In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Robert “OV” Oyarvide, a retired U.S. Air Force jet mechanic whose career spanned the Cold War, Desert Storm, and multiple deployments across Europe and the Middle East.

From maintaining F-111s, F-5 aggressors, U-2s, A-10s, and F-16s to training pilots during the Soviet threat, OV shares an inside look at the aircraft, missions, and dangers faced by the crews who kept America’s fighters in the air.

🌟 Topics Covered:
✈️ Volunteering for Desert Storm and serving at King Khalid Military City
🔥 Experiencing Scud, rocket, and mortar attacks on the ground
🛠️ Working as a jet mechanic on some of the Air Force’s most iconic aircraft
🎯 Training NATO and U.S. pilots to fight Soviet-style tactics during the Cold War
🇮🇶 Multiple tours supporting operations in Iraq near Baghdad
🤝 The unique bond between crew chiefs and their pilots
💡 Career lessons, discipline, and advice for the next generation

This is more than the story of a mechanic — it’s the story of a man who kept fighters battle-ready, trained future leaders, and served through decades of global conflict.

If you enjoy real stories of sacrifice, aviation, and service, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

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