Permission To Speak Freely

Episode 171 | "That's When It Happened" (Feat. OSC Kenneth Batchler)

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, and how gaps in training, manning, and experience influenced the situation. The conversation moves into the after-action report, the challenges of forward-deployed operations, service in Japan, and the loss of shipmates. Damon and Aaron explore how the collision changed perspectives on training, accountability, and leadership, as well as how the USS John S. McCain became a reference point for future discussions on readiness. Later segments examine pre-collision versus post-collision operations, watch rotations, fatigue, training on new systems, and questions surrounding accountability. The episode also addresses mental health support after the collision, how the incident was portrayed publicly, whether leaders felt more empowered to speak up, and how the Navy changed following the 2017 collisions. The episode concludes with rapid-fire OS questions, discussion on the unique challenges faced by Operations Specialists, reflections on whether the collision would have occurred with today’s systems, and Ken’s #DoBetter message. These and more topics are covered in this episode.
 
 
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