Calm in the Chaos: True Tales from Elite U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers
Stories from U.S. Navy rescue swimmers providing a fresh perspective on what it takes to survive some of the most dangerous rescues imaginable, and how that shapes the rest of a person's life.
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Brian Dickinson, former US Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer (E5), is an expert in survival, adversity, and overcoming obstacles. In 2011, Brian soloed the summit of Mount Everest, but then went completely snow blind on the descent. Hand over hand he made his way down blind and alone. What should have taken three hours to reach high camp ended up taking him seven hours. Brian took a major fall down the south summit and eventually ran out of supplemental oxygen, but through determined faith and focus he survived the impossible.
Brian has been featured on TV, in magazines, and on websites and podcasts countless times to recount his amazing experience. Notably, he has spoken on major news productions such as CNN with Anderson Cooper and Chris Cuomo, ABC's Good Morning America, and NBC's Today Show. Brian is also a motivational speaker, and has delivered speeches to a variety of audiences. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family mountain climbing and snowboarding. He has climbed the Seven Summits--the tallest mountains on each continent--as well as many others.
He lives in Snoqualmie, WA.
Calm in the Chaos strikes an impeccable balance between captivating narratives and actionable guidance that can be applied to all facets of life. This book is a beacon for those seeking personal transformation amid the turbulent and uncertain times we face today. It serves as a comprehensive playbook for unlocking your hidden superpowers and fueling inner bravery. Through masterful storytelling, it not only inspires but also equips the reader with practical tools to navigate and thrive in chaos, ensuring you emerge as a stronger, more effective leader for yourself and others.
--Brent Gleeson, Navy SEAL, bestselling author of Embrace the SuckBrian Dickinson's Calm in the Chaos took me on an immersive deep dive into the intense world of Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers. A historically significant account, the narrative is gripping--a page turner for anyone
--Eric Blehm, New York Times bestselling author of Fearless, Legend, and The Darkest WhiteBrian's personal account of his SAR training sets the stage for the amazing stories of ordinary men and women who risk their lives to save others on their worst day, epitomizing the Aviation Rescue Swimmers motto, "So Others May Live!" A must read!
--Jonathan Showerman, AWRCS (retired), Aviation Rescue SwimmerGripping--Brian puts you in the middle of the rescue! Each chapter of Calm in the Chaos focuses on a different rescue mission, providing a comprehensive and diverse range of scenarios. From rescuing sailors stranded in the middle of a stormy ocean to saving passengers from sinking ships, this book highlights the incredible skill and determination of the elite Navy Special Ops Search and Rescue Swimmers in executing these complex operations.
--Larry Grossman, Aviation Rescue Swimmer / U.S. Navy Officer (retired), U.S. DoD DiplomatAs a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, I can attest that this extraordinary book captures the bravery, endurance, and mental toughness needed for our mission. It's a powerful and inspiring portrayal of what it truly means to remain calm and effective amidst the chaos. If you want to be inspired by true stories of heroism and resilience, this book is a must-read!
--Drew Worth, Command Master Chief, Aviation Rescue SwimmerThis book throws you into the ocean with the elite. Gripping rescues, unshakable faith, and a strong brotherhood forged in the storm. A must-read for anyone who believes in courage and miracles!
--Whitney Warren, Aviation Rescue Swimmer / SERE West and SERE NSW InstructorThis crackerjack collage of rescue swimmer's military experiences and events was a dramatic and swimmingly read. There is no one more adept to offer advice on facing adversity while staring death in the face and responding with "not today" than this SAR Dog! Brian and JoAnna consummately transform these death cheaters recollected memories into stories that anyone in any line of work can use in their everyday lives to remain calm in the chaos. So Others May Live!
--Jay "Shrop" Shropshire, AWSCS (retired), Aviation Rescue SwimmerGenuine selflessness to help others! Exemplary use of real-life rescue swimmer experiences combined with clinical explanations to assist readers in working through life challenges...BRILLIANT!
--Justin Tate, AWRCM (retired), Aviation Rescue SwimmerA vivid and powerful retelling of real-life experiences from extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others. So Others May Live!
--Melissa Dixon, AWS1, Aviation Rescue SwimmerIf you are wondering how to find calm in the chaos of our current fearful and violent world, then this book is your guide. Brian Dickinson does a masterful job of presenting extremely valuable insights and practical guidance on how to navigate Volatile, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) with calm confidence. And Brian presents this timely and crucial wisdom through riveting stories... you won't be able to put it down.
--Mark Divine, New York Times bestselling author of Uncommon, The Way of the SEAL, and Unbeatable Mind. Founder, SEALFIT, Inc.If you are wondering how to find calm in the chaos of our current fearful and violent world, then this book is your guide. Brian Dickinson does a masterful job of presenting extremely valuable insights and practical guidance on how to navigate Volatile, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) with calm confidence. And Brian presents this timely and crucial wisdom through riveting stories... you won't be able to put it down.
Calm in the Chaos strikes an impeccable balance between captivating narratives and actionable guidance that can be applied to all facets of life. This book is a beacon for those seeking personal transformation amid the turbulent and uncertain times we face today. It serves as a comprehensive playbook for unlocking your hidden superpowers and fueling inner bravery. Through masterful storytelling, it not only inspires but also equips the reader with practical tools to navigate and thrive in chaos, ensuring you emerge as a stronger, more effective leader for yourself and others.
Brian Dickinson's Calm in the Chaos took me on an immersive deep dive into the intense world of Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers. A historically significant account, the narrative is gripping--a page turner for anyone
Brian's personal account of his SAR training sets the stage for the amazing stories of ordinary men and women who risk their lives to save others on their worst day, epitomizing the Aviation Rescue Swimmers motto, "So Others May Live!" A must read!
Gripping--Brian puts you in the middle of the rescue! Each chapter of Calm in the Chaos focuses on a different rescue mission, providing a comprehensive and diverse range of scenarios. From rescuing sailors stranded in the middle of a stormy ocean to saving passengers from sinking ships, this book highlights the incredible skill and determination of the elite Navy Special Ops Search and Rescue Swimmers in executing these complex operations.
As a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, I can attest that this extraordinary book captures the bravery, endurance, and mental toughness needed for our mission. It's a powerful and inspiring portrayal of what it truly means to remain calm and effective amidst the chaos. If you want to be inspired by true stories of heroism and resilience, this book is a must-read!
This book throws you into the ocean with the elite. Gripping rescues, unshakable faith, and a strong brotherhood forged in the storm. A must-read for anyone who believes in courage and miracles!
This crackerjack collage of rescue swimmer's military experiences and events was a dramatic and swimmingly read. There is no one more adept to offer advice on facing adversity while staring death in the face and responding with "not today" than this SAR Dog! Brian and JoAnna consummately transform these death cheaters recollected memories into stories that anyone in any line of work can use in their everyday lives to remain calm in the chaos. So Others May Live!
Genuine selflessness to help others! Exemplary use of real-life rescue swimmer experiences combined with clinical explanations to assist readers in working through life challenges...BRILLIANT!
A vivid and powerful retelling of real-life experiences from extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others. So Others May Live!
