Written by Steve C
|
26 August 2010
With another first for InterLakes.TV. We just finish interviewing the Blue Angels Captain Greg "Boss" McWherter in the # 1 Blue Angel F-18. This interview however took place in-flight in Greg's office over South Carolina while we were refueling the Blue Angels en-route to Pease for their airshow this weekend. Greg also made time to give a special shout out to Inter-Lakes High School from his cozy office in the sky. (Videos to follow) It was just another day at the office for Boss. Our zoom lens on the HD video cameras allowed us to come into that office while he flew approximately 100' below and behind the KC 135 refueling tanker from the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
The day started off in a downpour but as we climb above 15,000 feet the sun returned and the sky was perfect for our rendezvous with the Angels. After a thirty year flying career culminating in flying the Airbus A-330 across the Atlantic with US Airways, I did not think there where many first in aviation left for me. But Greg showed me that you can still have a first even at my age.
We were there to tell a story how a small town high school football team in Meredith, NH (Inter-Lakes High School) led to filming the Blue Angels in-flight this weekend. I thought that when they won the State Championship in their division, after only two years that the story had ended. But that story led to others which continues to evolve. I have learned in my life time that when you put in the work and stick with it, the story will always continue. That is what we are doing at InterLakes.TV.. Telling stories with film and trying to show students that if you put in the work and keep at it, things will happen.
InterLakes.TV. will be filming all weekend on the tarmac at Pease while the football team at Inter-Lakes High school takes to the field for the first time this weekend since winning a state championship last year. I have total faith in their coach Paul Lavigne. He knows the secret to the story being told. So does Captain Greg "Boss" McWherter. That's why they are successful at what they do. Coach being a 4 time State Champion and Boss being a Top Gun and at the top of his game. They may be on opposite ends of the Earth, but they both know how to show kids the secret to success. I would love to see this story continue with Coach and Boss on each others fields and trade secrets with the kids. I know Greg lettered in football and soccer and is obviously in great shape. Not too sure about coach flying in a F18, but I'm there if he does. That would be another first for us. Boss, if you read this please come visit our school and football team that started it all in Meredith, NH. I will put you up at http://millfalls.com/index.htm on Lake Winnipesaukee and let this story continue. It's a beautiful place in the fall and we would love to have you.
Stay tune to InterLakes.TV. for more articles and video to come.
About Boss:
Boss is a native of Atlanta, Ga., and graduated from Avondale High School in 1986 where he lettered in football and soccer. He attended The Citadel, where he played NCAA Division 1 soccer for the Bulldogs and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1990. He received his commission through the NROTC program and entered aviation training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., in June 1990. Greg continued his training at nearby NAS Whiting Field, flying the T-34C Mentor, before moving to NAS Meridian, Miss., to fly the T-2C Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk. He earned his wings of gold in September 1992.
In November 1992, Greg reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), the "Gladiators," at NAS Cecil Field, Fla., for initial training in the FA-18 Hornet. Upon completion of the Fleet Replacement Squadron, he was ordered to VFA-131, the "Wildcats," where he served as the Landing Signals Officer (LSO), Weapons Training Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. From October 1993 to February 1997, he completed two workups and deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf with the "Wildcats" aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). He graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in May 1995 and was selected as VFA-131's Pilot of the Year in 1996.
In March 1997, Greg reported to NAS Fallon, Nev., as a TOPGUN Instructor. During his tour in Fallon, he served as a Training Officer and the Navy's AIM-9M/X, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and FA-18 Air-to-Air Employment Subject Matter Expert.
Greg returned to the fleet in March 2000 as Tactics Officer and Department Head for VFA-34 at NAS Oceana, Va. During his tour with the "Blue Blasters," he completed two more Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf deployments aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and was selected by his peers to receive the 2003 Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award.
In August 2003, Greg received orders to the United States Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. Within the Joint Requirements and Integration Directorate (J8), he served as the Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) Branch Chief and was responsible for identifying mission area shortfalls and developing joint solutions through the Department of Defense. During his Joint tour, Greg completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I through the College of Distance Education at the Naval War College.
After completing refresher training in the FA-18 Hornet in March 2006, Greg reported as Executive Officer of VFA-192 stationed at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan. He commanded the "World Famous Golden Dragons" through three major deployments aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) from June 2007 until July 2008.
Greg assumed command of the Blue Angels in November 2008. He has over 4,200 flight hours and 950 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals (Strike Flight), two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as various campaign and unit awards.
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