Scuttlebutt: Official Podcast of the National Museum of the Surface Navy

We're back for another season of SCUTTLEBUTT and we're starting off by sharing a new YouTube channel addiction: What's Going On In Shipping (https://www.youtube.com/@wgowshipping).Dr. Sal Mercogliano is a retired merchant mariner and chairman of the history department at Campbell University. In his spare time,  he likes to talk about what's going on in the world of shipping.We had discovered him and reached out to invite him to our podcast so we could talk about shipping and its relation to freedom of the seas, but then a week ago, the MV Dali allision with the Key Bridge in Baltimore really gave us fodder for discussion.Here's part two of our chat. You can catch up with part one here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1971056/14839626* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

We're back for another season of SCUTTLEBUTT and we're starting off by sharing a new YouTube channel addiction: What's Going On In Shipping (https://www.youtube.com/@wgowshipping). Dr. Sal Mercogliano is a retired merchant mariner and chairman of the history department at Campbell University. In his spare time,  he likes to talk about what's going on in the world of shipping. We had discovered him and reached out to invite him to our podcast so we could talk about shipping and its relation to freedom of the seas, but then a week ago, the MV Dali allision with the Key Bridge in Baltimore really gave us fodder for discussion.Here's part one of our chat.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Los Angeles Port Police Community Relations Officers Stacey Creech and Aldo Morales are near and dear to our hearts here at Battleship IOWA. They have our backs during any event we have that involves the public, most notably LA Fleet Week, and they do everything with kindness and unending good humor.We decided to show them off on our podcast and let you get to know why we love them. PS Did you catch our bad joke? Community Relations Officers - CROs...? A group of crows is called a "murder," so since we only have two of them, it's an attempted murder...?* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Los Angeles Port Police Community Relations Officers Stacey Creech and Aldo Morales are near and dear to our hearts here at Battleship IOWA. They have our backs during any event we have that involves the public, most notably LA Fleet Week, and they do everything with kindness and unending good humor.We decided to show them off on our podcast and let you get to know why we love them. So what's this about murder...? You'll just have to listen to find out!* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Joe Sienkiewicz from NOAA's Ocean Predictions Center (otherwise known as our favorite "weather guesser") is our ace in the hole when it comes to inclement weather that's headed our way. He's been instrumental in helping us stay on top of how to prepare for events like Tropical Storm Hilary.This former tug boat operator sat down with us for a fascinating (did you know the buoys offshore can read the sizes of waves that refract off our breakwater?) conversation about the way weather works in the San Pedro Channel area.(Hear Part 1 of this conversation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1971056/13561030* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Joe Sienkiewicz from NOAA's Ocean Predictions Center (otherwise known as our favorite "weather guesser") is our ace in the hole when it comes to inclement weather that's headed our way. He's been instrumental in helping us stay on top of how to prepare for events like Tropical Storm Hilary.This former tug boat operator sat down with us for a fascinating (did you know the buoys offshore can read the sizes of waves that refract off our breakwater?) conversation about the way weather works in the San Pedro Channel area.So good, we've got part 2 saved for next time.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Picture it: April 1975. Saigon has fallen. Thousands are frantic to get out. They take to the roof of an apartment building and fly off in the largest helicopter evacuation in history. But where do they go?At least 17 head out to sea and attempt to land aboard USS KIRK, the destroyer-escort where a young Dick McKenna is the executive officer.In this podcast Dick shares his experience over those harrowing days in late April, and describes what it was like when "Operation Frequent Wind" suddenly transformed his ship into a temporary home for over 150 Vietnamese refugees and part of the rescue of over 30,000 people.Appendix:The Knox class destroyer escort USS KIRK was commissioned Sept. 9, 1972.Following Operation Frequent Wind she continued to serve the US Navy until her decommissioning in 1993.She was loaned to the Taiwanese Navy in August of that year, stricken from the US Navy in 1995, and purchased by Taiwan in 1999.She still serves the Taiwanese Navy today.In the years following the fall of Saigon, the US Navy Bureau of Medicine decided to commission a movie titled, "The Lucky Few" to tell the tale of the medical efforts involved in the rescue.Because of "The Lucky Few," the KIRK was featured in Rory Kennedy's Academy Award nominated film, "The Last Days of Vietnam."Operation Frequent Wind remains one of the greatest humanitarian acts in the history of the United States military.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Short answer to that one is an emphatic NO.In this video we're setting the record straight on a few of the inaccurate rumors we've been heard floating around lately. Things such as:- Are we cutting a hole in our hull? - Are we gutting and completely restructuring compartments to make room for the national museum?Find out what we're actually considering and why in this episode of SCUTTLEBUTT.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

We've gotten the question, "Why did you turn the turret" a lot in the last couple of weeks. We get it frequently in response to the out-of-the-box ideas that end up making ship the special place it is.In this podcast episode we answer the "why" behind what we do.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

"Electric" Bill Weinberg and Angelo Salarpi have been Battleship IOWA volunteers since January 2012, when the ship was undergoing initial restoration in Richmond, CA. They dragged Alan Markle into the fray with them a couple of years later. Known in the ship's community as the "three musketeers," this trio makes the 6 1/2 hour trek from the Bay Area to Los Angeles several times a year. What inspires this kind of dedication? Hit play and find out.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

What's it like to go aboard a ship that's been closed up for nearly thirty years and help bring it back to life? Bob Lemmond and Marty Palmiere know.They spent years preparing USS IOWA to rejoin the US Navy's active roster in the early 1980s, were there when then-Vice President George HW Bush recommissioned her, and along with Scott Williamson, took her back to sea.In the second half of our conversation with them, they reminisce about seeing the trademark rooster tail behind the ship at 36 (yes, you read that right) knots, what it sounded like aboard at speeds that high, the feeling of pride to sail on this grand grey lady, and their gratitude at being able to return to the ship they love.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

What's it like to go aboard a ship that's been closed up for nearly thirty years and help bring it back to life? Bob Lemmond and Marty Palmiere know.They spent years preparing USS IOWA to rejoin the US Navy's active roster in the early 1980s, and along with Scott Williamson, were there when then-Vice President George HW Bush recommissioned her.Prepare for some colorful characters telling some completely cool stories - including some unique perspectives of the shakedown cruise - in this week's episode of Scuttlebutt!* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Marty Palmiere, Scott Johnson, and Lonnie Cook (left to right in thumbnail photo) lived through the worst day in Battleship IOWA's history: April 19, 1989. They've lived with the memories ever since.While Marty and Scott have returned to their ship numerous times, 2023 was Lonnie's first trip back since he left in September 1989.After the ceremony on the 19th, they kindly sat down to chat about memories - both the tough ones and some fun ones that demonstrate what life was like aboard the ship during her Cold War commissioning.Marty, Scott, and Lonnie - can't thank you enough for your willingness to share and your candor. Privilege and a pleasure to have you on the podcast. Let's do it again some time!_______________________________________For more information on the Turret II accident, please see the following videos:- Dispelling common rumors and misinformation- A discussion of the technical details according to the official investigations into the incident* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Rear Admiral Charlie Brown, USN (Ret.) finished a twenty-eight year career in public affairs for the Navy last summer as CHINFO - the Navy's chief of information. He worked in the Pentagon and was "the direct representative of the Secretary of the Navy and of the Chief of Naval Operations in all public affairs and internal relations matters."We had a thought-provoking chat with this sharp, down-to-earth leader about the changes he's seen in the handling of communications, the American public's perception of the Navy, and more.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

To close out #WomensHistoryMonth, we have the pleasure of bringing you a delightful interview we did with Commander Jenna Van Zeyl, commanding officer of the Gold Crew of USS SAVANNAH (LCS-28). From astronaut dreams to surface navy command, this Chicagoland native and Naval Academy graduate shares her fascinating path to her present role, some poignant observations about women in leadership roles, and the challenges involved in balancing motherhood with an officer's role in the world's most powerful navy.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Jose Hernandez was a biologist by trade, but his love of sailing changed his life.When he left small sailboats behind in favor of square riggers, he had no idea he would one day be paid to rig one of the grandest remnants of the Age of Sail: USS CONSTITUTION, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.We sat down with Jose to talk about knots and rig work and how a Cuban from Southern California ended up working his dream job in freezing Boston.Here's the second half of the conversation.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Jose Hernandez was a biologist by trade, but his love of sailing changed his life.When he left small sailboats behind in favor of square riggers, he had no idea he would one day be paid to rig one of the grandest remnants of the Age of Sail: USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship still afloat.We sat down with Jose to talk about knots and rig work and how a Cuban from Southern California ended up working his dream job in freezing Boston.For visuals and more information on the "mouse" discussed in this episode, please check out this article:A Mouse In The Rig* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Walking 300 feet to the nearest restroom, plenty of places to bang your shins, funky electrical systems, guests peeking in your window, and more in Part 2 of our discussion about what it's like to have your office on a WWII battleship. * * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

There are unusual aspects to many workplaces... but can your office nearly float away in a storm?From the significant highs and lows of temperature in this non-heated or air conditioned steel behemoth to overhearing amusing bits of conversation from guests in passageways near our offices, we share the unique and often amusing features of life on Battleship IOWA in 2023.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com

Judge Eileen Moore served as a combat nurse in Vietnam in the Army Nurse Corp, where she was Lieutenant Eileen Moore. Following Vietnam she went to college, law school, practiced law for ten years, and ultimately was appointed as a judge to the superior court. She currently serves as Justice Moore on the California Court of Appeals. Justice Moore does a great deal of work with veterans as they come through the court system and says her goal is to see that today's service members are not treated in the same despicable manner as were those who served in Vietnam.She was the keynote speaker at our Veterans Day celebration this year and moved us with a poignant speech about Vietnam veterans that included unforgettable stories we had to share.Here is her speech in its entirety.* * * * Come aboard for a tour: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/museum_visit Volunteer with us: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/volunteer National Museum of the Surface Navy: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Become a Plank Owner: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/plank_owner Donate: https://www.surfacenavymuseum.org/donate Find out about our veterans' programs: https://pacificbattleship.com/get-involved/veterans/ Feedback? Questions? Comments? podcast@labattleship.com