Soaring High: The Incredible Journey of Hidden Lake's Real-Life Maverick, Rick Ferrando
Retired Marine Lt. Col. "Rock" Ferrando shares his aviation journey, from flying military jets to using a high-tech F18C flight simulator at home, inspiring others with his leadership and innovation.
Attention all you Top Gun fans and adrenaline junkies out there! Strap in and get ready to meet a real-life Maverick right in our backyard at Hidden Lake. Meet retired 22-year veteran Marine Lieutenant Colonel "Rock" Ferrando, a man whose passion for flying is as fierce as the jet engines he once commanded. Move over Tom Cruise because Rock's story is about to take center stage with a tale bound to get your heart racing and your wings itching for flight.
Rock, a true aviation enthusiast from his early days spent building model airplanes and suspending them from his bedroom ceiling, has lived and breathed the thrill of flying since his early childhood days in Nashville! With a family background deeply rooted in the military, it was no surprise when Rock decided to join the Marine Corps and soar to new heights.
During his 22-year stint in the Marine Corps, Rock logged time in the T28, T2, and the TA4, in the Training Command, and the A6E Intruder with the VMA AW 224 Bengal Tigers based out of Cherry Point, NC, a formidable Marine All-Weather attack aircraft known for its precision laser systems and a max gross weight capability of 60,400lbs. From hunting targets in the dead of night to navigating a low-level navigation route in severe weather conditions at 500ft above the ground, Rock's training prepared him for any potential scenario.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the skies of El Centro, California, where Rock and his squadron were deployed on heavy weapons training amidst the breathtaking backdrop of towering mountain peaks and sprawling desert landscapes. As they continued their training flight along a low-level route toward the mountains, the spectacular scenery unfolded before them like a scene from a blockbuster movie. The snow-covered peaks rose majestically, resembling the iconic landscapes that Maverick himself soared through in Top Gun. The sun began its descent, peeking underneath the clouds, casting a golden glow over the valley below, painting the snow-covered terrain in a mesmerizing light. Time seemed to stand still as they basked in the moment's beauty, flying just above the mountain valley floor at 450 knots, capturing memories that would last a lifetime.
In the Marine Corps, honor, courage, and commitment are not just words but guiding principles that shape every Marine's journey. It's a world where discipline, excellence, and pushing oneself beyond limits are not just encouraged but expected. Marines learn to elevate their performance through the demanding and competitive environment, build confidence, and strive for perfection in everything they do.
The Marine Corps molds individuals into leaders, emphasizing the difference between managing and truly leading. By pushing boundaries and fostering a culture of unwavering confidence, Marines learn to accomplish tasks that once seemed impossible. It's about effective communication, sharing a common vision, and instilling a belief that no challenge is insurmountable.
The Marine motto rings true: "The impossible we do routinely; if they say it can't be done, give us 24 hours".
Step into Rock's world as he and his squadron embark on a thrilling adventure in the Philippines. When a Russian fighter takes down a Korean airliner in 1983, it's all hands on deck as Rock's squadron is ordered to deploy immediately to Misawa, Japan, preparing for a potential face-off with the Russians.
With his team of 27 Marines and a Staff Sergeant, Rock faces the logistical nightmare of trying to get critical maintenance gear airlifted to Misawa, Japan, with no scheduled airlift so that his squadron could maintain round-the-clock patrols not knowing what Russia’s next move was going to be. With the help of an Air Force Logistics Officer, Rock was able to commandeer and reroute several Air Force transport aircraft flying in the area, enabling his team to start the critical flow of aircraft maintenance gear and keep his squadron mates flying to deter any further Russian aggression.
The pressure is on! To keep the surge operations on track, the squadron must have their maintenance gear in a particular sequence, as aircraft maintenance is driven by flight hours.
Quick thinking, sharp communication, and a dash of improvisation keep the critical airlift flowing just in time as Rock and his team tackle multiple challenges head-on.
Obstacles abound in the thick of the action, from civilian heavy equipment operators going on strike to the re-palletizing of gear to meet the weight and balance requirements for a range of changing transport aircraft.
The timing is critical because there is a two-hour time window from touch-down to take off to get the gear loaded and the weight and balance signed off to keep the maintenance gear arriving in Misawa at the right time.
After 5 1/2 grueling days, the mission is a success. Not a single operational flight hour is lost due to a lack of maintenance gear, a true testament to the team's resilience and Rock's leadership and yet another example of teamwork and the Marine can-do spirit.
Military flying is a high-stakes game where preparation is vital. From mastering every inch of your aircraft to drilling emergency procedures until they're ingrained in your bones, it's all about building that muscle memory. In the chaos of the skies, distractions are lethal, so aircrews train relentlessly to stay sharp and focused when the world around them is falling apart.
It's a game of odds—99% preparation for that critical 1% moment. The goal? We want to ensure that we don't end up as casualties of our own making when the unexpected strikes. So, buckle up, stay focused, and trust in the hours of training that pave the way for safe skies and thrilling adventures. It's all in a day's work for the daring souls who call the wild blue yonder their domain.
Life is tough and often-times unfair, but Rick's Marine Corps training has armed him with a resilient mindset and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his military experience, Rick shares valuable lessons (a.k.a. "Rickisms") that continue to shape his approach to life today:
The Marine Corps molds individuals into leaders, emphasizing the difference between managing and truly leading. By pushing boundaries and fostering a culture of unwavering confidence, Marines learn to accomplish tasks that once seemed impossible. It's about effective communication, sharing a common vision, and instilling a belief that no challenge is insurmountable.
The Marine motto rings true: "The impossible we do routinely; if they say it can't be done, give us 24 hours".
Step into Rock's world as he and his squadron embark on a thrilling adventure in the Philippines. When a Russian fighter takes down a Korean airliner in 1983, it's all hands on deck as Rock's squadron is ordered to deploy immediately to Misawa, Japan, preparing for a potential face-off with the Russians.
With his team of 27 Marines and a Staff Sergeant, Rock faces the logistical nightmare of trying to get critical maintenance gear airlifted to Misawa, Japan, with no scheduled airlift so that his squadron could maintain round-the-clock patrols not knowing what Russia’s next move was going to be. With the help of an Air Force Logistics Officer, Rock was able to commandeer and reroute several Air Force transport aircraft flying in the area, enabling his team to start the critical flow of aircraft maintenance gear and keep his squadron mates flying to deter any further Russian aggression.
The pressure is on! To keep the surge operations on track, the squadron must have their maintenance gear in a particular sequence, as aircraft maintenance is driven by flight hours.
Quick thinking, sharp communication, and a dash of improvisation keep the critical airlift flowing just in time as Rock and his team tackle multiple challenges head-on.
Obstacles abound in the thick of the action, from civilian heavy equipment operators going on strike to the re-palletizing of gear to meet the weight and balance requirements for a range of changing transport aircraft.
The timing is critical because there is a two-hour time window from touch-down to take off to get the gear loaded and the weight and balance signed off to keep the maintenance gear arriving in Misawa at the right time.
After 5 1/2 grueling days, the mission is a success. Not a single operational flight hour is lost due to a lack of maintenance gear, a true testament to the team's resilience and Rock's leadership and yet another example of teamwork and the Marine can-do spirit.
Military flying is a high-stakes game where preparation is vital. From mastering every inch of your aircraft to drilling emergency procedures until they're ingrained in your bones, it's all about building that muscle memory. In the chaos of the skies, distractions are lethal, so aircrews train relentlessly to stay sharp and focused when the world around them is falling apart.
It's a game of odds—99% preparation for that critical 1% moment. The goal? We want to ensure that we don't end up as casualties of our own making when the unexpected strikes. So, buckle up, stay focused, and trust in the hours of training that pave the way for safe skies and thrilling adventures. It's all in a day's work for the daring souls who call the wild blue yonder their domain.
Life is tough and often-times unfair, but Rick's Marine Corps training has armed him with a resilient mindset and unwavering determination. Reflecting on his military experience, Rick shares valuable lessons (a.k.a. "Rickisms") that continue to shape his approach to life today:
- Leading by example.
- Treating everyone with respect, for you are only as good as your weakest link.
- Prioritizing the well-being of the team.
- Understanding the difference between managing and leading people.
Rick emphasizes the importance of nurturing people skills to influence and guide others toward success.
Through his journey as a Marine Aviator, Rick learned that authentic leadership is about inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. By embodying qualities of integrity, empathy, and selflessness, Rick continues to inspire those around him to excel and lead with purpose.
Today, this retired Marine turned Sales VP is a father of two, juggling work life and his insatiable thirst for the skies. In a stroke of genius (or madness), he hopped on an airplane to Poland and snagged an F18C military flight simulator. Yes, you heard that right – a grown man with a serious job playing with high-tech toys!
Hold onto your flight helmets, gentlemen! This isn't your grandpa's video game console. We're talking three massive pallets, 40 hours of blood, sweat, and gears, and a dynamic duo of Rick and his wingman, Steve Schram, turning Rick’s man cave into an epic F18C cockpit with a 270-degree projector screen.
Picture Rick strapping into this bad boy - a fully functional FA-18C cockpit straight out of a Military fighter jet, complete with DCS software so real, it's like stepping into a mashup of Top Gun and The Matrix. Buckle up, boys - we're about to take flight into a world where virtual reality meets real-life adrenaline!
With a mission planning feature straight out of a Tom Clancy novel, Rick sets up scenarios faster than you can say "Maverick." Ground close air support missions? Check. Targets locked? Double-check. It's like he's back in his Marine days, only this time, the only enemy he's facing is a pixelated one.
But here's where it gets wild – Rick can take this show on the road! Thanks to the magic of the Internet, he's not just flying solo. Nope, he's zooming through the virtual skies with fellow DCS pilots from across the globe. It's like a high-stakes game of aerial chess, complete with headsets and banter that would make Goose proud.
So, don't be alarmed the next time you walk by Rick's home and hear whooshing noises and fighter jet sound effects. It's just "Rock" reliving his tactical flying memories in the coolest (and safest) way possible. Who knows what crazy mission he'll tackle next or what virtual dogfights await him in the clouds? One thing's for sure – Rick is soaring high, armed with a fully functional military fighter cockpit and a whole lot of swagger.
Beyond solo sorties, Rick dreams big. Picture a flying club where fellow enthusiasts pay a fee for simulator access, training, and adrenaline-pumping flights. It's a sky-bound brotherhood, honing skills and sharing the thrill of virtual flight camaraderie.
But Rick's ambitions soar higher. He's talking with the FAA to try and see if they would consider endorsing a program that could see a certain amount of flight simulation hours counting towards a real pilot's license, revolutionizing how aviators take to the skies. FAA, take note – this aviator is out to redefine the rules of the game!
And the excitement doesn't stop there. Rick has his sights set on virtual flying events and competitions courtesy of the DCS software company. Multiplayer showdowns akin to Red Flag exercises unfold in the digital skies, pitting elite pilots against each other in thrilling battles of skill and strategy.
So fasten your seatbelts, gentlemen, and prepare for a sky-high adventure with Rick leading the charge. From his high-tech flight simulator to his lofty aspirations, Rick proves that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. Fly high, dream big, and let your ambitions take flight – Rick certainly is!
In the skies of dreams and aspirations, Rick, the retired Marine turned top gun of the corporate world, blazes a trail of innovation and excitement. With his simulator as his trusted steed, he defies gravity and limitations, showing us that the sky's the limit when you dare to dream and reach for the stars. So, here's to Rick – may his wings never falter, his dreams never dim, and his spirit forever soar among the clouds. Fly high, "Rock", fly high!
Through his journey as a Marine Aviator, Rick learned that authentic leadership is about inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. By embodying qualities of integrity, empathy, and selflessness, Rick continues to inspire those around him to excel and lead with purpose.
Today, this retired Marine turned Sales VP is a father of two, juggling work life and his insatiable thirst for the skies. In a stroke of genius (or madness), he hopped on an airplane to Poland and snagged an F18C military flight simulator. Yes, you heard that right – a grown man with a serious job playing with high-tech toys!
Hold onto your flight helmets, gentlemen! This isn't your grandpa's video game console. We're talking three massive pallets, 40 hours of blood, sweat, and gears, and a dynamic duo of Rick and his wingman, Steve Schram, turning Rick’s man cave into an epic F18C cockpit with a 270-degree projector screen.
Picture Rick strapping into this bad boy - a fully functional FA-18C cockpit straight out of a Military fighter jet, complete with DCS software so real, it's like stepping into a mashup of Top Gun and The Matrix. Buckle up, boys - we're about to take flight into a world where virtual reality meets real-life adrenaline!
With a mission planning feature straight out of a Tom Clancy novel, Rick sets up scenarios faster than you can say "Maverick." Ground close air support missions? Check. Targets locked? Double-check. It's like he's back in his Marine days, only this time, the only enemy he's facing is a pixelated one.
But here's where it gets wild – Rick can take this show on the road! Thanks to the magic of the Internet, he's not just flying solo. Nope, he's zooming through the virtual skies with fellow DCS pilots from across the globe. It's like a high-stakes game of aerial chess, complete with headsets and banter that would make Goose proud.
So, don't be alarmed the next time you walk by Rick's home and hear whooshing noises and fighter jet sound effects. It's just "Rock" reliving his tactical flying memories in the coolest (and safest) way possible. Who knows what crazy mission he'll tackle next or what virtual dogfights await him in the clouds? One thing's for sure – Rick is soaring high, armed with a fully functional military fighter cockpit and a whole lot of swagger.
Beyond solo sorties, Rick dreams big. Picture a flying club where fellow enthusiasts pay a fee for simulator access, training, and adrenaline-pumping flights. It's a sky-bound brotherhood, honing skills and sharing the thrill of virtual flight camaraderie.
But Rick's ambitions soar higher. He's talking with the FAA to try and see if they would consider endorsing a program that could see a certain amount of flight simulation hours counting towards a real pilot's license, revolutionizing how aviators take to the skies. FAA, take note – this aviator is out to redefine the rules of the game!
And the excitement doesn't stop there. Rick has his sights set on virtual flying events and competitions courtesy of the DCS software company. Multiplayer showdowns akin to Red Flag exercises unfold in the digital skies, pitting elite pilots against each other in thrilling battles of skill and strategy.
So fasten your seatbelts, gentlemen, and prepare for a sky-high adventure with Rick leading the charge. From his high-tech flight simulator to his lofty aspirations, Rick proves that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. Fly high, dream big, and let your ambitions take flight – Rick certainly is!
In the skies of dreams and aspirations, Rick, the retired Marine turned top gun of the corporate world, blazes a trail of innovation and excitement. With his simulator as his trusted steed, he defies gravity and limitations, showing us that the sky's the limit when you dare to dream and reach for the stars. So, here's to Rick – may his wings never falter, his dreams never dim, and his spirit forever soar among the clouds. Fly high, "Rock", fly high!
If anyone is interested in starting a flying club, you can contact Rick at 248 804-2576.