Continuing the Conversation | The Surface Navy Association Podcast

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Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association.  Each episode features conversations with leaders, Sailors, innovators, and members of the naval community discussing the people, ideas, and achievements shaping today’s Surface Force. From leadership perspectives and operational experience to award-winning initiatives and stories from the fleet, the podcast highlights the voices behind the missions and milestones of the Surface Warfare community. Hosted by members of the Surface Navy Association, Continuing the Conversation expands on discussions taking place across SNA symposiums, chapter events, and professional forums — connecting the Surface Warfare community between events and throughout the year.

Episodes

  1. Jul 8

    Leadership Perspectives: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Visionary Leadership

    In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, LT Scott Harris sits down with Mouzetta C. Zumwalt-Weathers, daughter of Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., former Chief of Naval Operations and namesake of the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). Mouzetta shares personal reflections on her father's leadership philosophy, his commitment to fairness and service, and the enduring impact of the Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership. The conversation explores Admiral Zumwalt's efforts to improve opportunities across the Navy, his dedication to sailors at every level, and the qualities that define visionary leadership in today's fleet. The discussion also highlights the legacy of USS Zumwalt, Admiral Zumwalt's post-Navy work supporting bone marrow transplantation and veterans affected by Agent Orange, and the importance of organizations like the Surface Navy Association in connecting generations of naval leaders. This episode offers valuable insights for sailors, leaders, and anyone interested in the lasting impact of service-driven leadership.   Host: LT Scott Harris, USN Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter   Guest: Mouzetta C. Zumwalt-Weathers Daughter of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt

  2. Season 2 Trailer

    Trailer: Carrying Forward a Legacy of Visionary Leadership

    In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, LT Scott Harris sits down with Mouzetta C. Zumwalt-Weathers, daughter of Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., former Chief of Naval Operations and namesake of the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). Mouzetta shares personal reflections on her father's leadership philosophy, his commitment to fairness and service, and the enduring impact of the Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership. The conversation explores Admiral Zumwalt's efforts to improve opportunities across the Navy, his dedication to sailors at every level, and the qualities that define visionary leadership in today's fleet. The discussion also highlights the legacy of USS Zumwalt, Admiral Zumwalt's post-Navy work supporting bone marrow transplantation and veterans affected by Agent Orange, and the importance of organizations like the Surface Navy Association in connecting generations of naval leaders. This episode offers valuable insights for sailors, leaders, and anyone interested in the lasting impact of service-driven leadership.   Host: LT Scott Harris, USN Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter   Guest: Mouzetta C. Zumwalt-Weathers Daughter of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt

  3. Jun 10

    Award Spotlight: Building Purpose Aboard CGC SPAR

    In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, host LT Scott Harris, USN, Secretary of the SNA Monterey Chapter, speaks with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Awards. The conversation explores the leadership philosophy, teamwork, and operational excellence that earned CGC SPAR recognition for superior cuttermanship. Rudnickas and Mouton discuss the unique challenges of Coast Guard operations on the Great Lakes, including aids to navigation, icebreaking, crew development, and maintaining mission readiness amid increasing operational demands. The episode highlights the critical relationship between commanding officers, chiefs, and crews in creating a meaningful sense of purpose. Their insights on leadership, mentorship, and service offer valuable lessons for members of both the Coast Guard and Surface Warfare communities while reinforcing the importance of professional development and maritime excellence at sea.    Host: LT Scott Harris, USN Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter   Guest: LCDR Donald Rudnickas, USCG CGC SPAR (WLB 206), Commanding Officer 2025 Officer Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award Winner   EMC Marc Mouton, USCG CGC SPAR (WLB 206), Command Chief 2025 Enlisted Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Award Winner

  4. Season 2 Trailer

    Trailer: Building Purpose Aboard CGC SPAR

    In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, we preview a conversation with LCDR Donald Rudnickas, Commanding Officer of CGC SPAR (WLB 206), and EMC Marc Mouton, Command Chief, recipients of the 2025 Hopley Yeaton Superior Cutterman Awards. Together, they discuss the leadership, teamwork, and sense of purpose that helped their crew excel through demanding operations on the Great Lakes. From icebreaking and aids to navigation to developing future leaders, their story highlights the people behind mission success in the United States Coast Guard. Listen to this preview and discover the leadership lessons that earned CGC SPAR recognition for superior cuttermanship.

  5. Mar 18

    Award Spotlight: Storytelling at Sea — The Making of Sea of Valor

    In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, host LT Scott Harris, USN, Secretary of the SNA Monterey Chapter, speaks with SCPO Thomas Christie, USN, Intelligence Specialist and recipient of the 2025 SNA Video Award. Christie discusses the inspiration and creative process behind Sea of Valor, a music video highlighting the sailors and mission of USS Howard (DDG 83). The conversation explores Christie’s long-standing interest in video editing, his experience capturing the daily work of forward-deployed sailors, and how emerging technologies—including AI-generated music—helped shape the final production. The episode also reflects on the historical legacy of destroyer sailors, the importance of storytelling in recognizing the work of the Surface Force, and the operational realities of ships forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific. This discussion highlights how creative media can capture the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of the Surface Warfare community while showcasing the people and missions that define today’s Surface Navy. Host: LT Scott Harris, USN Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter Guest: SCPO Thomas Christie, USN Intelligence Specialist 2025 SNA Video Award Winner

  6. Season 2 Trailer

    Trailer: Storytelling at Sea — The Making of Sea of Valor

    In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, we preview a conversation with SCPO Thomas Christie, USN, Intelligence Specialist and recipient of the 2025 SNA Video Award. Christie discusses the inspiration behind Sea of Valor, a music video highlighting the sailors and mission of USS Howard (DDG 83). Drawing on the legacy of destroyer sailors and the realities of forward-deployed naval operations, the video captures the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of today’s Surface Force. The full episode explores Christie’s passion for storytelling, the creative process behind the video, and how emerging technologies—including AI-generated music—helped bring the project to life. Stay tuned for the full conversation on Continuing the Conversation.

  7. Mar 11

    Fleet Voices: Women in the Navy

    Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association. Originally recorded in 2020, this episode highlights the experiences of women serving in the United States Navy. The discussion was hosted by Captain Paul Rinn, U.S. Navy (Retired), a longtime leader within the Surface Navy Association and a respected voice in the Surface Warfare community. Captain Rinn passed away in 2022 after decades of service to the Navy and the Surface Navy Association. In this episode, Captain Rinn speaks with three distinguished members of the naval community about their experiences in service, leadership, and the evolving role of women in the Navy. Guests include: BM1 Cheryl Shaw, USN USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) 2019 E3–E6 Admiral Zumwalt Award Winner CAPT Donna Looney, USN (Ret.) Surface Navy Association Board of Directors VADM Mary Jackson, USN 6th Commander, Navy Installations Command The episode features individual conversations with each guest followed by a roundtable discussion bringing all participants together to reflect on leadership, service, and the experiences of women serving across the fleet. This episode is part of the Continuing the Conversation series, which brings together leaders, Sailors, and members of the naval community to share their experiences and perspectives.

  8. Season 1 Trailer

    Trailer: Introducing Continuing the Conversation: The Surface Navy Association Podcast

    Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association. The podcast extends the dialogue taking place across SNA symposiums, chapter events, professional forums, and interviews by bringing conversations with leaders, Sailors, innovators, and members of the naval community to a broader audience. The podcast highlights the people, ideas, achievements, and leadership shaping today’s Surface Force. Subscribe and join us as we continue the conversation.

Trailers

About

Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association.  Each episode features conversations with leaders, Sailors, innovators, and members of the naval community discussing the people, ideas, and achievements shaping today’s Surface Force. From leadership perspectives and operational experience to award-winning initiatives and stories from the fleet, the podcast highlights the voices behind the missions and milestones of the Surface Warfare community. Hosted by members of the Surface Navy Association, Continuing the Conversation expands on discussions taking place across SNA symposiums, chapter events, and professional forums — connecting the Surface Warfare community between events and throughout the year.

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