Landing At Night After Seven-Hour Missions

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and fighter pilot Mark Sucato spent decades flying F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets, drawn to the cockpit from childhood and shaped by the demands of Naval Aviation. Combat deployments, carrier landings, and the relentless pace of fighter aviation gave him a defining sense of purpose, while years of service revealed the personal costs behind that life. Leaving the cockpit was difficult, but Sucato found that the camaraderie, mission, and discipline that defined his Navy career continued to shape what came next. The Danny Li Podcast features defining moments from U.S. military veterans, senior military leaders, and national security professionals. Each episode explores military leadership, service, duty, sacrifice, veteran identity, camaraderie, and the transition to civilian life - preserving the experiences and lessons that keep veterans connected to the values, purpose, and identity shaped through military service. Want a brief weekly email when new episodes go live?