The Mess Deck Chronicles

Helicopters with 2nd LT Grayson Trogdon

Join us as Grayson Trogdon, a second lieutenant in the United States Army, shares his inspiring journey to becoming a National Guard pilot. Growing up with a father in the National Guard, Grayson initially considered a career as a military police officer before finding his true calling in aviation. He discusses the challenges of flight school, the significance of mentorship, and the transition from flying the Lakota to the Apache helicopter. Tune in to hear about his experiences, the intricacies of military aviation, and valuable advice for aspiring aviators and those navigating military life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background02:14 Selecting Aviation as a Career04:27 From Criminal Justice to Flight School07:15 Preparing for Aviation09:16 The Academic Challenges of Flight School14:08 The Rewards of Becoming a Pilot16:01 The Wait and Preparation for Flight School20:09 The Academic Side of Becoming a Pilot22:08 The Importance of Discipline and Study Habits26:48 The Achievement of Becoming a Pilot29:01 The Progression System in Flight School32:31 Different Weapon Systems on the Apache46:47 Types of Aircraft in the Military49:07 Paths to Becoming an Aviator54:23 The Minuteman Scholarship56:41 Pros and Cons of Being a Warrant Officer01:04:16 Marriage in the Military01:06:00 Possibility of Seeing Action as an Apache Pilot
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Commercial Diving with Alex Baker

Alex Baker, a Navy veteran, shares his journey in the Navy, from initially planning to be a commercial diver to choosing a different path. He discusses selecting overseas assignments and the dynamics within different divisions on the ship. The conversation offers insights into the experiences and challenges faced by Navy personnel, including intense schedules, camaraderie, and unique lifestyles. It also touches on the drinking culture in the military, the transition to civilian life, and the benefits and opportunities in the trades industry, emphasizing stability, camaraderie, and potential for success.
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:33 Selecting Overseas Assignments
36:26 The Navy's Sense of Community
46:04 Drinking for Coping vs. Drinking for Fun
56:04 Exploring the Commercial Diving Industry
01:07:25 Finding Purpose and Camaraderie
01:17:23 The Importance of Mental Health and Staying Engaged
01:33:39 The Challenges of Financial Stability in the Military
01:42:46 The Potential for High Earnings in the Trades
01:50:38 The Trades as a Path to Personal and Professional Growth
 
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Adventures Abroad

Embark on a thrilling journey as we share tales of international travel. From Guam's unique attractions to Singapore's strictness, we explore shooting range escapades, and humorous anecdotes from naval ships. Join us for a whirlwind ride through the joys and challenges of globetrotting!
00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Traveling Abroad
09:01 Exploring Guam and Korea
32:06 Navigating the Districts of Singapore
43:11 The Walled City in Hong Kong and Living Conditions
51:17 Maintenance Issues on Naval Ships
58:02 Frustration with Lack of Accountability and Training
 
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Movies

In this episode, military movies take the spotlight as we critique their accuracy and share personal insights as veterans. From intense dramas like The Hurt Locker to humorous takes on Navy life in McHale's Navy, we cover a wide range of films. Spielberg and Hanks' attention to historical detail in Saving Private Ryan earns praise, while the lack of World War I cinematic coverage is noted. Tune in for a deep dive into the portrayal of military life on the big screen.
 
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Motor Mania

Join us as we discuss climate change, the food industry, electric vehicles, and automotive trends. From skepticism towards environmental warnings to the evolution of car manufacturers.
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So You Want to Enlist.. Special Guest Preston Murphy

The week we cover joining the military, boot camp experiences, life aboard the USS George Washington, transitioning out of the military. Preston Murphy shares his decision to leave the military.
 
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Weird things

This week we go into the Navy releasing UFO/UAP videos and talk about some of our weird sightings we have seen out to sea. We also get into it a little bit on the background of Nikola Tesla.

Introspective

This week we take a look at the military from an introspective point of view. How is it compared to what it seems like verses what its really like.
 
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