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Syndication

Bob Schuetz grew up in New Jersey and chose the ROTC when his parents couldn't afford college for all 4 kids. He joined the Navy and fell in love with submarines during his summer cruise and switched his major to Nuclear Engineering from Chemical Engineering.

As all potential officers do, he interviewed with Admiral Rickover and eventually commanded the fast attack submarine that bore the father of the nuclear Navy's name. He became friends with the Admiral's wife (she called him the Admiral too) and shares some fascinating stories from those day as well as leadership tips!

Direct download: Ep53_Bob_Schuetz.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:47pm EDT

Bob Bailey had to get out of New Mexico. He was running with the wrong crowd and "ran away from home into the Navy." He started out slow and was not the most squared away sailor, but built his career and matured into a leader that knew how a great tactical sonar man acted.

He once flew into the air during the emergency blow and lived to tell about it.

Here's his story. 

Direct download: EP57_Bob_Bailey_STS1.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 11:31am EDT

Joe Miller grew up in Virginia Beach surfing and staying away from Navy. It wasn't until he was married and laid off, that Joe reconsidered his decision and joined Uncle Sam's navy as an officer. 

Joe shares many stories that his wife was tired of hearing that you will love. 

Direct download: Joe_Miller.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:54pm EDT

David Rifkin never planned on joining the Navy. He found the salary for a community college professors not quite enough. He consented to an interview with Adm Rickover and was accepted to the Navy Nuclear Power program.

David worked his way up the ranks, supporting his sailors and officers making decisions while commanding the USS Billfish, SSN 676.

He is still active the USSVI as the base commander in Jacksonville, Florida. Who knows, it might be time to take a trip down there for a visit.

Direct download: EP55_Captain_David_Rifkin.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:34am EDT

Daniel Newcomer started his submarine career aspirations in 8th grade. His dad was a traveling Baptist preacher and when he was onboard the USS City of Corpus Christi was exposed to a family tour that both surprised and shocked him.

Now Daniel reconnects with his submarine brothers and enjoys reminiscing about his times in the smoke shack. He also has reconciled with his Dad. I guess his dad came around to the fact that submariners are good folks deep down.

Direct download: EP54_Daniel_Newcomer.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:53pm EDT

Kevin Loewe couldn't find a job in his native St. Louis, so he proposed joining the navy out of necessity. That began an over 22 years stint of active duty service as a radioman aboard both boomers and fast attack submarines. Kevin shares several stories that you won't want to miss, including the mash potato story!

Direct download: EP53_Kevin_Loewe.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:32pm EDT

Jim Glunt grew up tough suburb of Pittsburgh, Pa where the smoke from the steel mills blocked his view of the night sky. He had to grow up quick also and began working at the age of 9. He had to help his Dad, a steel mill worker, put food on the table for Jim sisters and him.

Joining the military seemed like a way out and he took it. He got his first airplane ride and his first view of the ocean. He served onboard the USS Groton as a machinist mate (nuclear trained) and he also became a diver, when a shipmate filled out the forms for him.

After the military, Jim worked at different jobs and noticed that the ocean was awfully close to one of the plants he worked at briefly. That plant was called Fukushima. 

Direct download: EP52_Jim_Glunt.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:09pm EDT

Wood Frampton grew up around the enlisted club on base where his Dad was a supply officer. He’d have french fries and watch the sailors get into fights. But that didn’t deter him from signing up for the Navy after a stint in the Coast Guard. 

He eventually became a missile tech, operating the C-4 missile launching system for Trident subs. 

He learned a lot from his 16 years in the Navy and is thinking of retiring to the Philippines with his new wife. He lived there as a child and thought he would never return.

Wood in the NavyWood todayWood’s Dad

Direct download: S1EP51_Wood_Frampton.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:19pm EDT

Greg started his military career in the 8th grade (crazy story) and continued over several decades until he retired as a Chief Culinary Specialist. Now he teaches High School kids how to cook!

Listen to this episode chocked full of the challenges of cooking on a round-hulled constantly diving and rising killer of the deep!

Direct download: S1EP45_greg_west.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:38pm EDT

PJ Clarke made a rash decision to join the submarine service. He was promised that the galley was open 24/7.

That was enough to get him to volunteer. Serving on the Snook and the Billfish, his career spanned 9 years and included West Pacs and spec ops that would make Tom Clancy’s novels look tame.

He put in the time and effort to get qualified in submarines and learned what he could accomplish anything he put his mind to.

 

Direct download: EP50_PJ_Clarke.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:15pm EDT

Rob Tiffany grew up in West Texas and set off to become a Navy pilot after seeing Top Gun. Of course, that didn’t work out, but he found the submarine service and had some great mentors.

He ended serving on the USS John Marshal that was outfitted to serve as a seal delivery submarine. Rob talks about his seal friends and the rest of his career.

Rob got into computer programming and ended up finding work in several high tech startups.

Currently, he is serving as Chief Technology Officer for Hitachi and he credits a lot of his success to his time in the submarine service.

robtiffany.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtiffany/

 


David grew up on the West Coast of Scotland and was surrounded by water. His Mom said he always talked about joining the Navy, but he doesn’t remember why. He joined as an Artificer Apprentice in 1983. This position was created back in the Victorian Era as the amount of technical work required on ships increased.

David learned the book information and then he learned from a salty guy that he didn’t know it all.

From then on, David’s real education began.

David did some “sneaky” patrols and eventually became an officer, commanding the very place where he learned to be an artificer.

Pretty cool.

Direct download: 47_EP47_David_Cunningham.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:55pm EDT

Dan Eddinger grew up on a farm in eastern Ohio. He played in the woods a lot and really didn’t have a plan after high school. He did fall in love with his high school sweetheart and decided to join the Navy (and he kinda forgot to tell his girlfriend).

But all was forgiven (they got married and still are married today), and they began their nuclear Navy, submarine career together. Apparently Dan had what it took to become an officer and 20 years later, he retired.

After several technical and leadership positions in the civilian world (Target Store Manager too), Dan decided to use his skills to start a company, Field Vets.

Field Vets connects contract companies with vets that need work. They can learn tower maintenance, cable TV installer or other technical jobs that pay well and could lead to more opportunities.

Check out field vets, it is free for vets and their is no obligation!

Contact Dan Eddinger on LinkedIn.com for more information.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneddinger/

fieldvets.com

Direct download: EP46_Field_Vets_CEO_and_farm_boy_Dan_Eddinger.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:10pm EDT

Neil Midkiff got a tour of the USS Iowa when he lived in Rio de Janeiro as a child from the Naval Attache, Captain Andrews. At that point his mind was set, get in the Naval Academy and become a naval officer.

While in the academy, he saw a picture that showed Captain Gilmore order his sub to submerge when they came under fire, even though he knew it meant his death.

Neil was assigned to the USS Jack, SSN 650, and an incident in the Mediterranean when they were trailing a Russian submarine that cost the Captain his command.

Enjoy!

By U.S. Navy photograph – http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08604.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10248486

Direct download: 45_EP45_Neil_Midkiff.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:01pm EDT

Matt Tate grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and landed a job at the Greenbrier as a caddy by the age of 12 (he lied about his age). After doing that for a while and trying college, he joined the Navy. He barely passed the nuclear power aptitude test and eventually ended up with Bill Nowicki in the same Nuclear Power school class.

Matt recalls some tough nights of studying and some fun when Bill decided to create a character called Reactor Dan.

Matt went on to get married and stayed in the Navy for 20 years. He learned a lot and I would say the Navy helped him become a life-long learner.

Direct download: 44_EP44_West_Virginia_golfer_and_submariner_Matt_Tate.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:26pm EDT

Hector Rodriguez thinks everything happens for a reason. He grew up in East Oakland, California in a rough neighborhood. He loved sports so he played basketball and dreamed of playing professional sports. He was always bored in school and daydreamed his way to college. His parents payed for him to sit in the cafeteria and BS with his friends.

At 22 things changed and he headed to the mall and found the Navy recruiter and was picking his jobs when the Twin Towers we’re hit on 9/11/2001.

He ended up choosing signalman on a carrier, but switched to machinist mate and ended up on the USS Norfolk.

Hector recounts his time on the sub, the diverse group of folks he met and the way his life was changed.

Great stories!

Direct download: 43_EP43_9_11_Recruit_Hector_Rodriguez.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:55pm EDT

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES*

Lee Ellis grew up on a farm in rural Georgia, but when he saw an airplane, everything changed. Even as a child, he longed to have control of the skies. After going to the University of Georgia, he trained to become a pilot and ended up going to Vietnam. He was captured by the Vietnamese after being shot down and spent many years in a Vietnamese prison camp.

Lee tells the story of his time in captivity and what he learned about leadership and his new book, Engage with Honor.

 Click the link to get access to Lee’s books and some of his media appearances.

http://www.leeellis.us

Direct download: 42_EP42__Lee_Ellis_Vietnam_War_Hero_and_Pilot.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

Stu Hubbard is the son of a Navy Mustang and became one himself. At the age of 17, he approached his Mom and Dad about enlisting which started his 20-year adventure in the Navy. Starting as a destroyer Sonarman he quickly learned that submarines were the place to be. He went from submarines to the Navy Medical Service Corps, finally serving the U.S. Marines. It wasn’t a straight path – but what a great ride.

Stu and his DadStu and his Dad

Stu and GlenStu and Glen

 

Stu gets Dolphins Tacked-onStu gets Dolphins Tacked-on

STU_Bunker_ResizedStu in a bunker

Pres Bush 1991001President Bush 41

Direct download: EP41_Stu_Hubbard_1.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:36pm EDT

Michael Goldstein grew up in Cleveland Heights, OH and was fascinated by submarines.  He won a science fair contest at the age of 14 and was invited to New London to a special tour (see below).  I let him tell you the rest of his story.

I dropped out of college after three years in 1966 and enlisted in the Navy, although the Army offered me a commission as a 2nd LT in the infantry. Note the year for my obvious choice. I went to Great Lakes the day after Thanksgiving, entering as an E-3, and spent the winter in Hell for 13 weeks in boot camp.

For some interesting reasons I opted for language school and began a 30 year active duty and active reserve career in the Naval Security Group. Three years active duty in Rota after boot camp, language school, and USAF Security Service school at Goodfellow AFB, TX, and did one submarine trip as a spook. You haven’t aired a boat-rider spook interview yet.

I left active duty as an E-5 Communications Technician in 1970, went back to college, and transferred to active reserve USNR. Graduated in 1971 and entered law school, finishing in 1974. I’ve been practicing law for 40 years, but a year ago I did a partial and very interesting career change, which I’ll explain below.

Made E-6 (then Cryptologic Technician) in the reserves. Took the Chief’s Test twice, was selection board eligible twice, and twice no one made chief: there were no billets. I went to the powers that be and told them that I had 11 years enlisted service, was a lawyer, and if they didn’t give me a commission I would get out. They gave me a direct commission, and I went from E6 to O-2 in a five minute ceremony.

I was CO of our Naval Reserve Security Group unit in Cleveland and traveled to other cities where billets were available, retiring as LCDR in 1996 after 30 years service. Unlike most other Naval Reserve communities, in SECGRU we ran an active duty mission out of the reserve centers. I did one 2-week active duty for training at the sub base in NL in the mid-80’s.

I am now working in the nuclear energy field with the eGeneration Foundation (www.eGeneration.org). I had been a Senior Attorney with the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and the first CEI attorney at our Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Perry, OH while we were building it. At eGeneration Foundation I am Director of Government Affairs and Director of Strategic Alliances.

We have here in Cleveland a beautifully restored WWII submarine, USS Cod (SS-224) (USSCod.org), and I sometime lead tours of the boat.

FullSizeRenderCTI3 Michael Goldstein and new Fiancee Beverly Ann Hern Cleveland Hopkins International Airport November 22, 1967

FullSizeRender (01E)MIKE GOLDSTEIN ON THE BRIDGE OF USS HOLLAND (AS-11) SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON, MAY 1960

FullSizeRender (020)MIKE GOLDSTEIN AND HIS FATHER, MAURICE GOLDSTEIN, ON THE DECK OF USS SEA OWL (SS-405) WITH SEA OWL’S COMMANDING OFFICER SUBMARINE BASE

IMG_8800 (002)MIKE GOLDSTEIN ON USS SEA OWL (SS-405) SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON, MAY 1960

Michael Goldstein age 14...

Direct download: 40_EP40_Linguist_lawyer_and_bubblehead_Michael_Goldstein.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:56pm EDT

Listen up bubbleheads!  Shannon Cason is an award winning storyteller and he tells his backstory and explains his motivation to share his life on stage.

www.shannoncason.com

Shannon Cason on Snap Judgment

Homemade Stories on iTunes

Shannon Cason

Direct download: 41_EP39_Listen_up_bubbleheads_Shannon_Cason_Storyteller.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 5:35pm EDT

Tim Sullivan was an outlier.  He went against his parent’s wishes and joined the Navy on a whim.  He became a striker, which means he started painting the boat.  In fact he painted his name on the fairwater plane and really made a name for himself.

Checkout Tim’s book on Amazon!  Hot Run by T. Steven Sullivan

DiverTim Sullivan Diver

Let's get together!Let’s get together!

Tim and his family todayTim and his family today

Direct download: 39_EP39__2nd_grade_detention_to_striker_Tim_Sullivan.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:50pm EDT

Tom Conlon was born and raised in the garden state of New Jersey. As a boy, submarine TV shows excited him so he joined the sub service when he was old enough.

While never good in school, Tom found he loved learning from his shipmates.  He served as a torpedoman aboard the USS James K. Polk and the Francis Scott Key and was discharged in 1973 after 7 years of service.

After the Navy, he continued to learn and take as many classes as his employer, the US Postal Service would allow.

He also wanted to give back to the submarine service and rose to the rank of Sub Vets (USSVI) National Commander.

Tom also gives back to his community, teaching elderly residents how to use computers one morning a week.

Certainly a submariner to look up to!

 

Tom and Gina ConlonTom and Gina Conlon

 

Tom and his family.Tom and his family.

Blue nose!Blue nose!

Torpedo tubesTorpedo tubes

Direct download: 38_EP38__Jersey_boy_and_Sub_Vets_National_Commander.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 4:41pm EDT

Andrew Fletcher went three years in college and freaked out when he had $5,000 in debt.  He ended up joining the Navy and trained as a Sonarman, one of the most important jobs on the boat (read Hunt for Red October if you don’t believe me).

Andrew discusses why surface ships ARE targets for submarines and some cool stuff you may not know about the noisy ocean.

I know you will enjoy this episode!

Fun on liberty.Fun on liberty.

Relaxed and readyRelaxed and ready

Badass sonarmenBadass sonarmen

Direct download: 37_EP37__Sonar_dog_fighter_and_listening_to_the_ice.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:21am EDT

Nancy Yockey Bonar became fascinated with submarines thanks to her brother, Captain Harry Yockey.  You’ll love Nancy’s explanation of submarine living is like when compared to a 3 bedroom house with 135 house guests!

Tee Shirt to help the show and look cool doing it.

Nancy Yockey BonarNancy Yockey Bonar

Getting underway with number 10 cansGetting underway with number 10 cans

Some of Harry Yockey's exploits. Some of Harry Yockey’s exploits.

Captain Harry YockeyCaptain Harry Yockey

Direct download: 36_EP36_Nancy_Yockey_Bonar.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:33pm EDT

Bill provides some information on upcoming episodes and new initiative to help vets! Transitioning Vets Checkout some funny previous episodes: Clayton Wetzel, Surviving on Popcorn Jody Durham, Billion Dollar Boat Driver Rory Buchanan, Grapefruit Fighter Mike Reed, Pulling a String Bob Burchfield, Hawaiian Special Enjoy!
Direct download: 35_EP35__A_message_from_Bill_Nowicki.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:10pm EDT

Ken Westhaver grew up in the tough streets of South Boston.  He wanted to be on a submarine so bad he could feel it.  Thrown aboard the Minneapolis / St. Paul was the beginning of a career that took him to the Constitution (Old Ironsides), a tank and finally to the Boston Police where he currently serves as a detective.

Enjoy this fun filled interview.

scan0001One of Boston’s finests!

New ImageProudly displaying his dolphins!

‘;  scan0004

Direct download: 34_EP34__Boston_native_submariner_tank_guy_and_detective.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:25pm EDT

Darryl Jackson grew up on the tough streets of Newark, New Jersey.  He was a standout athlete in school, but ended up in trouble with the Navy being a great choice to avoid possible jail time.  He had a few rough years, but with good mentors, he turned it all around.  A sailor of the year and quick learner and made chief and now mentors troubled sailors and his future looks brighter than ever.  He wife Lisa makes sure of that.

1234849_4760951836792_1535363006_nDarryl becomes a chief

 

Chilling with DarrylChilling with Darryl

Darryl and his wife, LisaDarryl and his wife Lisa

 

 

Direct download: 33_EP33___From_Knucklehead_Cage_fighter_to_A_gang_Chief.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:22pm EDT

Raul Robles is a chief on a mission.  He has 15 years serving aboard fast attack submarines and deep submergence rescue vehicles.  Raul balances his work and home life with his wife, Amy Robles and their 3 year old daughter.

Amy has a popular blog womanenriched.com and a podcast, The Family Knot, targeted toward military spouses.

 

Daddy's little girlDaddy’s little girl

USS MysticUSS Mystic

Chief Robles and AmyChief Robles and Amy

Direct download: 32_EP32__Active_duty_chief_submariner_and_submarine_rescuer.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:12pm EDT

Mike Fieser is a winner.  Besides being and Nuc ET and now a photographer, he won a radio contest to guess his profession.  He came up with the ET version of another day at the office.  Mike reads the winning entry and tells you what it all means…

Mike Fieser todayMike Fieser today

 

Direct download: 31_EP31__Adapt_improvise_and_overcome__an_ET_story.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:32pm EDT

Radm Chuck Beers (retired) was a submariner as his dad before him.  He eventually became the commanding officer of the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul, SSN 708.  He discusses Starve X 1985, the Butter Liberation Front and the new Virginia Class Subs.

Dolphin Scholarships (must have served 8 years on submarine service and qualified)

Rear Admiral BeersRear Admiral Beers

Chuck Beers and his wife and son the aviatorChuck Beers, his wife and son the aviator

 

Direct download: 30_EP30__Captain_Beers_where_is_the_butter_.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:00pm EDT

Bob MacPherson is the Lean Submariner, he know efficiency!.  He started out as a submariner by chance and did not put in his best effort – to start.  After leaving and having the steel industry collapsing in Pennsylvania, he re-joined the Navy and chose to make the most of it.  He ended up as a warrant officer and helped a large group of people change their lives for the better.

His favorite and most famous blog: I’d like to be a submariner, how hard can that be?

Bob’s Navy Sword and his Ceremonial Clan MacPherson Sword

USS George Washington A gang

Indianapolis A Gang

Bob’s Bookcase with Speaking Trophies

Machinist Mate ChiefMachinist Mate Chief

Direct download: 29_EP29_Bob_MacPherson_The_Lean_Submariner.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT

Kurt Jarrio, a 20 year submariner was a hard partying, somewhat crazy plankowner aboard the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul.  He was tied up by robbers, robbed again outside a pizza place.  He landed his wife after just a few days meeting her back in the 80’s.  They are still together with 4 successful kids who each have served or are serving in the military.

Great guy, great family, great American (and funny as hell).

Kurt passed out in Ft LiquordaleKurt passed out in Ft Liquordale

Party time! Bob Burchfield, Bill Nowicki and Kurt JarrioParty time!
Bob Burchfield, Bill Nowicki and Kurt Jarrio

10317648_719509311449388_8082273249197681510_oCaptain Beers re-enlisting Kurt

1014078_539880776078910_381194050_nKurt and Elaine in 1986

 

 

10553487_757767697623549_754400179615533216_nKurt and his beer.

 

Kurt and Elaine today.Kurt and Elaine today.

 

Direct download: 29_EP29__Weve_dated_for_3_weeks_lets_get_married_and_have_4_kids.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 6:55pm EDT

Rich Hust grew up scared he was going to end up in Vietnam doing something he might not like.  Instead, after leaving jail, he walked into the Navy recruiter’s office and signed up.  That night, he left for boot camp and started his Navy career.  The Scamp was his first designation.  Rich gives some vivid details on the sights and more importantly smells of this water restricted boat.  WARNING, if you are easily grossed out, pick another episode to listen to.

 

Argentina Argentina

The ScampThe Scamp

Rich Hust todayRich Hust today

The Family Knot Podcast

Direct download: 27_EP27__EP27__Scamp_Smells_Saturn_Bologna_and_Barking_Squids.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:12pm EDT

Dave Butler grew up in a small town in Louisiana.  By a twist of fate, he was handed a Naval Academy appointment.  As a midshipman, he was first assigned to a surface ship and thought better of it.  He ended up on a diesel submarine and never looked back.  Dave relives his career including his influences, challenges and triumphs.

Dave back in the day.

002USS Minneapolis St. Paul, SSN 708 launch. Dave is the tall guy on the top

Near Hole-In-One 140910Near hole-in-one

XO_Subscol 002Commander Dave Butler

IMG_0362Dave Butler today

Direct download: 26_EP26__First_Naval_Academy_grad_and_Sub_Captain.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 7:47pm EDT

Rich Damm was born and raised on Long Island and decided to join the Navy.  He spent several years working as a ballistic missile tech and transitioned to become a successful entrepreneur and owner of 636solutions a tech company that caters to small businesses.

636 Solution's logo636 Solution’s logo

Off crew partyOff crew party

 

Rich and his family todayRich and his family today

Direct download: 25_EP25__Boomer_sailor_sleeping_between_the_missile_tubes.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:31pm EDT

John Colley is a boarding school and Cambridge University graduate who became a tank commander. He went into finance and eventually became a entrepreneur and the Six Minute Strategist.

Lt ColleyLt Colley

Troop HuntsmanTroop Huntsman

John Colley todayJohn Colley today

 

http://jbdcolley.com/

 

Veterans resource.

http://jbdcolley.com/olp019/

Direct download: EP24__From_Cambridge_to_a_tank_commander_and_honorary_submariner.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:19pm EDT

Fred T. Needham (FTN) joined the nuclear Navy way back and saw a lot of changes over the years.  He met his wife and got engaged in a week.  After 30 years of service he was forced to retire.  Fred talks about the FTN fan club, why submarines are the best, and what he thinks about women on submarines.

FTN Fan ClubFTN Fan Club

Fred's retirement ceremonyFred’s retirement ceremony

10643274_883634738332231_1986503095_n 10620985_883634864998885_524921446_n


David Helms grew up in a large family in Nebraska.  Being a ballistic missile submarine sailor was his dream since he was in the 6th grade.  He got his chance after almost failing out — twice.  Then the real adventures began, eating shark shot by a machine gun and surviving a crash dive after a shipmate lost it. All in a day’s work.

USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655

USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655

David Helms todayDavid Helms today


photo 1Wedding day

Steve Norman is a British guy who looks back at his time on the sub as a great time.  The people, the mission, he misses it all.

 

Family gramsFamily grams

Steve Norman is a British guy who looks back at his time on the sub as a great time.  The people, the mission, he misses it all.

Steve's grandad John.Steve’s grandad John.

 

 

 

photo 5Mess Dinner menu

photo 2HMS Victorious leaving snowy Scotland.

photoSteve today at the submarine museum

 

 

Direct download: EP21_Fish_battering_horse_racing_and_playing_golf_on_a_British_sub.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:55pm EDT

Gannon McHale grew up in New England.  He attended great schools but decided to enlist in the Navy to avoid the Vietnam draft.  He served aboard USS and lived to tell many tales and captured them in a book, Stealth Boat which chronicles his time on USS Sturgeon.

Gannon McHale is now a New York City based character actor who has worked on Broadway, in Regional Theatres, Tours, TV and Film, including a featured cameo role as Representative Aaron Haddam in Stephen Spielberg’s LINCOLN. This Fall he will open the season at Baltimore’s Center Stage Company as Royal Chamberlain von Strack in Peter Shaffer’s AMADEUS.

Boot Camp Photo

USS USS Sturgeon

“The Cocktail Hour”…Crew’s Berthing Delta circa 1968…probably coming back from the ’68 Northern run…L to R..Barry Avery, Dick Austin, Denny Schulz, Bill Drake, and Gannon McHale (lower right)

This photo was taken at the NSL Luncheon at the Subvets in October 2008 when the book came out. L to R (back row) Head Steward Emmanuel Howard, COB Bill Welsh, Capt. Bohannan, Ken Schack, Mike Reynolds, Thom Keaney, Bob Gustafson, (Front Row)...Bill Drake, Dennis Cloutier, Gannon McHale, Dan OttingerThis photo was taken at the NSL Luncheon at the Subvets in October 2008 when the book came out. L to R (back row) Head Steward Emmanuel Howard, COB Bill Welsh, Capt. Bohannan, Ken Schack, Mike Reynolds, Thom Keaney, Bob Gustafson, (Front Row)…Bill Drake, Dennis Cloutier, Gannon McHale, Dan Ottinger

https-//www.centerstage.org/ShowsandEvents/Amadeus.aspx

http-//www.usni.org/magazines/navalhistory/2012-11/appointment-destiny-north-atlantic

http://www.amazon.com/Stealth-Boat-Fighting-Fast-Attack-Submarine/dp/1591145430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406058129&sr=8-1&keywords=Stealth+Boat

Gannon McHale today

Direct download: 20_EP_20__Yeoman_author_and_actor.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:02pm EDT

Nikolay Teplyakov went on his first submariner at the age of three.  He eventually became a chief engineer.  Nikolay discusses daily life aboard a Russian ballistic missile submarine and a submariner’s true enemy, the sea.

International Submariners Association
http://www.isausa.org/

Chief Engineer, Nikolay TeplyakovChief Engineer of the Tula (K-114), Nikolay Teplyakov

Direct download: EP20_Nikolay_Teplyakov.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 8:22pm EDT

Dave Bowman grew up in Oklahoma but was hooked to joined the Navy when he was taught to sail as a youngster.  Eventually he found his first love, the USS Michigan and as you know, you never forget your first love.

Dave Bowman todayGrip and grin

30584_1419427815837_5366214_nDolphin Ceremony

1914299_1229019135739_4930630_nBeauty Contest master of ceremony

Dave Bowman todayDave Bowman today

Direct download: 18_EP18__Ho_ho_ho_I_just_escaped_from_a_submarine.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:00pm EDT

Tom Weiss grew up in Michigan and was of age during the Vietnam War.  He joined the Navy like his Dad before him.  After joining, he missed Woodstock (too tired, his buddies went), failed his electronic tech school but kept on going.  He ended up on the submarine the USS Gurnard and received his dolphins a few days before he was discharged.  Those dolphins sit on his law office desk, one of his greatest achievements.

WLR-6 Countermeasure system (used by permission of P. Joshua Rovero, http://www.roveroresearch.info)WLR-6 Countermeasure system (used by permission of P. Joshua Rovero, http://www.roveroresearch.info)

USS_Gurnard_(SSN-662)USS Gurnard

20140716-114341-42221162.jpg

20140716-114338-42218591.jpg

Direct download: 17_EP17_Bubbled_headed_lawyer.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:09pm EDT

Airdale friends, Tony Martin, Mark Carter and Brian Janssen

Scan0006Dad’s retirement with the family: Steve, Mark and John Carter from left to right

Mark Carter spent 20 years stalking submarines in an airplane.  But, like his dad before him, he loved submarines and was made an honorary submariner after spending a week on board a sub standing a sonar tech watch.

 

mark carterMark Carter, submarine hunter

Mark Carter todayMark Carter and his family today

Direct download: 16_EP16__Airdale_with_the_heart_of_a_submariner.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:50pm EDT

Dana McIntosh continues his interview and discusses a water in the people tank problem and what it is like being an ex submariner.

Direct download: EP16_An_officer_and_a_gentleman.__if_you_were_scared_it_was_floooding.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:39pm EDT

Dana McIntosh grew up with a Navy chief, World War II submariner.  Dana went the officer root and ended up in an interesting interview with Adm Rickover.

Dana's Dad DiaryDad’s Diary

Sea Devil Reunion with DadSea Devil Reunion with Dad

Sea Devil PlankownerSea Devil Plankowner

Dad's RetirementDad’s Retirement

Sea Devil Reunion GroupSea Devil Reunion Group

Dana and Lisa TodayDana and Lisa Today

Direct download: EP14__An_officer_and_a_gentleman_part_1.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:35pm EDT

Bill’s 88 year old Mom discusses family, meeting her husband, packing parachutes in WW2 and her impressions of a sub.  She also tells Bill her favorite podcast episode.

SCAN0021Me needing hair tape for my ears

mom and abbyMom and Abby

Dad in the 40'sDad in the 40’s

Bootcamp Graduation

Mom at Coney Island

Direct download: 13_EP13__Bills_parachute_packing_Mom.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:19pm EDT

Ed Andre started out in a divorced family spread out between two states.  He joined the Navy and became a Fire Control Technician Ballistic (FTB) and the rest is history.

Checkout his business: http://www.brevardtechsolutions.com/

Ed's weddingEd’s Wedding

15146_1249802241331_2846222_nHaving fun.

1604399_10202723772072994_5873564674033562851_nEd and his wife today

Direct download: 12_EP12__Hugging_a_missile_tube_while_it_hocks_a_loggie.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:10pm EDT

Kevin Stewart cut one too many lawns and joined the Navy just before September 11th.  He learned to navigate the ship and cut the captain’s hair in rough seas.

Kevin dancingKevin dancing

USS Miami, note the fairwater planes are under the water.USS Miami, note the fairwater planes are under the water.

Kevin todayKevin today

 

Direct download: 11_EP11__Saving_the_boat_with_a_mattress_and_cutting_the_captains_hair.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 9:44pm EDT

Jeff O’Donnell has his PhD now, but he was once a lowly reactor operator on a boat without a reactor.  He served along with Bill Nowicki, Rory Buchanan, Bob Burchfield and the rest of the crew of the Minneapolis St. Paul.

Soccer Team Soccer Team

219503_10150601300340392_1312432_oBone Band Practice

1009468_10201675098459714_164306813_oJeff and Kathy O’Donnell today

Direct download: 10_EP10__A_shipyard_nest_and_the_bone_band.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:57pm EDT

Harry and Dennis Ostrum grew up in a chaotic family.  Harry and Dennis ended up escaping the chaos by joining the Navy and volunteering for submarines.  It is only then that they felt safe.

Harry and DonnaHarry and Donna

10259622_10202327687057999_1294804276_n 972878_10202327627696515_1791875162_n10272930_10202327970345081_119037275_o   10270959_10202327629736566_996269149_o10267067_10202327642616888_1295292661_o

Harry and Dennis todayHarry and Dennis today

 

Checkout this article about Submarine Sea Stories.

http://www.voxelectro.com/bill-nowicki-submarine-stories/

Direct download: 09_EP9__A_submarine_is_safer_than_anywhere.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 11:00pm EDT

Steve Hallquist loves everything submarines. He shares some of his many stories from his time aboard submarines during the height of the Cold War including his encounter with a KGB agent.

 

 

USS Shark SSN 591 hat modified to describe frustration with equipment failures USS Shark SSN 591 hat modified to describe frustration with equipment failures

Shark leaving Toulon, France Shark leaving Toulon, France

 

 

Steve Hallquist todaySteve Hallquist today

Direct download: EP8__KGB_stalker_and_drunk_on_grapes.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:05am EDT

Gordon Allen told his parents at 23 he was joining the Navy after reading Hunt for Red October.  This decision was met with “restrained disappointment”, but Gordon never looked back.

USS Georgia trident missel launch

Torpedo Room Phones PicGordon after getting out of the tube.

G & AGordon and Alicia Allen today.

 

Covert Sailors on Amazon.

https://www.nowickimedia.com/covert sailors

Direct download: EP7__Boomers_noisy_shrimp_and_cleaning_torpedo_tubes.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:08am EDT

Bob Burchfield grew up in rust belt and decided to go into the Navy and volunteered for submarines to be unique.  His first days in the shipyard and his time on the sub were a whirlwind of craziness and fun you are sure to enjoy. 305792_304636859560539_945133071_nBob Today

Don’t Miss an Episode! Subscribe Below:

Using something else? Copy this address:
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Direct download: 06_EP6__Shipyard_Pizza_Thrower_and_Hawaiian_License_Plates.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 12:05am EDT

Mike Reed is British and was on a diesel and nuclear sub and enjoyed the diesel more.

1898035_10201705634142750_89142124_n 1395139_10200898506205056_1184254838_n 1002646_10201615448688170_108604593_n

Direct download: 05_EP5__Permission_to_bang_and_dragging_string.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:12pm EDT

Rory Buchanan grew up in California, lost his Dad and was set adrift. He found the navy and the nuclear program and he credits it with saving his life.

397128_3092524957291_1415502979_n Rory is in the front middle (Bill is just behind him to the left with the mustache).

11846_4005848203349_1169327631_nRory Buchanan today

 

Direct download: 04_EP4__Fighting_over_grapefruit_and_electrician_hating_electricity.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:08pm EDT

Bill Nowicki grew up in a large family listening to his Dad talk about the Navy.  After a year working at Friendly’s, Bill decided it was time to join the Navy.

image0000003A0000051AIMG_0005

 

Submarine breaking through the ice.

http://inspiring-innovation.com

Meron Bareket’s free Podcast Bootcamp!

Direct download: 03_Episode_3__Meron_Bareket_Highjack_the_Show_and_Interviews_Bill.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 1:50pm EDT

Jody Durham grew up in a small town in East Texas. He listened to his Dad and Grandfather talk about their time in the  Navy and the action they witnessed.  He was fascinated by it, and decided to join the Navy himself during the Cold War.

USS Los Angeles

 

3genNavyThree Generations of Service

 

hag_n_kientzSome of Jody’s submarine brothers

Second place scraggliest beard contest

Direct download: Episode_2_Jody_Durham.mp3
Category:Podcast -- posted at: 10:10pm EDT

Clayton Wetzel talks about his reasons for joining the Navy and volunteering for submarines.    He relives what he went through and some stories like: becoming a Blue Nose (crossing the arctic circle for the first time), running out of food, steering the boat and a bunch of other topics.        


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