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

Finding a Lost Airliner | Explorer Russ Matthews

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0700

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

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

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0700

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

* * * *

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

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0700

"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

* * * *

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

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0700

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.

* * * *

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

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0700

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.

* * * *

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

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0800

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!

* * * *

Museum of the Future | Phil Bloom & Joshua Wexler

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0800

Meet PBC's newest board members, Phil Bloom, founder and president of American Scenic Design, and Joshua Wexler, CEO of Fun at Pure Imagination Studios.

These two heavy hitters in the worlds of entertainment and amusement park experience design lead the teams bringing the National Museum of the Surface Navy to life aboard Battleship IOWA.

They graciously took time out of their busy schedules to sit down with us and share who they are and why they're excited to be part of what we're building.

* * * *

New Faces, Vicky Stories, Ship Noises, and More | Scuttlebutt Afterparty S01 E01

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0800

We decided you don't have enough chances to hang out with our team and find out what life aboard the battleship is really like, so we're bringing you behind the scenes.

Curious about anything? Drop your questions in the comments and we'll answer them in the next episode!

* * * *

What's Your LIMITING FACTOR? CDR Victor Vescovo, USNR (Ret.)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0800

Our 2025 Freedom of the Seas Award recipient, CDR Victor Vescovo, USNR (Ret.) is epic and remarkable. His list of accomplishments reads like an adventure novel: he's climbed Everest, flown in space, been to the bottoms of all five oceans, found the deepest shipwrecks ever located, and more.

What's his WHY? What drives him to push boundaries and take the risks he does? Find out as we return with Season 4 of Scuttlebutt.

* * * *

MH-60S Seahawk Pilots Share Scary Weather Stories

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:00:00 -0800

Meet Navy flyers Kevin Borough and Jack Tribolet. Neither dreamed of being a pilot - one, in fact, actively avoided it, but both ended up driving rescue helos for the Navy.

Buckle up for some hair-raising tales of scary weather in this episode of Scuttlebutt!

Find the first half of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md7m3fmyKM4

* * * *

Never Dreamed Of Being A Pilot

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0800

We just talked to a rescue swimmer (https://youtu.be/2d_uQT1fHEU?si=R1iF0wvPyeBHfOMm). We figured we ought to talk to his taxi drivers, too.

Meet Navy flyers Kevin Borough and Jack Tribolet. Neither dreamed of being a pilot - one, in fact, actively avoided it, but both ended up driving rescue helos for the Navy.

How did their journeys take them to the MH-60 Sierra? Find out in this episode of Scuttlebutt!

* * * *

Calm in the Chaos - Rescue Swimmer Brian Dickinson

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0700

Brian Dickinson has been a part of an elite unit in the US Navy: he's a retired Navy aviation rescue swimmer. That not adventurous enough for you? He's also one of two people to have stood on the roof of the world completely by himself.

Join us for his incredible story. For more, check out his website and his new book Calm In The Chaos comes out TODAY - Tuesday, Oct 29. You can find it at all the usual booksellers.

https://www.briandickinson.net/

* * * *

Brian Dickinson: From Elite Navy Rescue Swimmer to Snow Blind on the Roof of the World

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Brian Dickinson has had been a part of an elite unit in the US Navy: he's a retired Navy aviation rescue swimmer. That not adventurous enough for you? He's also one of two people to have stood on the roof of the world completely by himself.

Join us for his incredible story. For more, check out his website and his new book Calm In The Chaos comes out next Tuesday, Oct 29.

https://www.briandickinson.net/

https://youtu.be/tHrEdZqV4FI?si=qWoXEB0LUDTbL0eP

* * * *

Jeff Lamberti: "We Couldn't Get The Grill Through The Door"

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Battleship IOWA Museum's first chairman of the board and former Iowa state senator Jeff Lamberti joins the gang to reminisce about the adventure of saving the ship from the mothball fleet.

Prepare for some laughs as we share previously untold stories from Suisun Bay and Richmond, and the days when the budget was so tight, we had to ration generator hours.

* * * *

Saving IOWA: We Should Have Failed with Jeff Lamberti

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Former Iowa state senator and the first chairman of Battleship IOWA's Board, Jeff Lamberti was there for the pins-and-needles moments back in 2011 when saving the ship was still a huge question mark.

He jumped into a Scuttlebutt recording earlier this year to reminisce about those crazy times and how it's really a miracle we're here!

* * * *

Travis Davis from Battleship TEXAS Part 2

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700

Here's Part 2 of our conversation with Travis Davis, Vice President of Ship Operations for Battleship TEXAS.

In this podcast he shares behind the scenes info on the recent drydocking and restoration of the world's oldest battleship.

* * * *

Travis Davis: Battleship TEXAS VP of Ship Ops Gives Us an Update

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0700

We've been trying to get this guy on the podcast for a while. He's Travis Davis, Vice President of Ship Operations for Battleship TEXAS and he's had an interesting few years.

In this podcast he shares behind the scenes info on the recent drydocking and restoration of the world's oldest battleship.

Part 2 coming soon.

* * * *

Restored! IOWA's 1980s TV Studio... And We Just Moved In

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0700

We're excited to introduce the latest restored and working space aboard Battleship IOWA. It's the new home for our podcast: IOWA's 1980s TV studio. Welcome to NEPM Studio 61A!

In this episode we sit down with IOWA's Innovation Engineering & Technology (IE&T) Team manager Gary Lopes for a chat about what it was like to restore the ship's 1980s television studio to its full glory (working Betamax camera included)... only to see our podcast team move in and get goofy.

* * * *

Aydin Diaby: 19 Year-Old Creates IOWA Model From Scratch!

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Out of the blue a few months ago, we got an email from a young man from the Philadelphia area. Aydin Diaby is 19 and a self-taught model maker. When he and his brother visited Battleship IOWA in April 2023, Aydin was so inspired, he went home, literally made a 4-foot model of the ship on his own, then reached out to let us know what he'd done.

We were intrigued, and our communications team - in the person of volunteer Ron Ploof, reached out to get Aydin's story. Turns out model-making isn't this extraordinary guy's only intriguing interest.

We've been so delighted getting to know him, we had to share him with you.

* * * *

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, USN (Ret) On Leadership And Life (Part 2)

Tue, 14 May 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, USN (Ret) is a woman of many firsts:

- First woman to be navigator on a carrier
- First woman to the first woman to command a carrier strike group in 2010 (She embarked with USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) in the Mediterranean Sea on its maiden deployment in support of operations in both U.S. 6th and 5th Fleets)
- First woman to command the forward-deployed Singapore-based Task Force 73
- First woman to command a battle fleet
- First woman to serve as Commander, 3rd Fleet

Admiral Tyson retired from the Navy in 2017 after 38 years of service and in this fascinating conversation, this remarkable sailor shares her journey from enlisting in the Navy in 1979 to high level command.

You can check out Part 1 of our conversation with her here:
https://youtu.be/SqX3_0o4798?si=1bqu01hs_cpzlc1N

* * * *

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, USN (Ret): You Want To Be Navigator on a Carrier...?!

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0700

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, USN (Ret) is a woman of many firsts:

First woman to be navigator on a carrier (USS Lexington)
First woman to the first woman to command a carrier strike group in 2010 (She embarked with USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) in the Mediterranean Sea on its maiden deployment in support of operations in both U.S. 6th and 5th Fleets)
First woman to command the forward-deployed Singapore-based Task Force 73
First woman to command a battle fleet
First woman to serve as Commander, 3rd Fleet

She retired from the Navy in 2017 after 38 years of service and in this fascinating conversation, this remarkable sailor shares her journey from enlisting in the Navy in 1979 to high level command.

* * * *

Sal Mercogliano: What's Going On In Shipping (Part 2)

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0700

We're back for another season of SCUTTLEBUTT and we're starting off by sharing a new YouTube channel addiction: What's Going On In Shipping (https://www.youtube.com/@wgowshipping).

Dr. Sal Mercogliano is a retired merchant mariner and chairman of the history department at Campbell University. In his spare time, he likes to talk about what's going on in the world of shipping.

We had discovered him and reached out to invite him to our podcast so we could talk about shipping and its relation to freedom of the seas, but then a week ago, the MV Dali allision with the Key Bridge in Baltimore really gave us fodder for discussion.

Here's part two of our chat. You can catch up with part one here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1971056/14839626

* * * *

Sal Mercogliano: What's Going On In Shipping (Part 1)

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0700

* * * *

Attempted Murder with Port of LAPD Officers Stacey Creech & Aldo Morales (Part 2)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles Port Police Community Relations Officers Stacey Creech and Aldo Morales are near and dear to our hearts here at Battleship IOWA. They have our backs during any event we have that involves the public, most notably LA Fleet Week, and they do everything with kindness and unending good humor.

We decided to show them off on our podcast and let you get to know why we love them.

PS Did you catch our bad joke? Community Relations Officers - CROs...? A group of crows is called a "murder," so since we only have two of them, it's an attempted murder...?

* * * *

This Week On Scuttlebutt... An Attempted Murder with POLA PD Officers Stacey Creech and Aldo Morales (Part 1)

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles Port Police Community Relations Officers Stacey Creech and Aldo Morales are near and dear to our hearts here at Battleship IOWA. They have our backs during any event we have that involves the public, most notably LA Fleet Week, and they do everything with kindness and unending good humor.

We decided to show them off on our podcast and let you get to know why we love them.

So what's this about murder...? You'll just have to listen to find out!

* * * *

Joe Sienkiewicz On Tropical Storm Hilary And Other 2023 Storms (Part 2)

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Joe Sienkiewicz from NOAA's Ocean Predictions Center (otherwise known as our favorite "weather guesser") is our ace in the hole when it comes to inclement weather that's headed our way. He's been instrumental in helping us stay on top of how to prepare for events like Tropical Storm Hilary.

This former tug boat operator sat down with us for a fascinating (did you know the buoys offshore can read the sizes of waves that refract off our breakwater?) conversation about the way weather works in the San Pedro Channel area.

(Hear Part 1 of this conversation here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1971056/13561030

* * * *

Joe Sienkiewicz On Tropical Storm Hilary And Other 2023 Storms (Part 1)

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0700

* * * *

Captain Dick McKenna: XO of USS KIRK Shares His Experience During The Fall Of Saigon

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Picture it: April 1975. Saigon has fallen. Thousands are frantic to get out. They take to the roof of an apartment building and fly off in the largest helicopter evacuation in history. But where do they go?

At least 17 head out to sea and attempt to land aboard USS KIRK, the destroyer-escort where a young Dick McKenna is the executive officer.

In this podcast Dick shares his experience over those harrowing days in late April, and describes what it was like when "Operation Frequent Wind" suddenly transformed his ship into a temporary home for over 150 Vietnamese refugees and part of the rescue of over 30,000 people.

Appendix:

The Knox class destroyer escort USS KIRK was commissioned Sept. 9, 1972.

Following Operation Frequent Wind she continued to serve the US Navy until her decommissioning in 1993.

She was loaned to the Taiwanese Navy in August of that year, stricken from the US Navy in 1995, and purchased by Taiwan in 1999.

She still serves the Taiwanese Navy today.

In the years following the fall of Saigon, the US Navy Bureau of Medicine decided to commission a movie titled, "The Lucky Few" to tell the tale of the medical efforts involved in the rescue.

Because of "The Lucky Few," the KIRK was featured in Rory Kennedy's Academy Award nominated film, "The Last Days of Vietnam."

Operation Frequent Wind remains one of the greatest humanitarian acts in the history of the United States military.

* * * *

Are We Cutting Through The Armor On Our Hull?

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Short answer to that one is an emphatic NO.

In this video we're setting the record straight on a few of the inaccurate rumors we've been heard floating around lately. Things such as:

- Are we cutting a hole in our hull?
- Are we gutting and completely restructuring compartments to make room for the national museum?

Find out what we're actually considering and why in this episode of SCUTTLEBUTT.

* * * *

Why Do We Do Things Like Rotate A Turret?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0700

We've gotten the question, "Why did you turn the turret" a lot in the last couple of weeks. We get it frequently in response to the out-of-the-box ideas that end up making ship the special place it is.

In this podcast episode we answer the "why" behind what we do.

* * * *

What Has Inspired This Bay Area Trio To Volunteer At Battleship IOWA For A Decade?

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0700

"Electric" Bill Weinberg and Angelo Salarpi have been Battleship IOWA volunteers since January 2012, when the ship was undergoing initial restoration in Richmond, CA. They dragged Alan Markle into the fray with them a couple of years later.

Known in the ship's community as the "three musketeers," this trio makes the 6 1/2 hour trek from the Bay Area to Los Angeles several times a year. What inspires this kind of dedication? Hit play and find out.

* * * *

What's It Like To Recommission A Battleship Part 2

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:00 -0700

What's it like to go aboard a ship that's been closed up for nearly thirty years and help bring it back to life? Bob Lemmond and Marty Palmiere know.

They spent years preparing USS IOWA to rejoin the US Navy's active roster in the early 1980s, were there when then-Vice President George HW Bush recommissioned her, and along with Scott Williamson, took her back to sea.

In the second half of our conversation with them, they reminisce about seeing the trademark rooster tail behind the ship at 36 (yes, you read that right) knots, what it sounded like aboard at speeds that high, the feeling of pride to sail on this grand grey lady, and their gratitude at being able to return to the ship they love.

* * * *

What's It Like To Recommission A Battleship?

Tue, 09 May 2023 05:00:00 -0700

What's it like to go aboard a ship that's been closed up for nearly thirty years and help bring it back to life? Bob Lemmond and Marty Palmiere know.

They spent years preparing USS IOWA to rejoin the US Navy's active roster in the early 1980s, and along with Scott Williamson, were there when then-Vice President George HW Bush recommissioned her.

Prepare for some colorful characters telling some completely cool stories - including some unique perspectives of the shakedown cruise - in this week's episode of Scuttlebutt!

* * * *

April 19, 2023: 1989 Crew Members Recall Their Time On IOWA

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Marty Palmiere, Scott Johnson, and Lonnie Cook (left to right in thumbnail photo) lived through the worst day in Battleship IOWA's history: April 19, 1989. They've lived with the memories ever since.

While Marty and Scott have returned to their ship numerous times, 2023 was Lonnie's first trip back since he left in September 1989.

After the ceremony on the 19th, they kindly sat down to chat about memories - both the tough ones and some fun ones that demonstrate what life was like aboard the ship during her Cold War commissioning.

Marty, Scott, and Lonnie - can't thank you enough for your willingness to share and your candor. Privilege and a pleasure to have you on the podcast. Let's do it again some time!

_______________________________________

For more information on the Turret II accident, please see the following videos:

- Dispelling common rumors and misinformation

- A discussion of the technical details according to the official investigations into the incident

* * * *

Charlie Brown: A Retired Rear Admiral Talks Navy Public Affairs

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Rear Admiral Charlie Brown, USN (Ret.) finished a twenty-eight year career in public affairs for the Navy last summer as CHINFO - the Navy's chief of information. He worked in the Pentagon and was "the direct representative of the Secretary of the Navy and of the Chief of Naval Operations in all public affairs and internal relations matters."

We had a thought-provoking chat with this sharp, down-to-earth leader about the changes he's seen in the handling of communications, the American public's perception of the Navy, and more.

* * * *

Cmdr Jenna Van Zeyl: From Astronaut Dreams To Surface Warfare Command

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0700

To close out #WomensHistoryMonth, we have the pleasure of bringing you a delightful interview we did with Commander Jenna Van Zeyl, commanding officer of the Gold Crew of USS SAVANNAH (LCS-28).

From astronaut dreams to surface navy command, this Chicagoland native and Naval Academy graduate shares her fascinating path to her present role, some poignant observations about women in leadership roles, and the challenges involved in balancing motherhood with an officer's role in the world's most powerful navy.

* * * *

Jose Hernandez: Rigging USS CONSTITUTION And More Part 2

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0700

Jose Hernandez was a biologist by trade, but his love of sailing changed his life.

When he left small sailboats behind in favor of square riggers, he had no idea he would one day be paid to rig one of the grandest remnants of the Age of Sail: USS CONSTITUTION, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

We sat down with Jose to talk about knots and rig work and how a Cuban from Southern California ended up working his dream job in freezing Boston.

Here's the second half of the conversation.

* * * *

Jose Hernandez: Rigging USS CONSTITUTION and More

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Jose Hernandez was a biologist by trade, but his love of sailing changed his life.

When he left small sailboats behind in favor of square riggers, he had no idea he would one day be paid to rig one of the grandest remnants of the Age of Sail: USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

We sat down with Jose to talk about knots and rig work and how a Cuban from Southern California ended up working his dream job in freezing Boston.

For visuals and more information on the "mouse" discussed in this episode, please check out this article:

A Mouse In The Rig

* * * *

When Your Office Is On A Battleship - Part 2

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Walking 300 feet to the nearest restroom, plenty of places to bang your shins, funky electrical systems, guests peeking in your window, and more in Part 2 of our discussion about what it's like to have your office on a WWII battleship.

* * * *

When Your Office Is On A Battleship - Part 1

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0800

There are unusual aspects to many workplaces... but can your office nearly float away in a storm?

From the significant highs and lows of temperature in this non-heated or air conditioned steel behemoth to overhearing amusing bits of conversation from guests in passageways near our offices, we share the unique and often amusing features of life on Battleship IOWA in 2023.

* * * *

Scuttlebutt Extra: Judge Eileen Moore on Vietnam Veterans

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0800

Judge Eileen Moore served as a combat nurse in Vietnam in the Army Nurse Corp, where she was Lieutenant Eileen Moore. Following Vietnam she went to college, law school, practiced law for ten years, and ultimately was appointed as a judge to the superior court. She currently serves as Justice Moore on the California Court of Appeals.

Justice Moore does a great deal of work with veterans as they come through the court system and says her goal is to see that today's service members are not treated in the same despicable manner as were those who served in Vietnam.

She was the keynote speaker at our Veterans Day celebration this year and moved us with a poignant speech about Vietnam veterans that included unforgettable stories we had to share.

Here is her speech in its entirety.

* * * *

Diplomats & Admirals: Fascinating WWII Facts From Author Dale Jenkins

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0800

Back in July, we had author Dale Jenkins on the podcast to talk about his upcoming book, Diplomats And Admirals. Last Thursday, we were privileged to host the release party for the book.

We also sat down with Dale and a panel of speakers for a preview of this fascinating new work. From failed negotiations and tragic misjudgments to powerful leaders and heroic deeds, Diplomats and Admirals tells the untold story of the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to Midway.

Diplomats And Admirals is available for purchase in our ship's store and here:
https://www.amazon.com/Diplomats-Admirals-Negotiations-Misjudgments-Powerful-ebook/dp/B0BKDQ5BLR

* * * *

What Is This "Escape The Mothball Fleet" Thing?

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0800

We've talked a bit about Escape The Mothball Fleet, our new exploration/adventure aboard Battleship IOWA, but what exactly is it?

In this episode of Scuttlebutt, we explain not only what you'll experience when you participate, but how the idea for it developed.

It's fun stuff, and it's like nothing you've ever tried before.

* * * *

Finding Treasures: How Missing Pieces Return To The Ship

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0800

Battleship IOWA has an uncanny knack for attracting historical treasures of all shapes, sizes, and several eras. From a guest book signed by FDR and his war cabinet to a Mark-48 bombardment computer, we're always on the lookout for things with relevance to the ship.

And opportunities to acquire such priceless artifacts and missing pieces seem to fall into our laps.

When we have these chances, what types of items are we eyeing? For example, at the end of 2020, COO Mike Getscher and a couple of our volunteers were given permission to go aboard a decommissioned ship at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard that held the Navy's last remaining cache of spare parts for battleships. What was our team looking for and what did they bring home?

Find out in this week's Scuttlebutt!

And click here for a look at the "big eyes" mentioned in the video.

* * * *

Charlie Noble, the fo'c's'le zoo, and more fun nautical terms

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0800

A few podcasts back we got into a discussion about the origins of the word "scuttlebutt." A lot of you looked it up and dropped the meaning in the comments, so we decided to dedicate this week's podcast to ship lingo.

We start by explaining a few good ones, then put the sailors in the crowd to the test with a list of terms they had to explain on the fly. Did we stump them? Tune in and find out.

Know any we missed? Drop them in the comments!

* * * *

2023... and BEYOND! Our Vision For Next Year

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0800

In our last episode we discussed our strategies for preservation. In this one CEO Jonathan Williams describes the direction we're aiming for the next few years, leading up to the opening of the National Museum of the Surface Navy.

How do we stay relevant for the future? How do we deliver the message about the importance of freedom of the seas to this and future generations in a way that's interesting and inspiring? How do we connect with our community and a more nation-wide audience?

We get into all of that and more in this week's Scuttlebutt.

* * * *

No Higher Honor: RADM Sam Cox, USN (Ret.) on the Battle Off Samar

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Every so often, an event of truly epic proportions becomes the stuff of legend. The engagement off Samar during the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf on Oct. 25, 1944 is such an event.

Full of humbling, heroic sacrifice, this incredible naval engagement resulted in a U.S. victory that ultimately cost Japan the war.

Presented during our Freedom of the Seas awards gala by Rear Admiral Sam Cox, USN (Ret.), Director of Naval History and Heritage Command, here is a fascinating overview of the Battle off Samar.

* * * *

HNSA 2022 Wrap-Up: In Which We Make Rust, Corrosion, And Coatings Interesting

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0700

We finally have CEO Jonathan Williams back in the house, so we corralled him for a wrap up of this year's Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) conference.

The theme was hull maintenance, a crucial part of operating a historic vessel as a museum, and in this podcast episode, we talk about the future of the industry with regard to preserving ships that were never intended to last as long as they have.

We referenced a video COO Mike Getscher and his team put together for the conference. You can find it here:

HNSA 2022: Love 'Em or Scrap 'Em

* * * *

Jesse Mendoza and VPAN: Making a Difference for Veterans aboard Battleship IOWA

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0700

If you follow this podcast, you know that veterans are a priority at Battleship IOWA. To that end, for over a year, we have been home to the Los Angeles branch of Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN).

VPAN is a veterans-helping-veterans program that connects retired members of our armed forces and their families with services, resources, and other veterans to help with everything from the transition from military to civilian life to navigating the complexities of the VA system.

We invited Program Manager Jesse Mendoza to give us a glimpse inside Battleship IOWA's VPAN branch and to talk about what it's like as an army vet to work aboard a "grey hull."

* * * *

Ethos of Preservation

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0700

How do we think of preservation when it comes to Battleship IOWA?

There are multiple layers to the question. We're a museum, so we have to conserve the ship as an artifact, but we need the functionality of a modern office space. We have to respect the legacies of three generations of sailors (WWII, Korea, the Cold War), who served aboard. We have to keep things relevant for future generations. And we have create connections that pique interest across wide swaths of the population.

In this video we discuss our thought process on how we care for, preserve, and plan to ensure this incredible vessel is a fascinating must-see years into the future.

* * * *

Assemblymember Mike Gipson Secures $6.7 Million for the National Museum of the Surface Navy

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Taking a break from our usual fare to bring you some incredible news: Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, 64th District stopped by this morning to officially deliver a check for $6.7 million to the National Museum Of The Surface Navy at Battleship IOWA to build the Freedom of the Seas Park Pavilion.

Here is the check presentation ceremony in its entirety. It was a great event hosted by Battleship IOWA board of trustees chairman Bruce DD Mac Rae and featuring speeches from Senator Steven Bradford, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce CEO Elise Swanson, Port of Los Angeles Senior Communications Director Arley Baker, and LAUSD board member Tanya Franklin-Ortiz.

Thanks to everyone who was there and to all who support projects like this one that will benefit our community for years to come!

* * * *

Ben Poucher & Warrior Sailing: Healing & Strengthening Veterans Through Sailing

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Battleship IOWA is proud to be a safe haven for veterans as well as a resource and connection to programs dedicated to their well-being. Today, we're highlighting a truly special one:

Warrior Sailing

We chatted with Warrior Sailing director Ben Poucher to find out all about this life-changing program that gets wounded and injured veterans back into life by teaching basic sailing concepts.

Using specially-designed adaptive gear where necessary, the program offers warriors a place where they can once again be part of a team and build camaraderie they've been missing since leaving the military - all while discovering a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

To learn more about Warrior Sailing, please click here.
To support or join Battleship IOWA's veterans programming, please click here.

* * * *

Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation Part II - "Artifact #1"

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0700

The second half of our conversation with Dave Way (Battleship IOWA historian and curator) and Jim Kurrasch centers on "Artifact Number 1" - which is the ship itself.

When you have a ship that has served during three different eras, what ethos do you choose when deciding how to preserve it? How do you keep it relevant and interesting to future generations?

Find out what we did in the beginning and where we're going now.

* * * *

Dave Way & Jim Kurrasch: A Curatorial Conversation (Part I)

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Battleship IOWA is home to thousands of artifacts. From the ship herself to a chair from NAGATO - the last Japanese battleship, from physical objects to digital images, all of these artifacts must be cataloged and stored.

Dave Way is the ship's historian and curator, and ten-year volunteer Jim Kurrasch is his "hands and feet." These two are the core of the team that minds our collection. They are walking encyclopedias who can spout amazing episodes from the ship's storied past at will.

Join us for a fascinating discussion that includes the stories behind a few of the lesser-known but still intriguing items entrusted to our care.

* * * *

Dave Badgett & Kent Coble: Fire Chiefs Remember 9/11 Twenty-One Years Later

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Battleship IOWA volunteers Dave Badgett and Kent Coble are retired fire chiefs - Dave finished his career as an assistant chief in charge of training with LA City Fire Department, Kent as a battalion/division chief for Santa Monica Fire Department.

Dave was also a task force leader for LA City Fire's FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. On 9/11/01 he got the call to deploy even before the second plane hit the south tower of the World Trade Center and was on scene in New York hours after the buildings collapsed.

As we approach the 21st anniversary of this world-altering event, he and Kent were gracious enough to give us first responders' perspectives on it, and to share some silver linings born out of the tragedy.

* * * *

VJ Alcomindras: From Tour Guide in Oahu to Guest Services Manager in LA

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0700

VJ Alcomindras is a battleship kid. He's been working on Iowa Class BBs since he was 16.

He started as the youngest tour guide ever hired (at that point) by our sister ship, USS Missouri, joined Battleship IOWA in 2015, and was recently promoted to Guest Services Manager.

In this podcast we get to know him - from growing up on Oahu to college in California - and learn how he's turned a part-time job that appealed to the WWII history-lover in him into a permanent career he loves.

We also get a preview of our new ESCAPE THE MOTHBALL FLEET tour, which, if we do say so ourselves, is pretty much a blast and you should come check it out.

* * * *

Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach: A Visit With Lt. Adam Tellez and MNC Brian Chickering From The Mine Shop

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach lies on the Southern California coast between Long Beach and Huntington Beach.

Dating back to 1944, this 5,000 acre complex features 230 buildings, 128 ammunition depots, a wharf for loading and off-loading ships, a 900 acre salt marsh wildlife refuge, and all sorts of things that go 'boom!'

In this podcast we get an insider's glimpse into the only full-service weapons station on the west coast from Lt. Adam Tellez and MNC (Mineman Chief) Brian Chickering. And we manage to refrain - mostly - from dropping too many mine puns.

* * * *

Carl Herzog: Public Historian for USS CONSTITUTION Museum

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0700

With the 210th anniversary of the infamous battle between the US Navy's venerable grande dame, USS CONSTITUTION, and HMS GUERRIERE coming up on August 19, we thought it would be fun to have a conversation with Dr. Carl Herzog, public historian for USS CONSTITUTION Museum.

We chatted about everything from bottom copper and cathodic protection to what constitutes "original" in ships that have led multiple service lives to the thing that hasn't changed in hundreds of years of naval history: for humans going to sea, the ocean is always the first adversary.

Oh, and Carl's photo in the thumbnail...? That's CONSTITUTION's keel over his head.

* * * *

Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part III

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0700

In the final installment of our series from our 10th anniversary panel, our team discusses how the state of Iowa came through with some critical funding just in time, how our transition to become the National Museum of the Surface Navy came about, and takes a few questions from the audience.

Questions? Comments? Email podcast@labattleship.com

Once again, we apologize for the quality of the audio. We ran into some technical challenges recording on our fantail.

* * * *

NOAA's Joe Sienkiewicz: How Weather Still Is A Factor For Battleship IOWA

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Joe Sienkiewicz, the chief of NOAA's Ocean Applications Branch, has quietly helped us behind the scenes to keep track of swells and storm surge that could affect Battleship IOWA as she sits tied to the dock in one of the world's busiest harbors. Now he joins the podcast to discuss how though it may seem like the ship is safely and permanently in port, weather can still play a significant role in her existence.

From a fascinating analysis of historical data about 1944's Typhoon Cobra to a break down of more recent events like Hurricane Marie in 2014, Joe's perspective always makes your brain explode (in a good way), then reshape itself a little smarter than it was before you started talking to him.

As ever, if you have comments, questions, feedback, or want to suggest an episode topic, shoot us an email at podcast@labattleship.com.

* * * *

Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part II

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0700

We're back with Part II of our ten year retrospective panel, and this section is a lot of fun. CEO Jonathan Williams, COO Mike Getscher, and CIO David Canfield told stories from the ghost fleet - "Mike walks," David's fire stick, finding keys lost since 1987, and more - and Volunteer Manager Sue Schmidt talks about the gestation of our volunteer program, which is still the life blood of this organization.

Again, please bear with us regarding the audio. We recorded it outdoors on our fantail, so it's not as crisp and clear as it usually is.

* * * *

Tales From The Ghost Fleet And Other Memories Part I

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0700

July 2022 marks ten years since Battleship IOWA opened to the public as a museum in the Port of Los Angeles. We've come a long way in a decade, and we thought it would be fun to take a look back at where we started.

CEO Jonathan Williams, COO Mike Getscher, CIO David Canfield, and Volunteer Manager Sue Schmidt sat down together for a panel discussion during our celebration of the anniversary. With Development Manager Kyle Aube moderating, they told stories likely never heard before in public, gave insights into just what it took to get the ship out of "mothballs" and make her fit for humans again, and shared the personal sacrifices they and their families undertook to make the dream of saving the last battleship come true.

Please forgive the audio quality in this episode. We recorded it outdoors on our fantail, so it's not as crisp and clear as it usually is.

* * * *

Author Dale A. Jenkins: A Tin Can Sailor Talks WWII Diplomacy And Its Continuing Legacy

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0700

This week's guest is Dale A. Jenkins, author of the soon-to-be-released book Diplomats And Admirals. With a background in foreign relations, this former "tin can" sailor has taken a fascinating look into the complicated relationships and poor advice that shaped United States involvement in World War II during the year between the Pearl Harbor attack and the Battle of Midway.

This episode starts at the early days of the war in the Pacific and morphs into an intriguing discussion on how the geo-political ramifications of the war still affect the world today - most noticeably in dealings with nations like China and Russia.

* * * *

USS HORNET: A Visit with Staff from the Legendary Carrier

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Recently staff from USS Hornet stopped by for a visit. COO Laura Fies and Marketing & Outreach Manager Russell Moore were kind enough to sit down for a fun chat about the challenges we share and the innovations we make to keep our vessels relevant for years to come.

* * * *

Marann Fengler: Figure Skating to a Battleship...?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Executive assistant and podcast producer Marann Fengler has had a unique journey. First figure skating, then sailing square riggers, and now she's found a home working on Battleship IOWA. What was that progression like? She tells us in this week's episode.

* * * *

Bruce DD MacRae: UPS Vice President of Government Affairs

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0700

There is no shortage of stand-out characters around Battleship IOWA, and for this episode we rounded up one of the most larger-than-life: Vice President of Government Affairs for UPS and Battleship IOWA board member Bruce D.D. MacRae.

We talked to Bruce about how he got involved with the ship, his role in the recent presidential visit, and more... but mostly we laughed a lot, which seems to happen frequently in this man's presence. We think that's a good thing.

Enjoy.

* * * *

Kristen Burns-Agria: SkillBridge Intern on Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0700

Since early January we've been fortunate to have Kristen Burns-Agria with us. She's active Navy and a participant in SkillBridge - an internship program from the Department of Defense, designed to help service members transition from the military to civilian worlds.

In this week's episode Kristen talks about her experience both with SkillBridge and with Battleship IOWA.

* * * *

Captain Tyler O'Connor: US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Pilot

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0700

We managed to sneak two podcast recording sessions in during #LAFleetWeek. Here's the second.

Meet US Marine Corps captain Tyler O'Connor. Tyler and his crew brought in the star of our mini-airshow: the mighty MV-22 Osprey.

Quite the spectacle to watch an aircraft that doesn't look like it should even be able to fly land and take off from our parking lot. In this episode Tyler discusses what it takes to learn to pilot one and why he loves it.

BONUS!

For footage of Tyler showing off his Osprey - including landing, take-off, and aircraft interiors, check out the YouTube version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/w5dBZ8NdMB0

* * * *

Brian O'Rourke: Navy Region Southwest Media Relations Officer

Tue, 31 May 2022 05:00:00 -0700

This episode finds our team sleep-deprived, sun-burned, and hours away from the finish of LA Fleet Week 2022. Despite the lack of coherence, they managed to coordinate a visit with Brian O'Rourke. Since 2017, as media relations officer for Navy Region Southwest, Brian has been heavily involved in the planning of LA Fleet Week from the Navy side of the equation.

Get more of the behind-the-scenes details that happen both before and during this annual celebration of the sea services.

* * * *

LA Fleet Week with Jenny Sova Part 2

Tue, 24 May 2022 05:00:00 -0700

We're back with more of a look at what goes on behind the scenes with LA Fleet Week. From ordering beverages for 50,000 to the logistics of wrangling ships, entertainers, and displays to coordinating receptions, meetings, and events to handling the whirlwind of crazy, last-minute changes to golf cart shenanigans, this celebration of our nation's sea services and military in general is a total team effort.

It's a lot of work and a lot of fun!

* * * *

Jenny Sova: Battleship IOWA Chief of Staff

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Jenny Sova joined our team in 2017 as director of planning for LA Fleet Week. Currently, she's Battleship IOWA's chief of staff.

We dragged this wonderful, fun lady away from her crazy-busy schedule to chat about what it's like to stage an event as large as LA Fleet Week.

Warning: we're a few weeks from the start of this first major public event since Covid, and we've hit the point where we're a little goofy.

* * * *

George Musulin: Battleship IOWA's Electrician

Tue, 10 May 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Battleship IOWA's crew is full of unique individuals who've come together to create a rather extraordinary team. That team is full of interesting characters... like our electrician, George Musulin.

He's been around for years, and we'd like to put in a pithy description of him, but really you just have to experience him.

* * * *

Homecoming: 1980s Crew Members Return To Battleship IOWA

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0700

If you've been following this podcast, you know that April 19 is an important date for our organization. It is our time to celebrate the lives of 47 sailors lost on that day in 1989.

For the last two years, Covid forced us to hold the ceremony as a mainly virtual event. This year we were happy to be able to open it to in-person attendance again. Crew members who survived that day in '89 came back to their ship and we took the opportunity to invite them to talk about their lives on IOWA when she was an active vessel, as well as their experiences on April 19th.

Mike Meldrum and Ed Cella took us up on the offer. Join us for a fun and insightful journey down memory lane with these two sailors and some of our usual crew.

* * * *

USS THE SULLIVANS And Hull Maintenance

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0700

The museum ship industry was saddened recently to see heartbreaking images of the Fletcher-class destroyer USS THE SULLIVANS (DD-537) with a starboard list so significant, her decks were awash almost to the ship's centerline.

No armchair quarterbacking here. For this episode we assembled a panel of professional mariners to discuss the challenges of maintaining the hulls of these legacy vessels and potential ways of righting THE SULLIVANS.

* * * *

CIO David Canfield: Your Story Is Bigger Than Your Trauma

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0700

On April 19, 1989 at 9:55 AM local time, the center gun on USS Iowa's Turret II suffered an open breech explosion (technically a deflagration). 47 sailors working within the turret perished.

Vice President and Chief Information Officer David Canfield was a nineteen-year-old 3rd class engineman serving aboard Iowa that day. In this episode we talk about his experiences then, his ongoing healing process, and how he has learned that both his story and Iowa's reach far beyond one horrible day.

For more information on the Turret II tragedy, please refer to the following videos:

We Remember Turret II - a video that debunks several of the persistent false rumors about the tragedy
Turret II Lecture - an in-depth look at the technical investigations into the incident

* * * *

Ready? Here We Go

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0700

Welcome to the official podcast for the National Museum of the Surface Navy! Our first episode will introduce you to our regular panelists and set the stage for conversations to come.

President & CEO Jonathan Williams
Vice President & COO Mike Getscher
Vice President & CIO David Canfield
Development Manager Kyle Aube
Executive Assistant Marann Fengler

* * * *