Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast

Brian Dickinson

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.

  1. Apollo vs Artemis Recovery | Navy Aircrew Compare Splashdown Ops (Mike Longe & Steve Williams)

    Apr 20

    Apollo vs Artemis Recovery | Navy Aircrew Compare Splashdown Ops (Mike Longe & Steve Williams)

    For 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

    1h 3m
  2. Combat Search and Rescue Veteran Bryan Trembath | 10 Gulf Deployments, 300+ Missions, Pentagon 9/11 First Response

    Apr 10

    Combat Search and Rescue Veteran Bryan Trembath | 10 Gulf Deployments, 300+ Missions, Pentagon 9/11 First Response

    Combat Search and Rescue Veteran Bryan Trembath | 10 Gulf Deployments, 300+ Missions, Pentagon 9/11 First Response Some 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 environments No 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 55 So 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

    1h 27m
  3. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under Pressure

    Mar 31

    Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under Pressure

    Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under Pressure What 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 level This 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 56 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 #NavySAR  #NASWhidbey #RescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive

    52 min
  4. 20 Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | SAR School Instructor to NSW Support | Greg Baker on High-Risk Rescues & Leadership Under Pressure

    Mar 11

    20 Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | SAR School Instructor to NSW Support | Greg Baker on High-Risk Rescues & Leadership Under Pressure

    Greg 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 53 So 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 checkout 100% of proceeds go to support the podcast! #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #SARSchool #NavalAviation #NSW #NavalSpecialWarfare #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryLeadership #FirstResponder #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive

    1h 3m
  5. From Vietnam to Navy SAR Evaluator | Bob Nowak on 30+ Years of Search and Rescue, DEA Prisoner Recovery & Whidbey Island SAR

    Feb 25

    From Vietnam to Navy SAR Evaluator | Bob Nowak on 30+ Years of Search and Rescue, DEA Prisoner Recovery & Whidbey Island SAR

    Bob 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 52 So 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 checkout 100% of proceeds go to support the podcast! #SearchAndRescue #NavySAR #VietnamVeteran #WhidbeyIsland #DEARecovery #SARLeadership #MilitaryMindset #FirstResponder #DecisionMaking #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive

    1h 9m
  6. 20+ Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | Flying Missions in Iraq with Jack Carr & SEAL Team Ops

    Feb 11

    20+ Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | Flying Missions in Iraq with Jack Carr & SEAL Team Ops

    I 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 51 So 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 checkout 100% 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 #USNavy For 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

    1h 15m
  7. Aviation Rescue Swimmer | CrossFit Competitor | Rescue Near Papua New Guinea

    Jan 27

    Aviation Rescue Swimmer | CrossFit Competitor | Rescue Near Papua New Guinea

    Few 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 50 So 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 #MilitaryHeroes Follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast Twitter/X: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson

    1h 32m
  8. Navy Rescue Swimmer Awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal | CH-46 Gulf Rescue and Iraq Deployments

    Jan 27

    Navy Rescue Swimmer Awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal | CH-46 Gulf Rescue and Iraq Deployments

    Over two decades in the Navy, Aviation Rescue Swimmer David Allen built a career defined by courage and commitment. During one harrowing mission in the Persian Gulf, a ship was going down — and David launched in a CH-46 helicopter into chaos. That rescue would earn him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, one of the highest awards for heroism not involving combat. After that, David continued to serve as a SAR Instructor, at WTU (Weapons Tactic Unit) and later HSC-4, completing “3.5” deployments to Iraq. His story embodies the true spirit of the Rescue Swimmer creed — “So Others May Live.” In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, David shares: The full story behind the CH-46 Gulf rescue that tested every ounce of skill and faithThe meaning behind receiving the Navy & Marine Corps MedalLife as a SAR Instructor and WTUDeployments with HSC-4 and lessons from 20+ years of service 👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories. CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 49 So 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 checkout 100% of proceeds go to support the podcast! #DavidAllen #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyAndMarineCorpsMedal #CH46 #PersianGulfRescue #HSC4 #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SARInstructor #WTU #IraqDeployments #NavyHero #VeteranStories #RescueSwimmerStories #NavyLife #CourageUnderPressure #MilitaryHeroes For 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

    1h 21m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

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