Talk4 Podcast EP 153 — With Host Louis Skupien
What does it take to command one of the most strategic, high-stakes operations in the modern U.S. Air Force? For Colonel Trevor “Phantom” Merrell, it began with a childhood dream, led to flying the F-16 Viper in combat zones — and evolved into leading 24/7 global MQ-9 Reaper drone missions from behind the scenes.
In Episode 153 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Phantom for an unforgettable conversation that covers everything from ejecting out of a burning fighter jet over Germany to commanding some of the most advanced unmanned aircraft in the world — all while shaping intelligence strategies from the basement of the Pentagon.
From Fighter Cockpit to Drone Commander
Col. Merrell’s journey into military aviation was born from inspiration and determination — and nearly derailed early on by a failed physical and a snowstorm while elk hunting. Despite the setback, Phantom pivoted into ROTC and eventually earned his spot in the cockpit of the F-16.
But after a dramatic ejection incident involving a misjudged landing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Phantom was reassigned — not to another fighter squadron, but to a then-emerging and deeply underappreciated role in remotely piloted aircraft.
What began as a “punishment” became a turning point. After reluctantly joining the MQ-9 Reaper program during the height of the Global War on Terror, Phantom soon realized the platform’s power — and potential. His first Reaper mission supported Australian Special Forces in Iraq during a live firefight. From that night forward, he was sold on the critical role of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) in modern conflict.
Flying Combat Missions From Half a World Away
Now the Commander of the 25th Attack Group at Shaw Air Force Base, Phantom oversees multiple squadrons executing continuous global operations — spanning from Europe to the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific.
In one surreal story shared on the podcast, Phantom recounts flying a MQ-9 mission just 100 miles off the coast of Taiwan while being harassed by Chinese warships and intercepted by fighter jets — before finishing the mission and walking into a Pentagon meeting just minutes later.
It’s moments like these that reflect the future of war: global, unmanned, persistent — and driven by operators like Phantom who manage both the mission and the humans behind the joystick.
Leadership Lessons at the Edge of War
Throughout the conversation, Phantom offers battle-tested advice on leadership, responsibility, and trust. He reflects on the importance of giving autonomy to your team, providing clarity of purpose, and cultivating mastery in every role — whether you’re an officer or a 19-year-old sensor operator who could accidentally start a war with a wrong turn.
He also shares hard-earned lessons from his own mistakes, like the failed landing that forced an ejection and the emotional weight of nearly causing an international incident.
What’s clear throughout the episode is Phantom’s dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders — both inside and outside of the military.
The Future of Warfare
As global tensions rise and unmanned technology evolves rapidly, Phantom believes the Air Force must focus on building flexible systems that evolve alongside the mission. He applauds initiatives like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and stresses the importance of balancing human oversight with AI and automation.
While he still loves the roar of afterburners and misses the speed of the F-16, Phantom is confident: the future of aerial warfare lies in the fusion of people, machines, and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the military, a leader in business, or simply fascinated by modern warfare, this episode offers unmatched insights into the world of ISR, high-pressure command, and human performance under stress.
Col. Trevor “Phantom” Merrell doesn’t just lead drone pilots — he leads innovation in how war is fought, how leadership is taught, and how purpose is delivered through every mission.
🎧 Listen to Talk4 Episode 153 now on
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JBbFiZD053INEA2YnsrKv?si=a3846769a1ea428f
📸 Connect with Phantom
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