Scuttlebutt: Official Podcast of the National Museum of the Surface Navy

National Museum of the Surface Navy

SCUTTLEBUTT is the official podcast of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA, in affiliation with the Surface Navy Association's Battleship IOWA Chapter. We're here to take inspirational dives into the daily challenges, sparks of passion, and unwavering dedication of our crew and supporters. We also interview thought leaders in both the public and private sectors to hear their thought-provoking stories and opinions on current and relevant topics. Connect, have fun with, and get to know the cast of characters who give the museum its personality.

  1. Oct 1

    She Refused To Quit | Kamin Samuel - 2026 Gravely Leadership Award Recipient

    She never dreamed of becoming a pilot. Her plan when she joined the Navy was to go Supply Corps. A sharp recruiter and a chance encounter with helicopters changed everything. She went on to earn her wings as the Navy's FIRST female African-American helicopter pilot, but a successful Navy career was just the beginning of her extraordinary life.   2026 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Leadership Award recipient, KAMIN SAMUEL joins us for a brilliant conversation about service, leadership, reinvention, and what can happen when you refuse to quit. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:39 The Gravely Leadership Award 01:29 Why she joined the Navy 03:47 The helicopters that changed everything 05:03 Surviving Aviation Officer Candidate School 05:53 Breaking barriers in naval aviation 07:16 “I was number one. I got Norfolk.” 08:04 Learning to fly 09:36 Why she chose helicopters 11:22 Service, risk, and the military mindset 14:22 Meeting Vice Admiral Gravely 19:00 Leaving the Navy 20:13 Rock bottom and choosing to survive 21:27 Rebuilding her career 22:18 From business coach to filmmaker 24:48 The gear beyond resilience 30:09 Receiving the Gravely Leadership Award 34:43 Why museum ships matter 35:17 Life at sea 41:30 What Kamin is reading now 42:14 Final thoughts * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    She Refused To Quit | Kamin Samuel - 2026 Gravely Leadership Award Recipient

  2. Sep 3

    They Made A 19-Foot Lego IOWA

    This one really doesn't need much intro. Kjell Urban and Ashton Dulfer have done a magnificent job creating a NINETEEN-FOOT Lego IOWA. Get to know them and learn how they did it in this episode of Scuttlebutt! PS You can follow them on Instagram: @kuad_lego_shipyard Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:14 Meet Kjell & Ashton 04:24 Designing IOWA From Navy Plans 05:34 Why Battleship IOWA? 06:18 19 Feet, 350 Pounds, 100,000+ Pieces 07:26 Building a Battleship in Sections 09:23 Engineering the LEGO Hull 11:20 The Guns Actually Move 15:19 Their Favorite Parts of the Build 18:29 Taking the Detail to Extremes 20:22 Transporting a 19-Foot LEGO Ship 21:26 Would They Ever Take It Apart? 23:30 Building IOWA’s Kingfisher Aircraft 24:19 What Are They Building Next? 27:14 A Lifelong WWII Collection 31:51 Why Ships Like IOWA Matter 33:24 What Are You Reading? Soundtrack by Epidemic Sound and Suno * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    They Made A 19-Foot Lego IOWA

  3. Aug 6

    Finding a Lost Airliner | Explorer Russ Matthews

    In 2019, while researching lost aircraft and ships in the South Pacific, explorer, filmmaker, and National Museum of the Surface Navy advisory board member RUSS MATTHEWS stumbled across an article that would change his life. Beachcombers in Florida had discovered an old luggage tag from Pan Am's Clipper Endeavor, a passenger airliner that lost power and crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico in 1952, killing 52 of the 69 people aboard. Though the general area where the aircraft had gone down was known, the wreck itself had never been found. Intrigued, Russ began the search. What he and his team ultimately found is the subject of an upcoming episode of Discovery Channel's Expedition Unknown. But the discovery is only part of the story. We sat down with Russ to talk about curiosity, persistence, the friendships that make seemingly impossible expeditions possible, and the decisions that transformed a childhood fascination with history into an extraordinary life of exploration. 👉 Chapter List: ▶️ 00:00 Intro ▶️ 01:22 Where the Obsession Started ▶️ 02:33 The Search for PanAm Clipper Endeavor ▶️ 06:49 Josh Gates & Expedition Unknown ▶️ 09:29 Why the First Search Failed ▶️ 10:54 The Underwater Drone That Changed Everything ▶️ 12:15 "Oh My God... That's a Plane" ▶️ 17:37 Why Russ Likes Autonomous Vehicles ▶️ 21:42 Voracious Reader ▶️ 23:48 Building the Dream Team ▶️ 29:15 The Scan That Changed Everything ▶️ 31:18 Funding the Expedition ▶️ 35:02 We Know More About the Moon Than Our Oceans ▶️ 36:02 What's Next on the Search List ▶️ 38:29 Advice for Future Explorers ▶️ 43:18 Why Battleship IOWA Matters * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    Finding a Lost Airliner | Explorer Russ Matthews

  4. Jun 27

    "We Were Already Dead" | Deadliest Catch Helicopter Cameraman David Alan Arnold

    Emmy-winning aerial cinematographer DAVID ALAN ARNOLD shares the wild reality of flying in the Bering Sea, how he built a career from nothing, and why he looks forward to LA Fleet Week year after year. 👇 Follow David Website: https://davidalanarnold.com/ Instagram: ‪@airbornecamera‬ Facebook: ‪@DavidAlanArnold‬ YouTube: ‪@DavidAlanArnold‬  * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    "We Were Already Dead" | Deadliest Catch Helicopter Cameraman David Alan Arnold

  5. Jun 4

    Inside US Navy Search & Rescue | Real Stories from a Pilot & Rescue Swimmer

    "The people we're rescuing are trying to kill us." Because we're driven by curiosity and we know both an MH-60 S ("God's chariot") pilot and an aviation rescue swimmer, we thought we should get them together to talk shop.  Kevin Borough and Brian Dickinson share behind-the-scenes insights and hair-raising tales in this fascinating glimpse into the world of Navy search and rescue. 👉 Links to more from Brian: 🎙️ Calm in the Chaos Podcast Official site https://www.briandickinson.net/calminthechaospodcast/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheCalmintheChaosPodcast 📚 Brian's Books Blind Descent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GWT8E10 Calm in the Chaos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1M62G19 👉 Chapter Index for this podcast: 00:00 Intro & Catching Up 02:41 Empty Nesters and Life Transitions 03:10 Brian’s New Book and Future Projects 04:03 Potential Everest Movie Adaptation 05:16 Kevin’s Background as an MH-60S Pilot 06:42 How Long Does It Take to Become Mission Ready? 08:32 Rescue Swimmer Training and Qualifications 11:43 Staying Physically Ready for Rescue Missions 15:19 Carrier Operations and Daily Flight Life 16:59 How Pilots and Swimmers Coordinate Rescues 22:20 The Unique Trust Inside a Helicopter Crew 25:06 Call Signs and Aviation Culture 27:26 Responding to a Real Rescue Call 32:22 Managing Chaos and Communications During Rescues 35:54 Jumping from the Helicopter: Go / No-Go Decisions 41:51 When Rescues Don’t Go as Planned 43:20 Night Rescues and Operations in Extreme Conditions 48:03 Communicating with Survivors in the Water 52:57 Kevin’s High-Altitude Death Valley Rescue Story 01:00:05 Brian’s Off-Duty Swift Water Rescue 01:05:15 Lessons from Veterans and Untold Stories 01:06:41 Why Historic Ships Like IOWA Matter 01:11:42 What We’re Reading Right Now 01:13:05 Final Thoughts and Farewell * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    Inside US Navy Search & Rescue | Real Stories from a Pilot & Rescue Swimmer

  6. Apr 3

    Introducing The Freedom Of The Seas Pavilion | Scuttlebutt Afterparty S01 E03

    We went off-roading for this episode. We're off the ship and on the dock, exploring the space that's about to become the Freedom of the Seas pavilion. Curious about anything? Drop your questions in the comments and we'll answer them in the next episode! For visuals check out the YouTube version of this podcast. * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    Introducing The Freedom Of The Seas Pavilion | Scuttlebutt Afterparty S01 E03

  7. Apr 2

    CMDCM Octavia Harris, USN (Ret.): "Ask The Chief"

    Command Master Chief Octavia Harris, USN (Ret.) is one of those amazing humans you feel blessed to have a conversation with. A fortuitous meeting with a savvy hull technician recruiter led to her ground-breaking 30+-year career in the Navy. She sits down with us to talk about what it's like to rise from a 17 year-old recruit to a command master chief. It's a brief masterclass in leadership you'll thoroughly enjoy. * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

    CMDCM Octavia Harris, USN (Ret.): "Ask The Chief"

  8. Mar 6

    Epic Storm, Some Wins, Vicky Gets Busted, Plus More | Scuttlebutt Afterparty S01 E02

    You want behind the scenes? Boy do we have it for you in this episode. Buckle up and join Kyle Aube, Mike Nguyen, Hall Roosevelt, and Marann Fengler for a bumpy ride! Curious about anything? Drop your questions in the comments and we'll answer them in the next episode! * * * * Want to ❤️ Support the ship? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/donate/donate-online ⚓ Come aboard for a tour? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit 🙋 Volunteer with us? https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer 🎖️ Get involved in our veterans' programs? https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veteran You can also ⭐ Contribute to the National Museum of the Surface Navy https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Feedback? Questions? Comments? ✉️ podcast@labattleship.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

SCUTTLEBUTT is the official podcast of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA, in affiliation with the Surface Navy Association's Battleship IOWA Chapter. We're here to take inspirational dives into the daily challenges, sparks of passion, and unwavering dedication of our crew and supporters. We also interview thought leaders in both the public and private sectors to hear their thought-provoking stories and opinions on current and relevant topics. Connect, have fun with, and get to know the cast of characters who give the museum its personality.

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