Deep-Sea Stories with Navy Diver Chief Michael Gilbert

Navy Diver Chief Petty Officer Micheal Gilbert discusses his real-life challenges and Deep-Sea Story-filled dive career in his new and soon-to-be-published book "Fouled Anchor."   Chief Gilbert entered the Navy in May 1998 and retired in August 2019.   Chief Gilbert talks about having to complete his first tour of duty in the fleet before attending 2nd Class Dive School.  Young Sailor Michael Gilbert recalls his first ship USS Hawes (FFG-53), receiving a distress call immediately following the terrorist bomb attack on USS Cole (DDG-67).   During the initial tense moments, Michael was in the emergency assistance team deployed from the USS Hawes to aid USS Cole in their recovery efforts.  He witnessed the arrival of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two dive team and aided them in any way he could to apply battle damage repairs to the Cole.  During the Deep-Sea Stories interview, Chief Gilbert credited these Navy Divers for their mentorship; Navy Diver Brad Purple, MDV Michael Sonnenberg, MDV Kenifick, MDV Billy Gilbert, MDV Scott Brodeur, Chief Warrant Office Jim Hordinski, MDV Ashley Gosset, MDV Jason Wahl, and MDV Jim Mariano.