Shawn Ryan Show Episode #148: Alan C. Mack - Flying Through Hell: Real Combat Stories from a Night Stalker Pilot

Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Alan C. Mack
Release Date: December 9, 2024

1. Introduction

In episode #148 of the Shawn Ryan Show, former U.S. Navy SEAL and CIA contractor Alan C. Mack shares his harrowing experiences as a pilot with the prestigious Nightstalker TF160 unit. With over 35 years of military service, Mack provides an intimate look into high-stakes combat missions, personal struggles, and the resilience required to survive both in and out of the battlefield.

2. Early Life and Motivation

[08:43] Al Mack:
"I grew up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a free-range teenager without the distractions of the internet or cell phones. Riding my bike with friends, exploring the coastal wilderness, and building toilet paper houses at night were my adventures."

Mack's fascination with helicopters began at a young age, inspired by Vietnam War news footage featuring Hueys. This early interest propelled him to pursue a career in military aviation.

3. Joining the Army and Flight School

[13:42] Al Mack:
"I filled out an Army recruiting form at age 10, dreaming of flying helicopters. It wasn't an overnight journey—I served nine years as an aircraft mechanic before being selected for flight school."

Mack's dedication paid off when he excelled in flight school, eventually becoming the honor graduate of his class.

[21:59] Sean Ryan:
"Mack was determined not to let setbacks keep him down, embodying the Night Stalker creed of perseverance."

4. Combat Deployments: Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Mack played a crucial role in operations during the Gulf War, flying MH47s with the 160th SOAR regiment. His expertise in night vision operations and Chinook maneuvering made him an invaluable asset in the global war on terror.

[25:19] Al Mack:
"Flying Chinooks was a game-changer. Their power and maneuverability allowed us to outperform Cobras and Apaches, securing air superiority during missions."

5. Operation Anaconda and Operation Red Wings

Mack recounts the intense experiences during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, highlighting the chaos of combat, the challenges of terrain, and the emotional toll of losing comrades.

[53:41] Al Mack:
"We were navigating through a sandstorm with minimal visibility. Spatial disorientation nearly cost us our lives, but teamwork and quick thinking saved us that night."
[54:07] Sean Ryan:
"Holy shit."

During Operation Red Wings, Mack faced one of his most challenging missions, where friendly fire and operational miscommunications led to tragic losses.

[78:03] Sean Ryan:
"How did you handle being in a mission where miscommunication almost led to disaster?"
[78:43] Al Mack:
"We had to rely on instinct and quick decision-making. Protecting our team while navigating hostile environments was paramount."

6. Personal Struggles and Resilience

Beyond the battlefield, Mack shares the profound personal challenges he faced, including his wife's struggle with addiction and the strain it put on their family.

[267:05] Sean Ryan:
"Do you regret not calling her?"
[267:06] Al Mack:
"No. It was the right thing to do. I had to prioritize the mission and the safety of my team."

Mack emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the support systems that aided him in overcoming personal turmoil.

[271:12] Sean Ryan:
"We skipped over, you want to cover?"
[271:21] Al Mack:
"My faith was tested many times, but reconnecting with it and finding support through family and comrades helped me persevere."

7. Transition to Post-Military Life

After retiring from active duty, Mack reflects on his military career's impact on his personal life and relationships. He highlights the camaraderie within the 160th SOAR and the lasting bonds formed during service.

[322:35] Sean Ryan:
"It was an honor to work with you guys, and it's an honor to have you here."
[322:38] Al Mack:
"Thank you for having me. The Night Stalkers are an amazing organization that supports some of the best ground forces in the world."

8. Lessons Learned and Closing Thoughts

Alan C. Mack concludes with powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of mental health support for veterans.

[323:33] Sean Ryan:
"Do you think that being a flight mechanic helped you with flight school?"
[50:38] Al Mack:
"Yes, especially because I worked on Hueys. Understanding the aircraft's systems gave me a significant advantage during training."

Mack's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who serve, the sacrifices made, and the personal battles fought long after deployment ends.

[327:12] Al Mack:
"The Night Stalker creed reminds us to fight to win and die rather than quit. It's about serving with the memory of those who came before us."

Notable Quotes

• Al Mack [08:43]:
  "Growing up without the internet allowed me to develop a deep connection with nature and a strong sense of independence."

• Al Mack [21:59]:
  "The Night Stalker creed of perseverance kept me pushing forward, no matter the obstacles."

• Al Mack [53:41]:
  "Spatial disorientation nearly cost us our lives, but teamwork and quick thinking saved us that night."

• Al Mack [267:05]:
  "No. It was the right thing to do. I had to prioritize the mission and the safety of my team."

• Al Mack [327:12]:
  "The Night Stalker creed reminds us to fight to win and die rather than quit. It's about serving with the memory of those who came before us."

Conclusion

Episode #148 of the Shawn Ryan Show offers an unflinching look into the life of a seasoned Nightstalker pilot. Alan C. Mack's narratives blend intense combat operations with personal battles, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by military personnel. His journey exemplifies courage, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, both in service and in personal life.

For those interested in military aviation, combat strategy, and personal resilience, this episode serves as a compelling and insightful listen.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and narratives shared by Alan C. Mack.