Submarine Sea Stories | Ever wonder what it's like to spend the cold war under water with 100 other guys?

Join Bill Nowicki as he delves into the compelling life of Patrick Roche—a submariner shaped by family tradition, personal responsibility, and decades of experience beneath the waves. From growing up in a Navy family to serving on both diesel boats and missile submarines, Patrick shares intimate reflections on family, service, resilience, and camaraderie in the US Navy's Silent Service.

### Highlights & Key Points

**[00:00:00] - Beginnings in Groton & Naval Heritage**

- Patrick grew up in Groton, Connecticut, with his father serving on submarines.

- Graduated high school in 1965; influenced by his father's Navy career.

- Joined the Navy after moving to San Diego ("I guess that's where I got the…")

- Family tradition: Patrick and his father served together on the USS Ronquil (SS-396), completing three WestPac deployments to Japan and Vietnam.

**[00:03:00] - Life Aboard with Family**

- Served with his father but led separate lives aboard; father was a chief quartermaster.

- Never faced negative bias due to his father's position.

• Liberty meant different things for each—dad to the chief's club, Patrick and friends to the beach.

**[00:05:00] - Family Life & Responsibility**

- Married at age 18, became a father early.

- Now the proud father of four daughters, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

- Emphasizes responsibility and "growing up quickly" as a driving force behind his life choices.

**[00:09:00] - Naval Career & Historic Moments**

- Started as a fireman apprentice with a guaranteed school for submariners.

- Went from diesel to nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), including the USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600).

**[00:12:00] - Life and Duties on Submarines**

- Served as an interior communications electrician ("IC man"), specializing as a gyro technician (explains the importance of gyros for navigation and missile launches).

- Patrolled with the George Bancroft (SSBN-643); recalls the predictability of SSBN rotations—three months on, three months off.

**[00:13:00] - Homecomings & Family Dynamics**

- Kept family routines stable by letting his wife handle finances and household matters.

- No issues adjusting to or from life at sea; credits strong partnership with his wife.

**[00:15:00] - Submarine Evolutions & Technological Changes**

- Comments on advancements from older boats to modern fast attacks and Virginia-class submarines.

- Describes watchstanding: battle helmsman responsibilities, auxiliary duties, and the unique experience of bunking arrangements.

**[00:19:00] - Challenges & Close Calls**

- Survived a major flooding incident on the Roosevelt due to a head valve left open during snorkeling—highlights the ever-present dangers of submarine duty ("…we were down at 80-90 feet with the head valve open…").

**[00:20:00] - Advancement, Brotherhood & Initiations**

- Rose through the ranks to Chief in 12 years; shares stories of chief initiation rites.

- Reminisces about camaraderie, qualification processes, and the support systems in place—especially as a "legacy" submariner.

**[00:24:00] - Civilian Career & Life After Service**

- Transitioned to civilian roles with NAVSEA (Supervisor Shipbuilding), working in San Diego, New Orleans, and Bath, Maine.

- Reflects on moving frequently for assignments, supervising ship construction.

**[00:25:00] - Retirement & Reflections**

- Currently resides in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, after retiring 10 years ago.

- Considers returning to Maine for its beauty and tranquility.

- Stresses the importance of staying in touch with Navy friends and the legacy of the submarine community.

**[00:27:00] - The Holland Club & Submarine Brotherhood**

- Member of the US Submarine Veterans' Holland Club—honoring 50+ years of qualification.

- Describes the meaning of these traditions and the enduring bonds among submariners.

**[00:29:00] - Lasting Partnerships**

- Acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife, Barbara, throughout their 60 years of marriage.

- Offers closing reflections on the rewards of naval service and maintaining life-long friendships.

---

### Notable Quotes:

- "I had a responsibility and had to do it."

- "People treated you a lot different, too, when you're not dink (delinquent in qualifications)."

- "I just enjoyed being on the boats—wouldn't trade it for anything."

- "She [his wife] is a winner. Sixty years coming up in December."

---

### Listen For:

- Insights into multi-generational Navy life (00:00:00–00:04:00)

- Early marriage and parenting in the military (00:05:00–00:07:00)

- Historic submarine incidents (00:09:00–00:10:00)

- Submarine technology and daily operations (00:12:00–00:16:00)

- The legendary Holland Club tradition (00:27:00)

---

### Closing

**Want to hear more voices from beneath the waves? Subscribe and leave us a review!**

**Got a story to share, or questions for a guest? Email us or visit our site to connect.**

---

**Contact & Resources:**

- Want to learn about the Holland Club? [USSVI Holland Club](https://www.ussvi.org/)

- More about the Nautilus Memorial: [Submarine Force Museum](https://www.ussnautilus.org/)

In this crazy episode of Submarine Sea Stories, Chris Waits shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in a Navy family, attending MIT, and finding his passion in nuclear engineering, to serving in the Navy aboard a nuclear-powered submarine. Chris recounts a harrowing incident where his submarine, the USS Hartford, collided with the USS New Orleans, describing the immediate impact, frantic aftermath, and the life-altering lessons he learned. Despite the challenging experience, Chris transformed it into a powerful teaching moment for future sailors and now applies his lessons in his civilian role at a nuclear power plant. This episode is an eye-opening look into the intricacies and dangers of submarine navigation and the importance of vigilance and learning from past experiences.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:11 Growing Up in a Navy Family

00:48 Father's Submarine Career

01:58 Choosing the Navy and MIT

03:44 First Experiences with Nuclear Power

05:30 Transition to Civilian Nuclear Power

07:36 Joining the Submarine Force

09:04 First Deployment and Responsibilities

12:40 Life Aboard the Submarine

16:26 Collision Incident and Aftermath

21:01 Collision with the USS New Orleans

22:43 Immediate Aftermath and Damage Assessment

24:39 Struggles to Surface and Communication Challenges

25:56 Guided to Safety by the USS New Orleans

27:07 Reflections on the Incident and Leadership

29:18 Lessons Learned and Teaching at Submarine School

35:04 Applying Lessons in Civilian Life

40:22 Current Role and Final Thoughts

Join host Bill Nowicki as he dives deep into the remarkable journey of Oliver Hannan, a submariner with 44 years in the nuclear industry. In this episode of Submarine Sea Stories, they discuss Oliver's extensive career from his beginnings as a nuke machinist mate to his critical role in the preservation and demolition of historical nuclear prototypes. Oliver shares his experiences in solving complex problems and highlights the importance of innovation and integrity in maintaining America's naval nuclear history. A compelling listen for anyone interested in the intricate world of nuclear propulsion and historical preservation.

Idaho's Nuclear Navy (Idaho Public Television)

Video Link

USS Idaho

USS Idaho Information

Slysteel knives

Oliver's precision knives!

In this episode of the Submarine Sea Stories Podcast, host Bill Nowicki reunites with Dave Bowman, a former submariner who was first interviewed nearly 11 years ago. They reminisce about Dave's captivating career in the Navy, his passion for naval history, and his extraordinary journey from a landlocked upbringing to life underwater. Dave shares personal anecdotes about influential mentors, his deep love for submarines, and his transformative 20-year process of converting to Judaism from a conservative Christian household. They also delve into the challenges of conveying the significance of their Cold War duties to younger generations and the camaraderie found within submarine veterans' organizations. This episode explores personal growth, military history, and the profound connections forged within the submarine community.

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:26 - Catching Up with Dave Bowman

01:17 - Dave's Journey to the Navy

05:03 - Life in the Navy and Mentorship

07:15 - Influential Figures and Personal Growth

10:28 - Transitioning Out of the Navy

18:04 - Full Circle: Returning to Submarine Community

18:33 - Joining the Submarine Veterans

19:11 - Discovering the Value of Sub Vet Meetings

20:22 - Becoming Base Commander During COVID

20:45 - Transition to Base Historian and Digitalization

22:07 - The Importance of Cold War Stories

24:42 - Challenges of Sharing Cold War Experiences

27:45 - The Bond Among Submarine Veterans

30:53 - Dave's Podcasts and Online Presence

33:18 - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of nuclear energy with Mark Schneider, a former US Navy nuclear operator now working to reignite nuclear power in Australia.

Discover Schneider's intriguing career journey, from his formative years in Oregon to his extensive 20-year Navy service, where he first developed his passion for nuclear science. Learn about his advocacy for nuclear power, the regulatory challenges in Australia, and the exciting developments in the nuclear supply chain.

Schneider's engaging narrative covers his personal background, the evolution of nuclear energy policies, the importance of communication in demystifying nuclear power, and the pivotal role of women in the nuclear industry. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of nuclear energy and the innovative minds driving its progress.

Bob Schuetz grew up in New Jersey and chose the ROTC when his parents couldn't afford college for all 4 kids. He joined the Navy and fell in love with submarines during his summer cruise and switched his major to Nuclear Engineering from Chemical Engineering.

As all potential officers do, he interviewed with Admiral Rickover and eventually commanded the fast attack submarine that bore the father of the nuclear Navy's name. He became friends with the Admiral's wife (she called him the Admiral too) and shares some fascinating stories from those day as well as leadership tips!

Bob Bailey had to get out of New Mexico. He was running with the wrong crowd and "ran away from home into the Navy." He started out slow and was not the most squared away sailor, but built his career and matured into a leader that knew how a great tactical sonar man acted.

He once flew into the air during the emergency blow and lived to tell about it.

Here's his story.

Joe Miller grew up in Virginia Beach surfing and staying away from Navy. It wasn't until he was married and laid off, that Joe reconsidered his decision and joined Uncle Sam's navy as an officer.

Joe shares many stories that his wife was tired of hearing that you will love.

David Rifkin never planned on joining the Navy. He found the salary for a community college professors not quite enough. He consented to an interview with Adm Rickover and was accepted to the Navy Nuclear Power program.

David worked his way up the ranks, supporting his sailors and officers making decisions while commanding the USS Billfish, SSN 676.

He is still active the USSVI as the base commander in Jacksonville, Florida. Who knows, it might be time to take a trip down there for a visit.

Daniel Newcomer started his submarine career aspirations in 8th grade. His dad was a traveling Baptist preacher and when he was onboard the USS City of Corpus Christi was exposed to a family tour that both surprised and shocked him.

Now Daniel reconnects with his submarine brothers and enjoys reminiscing about his times in the smoke shack. He also has reconciled with his Dad. I guess his dad came around to the fact that submariners are good folks deep down.