F-15, F-16 or F-22? A General's Verdict - Episode 77

Brigadier General Micah “Zeus” Fessler shares stories about flying the F-15 and F-22, traces Colorado fighter aviation from early biplanes to the F-16, and today's homeland defense mission.

In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with “Zeus” about the aircraft, missions, training, and people that shaped his military career, including combat operations, Weapons School, and the Colorado Air National Guard. From the 120th Observation Squadron’s early Jennys to Buckley’s ongoing alert mission, Micah offers a wide-ranging look at fighter aviation and the community behind it. This one is going to be cool!

What you'll hear:

• Why Buckley has remained on alert since 9/11 and how Colorado supports the defense of NORAD/NORTHCOM.
• How Colorado Air National Guard aviation grew from early biplanes at high elevation to Block 30 F-16s.
• Why the Viper remains a flexible, high-demand aircraft for air-to-air, close air support, and emerging drone defense missions.
• "Zeus" explains the discipline, radar work, stick-and-rudder flying, and debrief culture that shaped him as a fighter pilot.
• How one loud, eventful training flight in Alaska turned into a fighter pilot call sign.
• What changed with stealth, sensor fusion, battle management, and fifth-generation tactics.
• A memorable F-22 sortie involving ISIS targets, F-16s, tankers, command-and-control aircraft, and Russian air activity.
• How citizen airmen preserve deep experience while serving both overseas missions and local Colorado communities.
• Colorado aviation heritage, the 120th Fighter Squadron, Minute Men demonstration team, and the legacy of service connected to Wings’ newest aircraft—a Thunderbird F-16D.
• "Zeus" encourages young people to believe in themselves, control what they can control, and accept help along the way.

Learn More:

• Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
• Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
• Subscribe and leave a review to support the show

This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.