In the Season 1 finale, we welcome the newest members of the Office of Boat Forces team: YN1 Katie Mayer and LTJG Tommy Vroman. We learn who they are, where they’ve been, and what drives their commitment to the fleet. Then we sit down with CG-731 Actual, CAPT Michael McCarthy, for a high-level look at his path to the Boat Forces helm and his perspective on the mission ahead. He offers a preview of themes, priorities, and conversations coming in Season 2, setting the stage for a deeper look into the people and ideas shaping Boat Forces readiness. Season 1 closes with reflection, momentum, and a clear course laid for what’s next ahead. Catch Ya-Soon.

This is an Unofficial Podcast. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Ever hear a BM say, “Why don’t we just use this boat I found online?” Turns out, there’s a bit more to it. In this episode, Lieutenant Kevin Flood from the Office of Boat Forces, Platform Management (2-Side) walks us through what really happens before a new Coast Guard platform ever hits the water. From identifying operational needs to testing designs, vetting performance, and navigating the maze of federal acquisition rules, he breaks down how each hull, bolt, and widget earns its place in the fleet. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the journey from concept to platform, where engineering meets mission, and every decision keeps the service afloat. 

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We sit down with BMCM Kraig McCellan and BMCM Thomas Hines, OICs of the Coast Guard construction tenders Cheyenne and Gasconade, based in St. Louis. Their stories bring to life the critical but often unsung role these river-borne platforms play in sustaining our nation’s infrastructure and economy.

Inland waterways carry hundreds of millions of tons of cargo annually, alleviating congestion on highways and reinforcing supply chain resilience. Maintaining safety and reliability on these waterways depends on a vast network of aids to navigation (ATON). That’s where Cheyenne and Gasconade come in.

In our conversation, The Master Chiefs walk us through life aboard their tenders: the technical capabilities and crew structure that allow them to repair, relocate, and maintain fixed and floating aids. They reflect on challenges and how they coordinate with multiple Coast Guard units, the Corps of Engineers, and shipping stakeholders. 

At the heart of the episode lies leadership at the helm: how to guide a small, self-reliant crew through extended deployments, and the career arc and mindset needed to pursue command. The MCs share personal reflections, mentorship lessons, and advice for those preparing for OIC boards. This episode honors not only the technical mission but the human side of guiding America’s waterways.

This is an Unofficial Podcast. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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When two of the Coast Guard’s Specialty Force Managers sit down together, you know you’re in for more than just policy talk. In this episode, CWO Robert Birdwell and CWO Robert Devoy take us inside the world of warrant officers where experience meets leadership, and every decision can ripple through the fleet. From sea stories that sparked their call to the warrant ranks to candid insights on shaping the future of Boat Forces, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to manage a specialty at the national level. Did you know: the Coast Guard once had a W-1 rank, discontinued in 1975, making today’s CWO-2 the true starting line for every warrant. 

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In this episode, Radio Boat Forces heads north to the rugged beauty of Sitka, Alaska, where the Officer in Charge, BMC Dean Buckler and his team from ANT Sitka keep mariners safe amid some of the most challenging waters in the nation. From shifting currents and icy channels to winds that test both seamanship and resolve, this team keeps the aids to navigation shining bright across Southeast Alaska. They share what it’s like to live and serve in a place where the community and Coast Guard are woven together by tradition and resilience. Listeners will hear stories of grit, teamwork, and the unexpected beauty found at the edge of the Last Frontier. Did you know: Sitka was the site of the Alaska Purchase transfer in 1867, marking the moment the U.S. flag was first raised over the territory.

This is an Unofficial Podcast. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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In this episode, we sit down with CDR Ryan Koroknay, U.S. Coast Guard liaison to the Naval Warfare Development Center in Norfolk, VA. He provides insight into how the Coast Guard contributes to the Navy’s efforts in shaping joint doctrine and advancing maritime operations. 

Our conversation traces his career path leading to this unique assignment, explores the importance of Coast Guard/Navy collaboration, and examines how maritime threats and technology continue to evolve. CDR Koroknay also shares open-source perspectives on emerging technologies and operational concepts that could enhance Coast Guard effectiveness in missions such as drug interdiction and port security... areas where working alongside the Navy ensures adaptability, readiness, and continued relevance on the maritime front lines. 

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In this episode, BMCM Adam Bure, Officer-in-Charge of Coast Guard Station Kenosha, walks us through what it takes to lead a Scheduled Mission Station (SMS) and a Forward Operating Location (FOL). From seasonal ice rescue to law enforcement and search-and-rescue, the operational demands are steep...especially on Lake Michigan’s unpredictable water and weather.

Extra historical context: Station Kenosha began in 1879 under the U.S. Life-Saving Service, responding to over 2,300 calls by 1935. One of the most dramatic events in its history was the sinking of the steamer Wisconsin in October 1929, off Kenosha. In a fierce storm, cargo shifted, pumps failed, and the vessel went down in 130 feet of water; dozens survived thanks to rescue efforts including Coast Guard involvement.

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In this episode, we sit down with LCDR Steven Ober (ret)., whose career reflects both the traditions of Boat Forces and the evolution of Coast Guard aviation. Beginning his service on small boats, he advanced from crewmember to coxswain before transitioning into aviation, where he became the first Coast Guard rescue swimmer. 

His service extended far beyond aviation. Over a 26-year career, his contributions in operations, inspections, and national response policy helped shape capabilities still in use. This conversation offers insight into leadership, adaptability, and the unique path of a Coast Guard member who bridged small boats, aviation, and national security.

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After getting multiple requests, we’re answering the call. This week’s episode is your one-stop shop for the music you’ve been hearing throughout the episodes. So, whether you’re driving, just need a boost, or getting ready for your PFT - we’ve got you covered.  

Teaser: did you know the very first aviation rescue swimmer was a BM? Stay tuned, and as always, be stay safe out there. 

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When a story is too good to leave on the cutting-room floor, you make room for a second run. In this follow-up episode with CDR Michael Bennett, USCG (Ret.), we share the candid, unscripted parts of our conversation that went beyond WWII boat forces and into the broader legacy of Coast Guard intelligence and operations.

From the Revenue Cutter Service conducting ISR in the 1800s, to the evolution of intelligence practices that shaped modern missions, this episode reveals the deeper puzzle pieces of the Coast Guard’s story. It’s a conversation about context, how past decisions, unsung heroes, and quiet innovations built the foundation we stand on today.

Whether you’re in the boat forces community, part of the intel world, or just someone who loves uncovering the “why” behind the mission, this episode is a reminder that history isn’t just a record, it can be a guidepost for the challenges ahead.

This is an Unofficial Podcast. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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