In this episode of the Submarine Sea Stories Podcast, host Bill Nowicki reunites with Dave Bowman, a former submariner who was first interviewed nearly 11 years ago. They reminisce about Dave’s captivating career in the Navy, his passion for naval history, and his extraordinary journey from a landlocked upbringing to life underwater. Dave shares personal anecdotes about influential mentors, his deep love for submarines, and his transformative 20-year process of converting to Judaism from a conservative Christian household. They also delve into the challenges of conveying the significance of their Cold War duties to younger generations and the camaraderie found within submarine veterans’ organizations. This episode explores personal growth, military history, and the profound connections forged within the submarine community.

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:26 - Catching Up with Dave Bowman

01:17 - Dave’s Journey to the Navy

05:03 - Life in the Navy and Mentorship

07:15 - Influential Figures and Personal Growth

10:28 - Transitioning Out of the Navy

18:04 - Full Circle: Returning to Submarine Community

18:33 - Joining the Submarine Veterans

19:11 - Discovering the Value of Sub Vet Meetings

20:22 - Becoming Base Commander During COVID

20:45 - Transition to Base Historian and Digitalization

22:07 - The Importance of Cold War Stories

24:42 - Challenges of Sharing Cold War Experiences

27:45 - The Bond Among Submarine Veterans

30:53 - Dave’s Podcasts and Online Presence

33:18 - Final Thoughts and Farewell