Tommy C First Class Navy Diver

In this episode of The Mess Deck Chronicles, we interview Thomas Commander, a first-class Navy diver with extensive experience in Naval Special Warfare. Thomas shares his journey from wanting to be a diver to navigating the complex cross-rate process, preparing for dive school, and the rigorous training he underwent. He discusses the challenges faced during dive prep and dive school, including the physical and mental demands, and the importance of achieving high scores in the Physical Screening Test (PST). The conversation also touches on the additional training required after dive school, including expeditionary combat school. In this segment, Tommy Commander shares his experiences and insights from dive school, detailing the rigorous training and challenges faced by Navy divers. He discusses the various stages of training, including scuba qualifications, advanced techniques, and the use of specialized equipment. The conversation also touches on the transition from training to real-world applications, including operations with SEAL delivery vehicles and the camaraderie among divers. Tommy emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental resilience in the demanding environment of military diving. In this segment, the conversation delves into the responsibilities of rescue operations, the thrilling experiences of diving in Alaska, and the cultural exchanges that occur during military collaborations. The speakers share anecdotes about their experiences, including the challenges faced during rescue missions, the excitement of underwater adventures, and the humorous interactions with international military personnel. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various themes surrounding military life, particularly focusing on the experiences of Navy divers. They discuss cultural misunderstandings between Australians and New Zealanders, share personal diving stories, and reflect on a harrowing experience of surviving a heart attack. The conversation also provides valuable advice for aspiring Navy divers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-investment. Finally, they reflect on their military memories, highlighting the camaraderie and unique experiences that shape their lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Navy Diver Thomas Commander
02:29 The Journey to Becoming a Diver
07:17 Navigating the Cross-Rate Process
11:40 Preparing for Dive School
18:22 The Rigorous Dive School Experience
30:53 Post-Dive School Training and Expeditionary Combat School
31:28 Diving into Dive School
36:10 The Rigorous Training of Navy Divers
41:44 Advanced Techniques and Equipment in Diving
47:52 Transitioning to Real-World Applications
52:39 Life After Dive School: Commands and Operations
01:01:39 Rescue Operations and Responsibilities
01:10:02 Diving Adventures and Experiences
01:19:12 Cultural Exchanges and Military Collaborations
01:24:01 Cultural Misunderstandings: Australia vs. New Zealand
01:27:02 Diving Stories and Experiences
01:28:29 Surviving a Heart Attack: A Diver's Tale
01:36:04 Advice for Aspiring Navy Divers
01:48:58 Reflections on Military Life and Memories

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