Navy Rescue Swimmer John Brown – From Surf Sales to SAR Deployments, SWTI School, and Instructor Duty
Before joining the Navy, John Brown was selling surf gear in Florida. Soon after, he was jumping from helicopters as a Rescue Swimmer on multiple deployments, later advancing through SWTI — the “Top Gun” for rotary aviation — and finishing his career shaping the next generation as an instructor.In this episode, John shares the grind of fleet life, the intensity of advanced training, and the responsibility of teaching others to carry on the mission. His journey is proof that resilience and grit can change the trajectory of a life.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 41Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #USNavy #CSAR #SWTI #TopGunForRotary #HelicopterRescue #CombatRescue #MilitaryPodcast #RescueSwimmerInstructor #NavalAviation #MilitaryLife #VeteranStories #SearchAndRescue #AviationPodcast
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Chris Vliet: Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer to Firefighter | Surviving a BMX Crash & Coma Recovery
Chris Vliet’s journey is one of resilience, survival, and service. A former U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Chris lived through some of the most intense training and unique missions the Navy has to offer before transitioning to a career as a firefighter.In this powerful episode, Chris opens up about his time as a Navy Rescue Swimmer, the lessons he carried into firefighting, and his near-death experience in a BMX biking accident that left him in a coma. His story of recovery and determination is both inspiring and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 40So 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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #FirefighterStories #SurvivalStories #USNavy #RescueSwimmer #VeteranStories #ComaSurvivor #BMXCrash #MilitaryPodcast #FirefighterPodcast #OvercomingAdversity #Resilience #SearchAndRescue #NavyVeterans
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Navy Rescue Swimmer Dave Hewitt – 20 Years, 3 Rescues, and the Burden of a Pilot’s Fateful Decision
Dave Hewitt dedicated 20 years of his life to the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.. Over the course of his career, Dave performed three dramatic rescues — each one a testament to skill, courage, and dedication. In this episode, Dave shares the highs and lows of a life at sea, including one tragic mission where a pilot was lost due to a decision made by another pilot — a choice completely out of Dave’s control, but one he’s carried with him ever since. His reflections are raw, powerful, and a reminder of the weight service members sometimes bear long after the mission ends.I had the honor of serving alongside Dave during our deployment to the Persian Gulf in the 1990s, and in this conversation, we revisit those days, the bond of our crew, and the moments that defined our service.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 39Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #USNavy #PersianGulf #HelicopterRescue #CombatRescue #MilitaryPodcast #WarStories #RescueSwimmer #NavalAviation #MilitaryLife #VeteranStories #Heroism #SearchAndRescue #AviationPodcast #MilitaryHistory
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Vietnam War Navy Aircrewman & Door Gunner Mike Dobson – HA(L)-3 Hero Who Saved Countless Lives
Mike Dobson, a U.S. Navy Aircrewman and Door Gunner with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three — HA(L)-3, served heroically in the Vietnam War, flying into the most dangerous combat zones to rescue wounded troops and protect fellow service members. In this powerful episode, Mike shares firsthand accounts of life as a Navy Seawolf, the intense firefights over the Mekong Delta, and the courage it took to fly into enemy fire to save lives. Whether you’re a military history enthusiast, a veteran, or simply someone who values stories of sacrifice and service, this interview is an unforgettable look into the brotherhood, danger, and heroism of the Vietnam War’s most daring aviators.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 38Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#VietnamWar #NavyAircrewman #DoorGunner #HAL3 #Seawolves #VietnamWarStories #HelicopterRescue #MilitaryPodcast #VietnamVeterans #CombatRescue #NavyPilot #USNavy #VietnamHistory #WarHeroes #CombatHelicopter
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Steve Ayers: 30 Years as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, CW4 (retired)
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and former SAR brother, Steve Ayers, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 who spent three decades in naval aviation, performing every mission a helicopter is capable of and more. Steve shares stories from high-risk search and rescue operations, the intensity and lessons of SERE school, and his unforgettable winging party. It’s a candid, personal look at friendship, service, and the traditions that make Navy aviation truly one of a kind.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 37Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyCW4 #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavalAviation #SEREschool #WingingParty #NavyHelicopterPilot #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranPodcast #SearchAndRescue #NavyVeteran #MilitaryAviation #RescueSwimmer
About Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast
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Brian Dickinson, the bestselling author of Calm in the Chaos and Blind Descent, a former U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and Mount Everest Solo Summiteer delivers raw, untold rescue experiences from the U.S. Navy's elite, unsung heroes. Each episode dives deep into the mindset of the individuals selflessly heading into the chaos to save the lives of others.
So Others May Live!
*This podcast is an unofficial exploration of the lives and missions of U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with the U.S. Navy or the Department of Defense.
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