Archives for August 2014

EP23: Kicked out after 30 years! Fred the Nuc (FTN) talks about his storied career

August 28, 2014 by Bill Nowicki

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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.

Fred's retirement ceremony — Fred’s retirement ceremony

EP22: Wooden wheels and iron men, Bear Claw and Jaws, eating shark and crash dives

August 21, 2014 by Bill Nowicki

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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.