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 39

Listen 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 checkout

100% 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 38

Listen 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 checkout

100% 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 37

Listen 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 checkout

100% 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 36

Listen 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 35

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 #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 34

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

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 33

Listen 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 32

Listen 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