Meet Vietnam Veteran, F/A-18 Pioneer and CEO and President of Mercy Medical Angels: Rear Admiral James "Gib" Godwin III

Meet Vietnam Veteran, F/A-18 Pioneer and CEO and President of Mercy Medical Angels: Rear Admiral James "Gib" Godwin III

Author: Hollie Bellino September 19, 2025 Duration: 1:12:15

Join Hollie Bellino on The Aviator’s Guide as she sits down with Rear Admiral James Gib Godwin III — a U.S. Navy veteran with 33 years of service, missions in Vietnam and Desert Storm, and thousands of hours in two of the Navy’s most legendary aircraft: the A-7 Corsair and the F/A-18 Hornet.

Admiral Godwin shares his incredible journey from fleet pilot and Landing Signal Officer (LSO) to F-18 design contributor and instructor, and now President & CEO of Mercy Medical Angels. Hear first-hand stories of:

  • Flying over 2,000 hours in the A-7 Corsair and 2,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet
  • 34 combat missions during Desert Storm
  • Helping design and instruct in the F-18 program
  • Serving as an LSO and mentoring the next generation of naval aviators
  • His current mission with Mercy Medical Angels, providing life-saving medical transportation to those in need

This is an inspiring conversation for pilots, veterans, and anyone fascinated by naval aviation history.

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Intro music was produced by Jacob Watson.

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This channel is for entertainment purposes only and represents solely my opinion and not the opinion, views, or position of any company, institution or corporation. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only.


So you've felt that pull, that quiet curiosity about what it's like to truly command an aircraft. The Aviator's Guide: Novice to Pilot is built on the understanding that the path from first curiosity to holding a license is as much about practical knowledge as it is about managing doubts and demystifying a complex process. Hosted by Hollie Bellino, this podcast digs into the granular details of learning to fly in the United States, offering a clear-eyed companion for the journey. You'll hear straightforward conversations that feel like talking with a knowledgeable friend who's been through it all, covering everything from selecting a flight school and understanding the financial commitment to the nuances of training for different certifications. While the show has a strong focus on building a professional pilot career, it warmly welcomes those whose ambitions might stop at a private license for personal enjoyment. Each episode aims to replace uncertainty with actionable steps, whether you're a teenager just starting to research or an adult finally pursuing a long-held dream. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a grounded resource where the complexities of FAA regulations, instructor ratings like CFII, and the realities of general aviation are broken down into manageable pieces. Tune in for a podcast that serves as a reliable co-pilot, helping you navigate the exhilarating and demanding process of earning your wings, regardless of where you are in your own story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

The Aviator's Guide: Novice to Pilot
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