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Capturing Skunk Alpha: The Forgotten Naval History Of Vietnam
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Today, I sit down with Vietnam War veteran Raul Herrera, author of Capturing Skunk Alpha. Mr. Herrera shares his journey from an aspiring draftsman to a swift boat radio radar operator in the U.S. Navy, where he was thrust into combat just months after arriving in Vietnam. We talk about the Navy's swift boat operations, his firsthand account of the high-stakes capture of the enemy trawler known as Skunk Alpha, and the profound personal sacrifices made along the way.
Mr. Herrera walks us through Operation Market Time and the overlooked yet vital role of swift boats in coastal defense and enemy interception. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his patrols, the brotherhood formed with his crew, and the fateful mission that changed everything. We also explore how the memory of his fallen comrade, Bobby Don Carver, haunted and eventually inspired him to write a book that honors the untold stories of these young sailors.
This episode isn't just a war story—it's a testament to legacy, healing, and the power of storytelling. From authentic Mexican food and Navy galley jokes to intense firefights and spiritual closure, Mr. Herrera and I bring history to life with raw honesty and humility. Capturing Skunk Alpha is more than a memoir—it's a mission accomplished and honoring the many forgotten stories and people of Vietnam.
https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Skunk-Alpha-Sailors-Conflict-ebook/dp/B0BJ7XQG7M/
Mr. Raul and his former shipmates celebrate the 56th Year Anniversary of the events in Capturing Skunk Alpha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJfMHcCY7tQ
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Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @coupleonukes
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
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Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own ris...
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Today, I sit down with Vietnam War veteran Raul Herrera, author of Capturing Skunk Alpha. Mr. Herrera shares his journey from an aspiring draftsman to a swift boat radio radar operator in the U.S. Navy, where he was thrust into combat just months after arriving in Vietnam. We talk about the Navy's swift boat operations, his firsthand account of the high-stakes capture of the enemy trawler known as Skunk Alpha, and the profound personal sacrifices made along the way.
Mr. Herrera walks us through Operation Market Time and the overlooked yet vital role of swift boats in coastal defense and enemy interception. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his patrols, the brotherhood formed with his crew, and the fateful mission that changed everything. We also explore how the memory of his fallen comrade, Bobby Don Carver, haunted and eventually inspired him to write a book that honors the untold stories of these young sailors.
This episode isn't just a war story—it's a testament to legacy, healing, and the power of storytelling. From authentic Mexican food and Navy galley jokes to intense firefights and spiritual closure, Mr. Herrera and I bring history to life with raw honesty and humility. Capturing Skunk Alpha is more than a memoir—it's a mission accomplished and honoring the many forgotten stories and people of Vietnam.
https://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Skunk-Alpha-Sailors-Conflict-ebook/dp/B0BJ7XQG7M/
Mr. Raul and his former shipmates celebrate the 56th Year Anniversary of the events in Capturing Skunk Alpha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJfMHcCY7tQ
_______________________________________________________________________________
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @coupleonukes
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
____________________________________________________________________________________
Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007
Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
____________________________________________________________________________________
Exodus Strong Custom Link:
https://exodusstrong.com/?a_aid=ExodusCON
Honor Your Heart- Quit Smoking:
-Use code 15OFF and the link below for 15% off
https://www.honoryourheart.net?aff=290ca17d55b89391aee43ace59dd7f760656bb652139ba81a02b008b2dac9cc5
____________________________________________________________________________________
*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own ris...