Operation Midnight Hammer through the eyes of the F-16 Wild Weasel pilots who flew it. This is the firsthand account of the 55th Fighter Squadron and the 20th Fighter Wing. These are the pilots who fly Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, known as SEAD, the crews who went in first to suppress Iranian air defenses, and the ground support teams who made the mission possible. Part two covers the mission planning and the thoughts of the pilots and other squadron members when they thought of the upcoming mission to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Recorded between December 2025 and January 2026, this series preserves the experiences of the people who were there, in their own words.

Operation Midnight Hammer. 🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/B6IJVLJ18bU #AerialRefueling #PilotLife #MilitaryAviation #MissionSupport

Full episode: 🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/xwRfjsusbL4 A MANPAD, an SA-16 with an impact fuse, hit the right engine during a left-hand turn. No warning, no flares deployed—it's almost impossible to see coming

Gary "Wolfman" Wolf breaks down his HUD (heads up display) footage from 8 April 2003. 🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/6adeZDvXx2w

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…

Operation Midnight Hammer. 🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/B6IJVLJ18bU #AerialRefueling #PilotLife #MilitaryAviation #MissionSupport

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…

Gary "Wolfman" Wolf breaks down his HUD (heads up display) footage from 8 April 2003.

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…

🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/xwRfjsusbL4 Facing a critical decision: eject over a city full of civilians or attempt a perilous flight with a damaged aircraft.

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf  was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…  Wolfman recounts the intense experience of a MANPAD attack, detailing the startle effect, temporal distortion, and the violent impact on a left-hand turn. Hear about the SA-16 missile and its impact fuse. This is a harrowing firsthand account.

On 8 April 2003, Gary "Wolfman" Wolf was struck by an SA-16 over Baghdad. 8 April In-depth breakdown: piped.video/3dOu6KT9a9Y Wolfman's Full interview @afterburnpodcast : piped.video/watch?v=xwRfjsus…

🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/xwRfjsusbL4 Fire light on. Engine sputtering and coming apart. Immediately switch to combat mode and report being hit. Had to break off support, but backup was en route. #CombatPilot #Aviation

The F-16's Service Life Extension Program involves detailed structural modifications, including the unique process of removing and reattaching wings. It's an intensive overhaul ensuring these jets fly safely and efficiently for decades longer. #F16 #Aviation #MilitaryTech

Imagine the intensity: your 5th combat HARM missile launch, wingmen in sync. It's a powerful, unified moment when everyone unleashes their fire. #Combat #Military

During a close air support mission over Baghdad on 8 April 2003, Maj Gary "Wolfman" Wolf and his A-10 Warthog were struck by an SA-16 MANPADs while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Bringing a jet back to life after disaster? That's the mission at the Aircraft Battle and Damage Repair facility. Here, personnel train to repair aircraft in the worst scenarios, from F-35s to F-22s, and handle critical components like landing gear. #MilitaryTech #Aerospace

Operation Midnight Hammer. 🔗 Watch the full video: piped.video/B6IJVLJ18bU #AerialRefueling #PilotLife #MilitaryAviation #MissionSupport

Ever wondered how massive aircraft landing gear gets its overhaul? Behind the scenes at Hill Air Force Base, the world's largest facility for landing gear maintenance supports 17 different aircraft types. #Aviation #Maintenance

This isn't just the 'fighter depot.' It's America's Depot, the backbone of Air Force readiness. Supporting every airframe, these patriotic individuals ensure our nation stays ready. #AmericasDepot #AirForce #Readiness