Calm in the Chaos - The Rescue Swimmer Podcast

When NASA's Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific off the coast of San Diego, four astronauts came home from the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. And right there—feet from the capsule, voice on the radio, eyes on every moving piece—was a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer.

In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Sean “Sondy” Sondergaard takes us inside one of the most historic recovery missions in modern naval aviation history—the Artemis II astronaut recovery. From the safety boat positioned right next to the Orion capsule, Sean was coordinating communications between the divers, the helicopters, the recovery ship USS John P. Murtha, and NASA's Landing and Recovery team as Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen were brought home from lunar orbit.

But Artemis II is just one chapter.

Sean shares what it takes to earn the wings of a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, the missions that shaped him, and what it felt like to be part of a team trusted by NASA to bring astronauts safely back to Earth.

In this episode:

• Inside the Artemis II splashdown and recovery operation
• What it's like to be in the safety boat next to the Orion capsule
• Coordinating communications between divers, helicopters, NASA, and the recovery ship
• The training that prepares Navy Rescue Swimmers for missions of this magnitude
• Assigned to HSC-23, working with the Navy dive medical team, and the USS John P. Murtha
• Bringing astronauts home from the Moon for the first time in over 50 years
• The legacy of Navy recovery operations—from Mercury and Apollo to Artemis
• What it means to wear the wings and live "So Others May Live"
• 
  

Sean Sondergaard's story is a reminder that behind every historic mission is a team of quiet professionals doing the hard, dangerous, precise work the world rarely sees.

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CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 59

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

📖 Calm in the Chaos — The Book by Brian Dickinson Available at www.briandickinson.net 

📩 Booking & Media Inquiries: [email protected]

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Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers

#ArtemisII #Artemis2 #ArtemisIIRecovery #NASA #OrionCapsule #Splashdown #AstronautRecovery #MoonMission #ReidWiseman #VictorGlover #ChristinaKoch #JeremyHansen #USSJohnPMurtha #HSC23 #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #NavyRecovery #NavalAviation #USNavy #NavyVeteran #MilitaryVeteran #SoOthersMayLive #SearchAndRescue #SAR #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #ResiliencePodcast #LeadershipUnderFire #MentalToughness #ServiceAndSacrifice #BrianDickinson #VeteranPodcast #SpaceRecovery #NASARecovery #PacificOcean #SanDiego

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

Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker | Real SAR Rescues from NAS Whidbey Island, Leadership & Decision-Making Under Pressure

What does it take to execute real-world rescues when there’s no margin for error?

In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Aviation Rescue Swimmer Ben Thacker breaks down multiple live rescue missions out of NAS Whidbey Island SAR. This is a look inside the reality of Search and Rescue—where preparation meets pressure and decisions carry weight.

We cover what it takes to stay ready, perform under stress, and operate as part of a crew when conditions deteriorate fast.

In this episode:
• Real-world SAR missions out of NAS Whidbey Island
• What it’s like to be an Aviation Rescue Swimmer
• Decision-making under pressure
• Crew coordination and trust
• Training vs. real rescues
• Staying sharp when lives depend on it
• Leadership at the operator level

This one is for anyone in the military, aviation, or first responder world—and anyone responsible for making decisions when it counts.

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CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST — Episode 56

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

#NavySAR  #NASWhidbey #RescueSwimmer #CalmInTheChaos #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

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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

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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

For more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:

Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/

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Few people understand pressure like Aviation Rescue Swimmer Taryn Frazelle. A high-performance athlete and ranked CrossFit competitor, Taryn brought that same strength and discipline into the fleet—where staying calm isn’t optional, it’s life or death.

During one intense mission near Papua New Guinea, a routine flight turned into a high-risk remote island rescue. Conditions were chaotic and the mission evolved by the second. But Taryn’s training, composure, and focus took over. Her calm in the middle of that storm saved lives and set the standard for what it truly means to be a Rescue Swimmer.

In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Taryn shares:

• The full story of the rescue near Papua New Guinea
• What it takes to stay calm when everything around you is breaking down
• The mindset required to perform at the highest level—physically, mentally, and emotionally
• Lessons from the Rescue Swimmer community and the missions that shape you forever

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CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 50

So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸

Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch

(link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% off with code: SARRESCUE10100% of proceeds support the podcast.

#TarynFrazelle #RescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #SAR #SearchAndRescue #PapuaNewGuineaRescue #CrossFitAthlete #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #MilitaryStories #RescueSwimmerStories #WomenInTheMilitary #CourageUnderPressure #NavyLife #FirstResponderStories #MilitaryHeroes

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Over two decades in the Navy, Aviation Rescue Swimmer David Allen built a career defined by courage and commitment. During one harrowing mission in the Persian Gulf, a ship was going down — and David launched in a CH-46 helicopter into chaos. That rescue would earn him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, one of the highest awards for heroism not involving combat.

After that, David continued to serve as a SAR Instructor, at WTU (Weapons Tactic Unit) and later HSC-4, completing “3.5” deployments to Iraq. His story embodies the true spirit of the Rescue Swimmer creed — “So Others May Live.”

In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, David shares:

• The full story behind the CH-46 Gulf rescue that tested every ounce of skill and faith
• The meaning behind receiving the Navy & Marine Corps Medal
• Life as a SAR Instructor and WTU
• Deployments with HSC-4 and lessons from 20+ years of service

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CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 49

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!

#DavidAllen #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyAndMarineCorpsMedal #CH46 #PersianGulfRescue #HSC4 #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SARInstructor #WTU #IraqDeployments #NavyHero #VeteranStories #RescueSwimmerStories #NavyLife #CourageUnderPressure #MilitaryHeroes

For more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:

Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson

Jeremy Way has spent 17 years as an active-duty U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, responding to high-risk rescues where seconds matter and hesitation costs lives.

Recently, Jeremy found himself in the headlines for a rescue that happened off duty. While eating lunch, he witnessed a woman drive her car into the water. Without waiting for responders, Jeremy and others entered the water and reached her just seconds before the vehicle sank, pulling her to safety.

In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, we talk about what makes moments like that possible—not luck, not adrenaline, but years of training, discipline, and readiness that never shuts off.

This conversation goes beyond the headlines and into the mindset of someone who lives prepared—on duty or not.

In this episode:

• 17 years as an active-duty Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer
• What real rescue swimmer training builds into decision-making
• The off-duty water rescue that made national headlines
• Why instinct takes over when time runs out
• Service, responsibility, and staying ready when no one’s watching

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

CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 48

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 #USNavy #SearchAndRescue #WaterRescue #OffDutyHero #RealLifeRescue #MilitaryMindset #csar #NavyAviation #FirstResponder #RescueSwimmer #CalmintheChaos #DecisionMakingUnderPressure #JeremyWay #virginiabeach