Interview with Patrick Testa, September 14, 2020

Partial Transcript: So, Patrick...

Segment Synopsis: Patrick Testa describes growing up in Georgia and attending the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree where he studied International Relations. He explains that he is now a law student at UGA.

Keywords: Cobb County; Education; Marietta

Partial Transcript: What happened after...

Segment Synopsis: Testa describes preparing for and completing Officer Candidate School (OCS). He states that he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps after graduating from UGA.

Keywords: Quantico, Virginia; Semper Fi Society; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: What motivated you...

Segment Synopsis: Testa explains his motivations for joining the Marine Corps, which included being affected by the terrorist attacks on 9/11, wanting to give back to his country, and desiring a challenge. He discusses being denied admission to the Naval Academy after high school which led him to join the Marine Corps as a pilot.

Keywords: Colonel; Infantry Officer; Iraq

Partial Transcript: Then what happened...

Segment Synopsis: Testa discusses returning to Quantico, Virginia to attend The Basic School (TBS) where he received 6 months of basic infantry training. He shares that the best part of TBS was the comradery he experienced, and states that this training gave him a greater appreciation for non-aviators.

Partial Transcript: Then what happens...

Segment Synopsis: Testa explains moving to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida where he went through various aviation-based trainings. Testa states that he then went to the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christie, Texas for further aviation training and eventually received his "Wings."

Keywords: Aerobatic Solos; Aviation Pre-Flight Indoctrination; B-22 Ospreys; C-12; C-130; Emergency Procedures; Helicopters; Hypoxia; Initial Flight Screening; Intermediate Flight Training; Jets; Perdido Key; Primary Flight Training; T-34C Mentor; Water Survival; Whiting Field

Partial Transcript: So you get...

Segment Synopsis: Testa discusses moving to the Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. He recalls reporting to the Fleet Replacement Squadron, learning the basics of flying the V-22, and forming friendships with higher leadership for the first time.

Keywords: Air Force; All Flight School; Camp Lejeune; Coast Guard; Navy; Osprey Squadron; Wilmington

Partial Transcript: We deployed...

Segment Synopsis: Testa details his deployment to Afghanistan where he acted as a co-pilot and transported infantry and cargo to various outposts and hostile territories. He explains feeling more confident after this first deployment.

Keywords: C-17; Camp Bastion; Combat Assault Transport; Helmand Province; Manas, Kurdistan; Squadron

Partial Transcript: Did you feel...

Segment Synopsis: Testa describes his experience living at the base during deployment in Afghanistan, which included a considerable amount of leisure time and activities. He mentions that he was motivated by the thought of keeping his soldiers safe and accomplishing his squadron's missions.

Keywords: Adjutant and Legal Officer; Afghan troops; Australian troops; British troops; Kabul; North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); Special Air Service (SAS); Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)

Partial Transcript: Alright, so...

Segment Synopsis: Testa recalls his deployment to Italy and Spain in which he acted as part of a Rapid Reaction Force and recounts an evacuation operation that his squadron executed in Libya. He notes that his experiences in Afghanistan helped him during this deployment and shares that he was promoted to Aircraft Commander.

Keywords: International Relations; Marine Corps Air Station New River; Moron, Spain; Sigonella, Italy; Spanish Helicopter Squadron

Partial Transcript: What comes next?

Segment Synopsis: Testa discusses returning to New River to train and work towards accumulating Advanced Instructor Qualifications. He then shares his positive experiences on the U.S.S. Wasp as a part of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Finally, he mentions a battle in Sidra, Libya that he took part in.

Keywords: Bombs; Crete; Jets; Sigonella, Italy; Souda Bay; Suez Canal; TRAP (Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel

Partial Transcript: You've described...

Segment Synopsis: Testa discusses returning home and studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). He shares memories of his final deployment to Puerto Rico where his squadron provided humanitarian aid following a hurricane.

Keywords: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Pilots; Training

Partial Transcript: At what point...

Segment Synopsis: Testa discusses his motivations for pursuing law school, most of which were inspired by his time in the Marine Corps. He shares what it's like being older and more experienced than the majority of his classmates. Finally, he notes that he has accepted an offer from a law firm after his graduation and plans to remain in the Reserves.

Keywords: Adjutant and Legal Officer; Education; Naval Station Norfolk; Osprey Squadron; Safety Officer

Subjects: Adjutant and Legal Officer; Naval Station Norfolk; Osprey Squadron; Safety Officer

Partial Transcript: Is there anything...

Segment Synopsis: Testa gives appreciation to the Marine Corps and states that it is unlikely he would be in law school if it weren't for the experiences and discipline that the military provided him.

Keywords: GI Bill; Ospreys