Navy Rescue Swimmer Dave Hewitt – 20 Years, 3 Rescues, and the Burden of a Pilot’s Fateful Decision

Navy Rescue Swimmer Dave Hewitt – 20 Years, 3 Rescues, and the Burden of a Pilot’s Fateful Decision

Author: Brian Dickinson September 10, 2025 Duration: 42:13

Dave Hewitt dedicated 20 years of his life to the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer.. Over the course of his career, Dave performed three dramatic rescues — each one a testament to skill, courage, and dedication. In this episode, Dave shares the highs and lows of a life at sea, including one tragic mission where a pilot was lost due to a decision made by another pilot — a choice completely out of Dave’s control, but one he’s carried with him ever since. His reflections are raw, powerful, and a reminder of the weight service members sometimes bear long after the mission ends.

I had the honor of serving alongside Dave during our deployment to the Persian Gulf in the 1990s, and in this conversation, we revisit those days, the bond of our crew, and the moments that defined our service.


CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 39


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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
Podcast Episodes
Risky Swift Water Rescue | Life-or-Death Call in the Chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:12
Episode 1 launches with an intense rescue story that sets the tone for the entire series. A Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer faces a brutal decision during a raging swift water rescue—where one wrong move could cost lives. W…
Calm in the Chaos Podcast Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:24
The Calm in the Chaos Podcast is a platform to share untold heroic experiences and dive into the mindset of the U.S. Navy's unsung heroes - Aviation Rescue Swimmers. Host BRIAN DICKINSON is a former U.S. Navy Aviation Re…