Navy Rescue Swimmer Collin Koss – Multiple Rescues, F/A-18 Ejection, and the Journey to Officer

Navy Rescue Swimmer Collin Koss – Multiple Rescues, F/A-18 Ejection, and the Journey to Officer

Author: Brian Dickinson October 22, 2025 Duration: 1:06:42

Collin Koss built a remarkable Navy career as a Rescue Swimmer, performing multiple rescues at sea before witnessing one of the most harrowing moments imaginable — an F/A-18 ejection that struck the back of the carrier. Later, Collin made the jump to officer, leading from the front and shaping the next generation of sailors. Now, with retirement on the horizon, he reflects on a career of service, sacrifice, and lessons that will last a lifetime.


In this episode, Collin shares the highs and lows of his journey — from rescues in the fleet to the burden of command — and the perspective that only comes with decades in uniform.


CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 43


So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸


Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch

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There’s a moment in every rescue when training meets turbulence, and a person must decide to step into the storm. Calm in the Chaos-U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast is built around those moments, sharing firsthand accounts from the men and women who have lived them. Host Brian Dickinson, drawing from his own experience as a former Navy Rescue Swimmer and an author who has faced extreme environments, guides these conversations with a rare understanding. Each episode unfolds a real mission, but the focus often settles on what happens between the orders-the split-second decisions, the managed fear, and the profound humanity required to save a life in perilous conditions. This isn't just about historical operations; it's an intimate exploration of the grit, mindset, and quiet faith that define these individuals. The podcast has found a dedicated audience, ranking in the top tier of podcasts globally, precisely because it goes beyond the heroics to examine the tangible calm forged in chaos. While not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or Department of Defense, the stories offer an authentic window into a world where running toward danger is the job description. Listeners will hear voices often reserved for debrief rooms, sharing narratives of loss, survival, and the weight of the helmet, all framed by Dickinson’s grounded perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 55

Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast
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