Podcast
Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast
Hosted by Brian Dickinson · EN
Calm in the Chaos shares real rescue stories from the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Rescue Swimmers. Hosted by Brian Dickinson—bestselling author, former Navy Rescue Swimmer, and Everest solo summiteer. Ranked in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide, the show digs into the grit, mindset, and faith it takes to run toward the chaos so others may live.
Support the mission at briandickinson.net.
Not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or DoD.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
20 Years, Parkinson’s Diagnosis & a Door Through the Rotors | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Kevin McNease
Jun 300:59:34Tap to summarizeSome warriors fight their battles in the ocean. Others fight them long after the uniform comes off.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Kevin McNease shares 20 years of service as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer—including a harrowing rescue in the South China Sea, pulling a Marine from the water who was still gripping his weapon, and one of the most terrifying mechanical failures imaginable: losing a helicopter door mid-flight—only to watch it shred through the rotor system.And then there's the battle he's fighting now.Kevin has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. And he's facing it the same way he faced every mission—with courage, clarity, and calm in the chaos.In this episode:20 years of service as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerRescue in the South China SeaPulling a Marine from the water—still armed, still holding his weaponA helicopter door lost in flight—and what happened when it hit the rotorsMechanical failure at altitude with no margin for errorReceiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis after two decades of serviceWhat resilience really looks like when the mission becomes survival itselfThe mental and emotional weight carried by those who serveKevin McNease gave 20 years to this nation. His story—every chapter of it—deserves to be heard.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 58 So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Rescue Swimmer Merchandise https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com Military & First Responders: Use code SARRESCUE10 for 10% off 100% of proceeds support the podcast📖 Calm in the Chaos — The Book by Brian Dickinson Available at www.briandickinson.net📩 Booking & Media Inquiries: podcast@briandickinson.netFor more content, subscribe and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast: Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinsonCalm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers#RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsWarrior #ParkinsonsAwareness #SouthChinaSea #NavyRescue #MarineCorps #HelicopterFailure #MechanicalFailure #NavalAviation #USNavy #NavyVeteran #MilitaryVeteran #VeteranHealth #SoOthersMayLive #SearchAndRescue #SAR #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #ResiliencePodcast #MilitaryResilience #LeadershipUnderFire #MentalToughness #ServiceAndSacrifice #BrianDickinson #VeteranPodcast #HonorTheFallen
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Helicopter Crash at Night + Russian Sub Contact | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Richard Swope
Jun 300:57:41Tap to summarizeSome missions go wrong before they even begin. Others turn into something no one could have planned for.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Richard Swope shares his career as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer—including two of the most intense moments a rescue swimmer can face: surviving a helicopter crash at night in the open ocean during an active rescue, and gaining sonobuoy contact on a Russian submarine trailing a U.S. aircraft carrier—moments before a collision with the carrier itself.These aren't training scenarios. These are the real missions that define what it means to operate at the edge of human capability—in the dark, in the water, with no margin for error.In this episode:Helicopter crash at night during an active ocean rescueSurviving open-ocean impact and the chaos that followedGaining sonobuoy contact on a Russian submarineNear-collision with a U.S. aircraft carrierDecision-making when everything goes wrong at onceMental toughness forged in real-world high-stakes missionsWhat it means to serve as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerRichard Swope's story is a masterclass in staying calm when the situation is anything but. This is exactly what the Calm in the Chaos podcast was built for.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 57 So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Rescue Swimmer Merchandise https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com Military & First Responders: Use code SARRESCUE10 for 10% off 100% of proceeds support the podcast📖 Calm in the Chaos — The Book by Brian Dickinson Available at www.briandickinson.net📩 Booking & Media Inquiries: podcast@briandickinson.netFor more content, subscribe and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast: Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinsonCalm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers#RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #HelicopterCrash #NavyHelicopter #RussianSubmarineContact #ColdWarNavy #AircraftCarrier #NavyMilitary #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #SoOthersMayLive #USNavy #NavyVeteran #MilitaryVeteran #RescueMission #SearchAndRescue #SAR #NavalAviation #OpenOceanRescue #SurvivalStory #MilitaryStories #SpecialOperations #ResiliencePodcast #LeadershipPodcast #MentalToughness #MilitaryLeadership #BrianDickinson #VeteranPodcast
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Artemis II Splashdown, Astronaut Recovery | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Sean Sondergaard | Ep. 59
May 401:03:58Tap to summarizeWhen NASA's Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific off the coast of San Diego, four astronauts came home from the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. And right there—feet from the capsule, voice on the radio, eyes on every moving piece—was a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Sean “Sondy” Sondergaard takes us inside one of the most historic recovery missions in modern naval aviation history—the Artemis II astronaut recovery. From the safety boat positioned right next to the Orion capsule, Sean was coordinating communications between the divers, the helicopters, the recovery ship USS John P. Murtha, and NASA's Landing and Recovery team as Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen were brought home from lunar orbit.But Artemis II is just one chapter.Sean shares what it takes to earn the wings of a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, the missions that shaped him, and what it felt like to be part of a team trusted by NASA to bring astronauts safely back to Earth.In this episode:Inside the Artemis II splashdown and recovery operationWhat it's like to be in the safety boat next to the Orion capsuleCoordinating communications between divers, helicopters, NASA, and the recovery shipThe training that prepares Navy Rescue Swimmers for missions of this magnitudeAssigned to HSC-23, working with the Navy dive medical team, and the USS John P. MurthaBringing astronauts home from the Moon for the first time in over 50 yearsThe legacy of Navy recovery operations—from Mercury and Apollo to ArtemisWhat it means to wear the wings and live "So Others May Live"Sean Sondergaard's story is a reminder that behind every historic mission is a team of quiet professionals doing the hard, dangerous, precise work the world rarely sees.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 59So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Rescue Swimmer Merchandise https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com Military & First Responders: Use code SARRESCUE10 for 10% off 100% of proceeds support the podcast📖 Calm in the Chaos — The Book by Brian Dickinson Available at www.briandickinson.net 📩 Booking & Media Inquiries: podcast@briandickinson.netFor more content, subscribe and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast: Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinsonCalm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers#ArtemisII #Artemis2 #ArtemisIIRecovery #NASA #OrionCapsule #Splashdown #AstronautRecovery #MoonMission #ReidWiseman #VictorGlover #ChristinaKoch #JeremyHansen #USSJohnPMurtha #HSC23 #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #NavyRecovery #NavalAviation #USNavy #NavyVeteran #MilitaryVeteran #SoOthersMayLive #SearchAndRescue #SAR #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #ResiliencePodcast #LeadershipUnderFire #MentalToughness #ServiceAndSacrifice #BrianDickinson #VeteranPodcast #SpaceRecovery #NASARecovery #PacificOcean #SanDiego
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Apollo vs Artemis Recovery | Navy Aircrew Compare Splashdown Ops (Mike Longe & Steve Williams)
Apr 2001:03:00Tap to summarizeFor the first time, Apollo-era and Artemis-era recovery are compared side by side by the people who actually did the job.Mike Longe, U.S. Navy helicopter aircrewman from the Apollo recovery missions, and Steve Williams, Senior Chief rescue swimmer supporting Artemis operations, break down what really happens when a capsule hits the water.Same mission. Different era.We walk through the full evolution—splashdown, swimmer deployment, stabilization, and hoist—and compare what’s changed from Apollo 13 recovery operations to modern Artemis procedures.No theory. No commentary. Just operators.Topics covered:Apollo 13 recovery operations (Navy helicopter aircrew)Artemis recovery procedures and modern systemsRescue swimmer role vs legacy aircrew operationsSplashdown timeline and critical first minutesHoist operations in open ocean conditionsWhat’s actually harder now vs thenIf you’re interested in NASA recovery operations, helicopter rescue, or real-world decision-making under pressure, this is the breakdown.#Apollo13 #Artemis #NASA #RescueSwimmer #HelicopterRescue #SearchAndRescue #NavalAviation #SpaceRecovery #MilitaryOperations #Leadership
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Combat Search and Rescue Veteran Bryan Trembath | 10 Gulf Deployments, 300+ Missions, Pentagon 9/11 First Response
Apr 1001:27:20Tap to summarizeCombat Search and Rescue Veteran Bryan Trembath | 10 Gulf Deployments, 300+ Missions, Pentagon 9/11 First ResponseSome careers are built in training. Others are forged in real-world missions.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Bryan Trembath shares 21 years as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer, including 10 deployments to the Gulf and over 300 direct action missions in Combat Search and Rescue.His first real mission started on September 11, 2001—responding by helicopter to the Pentagon in the immediate aftermath of the attack. That moment set the tone for a career defined by operational intensity, responsibility, and sustained performance under pressure.We talk about what it takes to operate at that level over time—mission after mission, deployment after deployment.In this episode:• 21 years as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer• Combat Search and Rescue operations• 10 deployments to the Gulf• 300+ direct action missions• Responding to the Pentagon on 9/11• Sustaining performance over a long career• Decision-making under pressure• Leadership in high-risk environmentsNo shortcuts. Just experience earned the hard way.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 55So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Rescue Swimmer Merchandisehttps://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comMilitary & First Responders: Use code SARRESCUE10 for 10% off100% of proceeds support the podcast #CSAR #911Pentagon #DirectAction #SpecialOperations #SoOthersMayLive
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Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under Pressure
Mar 3100:51:35Tap to summarizeNavy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under PressureWhat does it take to execute real-world rescues when there’s no margin for error?In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker breaks down multiple live rescue missions out of NAS Whidbey Island SAR. This is a look inside the reality of Search and Rescue—where preparation meets pressure and decisions carry weight.We cover what it takes to stay ready, perform under stress, and operate as part of a crew when conditions deteriorate fast.In this episode:• Real-world SAR missions out of NAS Whidbey Island• What it’s like to be an Aviation Rescue Swimmer• Decision-making under pressure• Crew coordination and trust• Training vs. real rescues• Staying sharp when lives depend on it• Leadership at the operator levelThis one is for anyone in the military, aviation, or first responder world—and anyone responsible for making decisions when it counts.👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 56So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Rescue Swimmer Merchandisehttps://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comMilitary & First Responders: Use code SARRESCUE10 for 10% off100% of proceeds support the podcast#NavySAR #NASWhidbey #RescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive
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20 Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | SAR School Instructor to NSW Support | Greg Baker on High-Risk Rescues & Leadership Under Pressure
Mar 1101:02:37Tap to summarizeGreg Baker spent 20 years as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, operating where hesitation costs lives and preparation is everything.From multiple real-world rescues to serving as a SAR School instructor responsible for shaping future Rescue Swimmers, Greg understands what separates average from dependable. He finished his career supporting Naval Special Warfare, operating in intense environments to track suspected bad guy vehicles based on intel.In this episode:• 20 years as a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer• Multiple real-world rescue missions• Serving as a SAR School instructor• Supporting Naval Special Warfare (NSW)• Leadership under pressure• The mindset that sustains a long operational career(2) Bronze Stars — Joint Task Force Iraq(1) Joint Service Commendation Medal — Iraq(1) Navy Commendation Medal — HVBSS operation discussed on the show(7) Navy Achievement Medals — for multiple rescue missions👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these conversations.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 53So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #SARSchool #NavalAviation #NSW #NavalSpecialWarfare #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryLeadership #FirstResponder #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive
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From Vietnam to Navy SAR Evaluator | Bob Nowak on 30+ Years of Search and Rescue, DEA Prisoner Recovery & Whidbey Island SAR
Feb 2501:08:33Tap to summarizeBob Nowak brings more than three decades of real-world Search and Rescue experience—from the Vietnam era to Whidbey Island SAR, from high-risk recoveries to serving as a SAR Evaluator responsible for training and assessing the next generation.This episode is about longevity in service, the weight of responsibility, and the mindset required to lead when conditions deteriorate.In this episode:• 30+ years in Search and Rescue• Service during the Vietnam era• Whidbey Island SAR operations• The recovery of a DEA prisoner• What a SAR Evaluator looks for in rescue professionals• Leadership, discipline, and staying sharp over decades• Decision-making under pressure👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 52So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#SearchAndRescue #NavySAR #VietnamVeteran #WhidbeyIsland #DEARecovery #SARLeadership #MilitaryMindset #FirstResponder #DecisionMaking #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive
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20+ Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | Flying Missions in Iraq with Jack Carr & SEAL Team Ops
Feb 1101:15:06Tap to summarizeI deployed twice to the Persian Gulf with Jeff Strickland, a brother who went on to serve more than two decades as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and aircrewman. His career spanned multiple combat deployments, high-risk rescues, and unforgettable missions — including flying Iraq mission sets with SEAL sniper Jack Carr, and an intense injured SEAL medevac following a ship takedown.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Jeff reflects on the highs and lows of a long Navy career — the camaraderie, the chaos, and the call to serve that never really fades. His perspective captures what it means to live the Rescue Swimmer creed long after the uniform comes off.In this episode:Deploying to the Persian Gulf and IraqFlying with Jack Carr during real-world SEAL missionsThe injured SEAL medevac that tested training and heartLessons from 20+ years of service and leadership in the NavyBrotherhood, resilience, and life after active duty👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 51So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#JeffStrickland #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #JackCarr #NavySEALs #MedEvac #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #PersianGulf #IraqWar #CombatRescue #VeteranStories #NavyLife #SARCommunity #MilitaryBrotherhood #RescueSwimmerStories #USNavyFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Aviation Rescue Swimmer | CrossFit Competitor | Rescue Near Papua New Guinea
Jan 2701:32:00Tap to summarizeFew people understand pressure like Aviation Rescue Swimmer Taryn Frazelle. A high-performance athlete and ranked CrossFit competitor, Taryn brought that same strength and discipline into the fleet—where staying calm isn’t optional, it’s life or death.During one intense mission near Papua New Guinea, a routine flight turned into a high-risk remote island rescue. Conditions were chaotic and the mission evolved by the second. But Taryn’s training, composure, and focus took over. Her calm in the middle of that storm saved lives and set the standard for what it truly means to be a Rescue Swimmer.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Taryn shares:The full story of the rescue near Papua New GuineaWhat it takes to stay calm when everything around you is breaking downThe mindset required to perform at the highest level—physically, mentally, and emotionallyLessons from the Rescue Swimmer community and the missions that shape you forever👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find strength through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 50So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% off with code: SARRESCUE10100% of proceeds support the podcast.#TarynFrazelle #RescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #SAR #SearchAndRescue #PapuaNewGuineaRescue #CrossFitAthlete #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #MilitaryStories #RescueSwimmerStories #WomenInTheMilitary #CourageUnderPressure #NavyLife #FirstResponderStories #MilitaryHeroesFollow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcastTwitter/X: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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