59 episodes

During the height of the cold war when Ronald Regan called the Soviet Union the evil empire, Bill Nowicki was in the Navy. He was a nuclear-trained electrician's mate aboard the Los Angeles class fast attack submarine, the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul (SSN 708) with 100 highly trained shipmates. These are the memories of those difficult (and sometimes hilarious) times told by the men who depended on one another for their lives.

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

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 293 Ratings

During the height of the cold war when Ronald Regan called the Soviet Union the evil empire, Bill Nowicki was in the Navy. He was a nuclear-trained electrician's mate aboard the Los Angeles class fast attack submarine, the USS Minneapolis / St. Paul (SSN 708) with 100 highly trained shipmates. These are the memories of those difficult (and sometimes hilarious) times told by the men who depended on one another for their lives.

    Ep58, Commanding a Legend, Captain Bob Schuetz

    Ep58, Commanding a Legend, Captain Bob Schuetz

    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!

    • 35 min
    Flying through the air on a sub, Bob Bailey Sonar Tech First Class

    Flying through the air on a sub, Bob Bailey Sonar Tech First Class

    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. 

    • 35 min
    EP56, Surfer turned polar explorer and circumnavigator, Joe Miller

    EP56, Surfer turned polar explorer and circumnavigator, Joe Miller

    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. 

    • 48 min
    From Community College Professor to Sub Captain, David Rifkin

    From Community College Professor to Sub Captain, David Rifkin

    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.

    • 39 min
    Smoke Shack Standout, Daniel Newcomer

    Smoke Shack Standout, Daniel Newcomer

    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.

    • 44 min
    EP53, Playing with the radio, Kevin Loewe, Radioman

    EP53, Playing with the radio, Kevin Loewe, Radioman

    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!

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
293 Ratings

293 Ratings

JChaulk73 ,

Bubblehead Food

Great show. I got my fish on USS Hawkbill (SSN - 666) 31 years ago and I still remember the since of pride I got with every punch I got to set them into my chest. This show brings back some of the best memories I have through relatable stories and great guests.

Mimi-Papa ,

Navy Nuke Husband

My husband was on a submarine in the late 70s, we have so enjoyed listening to these podcasts while traveling. It’s given me a whole new perspective of what life was like for him in the Navy.

Brookidplz ,

Great Stories.

Some of us know how important the work is. Can’t get enough. All walks of life come together under the ocean. It’s great to hear the different paths that led them to serve. Even better is hearing where they ended up. Keep it up fellas and thanks again for your service.

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