Today, I sit down with Jason R. Thomas, a fellow Navy Nuke and seasoned leader with over a decade of active-duty experience, including time on both the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS Gerald R. Ford. One could say, today's episode is actually a couple of nukes...
Mr. Thomas shares rare insight into the technical evolution of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, the culture clashes between rates, and the brutal realities of shift work, shipyard life, and standing watch for hours without rest. We also dive into his personal story—how sleep deprivation led to nocturnal panic attacks, the importance of documenting everything for VA claims, and why mentorship became his mission.
We get into it with command climate, mass punishment, leadership accountability, and the myth that nukes only have daughters due to radiation exposure. We joke about Rickover socks, smell pack legends, and the infamous “paperclip resistance movement,” while also tackling serious leadership failures and the tragic losses that shape service members long after the uniform comes off.
This episode is packed with absurd barracks tales, shipboard disasters, and raw lessons about resilience, family, and finding your next mission. Whether you're military, veteran, or civilian curious, this is a rare peek inside the world of Navy Nuclear Operators—past, present, and the complicated road beyond.
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.
