Helo's to Hornets to Headlines with 'Chopper' (ep. 169)

Retired #usnavy Captain Brett "Chopper" Crozier describes his career from flying SH-60B Seahawks to returning to flight school to learn the F/A-18 Hornet to nuclear power school and eventually command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, including his very public firing at the beginning of COVID.

4:19 Early Career
12:20 Rotary to Jets
18:21 1st Trap
23:45 Still Learning
37:46 Nuclear Training
48:50 Japan
54:30 Captain of the Ship
59:58 Managing the Team
1:03:00 COVID 2020
1:20:30 It was MY CALL
1:25:04 Ruffling Feathers
1:38:38 Reinstated?
1:43:50 Patreon Questions
2:07:41 Flying together

#fighterpilot Podcast

[boosterfly]

That’s my Captain. A class act. Never dissed anybody. Cares about his sailors. Truly a man of honor.

[cindywatson]

Capt Crozier saved my husband & his crew. Your loyalty to your crew lives on & we are forever grateful for the bravery you showed in standing up for what was right. Thank you so much!

[xandra_LK]

My husband was on the USS Theodore Roosevelt while they were deployed during the pandemic! The entire crew had so much respect for Captain Crozier and losing him the way they did was such a blow to the morale onboard. My husband is completing his bachelor’s degree now and is working on a paper for his leadership class. The subject of the paper is the importance of leading with empathy, and a significant portion of his writing in that essay is about Captain Crozier.

[bryantturner]

You've had a lot of really impressive guests...but Captain Crozier is by far the most impressive of them all. Though all COs claim to, he truly viewed his crew as people and not commodities and put them above his own career concerns. Fantastic interview. Thanks for posting.

[trojanalum]

I served with both of you gents in VFA-94 and VFA-125 as your Senior Maintenance Controller. Glad to see you guys are doing well! Thanks for sharing ✌️😎🇺🇸. If Captain Crozier called me today and asked me to be somewhere tonight - I'm there!

[edjarrett]

Chopper exemplifies leadership and humility. His care for the 5K navy folks never waned. No one in the USN will ever criticize his efforts, except for the politicians. He will stand as a testament for doing the right thing.

[ramosel]

My Dad was a career guy. 7 in the Navy starting in WWII, then 23 in the Air Force. I was appointed to Canoe U. and Disneyland East. Sat down with my Dad and he was clear, Go Navy young man. This was before Top Gun (movie). I fully support Capt. Crozier in what he did and how he did it. He put his crew before himself. I went to school with Modly, his actions didn't surprise me at all. I'll leave it at that.

[jimmy]

Capt. Crozier performed my reenlistment in VFA-94 back in '04 or so. I transferred to shore duty before they went UDP. He also gave me the opportunity to test out the f-18 simulator in Lemoore during my emergency procedures training. Just an awesome Naval Officer all around. Glad to hear he's still there for the military in the form of helping veterans.

[cannonfodder]

Even from this interview, I get the sense of a confident yet humble and caring man. His reputation is well earned as an inspiring leader and he proved himself when it mattered most.

[markberman]

Captain Crozier is the very epitome of American Leadership, Character and Honor. He’s an American Hero in every sense of the word.

[Pricklyhedgehog]

What an amazing human being Krozier is. I've always been in awe of the degree of training and personality qualities a carrier captain has to have, but he stands out among the giants. The handling of his command post the email sending really was a benchmark for bizarre events during the pandemic, and despite it all, he handles the whole thing with a high degree of dignity, humility and professionalism. Outstanding interview!

[michaelsipah]

This is an outstanding leader/hero that conducted his duty as a commanding officer, which is ensure the health and safety of his crew even at the detriment of his career. Outstanding job Capt Crozier!

[jonathancarroll]

Thank you so much for this interview. I found the videos of his crew sending him off so moving at the time it happened. I wanted to know more of Capt Crozier’s side of the story. Turns out to be a real lesson in leadership that I really try to keep in mind as a senior leader in my organization. I was hoping Mooch would give us the story but I’m glad it was Jello who got the scoop. Thanks again!

[siegodanchez]

I got out of the military just as covid started. As soon as i heard about his story i immediately had respect. This is the type of guy the military needs in charge of troops. Someone who cares about them and their wellbeing. I hope more guys like this can find their way to the higher ranks.

[matthank]

This podcast is a national treasure. I’m a Canadian and I can’t get enough of US Navy stories. You guys are class acts, and what an opportunity to serve on a Navy as great as yours. God Bless.

[terrytomlinson]

From an old Navy helicopter pilot - his description of day 1 trying to hover is right on

[RyanBellowingAcresSupporter]

Wow. Had no idea that Captain Crozier was working with VVSD. As a former patient / student at VVSD and then a graduate of the Aspire Center in S.D., thank you, Captain Crozier for giving your time and leadership to this critically needed organization, Veterans Village of San Diego!!

[harterbob]

There’s no wonder why his crew gave him such a huge sendoff after he was relieved and was leaving his ship. God bless you, Brett Crozier, for doing the right thing, even knowing it could well cost you your career.

[jimirvine]

You can be given gold braid and all kinds of decorations, but integrity is everything And you either have it or you don't. Much respect for Captain Crozier.

[RR_Beehive]

Skipper, it was a honor serving with and under you as Mighty Shrikes. By far, my favorite tour in my 20 year Navy career, I have many great memories! Thank you for your leadership and wisdom and
I’m enjoying the book! Jello, thanks for the interview and content!