Podcast Summary
Uncle Mark's Haunting USS Forrestal Encounters: Listeners are invited to explore the mysterious and otherworldly themes on The Confessionals Podcast, join their Discord community, and consider emergency preparedness with Prepare with the Confessionals.
During this episode of The Confessionals Podcast, host Tony Merkel shares a military flashback featuring his uncle Mark's experiences on the haunted USS Forrestal. Mark recounts stories he heard about a giant being killed, which led to a bizarre encounter involving small gray entities. Merkel also announces the release of their podcast archive on YouTube, with new videos premiering daily. He encourages listeners to subscribe, join their Discord community, and consider preparing for emergencies with their partner website, Prepare with the Confessionals. This episode highlights the mysterious and otherworldly themes often explored on the show, as well as the importance of community and preparedness.
Uncle Mark's Fantasy Series Blends Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Dystopian Elements: Uncle Mark's 'Forever Avalon' series combines medieval magic with modern US Navy, while his upcoming works continue to explore unique worlds with magical elements and conflicts. Inspired by Terry Brooks and the idea of magical machines, Mark's writing reflects his love for sci-fi fantasy and dystopian future beliefs.
My uncle Mark is a fantasy author with a passion for blending science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian elements in his writing. His current series, "Forever Avalon," brings a modern family into the magical world of King Arthur's Avalon, where they interact with medieval magic and the US Navy. His upcoming works, "The Prometheus Engine" and "The Last Magus," continue to explore unique worlds with magical elements and conflicts. Mark's inspiration comes from various sources, including Terry Brooks' "Sword of Shannara" and the idea of machines operating by magic, which he describes as a combination of science and alchemy. His work reflects his love for the sci-fi fantasy genre and his belief that we may be heading towards a dystopian future.
A retired Navy veteran's journey from comic books to publishing a fantasy novel: Throughout his life, from collecting comic books as a kid to a Navy journalist and now a published author, the speaker's diverse experiences have contributed to his successful writing career. Giving back to the community and personal growth are rewarding experiences.
The fusion of fantasy and science fiction offers limitless possibilities for storytelling as a fantasy writer. The speaker, who started writing seriously after retiring from the Navy in 2006, has a rich background in creating characters and storylines since the 1970s. His experiences, from collecting comic books as a kid to becoming a Navy journalist, contributed to his writing development. He began writing his story during his last deployment in 2001, and it was published in 2009. The speaker also shared his current job at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he finds fulfillment in making complex rules and regulations more accessible to the public, ultimately helping less fortunate families. Giving back to the community and individuals is a rewarding experience that leads to personal growth, as emphasized in the Friends episode about selfless good deeds. The speaker's extensive military career spanning over 30 years has shaped his perspective on the importance of giving and the personal growth it brings.
Mark Piggott's career transition and book signing: Mark Piggott's transition from Navy to HUD brought challenges, but he found fulfillment in helping people with housing. His books offer writing advice, geek topics, and information about his Navy career. Attend his book signing at the Moravian bookstore on June 5th.
Despite encountering bureaucracy and challenges in his career transition from the navy to working for HUD, Mark Piggott found fulfillment in helping people with housing and making it easier for them to obtain it. His books, including the Forever Avalon series, are available on Amazon and his blog, where he shares writing advice, geek topics, and information about his books. Mark welcomes everyone to attend his book signing at the Moravian bookstore in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on June 5th. Mark has a personal connection to the Lehigh Valley area and has previously donated books and spoken to high school students about writing and his Navy career. In the past, authors who have appeared on the show have seen increased book sales due to Mark's audience, which consists of avid readers. Mark shared a story about the USS Forrestal, where a misfire caused a chain reaction explosion in 1969, resulting in the loss of 166 lives. Despite the tragedy, the crew's fortitude saved the ship. Mark's experiences and stories demonstrate the importance of resilience and dedication to one's goals.
A Haunting Legacy: USS Forrestal's Makeshift Morgue: The USS Forrestal, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, holds a haunting legacy due to a devastating fire in 1967 that resulted in a makeshift morgue in the refrigerated units, causing numerous ghost stories among survivors.
The USS Forrestal, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, experienced a devastating fire in 1967 during which several crew members lost their lives. The bodies of the deceased had to be stored in the refrigerated units, turning them into a makeshift morgue. This area became the source of numerous ghost stories told by sailors who survived the fire and continued to serve on the Forrestal due to a deep psychological connection to the ship. The lower decks, where the refrigerated areas were located, could only be accessed through a narrow shaft with hatches. Sailors would pass cargo down between decks using a cargo net. One sailor reported seeing a figure enter a refrigerated area and never come out. Another reported hearing screams over the ship's sound-powered phones. These stories add to the haunting legacy of the USS Forrestal.
USS Forestall: A Haunted Ship with a Tragic Past: The USS Forestall, a WW2 era aircraft carrier, is known for its ghost stories due to a devastating explosion and fire that killed 166 sailors, inspiring firefighting schools and reminding us of sailors' sacrifices.
The USS Forestall, a US aircraft carrier from the World War 2 era, is infamous for its ghost stories due to the tragic deaths of 166 sailors during an explosion and fire incident. Many museum ships, including the USS Intrepid, Battleship New Jersey, and USS Yorktown, have similar reports. The Forestall disaster began on the flight deck but the explosions and fire ripped through to the deck below, killing many sailors in their sleep. John McCain, a pilot at the time, survived due to the heroic actions of Firefighting Chief Gerald Ferrier, who saved his life by spraying a chemical fire extinguisher on the flames, allowing McCain and other pilots to escape. Ferrier's bravery led to the creation of firefighting schools for all sailors. Tragically, McCain was later captured as a prisoner of war just a few weeks after the incident. The Forestall's haunting history serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by sailors during wartime.
Sailors' Determination and Belief in a Ghost During the Chesapeake Bay Fire: Despite lacking firefighting training, sailors bravely fought the Chesapeake Bay fire, transferring ships and holding onto hoses. Belief in a ghost added to their intensity and fear, resulting in significant damage and a haunting legacy.
During the Chesapeake Bay fire incident in 1964, many sailors, despite not being trained in firefighting, continued to fight the fire and even transfer to other ships to keep engaging. Their determination and survival instincts were so strong that they held onto their hoses, believing it would protect them from the fire. The incident resulted in significant flooding damage due to inexperience and emotional energy. Furthermore, reports of paranormal activity, such as doors opening by themselves and objects being moved, have been attributed to a ghost named George, who was believed to haunt the domestic area of the ship where mess cranking took place. This ghost was a constant presence, and sailors were advised to never go alone to the dry storage or refrigerator areas. The combination of the intense firefighting efforts and the belief in the presence of a ghost adds to the haunting legacy of this event.
Experience of working on an aircraft carrier at night: Working on an aircraft carrier at night involves dealing with constant lighting and safety measures, making it difficult to observe the night sky for potential mysteries.
Working on an aircraft carrier, especially during nighttime, is a unique experience due to the constant lighting and safety measures. The speaker shared his experience of seeing a multitude of stars during sea trials when the ship was out in the open ocean with no city lights, which was a breathtaking sight. However, during regular operations, the lights on the ship prevent sailors from seeing objects in the night sky. Additionally, there are security personnel on the flight deck at all times to ensure safety. The speaker's uncle, who has served on an aircraft carrier, has never spoken about seeing UFOs, but the speaker believes that the night sky could hold many mysteries if not for the ship's lighting and constant activity.
Naval life: Unique challenges and the need for a police force: In the navy, a large ship's unique environment necessitates a police force to maintain order and ensure safety, particularly on the flight deck.
Serving in the navy on a large ship involves unique challenges, particularly regarding interpersonal relationships and safety. The presence of a police force is necessary due to the potential for conflicts and inappropriate behavior among crew members, especially young adults. The ships are massive and can feel like a floating airport, making safety a top priority, particularly on the flight deck where accidents can result in serious injury or even death. The speaker shared an experience of catching a sailor and sailor in an inappropriate situation and emphasized that such incidents are not uncommon. Despite advancements and better living conditions, the navy environment can still present unexpected situations and hazards.
The speaker's fascination with large ships and HelloFresh promotion: The speaker shares his admiration for cruisers and aircraft carriers' size, promotes HelloFresh for its convenience and affordability, and discusses the Philadelphia Experiment's potential unknown consequences
The speaker shares his fascination with the size of ships, specifically mentioning cruisers and aircraft carriers. He has experienced the vastness of cruisers firsthand, and assuming aircraft carriers are even bigger, he can't imagine being near one. The speaker then transitions to promoting HelloFresh, emphasizing its convenience and affordability compared to grocery shopping or dining out. He shares his positive experience with the meal kit service and encourages listeners to try it using the promo code 12 tony for 12 free meals and free shipping. Lastly, the speaker expresses his belief in the Philadelphia Experiment, a historical event where the US Navy attempted to make a ship invisible, despite its controversial depiction in popular culture. He suggests that there might have been unknown consequences to the experiment.
The Ocean's Depths: A World of Mysteries: The ocean, largely unexplored due to extreme pressure and depth, may hold undiscovered creatures and secrets, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration.
The ocean, which covers over 70% of the Earth's surface, remains largely unexplored due to the extreme pressure and depth. The USS Alligator, an early Union submarine, serves as a reminder of the mysteries that lie beneath the surface, possibly hidden somewhere off the coast of Philadelphia. The speaker, with their submarine experience, emphasizes the vastness of the unexplored ocean and the limitations of current technology. They also hint at the possibility of undiscovered sea creatures living in the deepest depths, adding to the intrigue and mystery of the ocean. The speaker's passion for the ocean and their belief in the importance of further exploration is evident throughout the conversation.
Exploring the Bermuda Triangle and Unexplained Phenomena: The speaker shares his belief in the Bermuda Triangle's mysteries and incorporates it into his book series. He also discusses time slips and parallel universes, reflecting on the advancements in science and technology that may bring these concepts closer to reality. Unexplored waters and the possibility of UFOs submerging themselves add to the intrigue.
The mysteries of the world, from the Bermuda Triangle to the depths of the ocean and the possibility of parallel universes, continue to intrigue and challenge our understanding of the universe. The speaker, a believer in the strange phenomena surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, ties this belief into his book series, where the only access to Avalon is through the triangle. He also shares stories of time slips and the scientific exploration of parallel universes. The speaker reflects on the rapid progression of science and technology, which he believes is bringing these once-far-fetched ideas closer to reality. He concludes by expressing his fascination with the mysterious universe and the many unexplored mysteries that still exist. Additionally, there are theories that UFOs or UAPs might submerge themselves underwater to remain undetected. The speaker even shares a personal story of a Canadian man who captured a photograph of a UFO in the water during a storm.
Observing Unusual Objects in the Ocean: A Window to Advanced Technologies?: The ocean's vastness and challenges offer a potential haven for advanced technologies, be they extraterrestrial or human-made. Unusual objects observed in the water could be evidence of these technologies, and discoveries in military technology continue to push the boundaries of what was once considered science fiction.
The ocean could be a prime location for advanced technologies, be they extraterrestrial or government-owned, due to its vastness and the challenge of navigating and surviving in its depths. The speaker recounts an experience of observing an unusual object in the water, which looked like a thin, flat disk, and speculates that advanced technologies might exist beneath the surface. He also mentions the potential for life on Europa and the advancements in military technology, such as electromagnetic rail guns and aircraft carriers, which were once considered science fiction but are now becoming a reality. The speaker's perspective underscores the idea that there may be technologies and discoveries beyond our current understanding, hidden beneath the waves or locked away in deep underground military bases.
Secret military bases and advanced technologies: Unproven theories suggest secret military bases use advanced technologies like railguns or antigravity craft for rapid transportation, while known facts include the existence of heavily guarded and secretive installations.
There are deep underground military bases, like Raven Rock, which are heavily guarded and shrouded in secrecy. Some conspiracy theories suggest that advanced technologies, such as those behind the railgun, may be used for rapid transportation between these bases. This could potentially involve the manipulation of gravity or other physical laws to achieve extremely high speeds. While these claims remain unproven, the existence of secret military installations is a known fact, and their current activities remain a subject of much speculation and intrigue. For instance, figures like Bob Lazar have come forward with claims of working on advanced technologies, including antigravity craft, within these installations. These stories add to the allure of the unknown and the potential for groundbreaking technological discoveries hidden beneath the surface.
UFOs and Unexplained Phenomena Shape Military Strategies: Unexplained phenomena can add credibility to past stories and influence future military strategies, as seen in the Tic Tac UFO incident and the creation of the Space Force. Staying ahead in the geopolitical race and potential discoveries are emphasized.
Unexplained phenomena, such as UFO sightings and mysterious events, can add credibility to past stories and shape future military strategies. The discussion touched upon the intrigue surrounding the Tic Tac UFO incident and the impending creation of the Space Force. The speakers emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the geopolitical race and speculated about potential discoveries. Additionally, they shared a personal experience of renting a house in Massachusetts, where strange occurrences took place, which might have been connected to the previous tenants' tragic circumstances.
Unsettling experiences in a house and historical sites: Unexplained experiences can have various causes, some harmless and others serious. Trust and communication are essential for maintaining relationships and avoiding potential financial risks. Stories connect generations, and historical sites offer a profound connection to the past and a reminder of human fragility.
The unexplained experiences in a house, including hearing strange sounds and having uneasy feelings, can be attributed to various reasons, some of which may be harmless while others more serious. In this case, the family discovered their tenant had been misappropriating rent money, putting them at risk of losing their home. These experiences served as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of trust and communication within relationships. The family's shared experiences also highlighted the power of stories and their ability to connect generations. Additionally, visiting historical sites, like Pompeii, can provide a profound sense of connection to the past and remind us of the fragility and complexity of human existence.
Reflections on the importance of family during military service: During his navy career, the speaker experienced the fear of potential danger during the Cold War and after 9/11, but the only time he felt his life was in immediate danger was due to a fire on the USS George Washington. These experiences made him reflect on the importance of his family.
The speaker, during his 23-year navy career, had two experiences that made him reflect on the importance of his family and feel the fear of potential danger. The first was during the Cold War when passing through the Bab el Mandeb Straits, where they had to be at general quarters due to Russian presence. The second was after 9/11 when the Enterprise was deployed to strike Al Qaeda targets in Afghanistan and had to go through the Suez Canal with heightened security due to potential threats. The speaker also mentioned a cargo ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal and the challenges it caused for other ships passing through. The only time the speaker felt his life was in immediate danger was on the USS George Washington when a fire broke out on one of the fantails.
Personal account of a fire on a Navy ship: Fires at sea are dangerous and require immediate action to prevent loss of life and damage to the ship. Personal experiences of Navy crew members can provide valuable insights into the intensity and challenges of fighting such fires.
Fires at sea are a serious threat, and they require immediate action to prevent loss of life and damage to the ship. The speaker shared his personal experience of a fire on the USS Forrestal in the 1980s, which spread through ventilation shafts and affected various areas of the ship, including birthing areas and the flight deck. The crew fought the fire for hours, and thankfully, no lives were lost. The speaker also recalled other intense experiences, such as crossing the line of death in the Mediterranean Sea during the Cold War and participating in exercises where they were buzzed by Russian aircraft. However, the fire on the USS Forrestal was the most intense experience he had at sea. The speaker encourages everyone to check out his books, which are available on Amazon, for more stories from his time in the Navy.
