F/A-18 Pilot in Iraq: LtCol Neal Rickner
F/A-18 Pilot in Iraq: LtCol Neal Rickner  
Podcast: Warriors In Their Own Words | First Person War Stories
Published On: Thu May 01 2025
Description: Lieutenant Colonel Neal Rickner served in the US Marine Corps as an F/A-18 pilot and a Forward Air Controller. He completed three tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2007.  As a Forward Air Controller (FAC), he toured with an infantry battalion, tasked with coordinating air support based on the needs of the battalion.  After coming back from deployment, Rickner served as an instructor pilot for the F/A-18. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices