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Podcast: Permission To Speak Freely
Episode: Episode 171 | "That's When It Happened" (Feat. OSC Kenneth Batchler)
Description: Damon and Aaron are joined by OSC Kenneth Batchler for a conversation centered on his firsthand experience aboard the USS John S. McCain during the 2017 collision. Ken walks through the environment leading up to the incident, including operational tempo, fatigue, and the conditions present in the hours before the collision. The discussion covers what the moment of impact felt like from the deckplate, the immediate emotional response onboard, and how training and watchstanding took over once it became clear this was not a drill. Ken explains the purpose of General Quarters training, what was first heard over the 1MC...