Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast

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 systems
Rescue swimmer role vs legacy aircrew operations
Splashdown timeline and critical first minutes
Hoist operations in open ocean conditions
What’s actually harder now vs then
If 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

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.
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CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 55

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

 #CSAR  #911Pentagon #DirectAction #SpecialOperations #SoOthersMayLive

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
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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

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

I deployed twice to the Persian Gulf with Jeff Strickland, a brother who went on to serve more than two decades as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and aircrewman. His career spanned multiple combat deployments, high-risk rescues, and unforgettable missions — including flying Iraq mission sets with SEAL sniper Jack Carr, and an intense injured SEAL medevac following a ship takedown.
In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Jeff reflects on the highs and lows of a long Navy career — the camaraderie, the chaos, and the call to serve that never really fades. His perspective captures what it means to live the Rescue Swimmer creed long after the uniform comes off.

In this episode:
Deploying to the Persian Gulf and Iraq
Flying with Jack Carr during real-world SEAL missions
The injured SEAL medevac that tested training and heart
Lessons from 20+ years of service and leadership in the Navy
Brotherhood, resilience, and life after active duty

👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.

CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 51

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!

#JeffStrickland #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #JackCarr #NavySEALs #MedEvac #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #PersianGulf #IraqWar #CombatRescue #VeteranStories #NavyLife #SARCommunity #MilitaryBrotherhood #RescueSwimmerStories #USNavy

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