USS Iowa - What it's like to actually command a battleship

Thanks to World of Warships Legends for sponsoring today's video, you can download it here: wo.ws/3gGyEOf
Today we talk to Captain Larry Seaquist about what it was like to actually captain one of the might Iowa class battleships!
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[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@gottjager760]

Would the RN have been better off building a pair of super cruisers in the 1941 program rather than Vanguard.

[@SeveralWeezelsInaTrenchcoat]

What's your favorite post-WW2 warship?

[@narcosman]

If the advent of aircraft carriers came much later, would we see far more battleships built during Word War 2?

[@kingb_1419]

If you could bring back any naval vessel that was destroyed, scrapped, etc. as a museum ship, which one would it be?

[@Michael_OBrian]

Had Yamato/Musashi survived the war what do you think would’ve happened to her/them?

[@CRAZYHORSE19682003]

I had a run in with Capt. Seaquist shortly after the accident in Turret 2. We had just pulled into port and I was standing guard making sure curious onlookers didn't try to get into the turret. I heard some people on the electrical decks, I was on the powder flats at the time. They started coming down the ladder and I let out a wrathful challenge of WHO THE F___ ARE YOU with the intent of stomping a mudhole in someone's rear. He barked right back I am Captain Seaquist and I am in charge of this investigation. I apologized and let him know I was on guard duty, he nodded and said carry on.

[@michaelhaykal6548]

I like how the captain just nodded and said carry on. It showed that he understand you were just carrying out your order and didn't make a fuss of being yelled at

[@jimtalbott9535]

Just doing your job.....

[@leighrate]

No point in punishment. I think you can pretty much guarantee that his subsequent job performance was stellar.

[@ztoob8898]

There's a scene in the movie "Twelve O'Clock High" where the gate guard lazily waves General Savage's car through and gets his butt royally chewed by said general (Gregory Peck) for not doing his job. The scene was based on a real-life event, and we've just witnessed how that scene plays out when the guard does what he's supposed to do. Thank you for your service, Theokolese.

[@RCAvhstape]

In the Marine Corps we had the 11 General Orders for sentries. Our drill instructors also told us about "General Order 12": To walk my post from flank to flank, and take no shit from any rank.

[@winghungyuen2726]

Respect to Captain Larry for volunteering his time and sharing his experience of commanding a battleship with Drach. That's not something everyone can put on their resume.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

True. And I find myself agreeing with Captain Seaquist here in that young people these days (not only in the Navy) don't get as much experience anymore as they used to. And what's worse: Many don't even WANT TO! I for one am very, VERY glad that he decided to share some of his experience with Drach's audience. Sure, it doesn't equal personal experience, but at least we gat a rough idea - and plenty of amusing anecdotes on top of it.

[@BoHolbo]

And hopefully, there are many more interviews and conversations like this to come!

[@GARDENER42]

Absolutely Many thanks Captain Seaquist for generously giving of your time to educate & entertain in regard to your command of USS Iowa.

[@Cheka__]

Seriously. I would pay for the privilege of talking to this man for an hour.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

This interview was fantastic! I hope Drach has the opportunity to do more in the future. Hearing from the CO's of ships gives you an insight you don't get from your average channel.

[@wordsisnukes]

I love how Larry gets more and more animated with each successive story told.

[@captainvladmir7535]

The glee whenever he was talking about gunnery was tangible.

[@TBone-bz9mp]

The sheer enthusiasm he has for the Iowa as a design, is infectious.

[@crazybarryfam]

Getting drunk on the memories.. Free endorphins.

[@khrisbird3146]

You got to think honestly how often does he get to talk about this stuff with someone who's actually interested I'd be pretty animated too if I was talking about video games or something of that line

[@OrDuneStudios]

@@captainvladmir7535 Gunnery is funnery - Gunnery Officer 2019 HMAS Newcastle.

[@DJF1985]

Hello Capt Seaquist, I served on on board BB61 From May 1985- May 1987 with the Marine Detachment, you were an excellent Commander. I loved my time at sea. I was one of the Marines trained as a forward observer directing those awesome 16 inch guns. Vieques was an excellent experience. I remember our ship shooting at icebergs above the Arctic Circle. Not sure if you were commanding then or if it was under Capt Gneckow, i hope i spelled his name correctly. God bless you and I'm so proud of your public defense of the crew during the terrible turret 2 explosion in 89. I saw you on the news bucking the official Navy position. You are an honorable man. So many wonderful memories Kiel, Norway, Portsmouth, France, Denmark, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, St Thomas, Gitmo, Colombia, gunnery exercises of of Scotland, shooting skeet of of Le Harve, Bremerhaven, Drinking with the Royal Marines, rendering Honors for President Duarte, King Olaf, President Reagan. My time on board helped me considerably when i went to Echo 2/2 and a whole new set of experiences Hello to Lt Schrieber, Gunnery Sgt Castro, Coffman, Tarr, White, Smith,Thomas,(Your Orderly) MacNamara, Gober, Rivera Rosado, Dangenais, Heitz, Gunnery Sgt Kirby, Lt Olsen, Capt Patton, and the rest of the guys. Semper Fi from Cpl Farrell.

[@martypalmiere7672]

Corporal Farrell, it's my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Lt. Schreiber, it's about 10 years now since he's passed. I found out from Colonel (former Capt.) Bolander, who relieved Capt. Patton as MARDET CO. You might remember me as Petty Officer 2nd class Palmiere, I ran the electrical tool issue at the time.

[@DJF1985]

@@martypalmiere7672 Thank you for the information on Lt Schrieber. He was an outstanding Marine Officer and an incredible mentor to us young Marines. I’m very proud to have served on BB 61.

[@matchesburn]

Captain Larry Seaquist is wealth of knowledge. There's not many men left alive that can say that they've commanded a destroyer, a frigate, and a battleship. And despite that fact, he's very humble to boot and knows that his crew is what makes commanding that ship even possible. Guy is a true legend and professional. Could listen to him talk for hours as you pick his brain, Drach. Massive thank you to both you and Captain Seaquist for doing this.

[@thissailorja]

only missing a Cruiser.

[@alexroselle]

And he served on a submarine too! So he’s served on both sides of the surface/sub divide, v. interesting

[@yannichudziak9942]

@@alexroselle hat off to you captain Larry Seaquist, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MultiZirkon]

@@thissailorja At that speed, I guess the Iowa turned into a cruiser too :-)

[@eddielane9569]

It was very refreshing to see him give honor to the crew. I have seen officers in the military when I was in the Marines who made it sound like they were the top dogs and everybody else was to be stomped on.

[@darrellsmith4204]

Props to Drach for not going 100% raging fanboy while interviewing one of the last remaining battleship captains. But the occasional "this is soooo freakin' awesome" grin can't be fully suppressed..

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

True. It makes it feel all the more genuine though.

[@fubar1764]

Oh, but you could tell Drach was trying to keep it together! 😎

[@ampoule1878]

lets be honest no one could contain their excitement lol

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

I've been loving the "special" episodes Drach has been doing lately; more interviews etc. Makes me excited to see what's on the horizon.

[@cliffcampbell8827]

I don't think I could contain myself if I were in Drach's shoes. I know me and I would be "EEEEEEE"-ing so much throughout the interview that anyone seeing the interview would be shouting for me to "put a cork in it, we want to hear what the CAPTAIN has to say...not your girlish squeals."

[@martypalmiere7672]

Drach, I'm a retired Chief Petty Officer (USN) and I had the pleasure of serving with Captain Seaquist from 1986 to 1988 on the IOWA, I served aboard her from Dec. 1983(precomm) until Jun. 1989. Without a doubt Larry Seaquist was the best damn "ship driver" I'd ever served under in my whole career (25 yrs.). He would have the tugs stand off and he'd take us out or pull us in by using all four engines and both rudders to "walk" the ship away from or to the pier. Very accurate presentation on Larry's part, helluva memory, hell he picked mine ! He was a little bit off on his speed recollection though......We Snipes would've loved to hit 37 knots, however our Chief Engineer told us "She's a 43 year old lady, let's not push her too hard, she's already waltzin' like a champ"......so we held her to 36.6 knots.....that's the Honest to Gods truth, we hold the fastest speed record for an IOWA class Battlewagon........regardless of what hogwash the New Jersey spews forth....They're just jealous. (We also hold the longest accurate shot record.) In closing, a Snipes Prayer of sorts: "And on the first day of creation, God said "Let there be Light" and the answer came from deep down below "number one switchboard AYE"......and the Navy Electricians Mate was born. "Eight Burnin'; Four Turnin'; Four Churnin' "

[@Daledavispratt]

My destroyer actually refueled at sea from Iowa in the mid 80's while Capt. Seaquist was Skipper. I was on the forward refueling station and Iowa swung her # 2 turret to starboard (right at us) and announced via her 1MC "Stand by to receive shot line forward"...it delighted the crews of both ships to no end, and it's a moment in my life I will never forget. Then at 55:00 he mentions such an incident, how wonderful! :-)

[@DJF1985]

I remember that. Your ship started the fooling around when you loaded two of those missiles onto the launcher and pointed them at our ship. I’m sure they were not live ones. But then our ship pointed the 16” guns at your ship. It was pretty funny. I believe we were in the North Atlantic on one of the cruises in 86 or 87. It could have been one of the CGs like Yorktown or Belknap. It was a while ago. A lot of that funny stuff took place out at sea.

[@alessandrorizzuti7857]

Drach is like a small child who goes to Disney world for the first time

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Eh... Not an ideal comparison. Disney is fake top to bottom. This Captain here, however, is the real deal. But in terms of excitement I suppose it is close enough, yes.

[@jimtalbott9535]

I was thinking the same thing. Drach seemed giddy.

[@andrewl5127]

To be fair so was I. What a great guy.

[@cbbees1468]

This was like the excitement as a kid on Christmas morning or going on a backpacking trip in the mountains for the first time as a youngin.

[@njm3211]

And meets Walt Disney?

[@keitatsutsumi]

haven't watched the entire thing yet, but you got an ex-USS Iowa captain for an interview?? wow, how'd you manage that?!

[@faded_specter6495]

I’d bet it was wows

[@Drachinifel]

The good Captain emailed me to talk about another video I'd done, I asked if he wouldn't mind an interview, he said yes :)

[@piritskenyer]

@@Drachinifel oh? Do tell? Which video?

[@m35benvids87]

@@Drachinifel You have a truly impressive group of viewers. Be proud of that.

[@GoldPicard]

Is it bad that until I took a hard look at it, I thought this was a video from the BB New Jersey channel? I mean an interview like this would be par for the course for a museum curator but not a from Drach, I mean I expect quality content from a person with a lot of heart but I hadn't expected him to step up to this level just yet. Cheers mate and keep up the great work.

[@mybendad1]

When I first met Larry Seaquist I thought he was a very humble and down to earth guy who was a former state legislator for our district and was still civically engaged in our community. I knew he was a Navy Veteran like me but only after I got to know him better did I learn that he was a former Captain of the battleship USS Iowa. I remember telling him "I knew you were a Navy Veteran Larry but holy shit!" Nothing but respect for a man who is a friend and mentor to my wife and myself.

[@StupidRobotFightingLeague]

Is it just me or does he describe everything beautifully clearly?

[@grizzlygrizzle]

He really described the experiences well, not just sterile accounts of what happened.

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

You got your hands on an _ACTUAL_ BB captain!? Wow, this is awesome! Thanks to the captain for offering his time to everyone! Greetings from Sweden

[@HeimirTomm]

@disc_oidal It indeed is. Actually spelled "Sjöquist".

[@penultimateh766]

This is good because he makes clear at several points that his memory may be inexact after all that time. They don't just let anybody command a battleship.

[@DeliveryMcGee]

Military stories are like fish stories or deer-hunting stories, or your buddy telling you about how he hooked up with a hot chick at the bar t'other day (something something giant racks re: the latter examples), the numbers get bigger ever time they're told. C.f. "LA Speed Check". As Mark Twain said, "Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story."

[@penultimateh766]

@@DeliveryMcGee And that USS Iowa is perhaps the hottest chick a man could ask for!

[@darelboyer4215]

@@penultimateh766 All the right curves in all the right places.

[@khaelamensha3624]

@@darelboyer4215 And the stare! Quite a stare! 16inch one

[@pinkyfull]

he did seem confused about which canal connects the pacific to the atlantic.

[@steeltrap3800]

As someone who's read naval history for more than 40 years, this is an archive of information that is all but priceless. Congrats on managing to get Capt Larry on the channel, and of course boundless thanks to the good Capt for sharing his time, knowledge and memories. Indeed the latter are the truly impossible pieces of history literally impossible to get anywhere else. I'm sure you considered yourself fortunate to have this chance, and we are even more fortunate to have you to arrange and then share it. For all we curse it, and rightly so, this is a reminder of the wonderful things that are possible through YT (if the people who run it would just stay the hell out of the way, LOL). Thanks so much.

[@Lowkeh]

+1 Hear, hear!

[@paulmerritt418]

As an Army field artilleryman I loved his discussion of gunnery. I’ve always been impressed by the science that goes into flinging projectiles down range to accurately strike a target. Throw in a moving gun and a moving target and you’ve just compounded the gunnery solution. Kudos to my Navy gunnery kin!

[@golfhound]

Paul Merritt the ship also rocks port and starboard due to the sea's currents/waves. But there are special gyros connected to each gun to compensate for roll to keep it on target. Something army artillery doesn't need to worry about.

[@WordBearer86]

@@golfhound Not the artillery no, but tanks are a different story.

[@WordBearer86]

Thought you might enjoy this red-leg, was written by a world war 1 British soldier. It's part one of a two part poem about artillery. The Voice of the Slaves by Gilbert Frankau We are the slaves of the guns, Serfs to the dominant things; Ours are the eyes and the ears, And the brains of their messagings. Ours are the hands that unleash The blind gods that raven by night, The lords of the terror at dawn, When the landmarks are blotted from sight By the lit curdled churnings of smoke; When the lost trenches crumble and spout Into loud roaring fountains of flame ; Till, their prison walls down, with a shout And a cheer, ordered line after line, Black specks on the barrage of gray That we lift - as they leap - to the clock, Our infantry storm to the fray. These are our masters, the slim Grim muzzles that irk in the pit; That chafe for the rushing of wheels, For the teams plunging madly to bit As the gunners swing down to unkey, For the trails sweeping half-circle-right, For the six breech-blocks clashing as one To a target viewed clear on the sight - Dun masses, the shells search and tear Into fragments that bunch as they run - For the hour of the red battle-harvest, The dream of the slaves of the gun. We have bartered our souls to the guns; Every fibre of body and brain Have we trained to them, chained to them. Serfs ? Aye! but proud of the weight of our chain - Of our backs that are bowed to their workings, To hide them and guard and disguise - Of our ears that are deafened with service, Of hands that are scarred, and of eyes Grown hawklike with marking their prey - Of wings that are ripped as with swords When we hover, the turn of a blade From the death that is sweet to our lords. By the ears and the eyes and the brain, By the limbs and the hands and the wings, We are slaves to our masters the guns . . . But their slaves are the masters of kings.!

[@pottyputter05]

That's why I never liked the line from the colonel hawkeye saves in MASH when he says "I'm an artillery man, I've bombed the hell out of targets you couldn't see if you stood on top of them and nobody ever thanked me" (paraphrasing) and the idea given is you're not supposed to respect what he does or said in comparison. Yes it kills people but as in life you take care of your own first and its that simple so ask the soldier that just had the thing trying to kill him blow up from a round shot so far away you heard the gun go off after the target had already been turned into mist how much he respects the men that fired that shot.

[@pottyputter05]

@@WordBearer86 tanks shooting on the move are incredible. The material of it all explains these big guns, tanks artillery and ships alike but it still doesn't spoil the magic at work when you see it or even think about it in real world terms

[@samjmarsay]

What a rare insight. Thank you Drach and all my respect and admiration to Captain Larry Seaquist.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Aye! Very much agreed.

[@BeKindToBirds]

FYI if you want more like this the battleship New Jersey museum channel has roughly a hundred interviews of people who served on Iowa class battleships. (Mostly on big J herself obviously)

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@BeKindToBirds Good recommendation! The channel of USS Iowa also has a bunch of interesting videos, but not as many, and not with former crew IIRC

[@bensheiles8648]

0

[@bensheiles8648]

@@BeKindToBirds 0

[@reaperking2121]

And here we have further proof to why Drach is an absolute legend and his KZbin channel is a treasure to the world . 114 min video no adds and its one of the few videos which is sponsored on his channel and its an interview with a real life Battleship Captain.

[@miamijules2149]

Yeah guy is a f***ing Swiss-crafted marvel of badassery isn’t he? Lol well, British-crafted anyways 🥲😂

@@miamijules2149 Did you know that the Swiss watch making industry started off making cheap knockoffs of British models? ;)

[@hairychris444]

Watched the Iowa come in to Portsmouth as a kid from the walls. It was a big event. Fun to see the captain as a guest on the channel. The pub by the harbour entrance is called The Still & West. There were ongoing jokes about it getting knocked into the sea by the Americans...

[@ismetyalimalatli7581]

Ah yes, 1986 Istanbul visit. I was in primary school and my school was on the Marmara shore facing the Southern approaches. I remember seeing her on the horizon and screaming inside incredulously "What? Missouri? Here? How?"... because I had the Esci 1/1200 kit and I was in love with the ship. Then, a few days later, crossing the Bosporus Bridge saw her again anchored just off Dolmabahçe Palace with, I think Ticonderoga (I am probably misremembering). Boy, that was a marvelous sight to see for my 7 year old eyes.

[@RobJaskula]

This is a great story, thanks for sharing the memories!

[@jacksonlarson6099]

"I had grown up with the 5"/38 gun. That's the only gun I could take apart myself." I'd like to trade in my childhood for whatever this guy did, please.

[@jaybee9269]

Indeed!

[@grizzlygrizzle]

And how many higher-ups, in the military, government, and private sector today have that kind of knowledge of AND RESPECT FOR what goes on at the level where the real work is done?

[@alanmcclenaghan7548]

The 16"/50 could use an extra pair of hands.

[@mikecavanaugh3672]

I served with this Captain. I can speak with distinct clarity of conviction and for every Bluejacket, Chief or Officer on Iowa. This Commanding Officer was the epitome of professionalism and career minded mentoring of his crew. He was an outstanding CO and an example of Leadership by Example. ( USS IOWA BB61- QM3 Navigation Division. Jan 1987-Oct 1989)

[@mikecavanaugh3672]

@Gripen DrakenAppreciate your kind words, but... No Sir. Thank You for My Service. Would do it again without a second thought. I enjoyed every part of my 24 years. I am the 28th of 32 Navy Men in our family. ( 8th of group to serve on Battleships). We range from Surface Warfare to SEALs to Naval Aviators. I am the only one in the entire group who was enlisted, but I declined my Naval Academy appointment after the Turret 2 incident in 1989. No regrets. I decided the Naval Hierarchy had abandoned the IOWA , her crew and common sense investigation following that incident. I had a very different sense of US Naval Leadership, along with most of the crew following the investigation. Hence, no desire to be an officer after that. Again, no regrets. Had an awesome career in the Fleet or Blue Water Navy/Big Navy (Black Shoe Navy), brief stint in the Naval Aviation side (Brown Shoe Navy)and ended my career in NSW/ SBU/ SWCC. Literally, an incredible run for any Sailor. My first ship, IOWA, was under Captain Seaquist. Like a favorite teacher in school, an awesome sports coach or any other kind of mentor in life, he was unforgettable. He never , ever was not leading by example or not 1000% invested in the crew. Awesome Man, Awesome Captain and Awesome Human Being. On a sidenote, our XO in that same time period was "Iron" Mike Fahey, another legendary Naval Officer and Leader. He later commanded the USS Kennedy. Our Command Master Chief was the most Senior Master Chief in the Navy who chose IOWA for his "Sunset Tour" before retirement. He and Capt Seaquist knew and respected each other for years in the Fleet and teamed up aboard IOWA. Point being...USS IOWA was the US Second Fleet Flagship the entire time Capt Seaquist was aboard. When he and Capt Fahey and CMC Kelley all finished their command tours on IOWA and were replaced in 1988, the ship literally nosedived in morale and professionalism. As a crew, we own that lack of effort. However, the new Captain and XO and CMC were toxic from the beginning, resulting in lack of command presence and respect. This ultimately reached the fatal conclusion in April 1989 resulting in the largest disaster and US Naval loss of life on one ship in naval history. That can only rest on the Captain at that juncture in IOWAs career. Bottom line? Zero Doubt. No Debate. No Question. IF Capt Seaquist had still been in Command of IOWA in 1989, the explosion and subsequent naval investigation/coverup would never have occured. Incidentally, Capt Seaquist was initially assigned as the primary investigator after the incident. Its common held belief by the crew still on IOWA when he came aboard was that he would ultimately bring the truth to light and cause potential issues for the Flag Officers(Admirals) in the DoD, Pentagon and Naval Leadership. It was an illegal gunnery exercise that caused this. The Admirals and new Captain were complicit in this from day one. Captain Seaquist was relieved very early on from the investigation and hence it was over ten years later the US Navy admitted to fault that this incident had nothing to do with Gunners Mate Second Class Clay Hartwig. Never did, never will. Except for one very specific point of fact. GM2 Hartwig was the FIRST person to realize the fact that we were about to have a catastrophic event in the turret during a live fire exercise. He literally gave his life in vain to warn others of the impending explosion. He was closest to the initial point of origin that started the sequence of tragedy. He IS and WAS a hero that day to this for his selfless act to try to save his shipmates. Instead the Navy vilified him, his family and the legacy of the ship and crew forevermore tarnished. In the Navy, we take care of our own.....until its an inconvenience to leadership. Then its every sailor for himself. /// All this being said, again Sir....Thank You for My Service. It was my Honor and pleasure. Fair Winds and Following Seas....

[@albusvoltavern4500]

“As you remember, back in the 80’s” geez way to make me feel like a little kid

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Heh.. yeah.. and makes you feel old once the story is over..

[@meansartin]

Each time he says that all I can think is "Bro, I was born in 85."

[@johnbuchman4854]

Remember watching Neil Armstrong walking on the moon or the Beatles on Ed Sullivan? No? You poor unfortunate...

[@videodistro]

I remember. In a way we are all kids. It's all perspective.

[@VarangianGuard13]

I feel this in my soul. Doing stuff in the 80s

[@variableknife4702]

This gentleman is a class act. Recognizes his crew - notice how much the people were part of what he remembers? I'm actually not sure there's a yard in the world that could build those hulls again, to that degree of quality and with so much armor plate.

[@westcoaststacker569]

It is truly amazing! Just viewing thru the doors to the helmsman how thick the walls are that circle around in perfection. Awesome what they were able to do at the time.

[@rossington1680]

And they did it with slide rule, pencil and paper! I watch battleship New Jersey’s channel slot…… The engineering is staggering. The electrical wiring in that ship alone was a massive feat in its self. Amazing!

[@kevspss]

I served under captain Seaquist. I was in no.2 fireroom. Very good captain. He used to come down to Broadway a lot to see us. Nice to see him again.

[@allmyhobbiesareexpensive2676]

This interview goes beyond your normally excellent historical catalog and captures a finite thing, living memory. I could selfishly call this a national treasure, but I believe this is a storehouse of knowledge for the international community. Thank you for preserving this, and for letting the Captain go where he would with recollection instead of constantly steering as some others might have done. Cheers Drach.

[@SomeNorwegian]

I'm fairly sure that Drach would absolutely love to be able to pepper the Captain with questions, but he recognizes the importance of documenting the living memory of such a person, takes precedence over steering a conversation for the sake of a interview, if that make sense? I feel like it make sense in my brain atleast!

[@aidan11162]

“Symphony of firepower” never heard it called that but it does sound so so good to hear

[@PorscheRacer14]

Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth is probably playing in the loaders headsets during firing drills :) Or at least that's what I like to imagine, haha.

[@Lemonjellow]

@@PorscheRacer14 that would be sooo EPIC!!!!

[@notshapedforsportivetricks2912]

Symphony of firepower sound great if you're in the orchestra; not so hot-so if you're in the audiece.

[@jaybee9269]

What a gent you are, Drach, not to pedantically correct the Captain when he made a couple of little mistakes. Well done!

[@davidbrennan660]

His stories , his day.... time blends and passes.

[@kr4ftt]

i would believe every single word this guys says, even if it was wrong tbh

[@bofat65]

Props for just letting him talk and tell his priceless stories. The best interviewers know when not to talk or ask questions, as much as what question to ask next. Thank you so much for sharing his first-person accounts of naval history with us.

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

Absolutely amazing, we got actual captains now. Also I like the dinosaurs on the shelf

[@bryantcurtis2665]

I was a boiler technician on the USS Gridley CG 21 1983 to 1984. He has those piercing eyes of a captain yelling at me.

[@stephendixon4619]

When I was in, the Gridley was a DLG, did they stretch her into CG.

[@OrDuneStudios]

@@stephendixon4619 DLGs became CG in 75

[@awhahoo]

Does CG mean coast guard or does it mean something else in this context?

[@wll1500]

@@awhahoo Cruiser

[@awhahoo]

@@wll1500 Ah, thanks

[@AdamMGTF]

As a proud Englishman I would like to think CPT Larry for his service. His is a life that any of us could be proud of.

[@davidrepanshek3355]

I served under both Capt Seaquist and Capt Mosally during my tour on IOWA. Capt Seaquist reenlisted me in #3 Fireroom. I was the LPO back then of #3. I remember the pride was so strong under Seaquist. Wherever he went, he had a marine guard with him even while at sea. He carried an air of authority about him that made a very strong impression upon me. Later I became a BTC and eventually a CW04 serving on other ships. I'm retired now and teaching at a local community college but reflect back often on those wonderful years and it is amazing how I can pinpoint certain individuals' leadership can have such a huge influence on a person's life. Capt Seaquist by far had the greatest influence in both my professional and civilian career other than my Pastor Bright from Valley Baptist Church when I was growing up in a small mining town in Pennsylvania. There was just something about him (Capt Seaquist) that made you so proud. Unless you served with him, its hard to describe the feeling of those years on the IOWA, and I had also served on 5 other ships in addition to IOWA but there was nothing in comparison to those years 1986 to 1988.

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

That is really a great and heartwarming testimonial for Captain Sequist, a humble and no doubt capable man. That he later went into public service was also commendable. I forgive his reference of crossing from Pacific to Atlantic via the "Suez" canal. Though with 50+ years running our own show, I am still working at two jobs in company business; that keeps MY brain sharp' . . ish 😉

[@vonkergan7004]

This is awesome Drach I have to say thank you for this. I myself joined the U.S. Marines in 1980. Thank you Captain for your service.

[@rimshot2270]

My father served on the USS Iowa for over a year during WWII. He always spoke reverentially of it. He was very sad when the accident occurred. They lost more men in that one incident than they did during all of WWII.

[@golfhound]

I served on board the USS Iowa from 1983-Aug 1987. The first Capt was now Admiral Gneckow, retired, who was loved by the crew and officers. Capt Seaquist was also my C.O. for half of my time on board. He was also popular with the crew. It was a great ship to serve on. When the ship was commissioned in1984, about 50 of the crew were old time reservists - gunners mates, engine technicians and boiler techs. All of the engines, boilers and 16 inch guns needed sailors who had experience on those items to train the new crews. To say it was a great time in my sea tour would be an understatement. We sailed all over the Caribbean, Central America (East and West coasts), western Europe and the North Atlantic. We even sailed up the east coast of Greenland and circled around the northern part of Norway. Crossing the Arctic circle was also fascinating as the sun never got higher than about 15 degrees above the horizon. I probably don't need to tell anyone how cold it was above the Arctic Circle and yes there were icebergs. I got to experience the Aurora Boreas across the midnight sky. In two summers and one winter we sailed the North Atlantic with heavy seas and strong winds. 65 foot waves were common and the deck was often awash with waves, even on a battleship. The North Atlantic in heavy seas is not for the fainthearted. One could easily be swept overboard by the waves washing over the main deck. God help destroyer sailors as their ships tilted port and starboard up to 45 degrees. They aren't called bulkhead walkers for nothing. Sea going sailors are a tough hearty bunch who've braved heavy seas and often extreme cold or heat. The Battleship was the best surface sea duty in the navy.

[@jan-erikschmidt3447]

In the 80s I had the privilege to watch the "Iowa" and the "New Jersey" at sea and in port. At Kiel week one of them was just at the horizon, because she was not allowed into Kiel harbour (because she carried possibly nuclear weapons, which I found ridiculous). On the other occasion, we took part in the naval parade for the centennial celebration of the "Statue of Liberty" in New York, where President Reagan got the President's salute by 27 international "men of war", as I was a cadet on the Federal German Navy's training ship "Deutschland". As my own grandfather was a cadet on the old ship of the line "SMS Schlesien" some kind of circle closed for myself as I could watch one hell of a ship closely passing by, covered in gun smoke due to the salutes. It has been a quite happy moment. And I was not surprised to learn whole libanese villages were wiped out, when they shot their guns at them, as we watched in the news...😳 Thank you both for this interview!👍🏻 BRAVO ZULU! Well done!😉 Kind regards, Jan-Erik Schmidt, LtCdr, German Naval Reserve

[@thomasheyart7033]

Kiel week was fun.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Seems an odd restriction given that we had stores such as Lance tactical nukes and Atomic Demolition Munitions on German soil.

[@mattblom3990]

Drach, run another World of Warships Mikasa event. That was a ton of fun to participate. We broke the game and I spawned my pre-dreadnought on top of a mountain.

[@gizzmo89]

I was in the same game, fun as hell with some mikasa bunkers on the mountain 😂

[@reidbewley7097]

but on legends

[@Islander0711]

Did you have good gunnery on that mountain? I know the torps would have a hard time getting to you.

[@mattblom3990]

@@gizzmo89 Really? That's awesome that you were up there as we slowly rolled down. I've got a screenshot of it somewhere.

[@SensorGhost1]

I didn't command the USS Iowa (BB61); but I did serve on her as a GMG2 in G3 Division (the aft 16-inch gun turret). To this day, I take great pride in her and my service aboard her.

[@johnmanning4577]

I normally don't watch long youtube videos but since I live right down the coast from USS Iowa and have visited, appreciated and contributed to her a number of times, I thought: what could it hurt to take a peek? As others have commented, the time flew by. This is without a doubt one of the ten most fascinating videos I've ever been privileged to watch. And I have no idea at the moment which the other nine might be. Captain Seaquist is not only capable and knowledgeable, he is also extremely articulate and interesting. Your questions were excellent and you had the intelligence not to ask them until it made sense to. I don't know if you did much editing. The interview seemed absolutely seamless. Thank you so much for this for this magnificent episode.

[@Para_Pilot]

"Became the most accurate firing battleship in history" **Proud Admiral Lee noises**

[@robertslugg8361]

You can be more accurate when angry people aren't shooting back.

[@cowishere8222]

@@robertslugg8361 honestly the biggest thing is better spotting from drones and optics. Its easier to duplicate results if you know what they were in the first place

[@vaclavjebavy5118]

@@cowishere8222 exactly. Even if they lost the drones I'd bet they'd get real good results.

[@nicolivoldkif9096]

And I'd bet Adm. Lee would have taken to the new tech with equal vigor.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

So if the two could actually meet in person, would they be ragging on about the competition, or would they drink into the night discussing naval gunnery?

[@karlvongazenberg8398]

38:00 Iowa at 37 knots - destroyer escorts: O.O

[@adenkyramud5005]

Oh god I just realized what kind of video this is... This is absolutely amazing. To hear from an old sailor is always interesting, and this is the captain of one of the most legendary ships of all time... What a legend. Thanks for this wonderful content drach

[@CharliMorganMusic]

Seriously, this is top tier content.

[@oldcremona]

Top tier content with a top tier guest.

[@doomed2die595]

CAPTAIN ON DECK!!! Its been a long time since I instantly stood at attention full salute at the sight of an Officer. What an awesome man to listen to, this was extremely enjoyable, thank you Captain Larry and thank you Crewman Drach.

[@TexasSpectre]

Making the ship capable of supporting not just herself but her entire surface action group with her on-board repair and fabrication resources is a brilliant innovation.

[@18robsmith]

Larry certainly sounded "As Happy as Larry" when describing being given unlimited ammunition for training :-)

[@mortisCZ]

If I've had one of the largest naval guns ever produced under my thumb and someone gave me a blank check to turn my people into amazing gunners...I'd be very happy too.

[@hugmynutus]

I died at the "Gentlemen of Commerce" line. Good name for smugglers.

[@colormedubious4747]

Now THIS is exactly the sort of thing KZbin SHOULD be about! Well done, Drach. Please keep luring naval veterans onto your channel for these fascinating discussions. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, Captain Seaquist. Please come back soon!

[@Buconoir]

This is so so good! Thank you from an 80s USN sailor. She was an incredible sight at sea, especially when she fired. She would be all the way out on the horizon and still look huge!

[@saltydawg1793]

We in Iowa pioneered the idea of sending hundreds of people ashore for local assistance for Central American countries in 1984 and 85. We took on Army helicopters (Hueys) because Navy helos were unsuited to the purpose and could operate off a ship with no real aviation facilities except fuel. And Captain Larry is correct in the impact we had before and after he arrived. What we were doing was taking the place of carrier battle groups for that mission because their time was more important elsewhere and we could get there more often.

[@RoKKr023i]

Larry is a damn cool guy. Thanks for bringing us his knowledge and experience Drac

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Agreed - on all points. I just wish there were more people like this in the world.

[@billscott2093]

Living in northern NJ my wife and I traveled to NY via the George Washington bridge which is 178 street. We traveled south to get to the very tip of Manhattan Battery Park. You were no allowed to drive south of 48 street. We parked the car and then walked 48 blocks with a large cooler that we carried by putting a 5 foot stick thru both of the coolers handle, she led the way holding her end of the stick and I followed carrying my end of the stick. Made it all the way to the tip of the park with no one in front of us. The battle ship pulled into NY harbor with all the fire boats spraying red white and blue water. The sight of the Iowa was breath taking, such massive power I'm glad we owned it and not the bad guys. 15,000 boats on NY harbor!!!! The fire work were beyond description, thought the were going to blow up the Statue of Liberty with the fire works that lite up the harbor, you could read a news paper like it was 12 noon. A huge cloud of dense smoke was over NY harbor. In the middle of the display a huge American flag the hung over NY harbor with no obvious support. The huge American flag lit up, it was imbedded with brilliant fire works. Turns out the good year blimp was hiding in the dense smoke cloud and could not be seen at all. After the show we walked 48 block north to our car and the dove up to 178th street to go over the George Washington bridge. Visibility was very bad going over the bridge, since to was still imbedded in the smoke from the fire works 2 hours lated as was mos tof norther NJ was covered with smoke. Quit a show , I'll never forget.

[@trevorstein4603]

Absolutely epic Drach. Watching this was like reliving a memory of my childhood with my grandfather talking to me in the living room about his service in the pacific. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you Drach for not only having Capt. Seaquist on, and all of his insight and memories about the old girl, but for allowing future generations, to have this experience, that many don't get to have. A living, link to the past, a past which fascinates a lot of us here, which is why we watch and listen to your excellent videos and commentary. Thank you, Capt. Seaquist, for your valuable time and sharing those memories with us. I hope we get many more chances to hear about you and your time in the Navy. As a proud grandchild of a former Navy man, I would feel deeply honored to buy you both your beverages of choice, if our paths were to ever cross.

[@1911olympic]

The Iowa looks really beautiful, almost like a yacht. What a fantastic ship. Larry is very friendly and wise, a captain everybody would wish for!

[@damedusa5107]

I still think my fav ship for visual appeal is has warspite. The tower and bridge just look amazing.

[@barrag3463]

"you had little boats, zipping between Oman and Iran... I called them "Gentlemen of Commerce;" they were just the regular... ...smuggling, going on...." God bless Seaquist, that made me laugh too hard.

[@johnbirmingham4083]

I love the slip up, hearing the personnel working aloft word passed in his head... "Do not rotate or radiate any electronic equipment..." and he recognizes that he says it like that and laughs a little. This man is a gem! Drach, you better get a team to start mining him!

[@timbutterfield7293]

Drach, truly a memorable conversation. I live just an hour away from Gig Harbor Washington. The Captain is just another real life hero, living right next door, and I would never know it, if you hadn't done thins interview. Thank you. And the Captain, well I would be honored to buy that man a drink.

[@Thirdbase9]

I've tried commanding a battleship, they don't listen very well.

[@MoparNewport]

That is because, like any mechanical lady, you have to know her language. From the smallest motorcycle to an aircraft carrier and anything in between, if she has any form of mechanical heart, you need to know her language.

[@TBone-bz9mp]

Remember battleships are goal orientated, so make sure to always give them a job to do, or they'll get bored and destructive.

[@MrThekingofrock97]

you can tell this man is truly proud of his service. This quality of the content on this channel is amazing. Thank you.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

Proud, but not arrogant. I was impressed with his humility. And see above his response when, after the turret explosion, he was inspecting the ship in civilian clothing, in charge of the investigation, and the on-duty guard yelled at him with profanity until he identified himself.

[@waterloo32594]

This interview makes me so happy. So many of these older professionals and veterans are dying off without anyone to tell their stories. It’s nice to see you tubers, be it Drach, the Chieftain, Battleship New Jersey channel, or others, who take the time to interview these gentlemen before it’s too late. So much knowledge has been lost these past few decades.

[@WilliamMNolte]

I had the opportunity as a member of the (two-man) history staff at the National Security Agency to visit the Iowa when it was in Philadelphia, shortly before its refit in the early 1980s. The justification we gave for requesting the visit was to see what WWII-to-1950s radio gear had been left on board when she was mothballed. (The real reason was we wanted to get time on an Iowa-class battleship. The staff in Philadelphia was wonderful. We got to go wherever we wanted to go, and in so many of the areas -- the CIC, for example, -- it was as if the last watch team simply walked out on their last tour. I think some of the equipment the Navy was prepared to provide us is on display at the National Cryptologic Museum. Because we'd said we wanted to see all the comms spaces, we got a great look at the redundancy of the ship's systems. We thought we'd finished when one of our hosts noted that there was one more comms facility, all the way up in the foremast. My colleague, the senior historian, declined the opportunity and sent me aloft. It was amazing. I think it would have held two people, maybe three, and it took two of us to open the door, which must have been 4-6 inches thick. It was a great day, but when I walked into my house, my wife insisted I disrobe on the porch. I hadn't realized that at that point my clothes and I reeked of cosmoline. Great session, Drach.

[@TheEDFLegacy]

You sounded so giddy when this video started. XD That was a great interview! My Patreon question could very well be answered by this amazing living Captain of the Iowa. Hopefully you can meet him in person once the Pandemic's over! If you read this, Larry, thank you for your service and the amazing interview!

[@sloppyjoe400]

This channel just keeps raising the bar. Also didn't realize how much went into gunnery, absolutely fascinating

[@RCAvhstape]

I was involved in field artillery years ago, and it was similar stuff. Each gun has its own logbook, and everything that is done with that weapon gets recorded. How many shells it fired, what the charges were, etc. These are all inputs to the computations, along with wind, temperature, humidity, and so on. The computations are mostly done with software, but, at least in my time, all artillerymen are trained to do things old school using firing tables and slide rule computers, which don't ever break down. The gunnery, when done right, is supper accurate. Batteries would sometimes write their name in the sky using illumination rounds and timed fusing at the end of a field exercise. The scariest thing I saw was a regimental time on target, when the entire 14th Marine artillery regiment timed all their guns to hit the same target at the same moment, resulting in a massive mushroom cloud. I'd hate to be on the wrong end of that.

[@sloppyjoe400]

@@RCAvhstape very cool!

[@jeebuz777]

Love the Captain's description of lighting up the active radar in the small patch of international water where they got to behave like a warship, and everybody just going "Nope, no thank you have a good evening sir" until they were long gone. What a force those ships were when well trained on and responsibly ran.

[@ddougo]

Thank you for this Drach. Capt. Seaquist, your humility and perspective are amazing. My father was a SWO for 26 years, and he used to speak of the importance of mutual respect between Captain and crew and the importance of every man. He passed away four years ago this week, and hearing Captain Seaquist helps me feel my connection to my dad. Drach way give him the space to tell his story. I love everything you post but this is the best yet.

[@ar4040smith]

Wow, I don't live too far from this esteemed gentleman.

[@mybendad1]

When I first met Larry Seaquist I thought he was a very humble and down to earth guy who was a former state legislator for our district and was still civically engaged in our community. I knew he was a Navy Veteran like me but only after I got to know him better did I learn that he was a former Captain of the battleship USS Iowa. I remember telling him "I knew you were a Navy Veteran Larry but holy shit!" Nothing but respect for a man who is a friend and mentor to my wife and myself.

[@HereticalKitsune]

Captain Seaquist's enthusiasm is such a pleasure to listen to, he really loves his job and sharing his stories.

[@lt.petemaverickmitchell7113]

OUTSTANDING interview! I went to school with two sailors that were on the Iowa at the time of the turret two explosion. Loved listening to everything the Captain had to say.

[@kperkins1982]

This might be the best youtube experience I've had in years. Combination of a guy that clearly wants to tell his stories and is proud of his service and a genuinely interested host is heartwarming, interesting, and entertaining. Please please do more of these type of interviews. I like your regular content alot as a sub of multiple dark channels but this format was amazing. I could listen to this old dude forever.

[@Sub-km4nk]

This interview must be inshrined in history.

[@empath69]

I totally agree, this is an invaluable piece of knowledge. But we'll need to archive it someplace OTHER than KZbin then...

[@juno1915]

Maybe time to start downloading and making a file on my 2TB hard drive labeled "drachinism"

[@bobbychoate7476]

Captain is definitely proud of his ship, I love to see it

[@waskawiiwabbit4465]

Really enjoyed this interview, Drach - Thank You! I wish USS Iowa had been fitted with those 100mile range guns Captain Seaquist mentioned, could come in handy these days in the South China Sea, reminding the Chinese (and the Russians) we're still No. 1.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

Proud of his men, too. Also great to see that.

[@stevewindisch7400]

Wow what a great installment! Captain Seaquist was captivating and we all honor him for his service and wonderful storytelling. His mention of the 37 knot top speed is the second time I heard it, the first from a veteran junior officer of that same time period (an interview video posted on the New Jersey channel).

[@sbeckmesser]

I have very fond memories of visiting the Iowa in 1986 when she was in NYC (44:20). My lasting impression, standing on the main deck next to the big turrets, was of absolute solidity and immensity. I wish I could recollect more, but this is before the days of cellphones and, alas, I had no camera. This video has only increased my desire to visit the USS New Jersey this summer, now a museum ship and not so far away from NYC.

[@tyronedlisle4412]

This is fantastic. Larry was great in telling us the history and his story.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Yes. I wish more young people would appreciate the lessons and stories older generations still have to share.

[@fubar1764]

@@ranekeisenkralle8265 There are plenty of young folks who want to hear stories and learn. Our brains are wired for stories. We've just lost the skill of storytelling. These days, one of the few professions who need to know the craft is the criminal defense attorney. Ask me how I know! 😉

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@fubar1764 I concur that storytelling is a dying art. However, based on my observations, the issue lies elsewhere. Particularly with how children have been raised in the last half-century or so. The "you-are-special" approach, combined with lack of consequences for misbehavior due to anti-authoritarian upbringing has led to generations of increasingly arrogant and entitled people who think they know best anyway. This then leads to many of these young folks thinking the older generations' knowledge and experiecne to be outdated and effectively worthless. You say young folks interested in stories and learning from older people's experiences still exist. I am not denying that. I just haven't been lucky enough to encounter those rare specimens

[@frogstamper]

Wow, what a special guest Drach, and add to that what a really nice guy...absolutely great to get the insight of a Captain who has spent his career on such different ships culminating on a Battleship. Brilliant interview very well presented, congrats Drach.

[@Wolf-Rayet_Arthur]

A heartfelt thank you to the Captain for providing this interview. It was fascinating to listen to and a delight to share in some of the stories of a career at sea. It is also a reminder that gravitas and charisma do not need to be deliberately displayed to be seen.

[@chrishughes4943]

Thank you so much for doing this interview. I served under Captain Seaquist aboard USS Iowa and I haven't seen him since the Change of Command ceremony when he turned the ship over to Captain Moosally. This has brought back so many great memories. Keep up the great work!

[@thomasheyart7033]

Hey Chris

[@jameslane9531]

Drach you've done some awesome stuff through this channel but this seriously takes the cake! I salute you sir and the good Captain

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Agreed. It is going to be tough to surpass something like this.

[@keitatsutsumi]

Sorry for commenting again Drach, but I was so impressed this time that I gotta say something after watching it. You said that Captain Seaquist is a viewer of your videos, so I hope he knows how grateful we are for him doing this. I also hope he does join again, because I loved his tangential dialogues. They were real informative and funny. It's not every day that you get such a first-hand account of top-level commanding. Drach, your pictures on the right side were really thoughtful. Very useful for understanding context of what the captain was talking about. I do have a question. Considering his long experience, what changes did he see in the navy, especially around tactically incorporating new technologies? He talked a little about this throughout the video with the CIWS and pioneer systems, but I want to know more.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Agreed. Especially on your remark about first-hand account being rare. I wish people would listen to older generations more. Technicalities may have become outdated, but by and large their wealth of experience should not be dismissed.

[@MartinCHorowitz]

A new level of Naval History for Drach.

[@gnashings]

What an incredibly engaging humble man, just amazing to hear from him, he's a member of a very very small club indeed! Way to go to have him on the show Drach, well done!

[@paultrigger1819]

This just became my favourite Wednesday of the year.

[@skeletonwguitar4383]

Who's the six people that disliked this interview? The folks who were on the receiving end of Iowa class? Lol

[@victoroduarte]

I'm already starting to think that some KZbin dislikes are generated automatically. because I don't think it's possible for someone not to like this video

[@Tevildo]

I can only speculate that some people are so violently opposed to sponsorship that they ignore the quality of the rest of the video. Fortunately for us, a dislike is as good as a like to the algorithm.

[@miamijules2149]

People who mistakenly press the thumbs down meaning to click thumbs up... happens more often than you would think.

[@Orinslayer]

@@Tevildo Yeah, its probably that, I know a lot of people who absolutely hate sponsorship. KZbinr isn't exactly a socially acceptable job, after all.

[@richardmalcolm1457]

Still salty Druze militia men, obviously

[@johnhargreaves3620]

What a wonderful gentleman Capt, Seaquist is please convey both my respect and admiration to him. I have met in my association with a number navies senior officers and count him as taking the sea biscuit for entertaining and fascinating listening thank you Drach for the experience, I do hope there is so much more to follow. Kind regards

[@IcemanJim63]

Thank YOU Captain Larry that was a fantastic informative & entertaining interview with the Drach man . What a honor ;)

[@thetreblerebel]

Dude, this man is a legend I'm glad you took the time to showcase him and give him an interview. Letting him tell his story. Guys like him are absolute US Navy Legends battleships were the heroes of world War II and are forever ingrained in the culture of the American naval military. I think him for his service and thank him for giving the time for this interview!

[@eddielane9569]

That was a great interview. I too would love to see the Battle Ship's back in service. I visited the USS Alabama a few years ago and loved to walk where many great men have been. May the memory of all who served aboard those great ship's live on.

[@Shadooe]

Truly outstanding, you have outdone yourself. Friendly and respectful, letting the skipper talk... well done. Even more important, now it's all been documented and online for everyone to hear. The veterans won't be around forever, but at least their stories can be recorded.

[@Cheka__]

It really is a gift for posterity

[@chloehennessey6813]

BB-61 herself. This is awesome. Thank you for taking the time, Captain Larry! 🦋💋. 🦋💋Been to Gig Harbor a lot!! 😮😮😮 Haida Gwaii!

[@thomasheyart7033]

Captain Larry is one of the good ones. I have no doubt he enjoyed doing the interview and would make himself available any time.

[@druballard8929]

As always an excellent job. We are so fortunate to have someone like yourself to bring these videos to is. Thank you

[@madrabbit9007]

I love that this is actively preserving history for future generations. Thank you and I look forward to the followup interview.

[@S_M_360]

“Landscape rearrangement business” - admit it Drach, that was great 😂😂😂

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

Much respect for this video. And many thanks to Captain Seaquist for taking the time to enlighten us all.

[@Boatswain_Tam]

Just when I thought you couldn't beat your Belfast vide and the co-op with the Operations Room guys. Well done Drach. And my thanks to Capt. Seaquist for his service.

[@shoofly529]

My favorite videos from Drach were his 3 part series how all of the ships sunk at Pearl Harbor were refloated & almost all were returned to serve in WWII. The challenges that had to be met to salvage them...& the men who died getting it done. It gave me pause. Impressive, moving work by Drach.

[@swj719]

Not just "moving," but moving in all three axis. Phenomenal.

[@therealsamperius]

This is so awesome! Hat of to you Drach and hat of to Captain Larry for sharing his experiences and thoughts!

[@45CaliberCure]

Nicely done, Drach. I appreciate your giving him the freedom to tell his stories extemporaneously. My drunkenness often leads me to boredom, but this guy is the real deal, so no danger of that. Thank you for the great interview. It's a rare interviewer who doesn't jack these things up with their own self-importance. Top notch.

[@iivin4233]

We need to do something to get Drach's channel to hit the algorithm. He brings more research and resources to his job than 90% of KZbinrs. That's a legitimate statistic.

[@seannordeen5019]

I was fortunate to tour the USS Iowa a few months before Covid-19 restrictions went into effect. The freedom allowed may not happen again for a couple more years. The 16" guns are impressive up close. They had a large model of the Bismarck and Yamato onboard that allowed you to compare Iowa to what the best the axis powers had.

[@raystone9937]

Excellent interview, This was a great piece of living history, the man gave some real insight into the command structure, I remember visiting the Iowa in 86 in Pompey, the crowds were immense for the tour, great day out, won't be seen again, hope he returns for a second interview, keep up the great work Drach, Ray Stone

[@saturn5mtw567]

God, captain larry can sell battleship like a used car dealership sells cars. His passion is infectious!