Liberty Boats and Long Laughs: Sea Stories with Dave Knapp of the USS Towers

In this episode of the World’s Finest Strike Podcast, host Patrick Riley reconnects with longtime shipmate Dave Knapp from the USS Towers (DDG-9). Together, they revisit life underway in the late '80s and early '90s—from crossing the Pacific and pulling into exotic ports, to the unforgettable liberty adventures in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Italy. Dave recounts his journey from boot camp to the USS Seattle and reflects on what it meant to serve as an Electronic Warfare Technician during one of the Navy’s most operationally intense periods.

This candid conversation covers everything from outrunning Liberty boats in Pattaya, laughing uncontrollably on Japanese trains, to the quirks of East vs. West Coast duty. Packed with humor, history, and heartfelt memories, this episode is a reminder of the bond that never fades between shipmates.

Ship served: USS Towers (DDG-9), USS Seattle (AOE-3)
Era: 1988–1994
Keywords: Navy Liberty, Sea Stories, Yokosuka, Hong Kong, EW Techs, USS Towers, Pattaya, 7th Fleet

00:00:00 Introduction and Origins of the Podcast
00:01:31 Meeting Dave Knapp and Military Service
00:03:20 Port Experiences and Cultural Differences
00:07:11 Journey to Japan and Off-Duty Adventures
00:18:17 Memorable Shipmates and Anecdotes
00:25:39 Life in Bahrain and Interactions with Locals
00:30:43 Shellback Initiation and Naval Traditions
00:38:52 Australian Port Visit and Community Interactions
00:45:48 European Ports and Comparisons with Asia
00:50:33 Reflections on Subic Bay and Nuclear Policy
01:01:56 Challenges and Incidents in Military Service
01:02:57 Career Transition to Lockheed and Education
01:10:18 Influence of Top Gun and Book Promotion
01:11:57 Future Travel Plans and Podcast Conclusion

Видео Liberty Boats and Long Laughs: Sea Stories with Dave Knapp of the USS Towers канала Underway Books