Space superiority is essential to U.S. national security. Jennifer Reeves discusses her recommendations from her new policy paper, Charting a Path to Space Superiority: The Cross-Domain Imperative, with Director of Global Space Operations, Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir.
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Every week, Heather “Lucky” Penney will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.
Ep. 271 - The Rendezvous
National Security Strategy, CCA Developments, & Defense Predictions for ’26: The Rendezvous
National Security Strategy, Air Mobility Command’s new airlift recap plan, and the new STRATCOM commander. Plus, CCAs, the biggest take aways for 2025, and what we predict will shape defense in 2026.
Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), and Kyle Pumroy share some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.
Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. Lt. Gen. David. A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt. Gen. Burton Field, USAF (Ret.), JV Venable, and Heather Penney share some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.
We chat with Ace Colonel Chuck DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.) as he reflects upon Major Bob Lodge, a fighter pilot from the famed 555th Fighter Squadron who made the ultimate sacrifice over North Vietnam. Lodge developed cutting edge tactics, harnessed new technologies, and personally took the fight to the enemy in ways that were truly above and beyond.
The U.S. Air Force doesn’t have enough airlift. Today’s inventory is half the size of what it was in the Cold War, but current demands are far higher and more complex. This isn’t just an Air Force problem; it impacts the entire Department of War.
Ep. 266 - The Rendezvous
Fighter Update, Vector 2025, and CSAF Priorities: The Rendezvous
In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand? What’s up with the new Air Force fighter force structure report, plus Secretary of War Hegseth’s acquisition speech? We also explore Gen. Wilsbach’s new priorities, F-35s to Saudia Arabia, as well as Lt. Gen. White’s nomination for a new job as DRPM. The conversation also covers the Space Force, including Vector 2025, the creation of Combat Forces Command, and new developments regarding their test and validation requirements.
Now that space is a warfighting domain, the Space Force and Space Command must pursue capabilities and operational concepts that increase resilience and effectiveness.
Most of the Air Force’s aircraft are flying with engines designed during the Cold War. That’s why the service is pursuing a new generation of engines. We talk with Lt. Gen. Steve Shepro, USAF (Ret.) of Pratt and Whitney to learn more.
The Air Force is facing a readiness crisis, one that threatens our airmen’s ability to prevail in a peer conflict. That’s why live, virtual, constructive (LVC) training paired with advanced simulation is key to warfighter readiness and lethality. Heather “Lucky” Penney digs into this topic with CAE’s Nick “Master” Yates and Matt Martin.
Marine veteran Andrew Bain spent the past 30 years living and working in Ukraine. He and Adm. Ihor Voronchenko (Ret), former commander of the Ukrainian Navy, join hosts Heather "Lucky" Penney and Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.) for an inside look at technical and tactical innovation in the fight for survival against Russian aggression.
Ep. 261 - The Rendezvous
R&D vs Procurement Dollars, Chinese Gains in Space, and Small UAS Defense: The Rendezvous
In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand as well as the shutdown? We also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, plus the latest and greatest with spacepower. Plus, we explore organizational happenings, like the decision to role the ICC function into A5/7, not pursue Space Force Futures, and downgrading USAFE to a 3-star billet. We wrap up by highlighting the new small UAS test efforts at Grand Forks AFB and jump into the renewed debate on whether too much is being spent on Air Force R&D vs procurement and readiness.
China, Russia, and other adversaries can strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. In this episode, we discuss solutions with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.) and former USAFE commander Gen. Jeff “Cobra” Harrigian, USAF (Ret.); along with Mitchell Institute senior fellows Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret); Charles Galbreath; and host Heather Penney.
When the USSR gained atomic weapons early in the Cold War, the idea that the Soviets could strike American targets demanded a response. Robust air defense investments followed. With current adversary threats driving a renewed air and missile defense response via Golden Dome, it’s important to consider what past eras can teach us. Lessons learned are tremendously important.
Adversaries possess the means to strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. Their increasingly aggressive behavior demands a threat assessment, plus corresponding defenses. We explore this critical issue with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret) and former STRATCOM commander Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret).