NCIS- Reports from the Field

Retired Special Agent Bill Heath joins to show to talk about Cold Case Homicide work with NCIS. Bill was one of the first to be assigned to The Cold Case Homicide Squad at the NCIS Field Office in Norfolk, Va.

Special Agent Amanda Kopke joins the show to talk about the hazards of working in war zones and her experience with exposure to a parasite attacking her body which she continues to battle to present day.

Retired Special Agent John Wagner joins the podcast to discuss his career. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

In 1996, H. Paul Mullis completed a history project in which he claimed he only "edited." Along with Gary Comerford and others he researched and produced this history project. If you like this please leave a comment below! Thanks for listening everyone! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

At the end of his career Special Agent Allan Kersenbrock provides a comparison of his training with ONI to the training of Agents in the late 1980's. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Special Agent Mark Clookie became the Director of the NCIS in 2010. During his tenure, he led the agency during the final years of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and had tough decision to make regarding personnel assignments around the world. Director Clookie joins the show to talk about leadership during challenging times. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

"Uncovering the Truth: Death on Fletcher's T-3 Ice Island" Follow the riveting tale of a death investigation on the remote Fletcher's T-3 Ice Island. Join us as we piece together the evidence and unravel the mystery behind this chilling case. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

From his early years at NCISRA Long Beach, Mark Ridley set the standard as a Special Agent with NCIS. He would serve as a Special Agent Afloat on the USS Forrestal (CV-59), and lead numerous undercover ops with agency. Deputy Director Ridley was selected by the Secretary of the Navy to serve as the first African American Deputy Director at NCIS. I hope you enjoy listening to the career of Special Agent Mark Ridley. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

During the Iraq War, a little known detachment played a big role in fighting terrorist actions and saving lives of our service members in Baghdad and other locations in Iraq. The Strategic Counter Intelligence Directorate (SCID) made up of Army CI, NCIS and Air Force OSI agents and a group of patriotic Army National Guard and DOD contractors diligently fought a secret war against insurgency and saved lives and provided crucial intelligence identifying our enemies (Jaish Al Mahdi, Al Qaeda and others) operating in the theater of operations. Ultimately, the downfall of this highly successful operation would come from within our own government through politics and bureaucracy. Former Army Major Dave Pounder joins me to discuss our time with the SCID and the "good times" in Baghdad. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Director Brant and I continue our conversation on his time as Director and the critical issues he dealt with. From obtaining Congressional Arrest Authority to the impact of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

This episode of NCIS Reports from the Field is Part (1) of the fascinating career of Director Dave Brant. Director Brant began as a working agent at the NIS office in Norfolk Virginia. From Agent Afloat to Working in the Philippines, Mr. Brant gained valuable experience and would eventually return to Headquarters serving as a Staff officer where he would observe and learn valuable lessons which would serve him well when he was selected as the second civilian Director of NCIS. He would go on to be the longest serving Director in NCIS history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Director Roy Nedrow was the first selected civilian Director of the NCIS. His time is remembered as key in the resurrection of a great agency. NIS becomes NCIS and Director Nedrow is the key figure in ensuring the future of one of the finest criminal and counter intelligence agencies in the US Government. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Former Deputy Director Ralph Blincoe joins the show to discuss his career which includes the conviction of SEAL Team Six Commander Dick Marcinko. He was also a member of a dynamic leadership team at NCISHQ during very challenging times. Blincoe led the efforts for counter terrorism at NCIS after 9-11. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Special Agent Rich Cloonan has a career which was very unique. He began his career in San Diego working all criminal cases including narcotics and death investigations. He was moved to Washington DC and became a key member of the "Mount Up" Protection detail protecting key leaders of the Navy and our alies. Rich would play key role during the "Year of the Spy" where numerous Americans betrayed their country on behalf of the Soviet Union, Israel and other countries. Rich would also play a key role on 9-11 working as the NCIS liaison at the FBI in Washington DC which would lead to the stand up of FBI lead Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the US. This and much more on this weeks Podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

ONI/NIS Special Agent John Dill wanted to travel the world and got his opportunity when he read an advertisement on the Wichita Police Department memo board looking for agents at the Office of Naval Intelligence. He took the job and from Chicago to Vietnam, the Philippines, Okinawa, and many other places he had an outstanding career. Such is the life of and NIS/NCIS Special Agent. I hope you enjoy this snapshot in history of the NCIS on this episode of NCIS: Reports from the Field. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Bob Powers served his country first as an Army officer and would later join ONI as a Special Agent in New England. After serving in Iceland, Bob volunteered for an assignment in Vietnam and would find himself investigating "fragging" homicides and other important investigations in a war zone. Bob was a proven agent when he was the lead agent on the "Intrepid 4" espionage investigation in Japan. Late in his career he would be apart of a great leadership team that served in a critical moment in the history of what would become NCIS. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

Retired Special Agent Larry Fuentes joins the podcast to discuss his assignment as one of the first Marine Special Agents at NIS in 1976. Larry would go on to have a career with NCIS where he conducted investigations in practically every discipline at NCIS. Larry would also be instrumental in training agents for War time deployments at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center at Glynco, Ga. I hope you enjoy this months NCIS: Reports from the Field Podcast available wherever you download your favorite podcast. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Thanks Everyone! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-clements33/support

This month on the podcast, we are celebrating Black History Month. Retired Special Agent James Reed joins the podcast to talk about his historic moment of being one of two black football players to break the color barrier at Ole Miss. James was a fantastic Special Agent at NCIS and had a great career. His impact on the agency began at the Naval Base at Millington, Tn and would include deployments supporting the War on Terror in Iraq. James had a tenacious ability to work and solve the most complicated cases at NCIS. His "can do" attitude inspired everyone who knew and worked with him. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

From his early days of investigating death cases at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, to his time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt and then to his extraordinary work in the Republic of the Philippines, Bob McSherry had an astounding career with NCIS. Today on the podcast, Bob discusses his amazing career with NCIS. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

Dave Hertberg returns from Season One to discuss the murder investigation of Valentine Underwood. In the small community of 29 Palms, California, a monster reveals himself and the Agents of NCIS and Detectives from Riverside County spring into action to uncover a monster, now suspected of multiple murders across the United States. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

In the early morning hours of October 12, 2000, Bob McFadden answered a phone call in his hotel room in California that would change the course of his life. What would follow would be a mission to bring the perpetrators to justice who planned and executed the attack on the USS Cole. This investigation would have to be worked with someone who had the language capability and personality to work with very difficult people who may or may not be on our side. Bob McFadden was that agent. What originally began as a 10-day experience would consume the life of Special Agent McFadden for the next two years and lay down the conspiracy for the 9-11 attack on New York City and Washington DC. Thanks for listening to NCIS: Reports from the Field. The podcast is available on all the popular Podcast services like Apple, Google and Spotify. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

n Season One, I introduced you to Special Agent Cathy Clements. Special Agent Clements had the unenviable yet extremely important job of recovering the 17 Victims who lost their lives in the attack on the COLE. Cathy discusses the heart wrenching efforts to recover our sailors from the interior of the ship and her collaboration with Capt. Lippold to ensure every member who lost their life was given an honorable departure from the ship to return home. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

Harry Richardson stops by the podcast to talk about the critical interviews he conducted to help put the pieces of the puzzle together to identify the perpetrators of this cowardly act of terrorism. Harry will discuss the true heroism of the crew who provided information on what it was like to survive this horrible attack and how the USS Cole Crew truly represented the best the Navy has to offer and how they saved their ship. When a sailor says "Don't give up the Ship" the Crew of the USS Cole best presented the evidence of what that means. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

Episode Two: This week we learn about the response to the USS COLE attack by FBI and NCIS Agents led by the Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Dorsey along with Special Agents Mike Marks, Harry Richardson, Larry Mullin and Gary Chamberline from the Middle East Field Office as well as Cathy Clements and Don Thompson from the Europe and Africa Field Office as well as the FBI Response team led by the Legendary John O'Neill. This team, the Marine Fast Team, the crew of the COLE, an elite Navy Dive team and contractors from Naval Sea Systems Command endured 10 days of hellish conditions to begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together to bring justice to those who perpetrated this cowardly act. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lee-clements33/support

On October 12, 2000, the USS Cole entered the harbor at Aden Yemen to refuel before proceeding on to support Naval operations in and around the Persian Gulf. at 1118, the ship would be rocked by a suicide attack which would leave 17 sailors dead and over 30 wounded. Remarkably the ship was still afloat. Captain Lippold and his valiant sailors would go work to save the ship and tend to the injured. On today's episode of NCIS: Reports from the Field, CDR Lippold remembers these events and the response by NCIS and FBI to bring justice to the terrorist who perpetrated this cowardly attack.

Remember the USS Cole. When you hear these words spoken, for every American it reminds us of the cost of sending men and women into harm's Way to protect our way of life and peace in the world. From the Alamo to Pearl Harbor, our country rallies to seek justice of devious and cowardly acts. On October 12th, 2000. The USS Cole on its way to support Naval operations in the Persian Gulf with 300 plus sailors aboard entered Yemen harbor for refueling mission. The ship was attacked by a well-planned Al Qaeda suicide operation and 17 sailors would lose their lives with many more injured. This month. We remember the attack on the USS COLE By talking to the key players who either were on board at the time of attack or involved in the aftermath of conducting investigative work on the ship and in Yemen.

Today's guest, Leon Carroll has served his country sufficiently. Leon was a United States Marine when he joined NIS and he would have an outstanding career as a Special Agent rising to senior management. Leon retired after 20 years of service to NCIS. c However after 9/11 occurred, Leon was called back into service with NCIS and would serve until he was called to a new task. Leon would join the TV Show NCIS as an advisor and has worked with that show now more years than he was with the actual agency. Leon has done about everything you can do with the TV show and tells many stories of what it is like to advise actors like Mark Harmon and the rest of the crew to be as realistic as possible and to give a positive representation of the agency. Leon continues to advise, but interestingly enough, he has also written one episode on the TV show. Season 8 episode 18, “out of the frying pan” check it out. Until then… enjoy this episode of NCIS: Reports from the Field, Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr.

It would be hard to find anyone who's more experienced in the field of counterintelligence than Jeff Walton. From the Philippines to Europe and other locations around the world, Jeff was always at the forefront of significant counterintelligence investigations and operations, including one which was extremely successful supporting the war effort during operation Desert Storm. On this episode of NCIS: Reports from the Field, Jeff discusses his life, from his days as a young man working operations against the mafia in Philadelphia, until his time when he was called back into service by NCIS as an annuitant to lead the Counterintelligence team in the Southeast Field Office. After his second stint with NCIS, Jeff retired to his home in Florida where he now pursues a faith based investigative career into after afterlife experiences and their relationship to Heaven and Hell. His efforts have led to his publishing two faith-based books on the life after death experience. The books; "Final departure. Death is never on time," and "Devine return. Death is never the end" are available at Jeff Walton books.com, as well as Amazon, Books-a-million and other online bookstores.

During his career with NCIS, Paul Graf became the expert on child abuse cases, but he was also the go to guy for Cold Case Homicide cases in the Northeast Field Office. Paul enjoyed working executive protection and was responsible for protecting some of the most important leaders from Presidents to Secretaries to General officers. After his time in NCIS, Paul was called upon to work cases protecting the nation's US Olympic athletes. Today, Paul does some consulting but is a proud grandfather enjoying time with his grandchildren.

In 2015, Jim Connolly stated, "I didn't think marines would do something like this," when interviewed by "The Stars and Stripes" newspaper. On April 26, 2006, seven marines and one Navy Corpsman entered a house in Hamdinia, Iraq and took a disabled Iraqi Police Officer from his bed, outside and executed him in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) crater. Connolly and his team would arrive on May 7th to conduct a death investigation after complaints from villagers about the incident surfaced with U.S. Marines leadership. The case would take an abrupt turn after one of the suspects confessed that the circumstances of the incident were not what that were originally portrayed to be which was the killing of a terrorist digging a hole and planting an IED. This case would put the agents to the test on the use of a new technique called the "the Combat Crime Scene." Jim Connolly was an excellent agent serving most of his career in the Northwest Field Office, serving as an Agent Afloat on the USS Nimitz for more that 500 days at sea. When the tough case came through, Jim was the Agent to call.

Today's episode featuring Special Agent Gluba provides an insider's perspective into change in the agency from 1966 until his retirement in the early 1990's. Blair was the type of agent who was ready to serve in any position. He found himself viewing historical changes within NIS/NCIS at critical moments in time. Special Agent Gluba gives insight into the change from ONI to NIS and then the split of the agency sending approximately half of the agents to another service (DIS). Blair was one of the first special agents to receive his master's degree in Forensics from the George Washington University. He also provides excellent observations on effects from Operation Ill Wind and the change in leadership by JAG admirals, following the Service of Admiral Irish Flynn, revered to this day as one of the best leaders in the organization's history. Finally, Blair provides insight into what it was like for the legendary Deputy Director J Brian Mckee to lead during the troubled waters of the USS Iowa investigation.

Retired Special Agent Darden Nelms was instrumental in working with NCISHQ to obtain Veteran's status for our Special Agents who served during the Vietnam war. He was very active in NCISA and the Vietnam Agents group. He was a truly great American who lived a great life. Rest in Peace Darden this is for you.

NCIS Reports from the Field is a history podcast that covers one of the most dynamic federal agencies in the US Government. You may have seen the TV show but there is a Real NCIS with a Fascinating history beginning as a terrorist and spy hunting agency in World War I and culminating with the agency it is today with a world wide jurisdiction and partners around the world. It is more than a TV show. The reality is even more exciting and stories presented "one career at a time" are riveting.

Burt Nakasone was one of the first forensic specialist in NIS/NCIS.  When he joined the agency from the Medical Examiners office in Honolulu, Hawaii, he brought his expertise with him.  Burt had a passion working death cases.  He was a great mentor and would progress to the highest levels in the agency but never forgot to be humble and promote hard work to get the job done.  He was never above helping anyone who asked for his expert advise.  

On 19Apr89, an explosion in the number #2 Turret on the USS Iowa would lead to changes in how the Naval Investigative Service would be notified to respond. Tom Goodman led the team of Special Agents aboard the ship upon its return to Norfolk, VA. only to find a scrubbed crime scene with crucial evidence missing which had been thrown overboard. This would lead to changes in investigative protocols as to when NIS would become involved with cases like this one. This is only one investigation where Tom Goodman would called upon to become involved in critical investigations. Death, illegal drugs, espionage, terrorism, you name it, Tom Goodman has done it.

From Child Sex abuse to Serial murder, Mike Devine was the go to agent for the most difficult cases in NCIS. An expert interrogator, Mike knew how to connect and convince suspects to tell the truth. Mike had an amazing career with NCIS which ended far to quickly. Today Mike is still an investigator in world of Health Care Fraud.

The Zodiac Killer is just one of the great cases Special Agent Redfern worked during his career with NIS/NCIS. Greg had a great career and speaks of his time with agency and his life long passion of Space and Astronomy. Today Greg works as a expert on all things NASA for WTOP in Washington DC.

John Smallman served his country as a Marine, a Naval Officer, an FBI Special Agent and an NCIS Special Agent. During his time, he was present during the transitional "Tailhook investigation" and beyond. He served honorably and has so many great stories to tell. Please enjoy the podcast and send me comments at ncispodcast@yahoo.com.

This week I'm joined by my good friend Tim Quick. From basic training to retirement, Tim's career spanned the globe of the NCIS missions. He began his career at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill, served in Guam, returned to the U.S. and was a successful undercover agent in Florida. He served a tour on the USS John F Kennedy as an a "Agent Afloat" during 9-11. He was a member of the elite Cold Case Unit in the South-East Field Office and conducted multiple deployments to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Executive Assistant to the Director of NCIS, Tim would find himself as a trusted advisor. Tim would complete his career as the Special Agent in Charge of the Norfolk Field Office. Today, Tim continues to serve as the Chief Investigator for the Florida State Prosecutor.

The Intelligence Operational Specialist and the Intelligence Analyst at NCIS are the just a few of the unsung hero's behind the scenes of successful Operations at the agency. Bob Fletcher served his country first as a sailor and then as a valuable asset to Special Agents working in Italy and in D.C. during a turbulent period of our country's history. Bob would go on to be awarded the Bronze Star by the US Army for his work during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bob had an amazing career and continues to follow is passion for history and as an expert on the New York theater of operations of our country's Revolutionary War.

On this week's show, Retired Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Thomas A Brooks joins me to talk about his time as the Commander of the NIS Office (NISO) in Vietnam. Admiral Brooks would eventually retire as the Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI). Admiral Brooks provides a Commander's view of what it was like to serve in a war zone conducting intelligence activities and criminal investigations. He also discusses the devastating effects of Agent Orange in which several agents from the period have had to endure. Finally, Admiral Brooks discusses the partnership between NIS Vietnam Veterans, NCIS Deputy Director Sam Worth and a NCIS Naval Officer to obtain Veteran Status for all agents who served in Vietnam.

One Riot, One Ranger." As a Texan, This philosophy of the Texas Rangers means more to Special Agent Dave Hertberg, who, like the Rangers of old, swore to uphold the law and track down those who step on the wrong side of justice while providing valued support to Navy and Marine corps assets around the world. Dave's career would take him from the Marine Corps Base at Twenty Nine Palms to Korea as well as to the Middle East. He would be a trusted advisor to Battle Group Commanders as well Admiral's overseeing Fleet operations. The sacrifices at home that he made as an agent are not unique to his career as many agents serve and sacrifice everyday to ensure the Navy and Marine Corps are protected from those who would cause them harm.

On this episode, we hear the story of Special Agent Chuck Howard. Naval Academy Graduate, US Marine, US Navy and NCIS Special Agent, Chuck was an outstanding Special Agent who excelled in the field of Child Sex abuse in the Carolinas Field Office. He would be awarded Agent of the year for conducting an exceptional Narcotics Interdiction operation in Southeast Asia. Chuck went on to be successful in every challenge he was given at NCIS. From Iraq to Washington DC, he would be a key player in the evolution and progression of NCIS.

In today's episode we have a lot of fun talking with John Stamp and his passion for crime, fantasy and horror novels. His latest book called "Blood Red Ivory" features a NCIS Special Agent as the hero. John writes his novels based on his extensive history of being a police officer, FBI and NCIS agent.

On this episode we complete the story of Doug Hubbard. Doug leaves NIS, joins the British South African Police in Rhodesia and finds himself in a Civil War. Doug eventually will suffer from the effects of his three years in Vietnam but old friends from his time in Vietnam and Deputy Director at NCIS step up to help in his time of need.

Grant McIntosh was the type of agent who volunteered for any mission coming down the pipe. His philosophy would push him to the brink in 1983 when a terrorist suicide bomber crashed his vehicle into the Marine Barracks in Beirut Lebanon. Grant McIntosh responded and took control of the scene and was the sole investigator until help would arrive days later. Grant's determination and grit protecting the crime scene over the next few days, under fire from enemy forces, would place him into the history book of legendary NIS agents who responded when called to duty.

Doug Hubbard continues with his time in Vietnam with NIS. After 36 months in country he makes a decision which will change his life forever.

On October 23, 1983, the Marine Barracks in Beirut Lebanon was attacked by a truck driven by a suicide bomber. NIS Special Agent Grant McIntosh responds from the USS Iwo Jima to take charge of a crime scene and begin investigative work on a day that would change his life forever.

In Part one of the career of Special Agent Douglas Hubbard, we learn that he joined NIS and in 1969 deployed to Vietnam to conduct criminal investigations in a war zone! In this episode, Hubbard describes his first two years, yes, TWO years in Vietnam. He discusses his cases and how he traveled around the country during the war. He has harrowing tales of the brave agents of NIS who volunteered for a mission which could easily get them killed.

From 1975 to 2006, David Watson was the ultimate field agent. From Narcotics to Agent Afloat on the USS Midway to Economic Crimes, Dave Watson has done it all. Listen to Dave's unique insight into Japanese Prisons, life aboard an aircraft carrier at "Gonzo Station" and catastrophe at sea aboard the USS Iwo Jima. Dave Watson served with distinction his entire career. I hope you enjoy the career of Special Agent David Watson.

What is it like to be responsible for the largest Criminal and Counter Intelligence mission on the West Coast. Special Agent Stovall was one of the great leaders in transitional times for NIS. His career spans the 60's through the 90's and Harry has seen it all. Homicide, death, rape on a Soviet Ship visit to San Diego, Spies, alleged terrorism, and much more. Harry was one of the best and always led with dignity and quite confidence. His agents loved him and tonight we explore his career and the cases and the people who made it all worth it.