World's Finest Strike Podcast

In this powerful episode, host Patrick Riley sits down with DC1 Federico "Del” Delgadillo, a seasoned sailor whose time in the U.S. Navy took him from the decks of the USS Midway to the liberty ports of the USS Hewitt (DD-966).

Del shares raw memories of the devastating fire aboard the Midway in 1990, the lives lost, and the emotional toll that still lingers. From firefighting and guilt to brotherhood and survival, his story honors the resilience of sailors who lived through the unthinkable.

But it’s not all heavy—Rico also brings the laughs as the two shipmates reminisce about wild liberty calls in Australia, Japan, Oman, and beyond. They explore what made independent steaming on the Hewitt so unique, why liberty hits differently in a small port, and the unforgettable characters met along the way.

This episode is for every sailor who served, every friend who remembers, and every listener who wants to know what life in the fleet was really like.

Check out Patrick’s new novel “Deception Underway” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at underwaybooks.com.

In this inaugural episode of The World’s Finest Strike Podcast, host Patrick Riley sits down with longtime friend and former shipmate Rob Clements, a seasoned Fire Controlman who served on four different Navy ships across both coasts of the United States.

Together, they revisit their shared experiences aboard the USS Hewitt (DD-966)—affectionately known as the World’s Finest Strike Destroyer—and reflect on the unique bond formed at sea. From watchstanding and weapons systems to liberty calls and the unspoken codes of Navy life, this episode kicks off the series with heart, humor, and salty sea truth.

Rob shares stories from his East Coast and West Coast tours, offering insight into the differences, challenges, and unforgettable moments from both fleets. It’s a raw and real conversation between two veterans who lived it, and now relive it for listeners who’ve served—or just want to hear what life underway was really like.

Subscribe and listen as we launch this journey to capture the voices, stories, and spirit of sailors past and present.

Deception Underway is available at Amazon and www.underwaybooks.com

Real Sailors. True Stories. Unfiltered Liberty.

In this introductory episode of Voices of the Sea, host and former U.S. Navy sailor Patrick Riley shares the story behind the launch of this new podcast dedicated to preserving the sea stories, liberty adventures, and lessons learned by veterans across generations.

What started as a group chat among old shipmates grew into a mission—to capture the spirit, humor, hardships, and heroics that define life underway. The first episodes will feature close friends and shipmates, then expand to welcome new voices through referrals and personal connections.

Voices of the Sea is more than just storytelling; it’s a way to support and reconnect the veteran community and inspire anyone who’s ever been curious about life at sea.

If you’d like to support the show, visit underwaybooks.com or search for Deception Underway by Patrick Riley on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com.

Subscribe now and stay tuned—your sea story starts here.