Radio Boat Forces
Radio Boat Forces offers essential discussions on maritime operations, professional development, open-source policy updates, and field insights from around the country. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts/guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Nevertheless, Radio Boat Forces provides exclusive content with leading experts, offering operational and leadership insights, as well as special guest interviews addressing mission-critical topics such as search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, aids to navigation, and other Coast Guard mission areas.
Whether you serve in the Coast Guard, a maritime partner agency, or consider yourself a military or maritime enthusiast, Radio Boat Forces delivers practical knowledge, historical insights, and other engaging content with a touch of light-hearted fun along the way.
Episodes
52 episodes
Season 1 Finale w/CAPT McCarthy & New OBF Crew
In the Season 1 finale, we welcome the newest members of the Office of Boat Forces team: YN1 Katie Mayer and LTJG Tommy Vroman. We learn who they are, where they’ve been, and what drives their commitment to the fleet. Then we sit ...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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21:03
So, You Wanna Buy a Boat
Ever hear a BM say, “Why don’t we just use this boat I found online?” Turns out, there’s a bit more to it. In this episode, Lieutenant Kevin Flood from the Office of Boat Forces, Platform Management (2-Side) walks us through what ...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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40:38
Big River ATON - Heartland District
We sit down with BMCM Kraig McCellan and BMCM Thomas Hines, OICs of the Coast Guard construction tenders Cheyenne and Gasconade, based in St. Louis. Their stories bring to life the critical but often unsung role ...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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42:33
A Warrant-ed Conversation
When two of the Coast Guard’s Specialty Force Managers sit down together, you know you’re in for more than just policy talk. In this episode, CWO Robert Birdwell and CWO Robert Devoy take us inside the world of warrant officers wh...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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29:57
Live from the Arctic District: ANT Sitka
In this episode, Radio Boat Forces heads north to the rugged beauty of Sitka, Alaska, where the Officer in Charge, BMC Dean Buckler and his team from ANT Sitka keep mariners safe amid some of the most challenging waters in the nation. Fr...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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18:02
Boat Forces and Joint Doctrine (NWDC)
In this episode, we sit down with CDR Ryan Koroknay, U.S. Coast Guard liaison to the Naval Warfare Development Center in Norfolk, VA. He provides insight into how the Coast Guard contributes to the Navy’s efforts in shaping joint doctrin...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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16:45
STA Kenosha - SMS & FOL
In this episode, BMCM Adam Bure, Officer-in-Charge of Coast Guard Station Kenosha, walks us through what it takes to lead a Scheduled Mission Station (SMS) and a Forward Operating Location (FOL). From seasonal ice rescue to law enforceme...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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19:07
The First Aviation Rescue Swimmer was a BM?
In this episode, we sit down with LCDR Steven Ober (ret)., whose career reflects both the traditions of Boat Forces and the evolution of Coast Guard aviation. Beginning his service on small boats, he advanced from crewmember to coxswain ...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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27:51
RBF Soundtracks
After getting multiple requests, we’re answering the call. This week’s episode is your one-stop shop for the music you’ve been hearing throughout the episodes. So, whether you’re driving, just need a boost, or getting ready for your PFT - we’ve...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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25:14
Frogmen, Spies, and Boat Forces - Part II
When a story is too good to leave on the cutting-room floor, you make room for a second run. In this follow-up episode with CDR Michael Bennett, USCG (Ret.), we share the candid, unscripted parts of our conversation that went beyond WWII...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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17:42
Frogmen, Spies, and Boat Forces - Part I
When the mission calls, some stories are too extraordinary to stay classified. In this episode, we sit down with CDR Michael Bennett, USCG (Ret.), founder of the website Guardian Spies and one of ...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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50:36
Platform Updates w/CG-7312
This episode welcomes CDR Noel Johnson, Chief of the 2-side (CG-7312) in the Office of Boat Forces, for a deep dive into the Coast Guard’s small boat community. From managing fleet readiness to tackling the challenges behind the scenes, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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16:23
From OIC Board to Panel
In this episode, CDR Leo Danaher (CG-7311) walks us through his firsthand experience with an OIC screening panel. He shares invaluable advice on strengthening your panel package, from highlighting mission-aligned competencies to framing ...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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28:30
Boat Forces Meet Shore Forces w/CAPT Fine
In this episode, CAPT Matthew Fine offers a flyover of CG-741’s role in connecting with Boat Forces programs. From ensuring readiness through data-driven training initiatives to deepening reserve integration under the Shore Forces Reserv...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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36:27
Boat Forces at the U.S. Strategic Level
This is an Unofficial Podcast. All views expressed are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Coast Guard or the Office of BoatForces.We shift the lens from deck-plate operations to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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17:43
RAND Report Review: U.S. Coast Guard Workforce 2040
Today we’re breaking down how workforce transparency and talent management shape your career, and how they might tie into Force Design 28. We unpack the RAND report Workforce 2040: Better Management Through Transparency and...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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15:13
Meet CG-731's Naval Architect
This week we sit down with Mr. Dave Shepard from the Office of Boat Forces, a key figure behind some of the Coast Guard’s most iconic platforms. From the early days of the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat to the development of the Response ...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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24:18
What About EAL?
We're joined by LT Chris Fuentes from the Office of Boat Forces 1-Side to discuss Electronic Asset Logbook (EAL). LT provides insight on the system’s role in capturing operational data, new changes to the way we capture information, and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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20:55
Boat Forces Medical Readiness Capability
We dive into the critical role of medical readiness in Coast Guard small boat operations. From heat casualties to trauma care in rough seas, we explore how EMT skills keep missions on track and save lives. We discuss medical gear, improvisation...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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16:29
Meet CG-7311 + LifeRing
In this episode, we sit down with CDR Leo Danaher from CG-7311 to gain sharp, firsthand insight into the evolving landscape of Coast Guard operations. With a wealth of experience from recent tours, CDR Danaher reflects on key lessons lea...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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33:38
ME-RFMC + What if We Never Left the Navy in 1946?
Outgoing ME Rating Force Master Chief Ryan Patterson sits down with us to reflect on his tour as the enlisted leader for Maritime Enforcement specialists. With approximately 7,000 certified boarding officers and boarding team members acr...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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22:23
Hurricane Season 2025
This week, we dive into Hurricane Season 2025 with insights from designated Coast Guard flood response members preparing to meet the potential mission head-on. We recap a recent multi-unit training exercise featuring expert partners from SPE...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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39:06
ANT Eufaula in Action + Propulsion and Fuel Talk with Dr. Kass
In this episode, we explore the future of marine propulsion with Dr. Michael Kass from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Dr. Kass shares his expertise on alternative fuels, electrification, and the practical challenges of integrating new te...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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39:57
VADM William 'Dean' Lee (Ret.)
In this episode, we sit down with VADM William "Dean" Lee, a distinguished Coast Guard leader whose 36-year career culminated as Commander of Atlantic Area. Known not just for his command over vast operations but for his deep commitment ...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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35:39
No Sleep till Brooklyn, New PFT, Awards, and Insignias
Ever finish a patrol alert but later realize you don’t remember half of it? That’s not just exhaustion; it’s fatigue silently sabotaging your performance. In this episode, we dive into the neuroscience of fatigue with Dr. Allison Brager,...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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30:22
