Submarine Sea Stories | Ever wonder what it's like to spend the cold war under water with 100 other guys?

In this episode of the Submarine Sea Stories Podcast, host Bill Nowicki reunites with Dave Bowman, a former submariner who was first interviewed nearly 11 years ago. They reminisce about Dave's captivating career in the Navy, his passion for naval history, and his extraordinary journey from a landlocked upbringing to life underwater. Dave shares personal anecdotes about influential mentors, his deep love for submarines, and his transformative 20-year process of converting to Judaism from a conservative Christian household. They also delve into the challenges of conveying the significance of their Cold War duties to younger generations and the camaraderie found within submarine veterans' organizations. This episode explores personal growth, military history, and the profound connections forged within the submarine community.   00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:26 - Catching Up with Dave Bowman 01:17 - Dave's Journey to the Navy 05:03 - Life in the Navy and Mentorship 07:15 - Influential Figures and Personal Growth 10:28 - Transitioning Out of the Navy 18:04 - Full Circle: Returning to Submarine Community 18:33 - Joining the Submarine Veterans 19:11 - Discovering the Value of Sub Vet Meetings 20:22 - Becoming Base Commander During COVID 20:45 - Transition to Base Historian and Digitalization 22:07 - The Importance of Cold War Stories 24:42 - Challenges of Sharing Cold War Experiences 27:45 - The Bond Among Submarine Veterans 30:53 - Dave's Podcasts and Online Presence 33:18 - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Join us in this insightful episode as we dive into the world of nuclear energy with Mark Schneider, a former US Navy nuclear operator now working to reignite nuclear power in Australia. Discover Schneider's intriguing career journey, from his formative years in Oregon to his extensive 20-year Navy service, where he first developed his passion for nuclear science. Learn about his advocacy for nuclear power, the regulatory challenges in Australia, and the exciting developments in the nuclear supply chain. Schneider's engaging narrative covers his personal background, the evolution of nuclear energy policies, the importance of communication in demystifying nuclear power, and the pivotal role of women in the nuclear industry. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of nuclear energy and the innovative minds driving its progress.

Bob Schuetz grew up in New Jersey and chose the ROTC when his parents couldn't afford college for all 4 kids. He joined the Navy and fell in love with submarines during his summer cruise and switched his major to Nuclear Engineering from Chemical Engineering. As all potential officers do, he interviewed with Admiral Rickover and eventually commanded the fast attack submarine that bore the father of the nuclear Navy's name. He became friends with the Admiral's wife (she called him the Admiral too) and shares some fascinating stories from those day as well as leadership tips!

Bob Bailey had to get out of New Mexico. He was running with the wrong crowd and "ran away from home into the Navy." He started out slow and was not the most squared away sailor, but built his career and matured into a leader that knew how a great tactical sonar man acted. He once flew into the air during the emergency blow and lived to tell about it. Here's his story. 

Joe Miller grew up in Virginia Beach surfing and staying away from Navy. It wasn't until he was married and laid off, that Joe reconsidered his decision and joined Uncle Sam's navy as an officer.  Joe shares many stories that his wife was tired of hearing that you will love. 

David Rifkin never planned on joining the Navy. He found the salary for a community college professors not quite enough. He consented to an interview with Adm Rickover and was accepted to the Navy Nuclear Power program. David worked his way up the ranks, supporting his sailors and officers making decisions while commanding the USS Billfish, SSN 676. He is still active the USSVI as the base commander in Jacksonville, Florida. Who knows, it might be time to take a trip down there for a visit.

Daniel Newcomer started his submarine career aspirations in 8th grade. His dad was a traveling Baptist preacher and when he was onboard the USS City of Corpus Christi was exposed to a family tour that both surprised and shocked him. Now Daniel reconnects with his submarine brothers and enjoys reminiscing about his times in the smoke shack. He also has reconciled with his Dad. I guess his dad came around to the fact that submariners are good folks deep down.

Kevin Loewe couldn't find a job in his native St. Louis, so he proposed joining the navy out of necessity. That began an over 22 years stint of active duty service as a radioman aboard both boomers and fast attack submarines. Kevin shares several stories that you won't want to miss, including the mash potato story!

Jim Glunt grew up tough suburb of Pittsburgh, Pa where the smoke from the steel mills blocked his view of the night sky. He had to grow up quick also and began working at the age of 9. He had to help his Dad, a steel mill worker, put food on the table for Jim sisters and him. Joining the military seemed like a way out and he took it. He got his first airplane ride and his first view of the ocean. He served onboard the USS Groton as a machinist mate (nuclear trained) and he also became a diver, when a shipmate filled out the forms for him. After the military, Jim worked at different jobs and noticed that the ocean was awfully close to one of the plants he worked at briefly. That plant was called Fukushima. 

Wood Frampton grew up around the enlisted club on base where his Dad was a supply officer. He’d have french fries and watch the sailors get into fights. But that didn’t deter him from signing up for the Navy after a stint in the Coast Guard.  He eventually became a missile tech, operating the C-4 missile launching system for Trident subs.  He learned a lot from his 16 years in the Navy and is thinking of retiring to the Philippines with his new wife. He lived there as a child and thought he would never return. Wood in the NavyWood todayWood’s Dad

Greg started his military career in the 8th grade (crazy story) and continued over several decades until he retired as a Chief Culinary Specialist. Now he teaches High School kids how to cook! Listen to this episode chocked full of the challenges of cooking on a round-hulled constantly diving and rising killer of the deep!

PJ Clarke made a rash decision to join the submarine service. He was promised that the galley was open 24/7. That was enough to get him to volunteer. Serving on the Snook and the Billfish, his career spanned 9 years and included West Pacs and spec ops that would make Tom Clancy’s novels look tame. He put in the time and effort to get qualified in submarines and learned what he could accomplish anything he put his mind to.  

Rob Tiffany grew up in West Texas and set off to become a Navy pilot after seeing Top Gun. Of course, that didn’t work out, but he found the submarine service and had some great mentors. He ended serving on the USS John Marshal that was outfitted to serve as a seal delivery submarine. Rob talks about his seal friends and the rest of his career. Rob got into computer programming and ended up finding work in several high tech startups. Currently, he is serving as Chief Technology Officer for Hitachi and he credits a lot of his success to his time in the submarine service. robtiffany.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtiffany/  

David grew up on the West Coast of Scotland and was surrounded by water. His Mom said he always talked about joining the Navy, but he doesn’t remember why. He joined as an Artificer Apprentice in 1983. This position was created back in the Victorian Era as the amount of technical work required on ships increased. David learned the book information and then he learned from a salty guy that he didn’t know it all. From then on, David’s real education began. David did some “sneaky” patrols and eventually became an officer, commanding the very place where he learned to be an artificer. Pretty cool.

Dan Eddinger grew up on a farm in eastern Ohio. He played in the woods a lot and really didn’t have a plan after high school. He did fall in love with his high school sweetheart and decided to join the Navy (and he kinda forgot to tell his girlfriend). But all was forgiven (they got married and still are married today), and they began their nuclear Navy, submarine career together. Apparently Dan had what it took to become an officer and 20 years later, he retired. After several technical and leadership positions in the civilian world (Target Store Manager too), Dan decided to use his skills to start a company, Field Vets. Field Vets connects contract companies with vets that need work. They can learn tower maintenance, cable TV installer or other technical jobs that pay well and could lead to more opportunities. Check out field vets, it is free for vets and their is no obligation! Contact Dan Eddinger on LinkedIn.com for more information. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneddinger/ fieldvets.com

Neil Midkiff got a tour of the USS Iowa when he lived in Rio de Janeiro as a child from the Naval Attache, Captain Andrews. At that point his mind was set, get in the Naval Academy and become a naval officer. While in the academy, he saw a picture that showed Captain Gilmore order his sub to submerge when they came under fire, even though he knew it meant his death. Neil was assigned to the USS Jack, SSN 650, and an incident in the Mediterranean when they were trailing a Russian submarine that cost the Captain his command. Enjoy! By U.S. Navy photograph – http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/08604.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10248486

Matt Tate grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and landed a job at the Greenbrier as a caddy by the age of 12 (he lied about his age). After doing that for a while and trying college, he joined the Navy. He barely passed the nuclear power aptitude test and eventually ended up with Bill Nowicki in the same Nuclear Power school class. Matt recalls some tough nights of studying and some fun when Bill decided to create a character called Reactor Dan. Matt went on to get married and stayed in the Navy for 20 years. He learned a lot and I would say the Navy helped him become a life-long learner.

Hector Rodriguez thinks everything happens for a reason. He grew up in East Oakland, California in a rough neighborhood. He loved sports so he played basketball and dreamed of playing professional sports. He was always bored in school and daydreamed his way to college. His parents payed for him to sit in the cafeteria and BS with his friends. At 22 things changed and he headed to the mall and found the Navy recruiter and was picking his jobs when the Twin Towers we’re hit on 9/11/2001. He ended up choosing signalman on a carrier, but switched to machinist mate and ended up on the USS Norfolk. Hector recounts his time on the sub, the diverse group of folks he met and the way his life was changed. Great stories!

*FOR MATURE AUDIENCES* Lee Ellis grew up on a farm in rural Georgia, but when he saw an airplane, everything changed. Even as a child, he longed to have control of the skies. After going to the University of Georgia, he trained to become a pilot and ended up going to Vietnam. He was captured by the Vietnamese after being shot down and spent many years in a Vietnamese prison camp. Lee tells the story of his time in captivity and what he learned about leadership and his new book, Engage with Honor.  Click the link to get access to Lee’s books and some of his media appearances. http://www.leeellis.us

Stu Hubbard is the son of a Navy Mustang and became one himself. At the age of 17, he approached his Mom and Dad about enlisting which started his 20-year adventure in the Navy. Starting as a destroyer Sonarman he quickly learned that submarines were the place to be. He went from submarines to the Navy Medical Service Corps, finally serving the U.S. Marines. It wasn’t a straight path – but what a great ride. Stu and his Dad Stu and Glen   Stu gets Dolphins Tacked-on Stu in a bunker President Bush 41

Michael Goldstein grew up in Cleveland Heights, OH and was fascinated by submarines.  He won a science fair contest at the age of 14 and was invited to New London to a special tour (see below).  I let him tell you the rest of his story. I dropped out of college after three years in 1966 and enlisted in the Navy, although the Army offered me a commission as a 2nd LT in the infantry. Note the year for my obvious choice. I went to Great Lakes the day after Thanksgiving, entering as an E-3, and spent the winter in Hell for 13 weeks in boot camp. For some interesting reasons I opted for language school and began a 30 year active duty and active reserve career in the Naval Security Group. Three years active duty in Rota after boot camp, language school, and USAF Security Service school at Goodfellow AFB, TX, and did one submarine trip as a spook. You haven’t aired a boat-rider spook interview yet. I left active duty as an E-5 Communications Technician in 1970, went back to college, and transferred to active reserve USNR. Graduated in 1971 and entered law school, finishing in 1974. I’ve been practicing law for 40 years, but a year ago I did a partial and very interesting career change, which I’ll explain below. Made E-6 (then Cryptologic Technician) in the reserves. Took the Chief’s Test twice, was selection board eligible twice, and twice no one made chief: there were no billets. I went to the powers that be and told them that I had 11 years enlisted service, was a lawyer, and if they didn’t give me a commission I would get out. They gave me a direct commission, and I went from E6 to O-2 in a five minute ceremony. I was CO of our Naval Reserve Security Group unit in Cleveland and traveled to other cities where billets were available, retiring as LCDR in 1996 after 30 years service. Unlike most other Naval Reserve communities, in SECGRU we ran an active duty mission out of the reserve centers. I did one 2-week active duty for training at the sub base in NL in the mid-80’s. I am now working in the nuclear energy field with the eGeneration Foundation (www.eGeneration.org). I had been a Senior Attorney with the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and the first CEI attorney at our Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Perry, OH while we were building it. At eGeneration Foundation I am Director of Government Affairs and Director of Strategic Alliances. We have here in Cleveland a beautifully restored WWII submarine, USS Cod (SS-224) (USSCod.org), and I sometime lead tours of the boat. CTI3 Michael Goldstein and new Fiancee Beverly Ann Hern Cleveland Hopkins International Airport November 22, 1967 MIKE GOLDSTEIN ON THE BRIDGE OF USS HOLLAND (AS-11) SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON, MAY 1960 MIKE GOLDSTEIN AND HIS FATHER, MAURICE GOLDSTEIN, ON THE DECK OF USS SEA OWL (SS-405) WITH SEA OWL’S COMMANDING OFFICER SUBMARINE BASE MIKE GOLDSTEIN ON USS SEA OWL (SS-405) SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON, MAY 1960

Listen up bubbleheads!  Shannon Cason is an award winning storyteller and he tells his backstory and explains his motivation to share his life on stage. www.shannoncason.com Shannon Cason on Snap Judgment Homemade Stories on iTunes

Tim Sullivan was an outlier.  He went against his parent’s wishes and joined the Navy on a whim.  He became a striker, which means he started painting the boat.  In fact he painted his name on the fairwater plane and really made a name for himself. Checkout Tim’s book on Amazon!  Hot Run by T. Steven Sullivan Tim Sullivan Diver Let’s get together! Tim and his family today

Tom Conlon was born and raised in the garden state of New Jersey. As a boy, submarine TV shows excited him so he joined the sub service when he was old enough. While never good in school, Tom found he loved learning from his shipmates.  He served as a torpedoman aboard the USS James K. Polk and the Francis Scott Key and was discharged in 1973 after 7 years of service. After the Navy, he continued to learn and take as many classes as his employer, the US Postal Service would allow. He also wanted to give back to the submarine service and rose to the rank of Sub Vets (USSVI) National Commander. Tom also gives back to his community, teaching elderly residents how to use computers one morning a week. Certainly a submariner to look up to!   Tom and Gina Conlon   Tom and his family. Blue nose! Torpedo tubes

Andrew Fletcher went three years in college and freaked out when he had $5,000 in debt.  He ended up joining the Navy and trained as a Sonarman, one of the most important jobs on the boat (read Hunt for Red October if you don’t believe me). Andrew discusses why surface ships ARE targets for submarines and some cool stuff you may not know about the noisy ocean. I know you will enjoy this episode! Fun on liberty. Relaxed and ready Badass sonarmen

Nancy Yockey Bonar became fascinated with submarines thanks to her brother, Captain Harry Yockey.  You’ll love Nancy’s explanation of submarine living is like when compared to a 3 bedroom house with 135 house guests! Tee Shirt to help the show and look cool doing it. Nancy Yockey Bonar Getting underway with number 10 cans Some of Harry Yockey’s exploits. Captain Harry Yockey

Bill provides some information on upcoming episodes and new initiative to help vets! Transitioning Vets Checkout some funny previous episodes: Clayton Wetzel, Surviving on Popcorn Jody Durham, Billion Dollar Boat Driver Rory Buchanan, Grapefruit Fighter Mike Reed, Pulling a String Bob Burchfield, Hawaiian Special Enjoy!

Ken Westhaver grew up in the tough streets of South Boston.  He wanted to be on a submarine so bad he could feel it.  Thrown aboard the Minneapolis / St. Paul was the beginning of a career that took him to the Constitution (Old Ironsides), a tank and finally to the Boston Police where he currently serves as a detective. Enjoy this fun filled interview. One of Boston’s finests! Proudly displaying his dolphins! ‘; 

Darryl Jackson grew up on the tough streets of Newark, New Jersey.  He was a standout athlete in school, but ended up in trouble with the Navy being a great choice to avoid possible jail time.  He had a few rough years, but with good mentors, he turned it all around.  A sailor of the year and quick learner and made chief and now mentors troubled sailors and his future looks brighter than ever.  He wife Lisa makes sure of that. Darryl becomes a chief   Chilling with Darryl Darryl and his wife Lisa    

Raul Robles is a chief on a mission.  He has 15 years serving aboard fast attack submarines and deep submergence rescue vehicles.  Raul balances his work and home life with his wife, Amy Robles and their 3 year old daughter. Amy has a popular blog womanenriched.com and a podcast, The Family Knot, targeted toward military spouses.   Daddy’s little girl USS Mystic Chief Robles and Amy

Mike Fieser is a winner.  Besides being and Nuc ET and now a photographer, he won a radio contest to guess his profession.  He came up with the ET version of another day at the office.  Mike reads the winning entry and tells you what it all means… Mike Fieser today  

Radm Chuck Beers (retired) was a submariner as his dad before him.  He eventually became the commanding officer of the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul, SSN 708.  He discusses Starve X 1985, the Butter Liberation Front and the new Virginia Class Subs. Dolphin Scholarships (must have served 8 years on submarine service and qualified) Rear Admiral Beers Chuck Beers, his wife and son the aviator  

Bob MacPherson is the Lean Submariner, he know efficiency!.  He started out as a submariner by chance and did not put in his best effort – to start.  After leaving and having the steel industry collapsing in Pennsylvania, he re-joined the Navy and chose to make the most of it.  He ended up as a warrant officer and helped a large group of people change their lives for the better. His favorite and most famous blog: I’d like to be a submariner, how hard can that be? Bob’s Navy Sword and his Ceremonial Clan MacPherson Sword USS George Washington A gang Indianapolis A Gang Bob’s Bookcase with Speaking Trophies Machinist Mate Chief

Kurt Jarrio, a 20 year submariner was a hard partying, somewhat crazy plankowner aboard the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul.  He was tied up by robbers, robbed again outside a pizza place.  He landed his wife after just a few days meeting her back in the 80’s.  They are still together with 4 successful kids who each have served or are serving in the military. Great guy, great family, great American (and funny as hell). Kurt passed out in Ft Liquordale Party time! Bob Burchfield, Bill Nowicki and Kurt Jarrio Captain Beers re-enlisting Kurt Kurt and Elaine in 1986     Kurt and his beer.   Kurt and Elaine today.  

Rich Hust grew up scared he was going to end up in Vietnam doing something he might not like.  Instead, after leaving jail, he walked into the Navy recruiter’s office and signed up.  That night, he left for boot camp and started his Navy career.  The Scamp was his first designation.  Rich gives some vivid details on the sights and more importantly smells of this water restricted boat.  WARNING, if you are easily grossed out, pick another episode to listen to.   Argentina The Scamp Rich Hust today The Family Knot Podcast

Dave Butler grew up in a small town in Louisiana.  By a twist of fate, he was handed a Naval Academy appointment.  As a midshipman, he was first assigned to a surface ship and thought better of it.  He ended up on a diesel submarine and never looked back.  Dave relives his career including his influences, challenges and triumphs. Dave back in the day. USS Minneapolis St. Paul, SSN 708 launch. Dave is the tall guy on the top Near hole-in-one Commander Dave Butler Dave Butler today

Rich Damm was born and raised on Long Island and decided to join the Navy.  He spent several years working as a ballistic missile tech and transitioned to become a successful entrepreneur and owner of 636solutions a tech company that caters to small businesses. 636 Solution’s logo Off crew party   Rich and his family today

John Colley is a boarding school and Cambridge University graduate who became a tank commander. He went into finance and eventually became a entrepreneur and the Six Minute Strategist. Lt Colley Troop Huntsman John Colley today   http://jbdcolley.com/   Veterans resource. http://jbdcolley.com/olp019/

Fred T. Needham (FTN) joined the nuclear Navy way back and saw a lot of changes over the years.  He met his wife and got engaged in a week.  After 30 years of service he was forced to retire.  Fred talks about the FTN fan club, why submarines are the best, and what he thinks about women on submarines. FTN Fan Club Fred’s retirement ceremony

David Helms grew up in a large family in Nebraska.  Being a ballistic missile submarine sailor was his dream since he was in the 6th grade.  He got his chance after almost failing out — twice.  Then the real adventures began, eating shark shot by a machine gun and surviving a crash dive after a shipmate lost it. All in a day’s work. USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655 USS Henry L. Stimson, SSBN 655 David Helms today

Wedding day Steve Norman is a British guy who looks back at his time on the sub as a great time.  The people, the mission, he misses it all.   Family grams Steve Norman is a British guy who looks back at his time on the sub as a great time.  The people, the mission, he misses it all. Steve’s grandad John.       Mess Dinner menu HMS Victorious leaving snowy Scotland. Steve today at the submarine museum    

Gannon McHale grew up in New England.  He attended great schools but decided to enlist in the Navy to avoid the Vietnam draft.  He served aboard USS and lived to tell many tales and captured them in a book, Stealth Boat which chronicles his time on USS Sturgeon. Gannon McHale is now a New York City based character actor who has worked on Broadway, in Regional Theatres, Tours, TV and Film, including a featured cameo role as Representative Aaron Haddam in Stephen Spielberg’s LINCOLN. This Fall he will open the season at Baltimore’s Center Stage Company as Royal Chamberlain von Strack in Peter Shaffer’s AMADEUS. Boot Camp Photo USS Sturgeon “The Cocktail Hour”…Crew’s Berthing Delta circa 1968…probably coming back from the ’68 Northern run…L to R..Barry Avery, Dick Austin, Denny Schulz, Bill Drake, and Gannon McHale (lower right) This photo was taken at the NSL Luncheon at the Subvets in October 2008 when the book came out. L to R (back row) Head Steward Emmanuel Howard, COB Bill Welsh, Capt. Bohannan, Ken Schack, Mike Reynolds, Thom Keaney, Bob Gustafson, (Front Row)…Bill Drake, Dennis Cloutier, Gannon McHale, Dan Ottinger https-//www.centerstage.org/ShowsandEvents/Amadeus.aspx http-//www.usni.org/magazines/navalhistory/2012-11/appointment-destiny-north-atlantic http://www.amazon.com/Stealth-Boat-Fighting-Fast-Attack-Submarine/dp/1591145430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406058129&sr=8-1&keywords=Stealth+Boat Gannon McHale today

Nikolay Teplyakov went on his first submariner at the age of three.  He eventually became a chief engineer.  Nikolay discusses daily life aboard a Russian ballistic missile submarine and a submariner’s true enemy, the sea. International Submariners Association http://www.isausa.org/ Chief Engineer of the Tula (K-114), Nikolay Teplyakov

Dave Bowman grew up in Oklahoma but was hooked to joined the Navy when he was taught to sail as a youngster.  Eventually he found his first love, the USS Michigan and as you know, you never forget your first love. Grip and grin Dolphin Ceremony Beauty Contest master of ceremony Dave Bowman today

Tom Weiss grew up in Michigan and was of age during the Vietnam War.  He joined the Navy like his Dad before him.  After joining, he missed Woodstock (too tired, his buddies went), failed his electronic tech school but kept on going.  He ended up on the submarine the USS Gurnard and received his dolphins a few days before he was discharged.  Those dolphins sit on his law office desk, one of his greatest achievements. WLR-6 Countermeasure system (used by permission of P. Joshua Rovero, http://www.roveroresearch.info) USS Gurnard

Airdale friends, Tony Martin, Mark Carter and Brian Janssen Dad’s retirement with the family: Steve, Mark and John Carter from left to right Mark Carter spent 20 years stalking submarines in an airplane.  But, like his dad before him, he loved submarines and was made an honorary submariner after spending a week on board a sub standing a sonar tech watch.   Mark Carter, submarine hunter Mark Carter and his family today

Dana McIntosh continues his interview and discusses a water in the people tank problem and what it is like being an ex submariner.

Dana McIntosh grew up with a Navy chief, World War II submariner.  Dana went the officer root and ended up in an interesting interview with Adm Rickover. Dad’s Diary Sea Devil Reunion with Dad Sea Devil Plankowner Dad’s Retirement Sea Devil Reunion Group Dana and Lisa Today

Bill’s 88 year old Mom discusses family, meeting her husband, packing parachutes in WW2 and her impressions of a sub.  She also tells Bill her favorite podcast episode. Me needing hair tape for my ears Mom and Abby Dad in the 40’s Bootcamp Graduation Mom at Coney Island

Ed Andre started out in a divorced family spread out between two states.  He joined the Navy and became a Fire Control Technician Ballistic (FTB) and the rest is history. Checkout his business: http://www.brevardtechsolutions.com/ Ed’s Wedding Having fun. Ed and his wife today

Kevin Stewart cut one too many lawns and joined the Navy just before September 11th.  He learned to navigate the ship and cut the captain’s hair in rough seas. Kevin dancing USS Miami, note the fairwater planes are under the water. Kevin today