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. Jun 3

    20 Years, Parkinson’s Diagnosis & a Door Through the Rotors | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Kevin McNease

    Some 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 serve Kevin 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.net For 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/briancdickinson Calm 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

    20 Years, Parkinson’s Diagnosis & a Door Through the Rotors | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Kevin McNease

  2. Jun 3

    Helicopter Crash at Night + Russian Sub Contact | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Richard Swope

    Some 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 Swimmer Richard 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.net For 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/briancdickinson Calm 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

    Helicopter Crash at Night + Russian Sub Contact | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Richard Swope

  3. May 4

    Artemis II Splashdown, Astronaut Recovery | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Sean Sondergaard | Ep. 59

    When 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 59 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.net For 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/briancdickinson Calm 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

    Artemis II Splashdown, Astronaut Recovery | Aviation Rescue Swimmer Sean Sondergaard | Ep. 59

  4. 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

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

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

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

  8. 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

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