangers and losses faced by pilots and crew. The discussion also touches upon his post-military career in pipeline construction and crane mechanics, and his retirement at Willow Valley.