Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast

Dave Hewitt dedicated 20 years of his life to the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.. Over the course of his career, Dave performed three dramatic rescues — each one a testament to skill, courage, and dedication. In this episode, Dave shares the highs and lows of a life at sea, including one tragic mission where a pilot was lost due to a decision made by another pilot — a choice completely out of Dave’s control, but one he’s carried with him ever since. His reflections are raw, powerful, and a reminder of the weight service members sometimes bear long after the mission ends.I had the honor of serving alongside Dave during our deployment to the Persian Gulf in the 1990s, and in this conversation, we revisit those days, the bond of our crew, and the moments that defined our service.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 39Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #USNavy #PersianGulf #HelicopterRescue #CombatRescue #MilitaryPodcast #WarStories #RescueSwimmer #NavalAviation #MilitaryLife #VeteranStories #Heroism #SearchAndRescue #AviationPodcast #MilitaryHistory

Mike Dobson, a U.S. Navy Aircrewman and Door Gunner with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three — HA(L)-3, served heroically in the Vietnam War, flying into the most dangerous combat zones to rescue wounded troops and protect fellow service members. In this powerful episode, Mike shares firsthand accounts of life as a Navy Seawolf, the intense firefights over the Mekong Delta, and the courage it took to fly into enemy fire to save lives. Whether you’re a military history enthusiast, a veteran, or simply someone who values stories of sacrifice and service, this interview is an unforgettable look into the brotherhood, danger, and heroism of the Vietnam War’s most daring aviators.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 38Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#VietnamWar #NavyAircrewman #DoorGunner #HAL3 #Seawolves #VietnamWarStories #HelicopterRescue #MilitaryPodcast #VietnamVeterans #CombatRescue #NavyPilot #USNavy #VietnamHistory #WarHeroes #CombatHelicopter

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and former SAR brother, Steve Ayers, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 who spent three decades in naval aviation, performing every mission a helicopter is capable of and more. Steve shares stories from high-risk search and rescue operations, the intensity and lessons of SERE school, and his unforgettable winging party. It’s a candid, personal look at friendship, service, and the traditions that make Navy aviation truly one of a kind.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 37Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.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 checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyCW4 #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavalAviation #SEREschool #WingingParty #NavyHelicopterPilot #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranPodcast #SearchAndRescue #NavyVeteran #MilitaryAviation #RescueSwimmer

Logan Warner’s U.S. Navy career took him into some of the most dangerous skies on earth—9 combat deployments to Iraq as part of an elite Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) team. In this episode, Logan shares the gripping story of being part of the first direct action mission since Vietnam, flying into enemy territory under heavy fire with tracers cutting through the night sky—and miraculously making it out without a scratch. From high-risk extractions to split-second decisions under fire, Logan opens up about the mindset, training, and teamwork that make CSAR missions possible.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 36Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#Navy #CombatSearchAndRescue #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories #CSAR #NavalAviation #SpecialOperations #IraqWar

James Brocksmith served in the U.S. Navy during the 1980s before pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot. In this episode, James shares how the discipline, precision, and calm-under-pressure mindset of a Navy Rescue Swimmer became invaluable skills in the cockpit.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 35So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #SearchAndRescue #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #MilitaryPodcast #USNavyVeteran #SurvivalTraining #RescueStories #VeteranVoices

Kim Pilkay’s military career is nothing short of extraordinary — from the harrowing recovery of a decapitated pilot to serving on peace enforcement missions in volatile southern regions. In this powerful episode, Kim shares raw, unfiltered stories of courage, resilience, and the human side of military service you won’t hear anywhere else.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 34So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #SEREInstructor #HurricaneFloyd #SearchAndRescue #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #MilitaryPodcast #USNavyVeteran #SurvivalTraining #RescueStories #VeteranVoices

Former U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Bill Beasley reflects on his career, including his time as a SERE instructor and a chaotic rescue during Hurricane Floyd. From survival training to real-world missions, Bill shares the mindset and skill it takes to endure the storm—literally and mentally.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 33Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #SEREInstructor #HurricaneFloyd #SearchAndRescue #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #MilitaryPodcast #USNavyVeteran #SurvivalTraining #RescueStories #VeteranVoices

Retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Mark Brush shares raw, real stories from 30+ years as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer. From a commercial airline crash recovery to a flawless CSAR mission, this episode dives into the grit, brotherhood, and precision behind Navy SAR operations.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 32Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #CSAR #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #USNavyVeteran #MilitaryPodcast #SearchAndRescue #VeteranStories #AviationRescue

Retired U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Mary Sawicki shares her groundbreaking journey as one of the few women in search and rescue during a time when the role was almost entirely male. From jumping into dangerous seas to training the next generation, Mary forged a path with grit, resilience, and purpose.In this powerful episode, Mary reflects on her experiences as a SAR operator and instructor, how she earned respect in a tough environment, and what it means to lead by example.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 31Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#CalmintheChaos #PodcastLife #WeeklyPodcast #Resilience #VeteranVoices #Overcome #GrowthMindset #SurvivorStories #MindsetMatters #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #CalmintheChaosPodcast #SAR #CSAR #RescueSwimmer #militarymerchandise #militarymerch #WomenInTheMilitary #NavyRescueSwimmer  #SearchAndRescue #MarySawicki #VeteranVoices #MilitaryPodcast #SARStories #USNavy 

Join me for a powerful and fun conversation with my former roommate and fellow U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Joe Pilsl. In this episode, Joe recounts a high-stakes man overboard rescue during our very first deployment. Get a raw, inside look at life aboard a Navy ship, what it takes to jump into dangerous waters, and the unshakable bond formed in the rescue swimmer community.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 30Listen to full episode now! “Calm in the Chaos” is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. Find our conversation and subscribe! - LINKS IN BIO.So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#CalmintheChaos #PodcastLife #WeeklyPodcast #Resilience #VeteranVoices #Overcome #GrowthMindset #SurvivorStories #MindsetMatters #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #CalmintheChaosPodcast #SAR #CSAR #RescueSwimmer #militarymerchandise #militarymerch  #RescueSwimmer #NavyStories #ManOverboard #VeteranPodcast #NavalRescue #SAR

When the call comes in, there’s no room for hesitation. This episode dives into the brutal pace and intensity of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) in active war zones. Hear firsthand accounts of missions flown into fire, lives saved under pressure, and the resilience it takes to go back again and again.U.S. Navy Aircrewman, Paul Picotti, provides details into multiple hot zone mission-sets, including the exfil of Navy SEAL, Mike Day, after surviving being shot 27 times. This is an intense episode with a crap ton of wisdom gleaned from the front lines!Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer PodcastUntold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerSo Others May Live!Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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

From saving lives in the ocean to standing on the roof of the world—this episode follows an incredible journey of transformation. A former U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer shares how his path led from high-stakes rescues to the summit of Mount Everest, driven by faith, resilience, and purpose.U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Evan Kenny, went from saving lives in the Navy, to firefighting, to instructing snowboarders, to a spiritual journey through India, which ultimately led him to the top of the world. The 2nd rescue swimmer to stand at 29,035’!Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer PodcastUntold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerSo Others May Live!Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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

Before GPS, night vision, and high-tech helicopters, these men risked it all. This episode dives into the raw, unfiltered heroism of Navy Rescue Swimmers and aircrews during the Vietnam War. From jungle extractions under fire to ocean rescues in monsoon chaos—these missions paved the way for today’s SAR operations.U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Bill Lukenbill, takes us through a journey of heroism during the Vietnam Conflict working with SOF in undisclosed areas.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer PodcastUntold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerSo Others May Live!Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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

From rescue swimmer to sniper to bestselling author — this Navy SEAL's journey is one of grit, discipline, and transformation.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerCALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 25U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Brandon Webb, served his first tour with 2 deployments before going through the grueling BUDS training to become a SEAL. He conducted multiple combat deployments to the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan before becoming a SEAL Sniper Instructor, where he completely overhauled the program to what it is today.Brandon Webb https://brandontylerwebb.comSOFREP https://sofrep.comSo Others May Live! Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

Step into the world of Navy Search and Rescue as we share real stories of life-or-death missions. In this episode of The Rescue Swimmer Podcast, former SAR swimmers recount some of the closest calls of their careers — from intense recoveries to moments where everything hung in the balance.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerCALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 25U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Mike Ousley, served over 30 years with multiple deployments. Mike not only shares his extensive wisdom and experiences, but also shares his vulnerability in the mental impacts of serving in such an intense role.So Others May Live! Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

In this powerful episode, a Navy Rescue Swimmer recounts a tragic F-14 recovery mission, his unexpected Type-1 diabetes diagnosis, and how he chose hope over despair. This story of resilience, faith, and purpose is one you won't forget.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerCALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 24U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Casey Clark, recovered a deceased F-14 pilot early in his military career. He was later diagnosed with Type One Diabetes and forced to transition from the Navy. After some tough years of disappointment and exploration he found his calling serving others from a different capacity.So Others May Live! Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

A routine ice climbing adventure turned into a nightmare when a climber was impaled by a frozen tree. In this episode, a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer recounts the dramatic rescue — navigating brutal conditions, critical injuries, and the pressure to save a life in the backcountry.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerCALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 23Command Master Chief, Drew Worth, U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and Chief SMT, Greg Highfill, reunite to discuss an unimaginable rescue in the Cascades. This is a MUST WATCH episode where both crewman discuss the mindset and technical decision-making when facing a fallen ice climber in the rugged Cascade mountain range!So Others May Live! Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

Before answering the call of duty, he was just a kid playing Guitar Hero. In this episode, we follow the unexpected path from music-loving civilian to U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer — facing down life-or-death missions with courage and grit.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerCALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 22Retired Master Chief, Frank Leets, served 27 years as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer. Frank went from rocking the stage to powering thru some of the toughest times in rescue swimmer training then onto a fulfilling career of historic rescues. He speaks in depth about the amazing feat conducted on Mount Baker, recovering 2 fallen climbers in some of the most arduous mountain conditions. The rescue pushed the H3 and its crew to their limits, which was included in the book, CALM IN THE CHAOS.So Others May Live! Official Keep Calm in the Chaos merchandise: https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.comFor 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

An F-14 goes down. Shark-infested waters. Zero margin for error.In this episode, a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer recounts the tense and heroic mission that followed one of the most dangerous aircraft crashes imaginable.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST – Episode 21🎙️ Hosted by Brian Dickinson | Everest Survivor | Former Navy Rescue SwimmerWhen two F-14 Tomcats collided and went down off the Southern California coast, U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Bubba Norris and Crew Chief Dan McNamara were the ones who answered the call.In this gripping true story, they break down the moments before the rescue, the shark-infested Pacific waters, and the laser-focused mindset it took to save a pilot fighting for his life.So Others May Live!This episode captures the untold story of teamwork, trauma, and triumph during a real U.S. Navy helicopter rescue mission.Inspiring military podcast with real stories of heroism. 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/—#F14Crash #HelicopterRescue #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #RescueSwimmerStories #BrianDickinson #NavyRescue #SharkInfestedWaters #TraumaRecovery #MilitaryRescueMissions #SurvivalMindset #NavyVeteranPodcast #CombatRescue #SearchAndRescuePodcast #SoOthersMayLive #PostTraumaticGrowth #FirstResponderStories #HelicopterRescue #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #RescueSwimmerStories #BrianDickinson #TraumaRecoveryJourney #MilitaryRescueMissions #SurvivalMindset #OvercomingTrauma #VeteranPodcast #NavyRescueOperations #MentalStrengthPodcast #FaithUnderFire #RealRescueStories #PostTraumaticGrowth #SearchAndRescuePodcast #FirstResponderMindset Tags:helicopter rescue story podcast, Navy rescue swimmer survival, Calm in the Chaos Brian Dickinson, trauma recovery from near-death experience, podcast on military helicopter missions, overcoming PTSD podcast, mindset training for first responders, faith and trauma healing podcast, real-life rescue stories 2025, Brian Dickinson Navy podcast, post-traumatic growth and resilience, search and rescue operations podcast, mental toughness in combat and rescue, extreme survival helicopter crash, Navy rescue mission podcast series #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast

A U.S. Navy rescue swimmer climbs Denali, then survives the grueling Badwater Ultramarathon—one of the toughest races on Earth. In this episode, follow Sean Tracy’s transformation from military rescues to conquering extreme endurance challenges and building a spirits brand.Calm in the Chaos: The Rescue Swimmer Podcast Untold Stories from U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers Sean Tracy spent 6 years as a U.S. Aviation Rescue Swimmer with multiple rescues. He then moved onto extreme adventures climbing mountains and ultra marathons and distilling spirits.http://spirit-trips.comhttps://www.hewnspirits.comSo Others May Live!Inspiring military podcast with real stories of heroism. 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/CalmintheChaosPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalminthechaospodcast/ #NavySpecialOperationsPodcast #RescueSwimmerPodcast #MilitaryPodcast