The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast with Ryan Keys

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Captain Erik Kenny, Commanding Officer of the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). Capt Kenny shares the extraordinary behind-the-scenes story of the Artemis II astronaut recovery mission, his transition from a Strike Fighter pilot to a nuclear-qualified ship driver, and his "eat the risk" leadership philosophy that defines modern maritime command.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Steve Trimble, Defense Editor for Aviation Week Network, to explore the complex intersection of military aviation and global journalism. Trimble provides a rare "outside-in" look at how reporters track classified hardware, the historical firestorms sparked by unauthorized leaks, and the looming technical hurdles facing next-generation fighters like the F-47.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Ryan Hogan, a Navy Reserve officer and serial entrepreneur whose journey is a masterclass in resilience. Hogan candidly details his "intentional lack of intentionality," from nearly failing high school to facing Captain's Mast early in his career, only to pivot and become a highly successful startup founder. He shares how the Navy provided the discipline needed to build companies like Hunt A Killer and Talent Harbor, all while continuing to lead sailors in the maritime security realm.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Commander Keith "Kiki" Kulow, USN (Ret.), whose career bridges the high-stakes world of flight testing and front-line disaster response. From flying "variable stability" aircraft that can emulate any airframe to leading the "Dusty Dogs" of HSC-7 through a historic hurricane season, Commander Kulow's story is one of technical mastery and extreme adaptability. He shares deep insights into the rigorous selection process for Test Pilot School (TPS), the surprising emphasis on written communication in flight testing, and the leadership challenges of executing unscripted rescue missions in the wake of Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys speaks with Major Ken Lee, USAF (Ret.), whose aviation career spans helicopter rescue missions, Cold War tanker alert, Operation Desert Storm, presidential airlift support, and commercial airline safety leadership. From flying rescue helicopters in California to launching KC-135s under Emergency War Orders, Major Ken Lee’s story reflects adaptability, disciplined professionalism, and the lasting impact of mentorship. His journey continued into international 747 operations and airline safety leadership, where small procedural changes produced fleet-wide impact. This episode explores how aviation careers evolve across platforms, missions, and decades and how service continues long after the uniform comes off.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys speaks with Captain Mike Penn, USN (Ret.), a Vietnam War naval aviator, former prisoner of war, airline captain, and chief pilot whose life was defined by a single decision made under extreme adversity: to live. Shot down over North Vietnam in 1972, Penn survived an ejection that defied physics, endured capture and imprisonment, and returned with a renewed sense of purpose that shaped decades of service to others.

In this episode, Cmdr. Alexander “A-Train” Armatas, former Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels — delivers a masterclass on precision aviation, leadership under pressure, and the mindsets that separate good aviators from elite ones. Drawing from his career as a fleet fighter pilot and Blue Angel, Armatas explains how focus, trust, and communication shape both combat aviation and world-class formation flying.

In this episode, Colonel Eric F. Buer, USMC (Ret.), takes listeners inside the cockpit of the AH-1W Super Cobra during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A decorated Marine aviator, squadron commander, and author of Ghosts of Baghdad, Buer shares raw insights into leadership under fire, the chaos of OIF’s early missions, and the human cost of commanding Marines in sustained combat.

In this compilation from The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys brings together powerful stories from across generations of naval aviators. From WWII night operations to modern SAR missions, these accounts reveal the decision-making, sacrifice, and resilience that define naval aviation's finest traditions.

In this episode of The Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys speaks with Captain Tim “Lucky” Kinsella, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola. From facing an active shooter on base to navigating hurricanes and global pandemics, Capt. Kinsella shares a powerful account of crisis command, emotional endurance, and the responsibility of representing the Navy on the world stage.

Experience an extraordinary journey into one of naval aviation’s most profound stories as former POW Captain Charlie Plumb recounts his 2,103 days of captivity in North Vietnam. From ingenious communication methods and maintaining faith under extreme circumstances to crafting measuring devices from light bulbs, Plumb’s account offers powerful lessons in resilience, leadership, and human ingenuity. In this candid conversation with host Ryan Keys, Plumb reveals how military training, community bonds, and unwavering spirit helped POWs not just survive but thrive through unimaginable challenges.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, guest host Pat Everly flips the script, interviewing regular host Ryan Keys about his remarkable career in Naval Aviation. From their shared beginnings at Naval Academy prep to commanding helicopter squadrons, Keys reflects on leadership challenges, maintaining squadron morale, and the pivotal role of mentorship. Listeners will gain unique insights into the journey of a naval aviator, the weight of command, and the transition from active duty to preserving naval aviation heritage.

In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room podcast, host Ryan Keys is joined by Sterling Gilliam, Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, to share insights from his 30-year naval aviation career, the preservation of naval aviation heritage, and the museum's mission to inspire future generations.