Radio Boat Forces

This week, we dive into Hurricane Season 2025 with insights from designated Coast Guard flood response members preparing to meet the potential mission head-on. We recap a recent multi-unit training exercise featuring expert partners from SPEC Rescue International and spotlight how these collaborations sharpen operational readiness.  Special guests Mr. Rick Mach, Mrs. Brook Serbu, and Mrs. Angie Va...

In this episode, we explore the future of marine propulsion with Dr. Michael Kass from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Dr. Kass shares his expertise on alternative fuels, electrification, and the practical challenges of integrating new technologies into Coast Guard operations. We discuss fuel efficiency, the viability of electric and hybrid systems, and the potential benefits of quieter, more susta...

In this episode, we sit down with VADM William "Dean" Lee , a distinguished Coast Guard leader whose 36-year career culminated as Commander of Atlantic Area. Known not just for his command over vast operations but for his deep commitment to servant leadership, Admiral Lee shares timeless insights on trust, humility, and the evolving nature of leadership. From his earlier days in Boat For...

Ever finish a patrol alert but later realize you don’t remember half of it? That’s not just exhaustion; it’s fatigue silently sabotaging your performance. In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience of fatigue with Dr. Allison Brager , U.S. Army officer and sleep expert, who breaks down how chronic sleep disruption rewires our brains, especially in high-stakes roles like SAR. We tackle sleep fr...

CAPT Jason Aleksak (CG-731) presses send one last time, marking the end of a chapter few get to write, and even fewer reflect on publicly. In this episode, he unpacks what it’s like to lead in ambiguity, make decisions with consequences miles away, and carry the weight of change with steady intention. From early surprises to lessons that rewrote his playbook, CAPT Aleksak offers a raw, thoughtful...

Boat Forces once ran on heart and hustle...but lacked harmony. Then came Captain Dana Goward , a leader who didn’t just tweak the system, he rewired it. In this episode, we unpack how he turned scattered practices into a unified identity, applying aviation discipline to maritime grit. Recognition programs got teeth. Culture got a voice. Boat Forces became more than a label; it became a legacy. We...

This episode dives into the future of maritime operations—both on the water and in the digital domain. First, we speak with Dor Raviv , Co-Founder and CTO of Orca AI, about how their situational awareness platform is helping commercial vessels avoid collisions, cut fuel use, and make smarter decisions through real-time data. In our second segment, ENS Thomas Madden joins us to discuss how his expe...

Discover the hidden forces shaping the waves beneath your vessel in this episode. Dr. Andrew Muller from the U.S. Naval Academy joins us to explore how nearshore hydrodynamics influence wave behavior, from sandbars and reef ridges to turbulent shoals and steep drop-offs.  In the final segment of this episode, we hear from Coast Guard Station Portage's OIC, BMC Maria Collett , and EPO MK1 Dan...

The episode features Mr. Dave McConky , the Office of Boat Forces Facility Analyst, discussing his newly created role aimed at amplifying advocacy for Station and ANT facilities. He shares insights into his observations, concerns, and strategies for navigating a complex system constrained by budget limitations.  Rounding off the episode, BMCS David Cucovatz , BM1 Matt Long , and BM1 Jared Boren fr...

In this episode, BMCM Tony Sofo and MSTCS Marcus Jetchev talk about the Reserve program at STA Port Aransas, which has been recognized as a success by reserve community leaders. They share how teamwork and smart strategies have helped make the program so effective.  Also joining the discussion are CDR Josh Roman and YNCS Jessica Barbay from Reserve Personnel Management (RPM). They give practical a...

In this episode, we dive into dynamic Coast Guard roles with BOSN Seth Hunt and BMC Michael McHugh . BOSN Hunt, from the Atlantic Strike Team, shares insights into the CISAR Flood Response Course, highlighting its importance and challenges, along with a glimpse into Boatswain's Mate life at a Strike Team. Meanwhile, BMC McHugh, OIC at STA Kauai, joins with his crew to explore the unique opera...

In this episode, BM1 Matt Matella from MSST Miami offers an insider’s glimpse into the Critical Incident Search and Rescue (CISAR) training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Indiana. Hear firsthand about the unique facilities, rigorous techniques taught, and how this training shaped his response during Hurricane Ian.  Joining the discussion, the crew from STA Valdez shares fasci...

In this closing episode, CAPT Jason Aleksak (CG-731) and BMCM Grant Heffner (BM-RFMC) share parting thoughts on the evolving pathway to command, emphasizing key takeaways from the series and the importance of leadership development.  Rounding off the conversation is BMCM Justin Olson , OIC STA Duluth, who offers his perspective on achieving enlisted command. Drawing from his extensive experience,...

In this episode, CAPT Jason Aleksak (CG-731) and BMCM Grant Heffner (RFMC) make a return visit to delve deeper into topics from their previous discussion, providing listeners with valuable insights and updates. Joining the conversation is BMC Maria Collett , OIC STA Portage, who shares her remarkable journey from a civilian career in finance to commanding officer. Tune in for an engaging and inspi...

In this episode, we dive into the newly released Officer in Charge Review Board Manual with CG-731 - CAPT Jason Aleksak and the BM RFMC, Master Chief Grant Heffner . They break down key updates from the January release, offering their perspectives on the pathway to command and what the future holds for this critical leadership role. The discussion highlights the evolving expectations for prospecti...

Easy write up:  Operational Wisdom Bombs from BMCS Bryan Ballenge r and BM1 Patrick Smith from Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay. Learn about their station's local history, AOR, and value-added insights from these seasoned professionals. This episode opens with a tip of the hat from the office's program manager for our boats hanging off the hip of a cutter - retired BM/BOSN/LT Mr. Dan Mu...

In this episode, we welcome retired Warrant Officer Mr. Scott Wildrick from the National Marine Center for Customs and Border Protection. Mr. Wildrick shares insights into the program he oversees, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation's maritime borders. We also had the opportunity to speak with the Officer-in-Charge for Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Colfax, BMCS Robert Guidry...

Join us for an insightful episode of our podcast as we sit down with retired Coast Guard BOSN Mark Davenport from CG-13K. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Davenport delves into the latest trends in mishap analysis and the future direction of key programs such as Risk Management (RM) and Team Coordination Training (TCT). In this episode, Mr. Davenport offers a deep dive into the evolution...

Dive into the world of the Coast Guard Reserve with our latest podcast episode featuring LCDR Kurt Mees (ret) , a seasoned expert from the Office of Boat Forces Reserve Program Management. Discover the current initiatives reshaping the Boat Forces Reserve Force and gain insights into their performance from a program management perspective. Also joining us this week is BMCS Ryan McClay , the Office...

Join Command Master Chief Glenda Atwood and Command Master Chief Victor Smith from the U.S. Navy Memorial, along with Master Chief Joe Hoff from the Coast Guard Office of Leadership, as they share their leadership expertise. Command Master Chief Atwood discusses the critical role of chiefs in the Navy, stressing the importance of leading by example and fostering excellence. Command Master Chief Sm...

Join us for an exclusive look into how the Office of Boat Forces’ library of doctrine, policy, and TTPs are developed, managed, and processed through signature promulgation. We’ll hear directly from the expert behind the scenes, Mr. Ames Holbrook , as he shares his insights and experiences. Plus, explore ANT Bristol, a hidden gem in New England. Discover the area's unique charm, delve into th...

In this episode, we are honored to feature Retired Navy CDR Tim Dring from the Coast Guard Historians Office. Commander Dring shares profound insights into the historical evolution of Boat Forces and our significant contributions during pivotal moments in history. This episode also introduces a new spin-off show, Heroic Waters , which promises to delve deeper into the compelling narratives of the...

Step into Boat Forces "War Room" with retired Coast Guard Captain Frank Parker , the Office of Boat Forces Operational Strategic Analyst. In this episode, discover the data and information collection processes that drive FAI, explore the strategic outlook for Boat Forces, and delve into the intensive research behind the development of the Boat Forces 2050 report. This week's episode...

Widen the aperture of awareness and opportunities by building on the insights and information generated by Master Chief Park (CG-BSX-12), with new information from CDR Adam Cernovich (District 8 DIRAUX), BOSN3 Dan Garver (District 8 OTO), and Auxiliarist Matthew Micalizzi.  This is an Unofficial Podcast.  All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the v...

This week, we sit down with LCDR Jonathan Copley and LT Stephanie Motta from the Small Boat Product Line (SBPL) to gain insights into their world-of-work, current projects, and future initiatives.  This is an Unofficial Podcast.  All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard. Send us Fan Mail