Continuing the Conversation | The Surface Navy Association Podcast

Award Spotlight: Storytelling at Sea — The Making of Sea of Valor

In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, host LT Scott Harris, USN, Secretary of the SNA Monterey Chapter, speaks with SCPO Thomas Christie, USN, Intelligence Specialist and recipient of the 2025 SNA Video Award. Christie discusses the inspiration and creative process behind Sea of Valor, a music video highlighting the sailors and mission of USS Howard (DDG 83).

The conversation explores Christie’s long-standing interest in video editing, his experience capturing the daily work of forward-deployed sailors, and how emerging technologies—including AI-generated music—helped shape the final production. The episode also reflects on the historical legacy of destroyer sailors, the importance of storytelling in recognizing the work of the Surface Force, and the operational realities of ships forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific.

This discussion highlights how creative media can capture the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of the Surface Warfare community while showcasing the people and missions that define today’s Surface Navy.

Host:
LT Scott Harris, USN
Secretary, SNA Monterey Chapter

Guest:
SCPO Thomas Christie, USN
Intelligence Specialist
2025 SNA Video Award Winner

Trailer: Storytelling at Sea — The Making of Sea of Valor

In this trailer for an upcoming episode of Continuing the Conversation, the Surface Navy Association podcast, we preview a conversation with SCPO Thomas Christie, USN, Intelligence Specialist and recipient of the 2025 SNA Video Award.

Christie discusses the inspiration behind Sea of Valor, a music video highlighting the sailors and mission of USS Howard (DDG 83). Drawing on the legacy of destroyer sailors and the realities of forward-deployed naval operations, the video captures the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of today’s Surface Force.

The full episode explores Christie’s passion for storytelling, the creative process behind the video, and how emerging technologies—including AI-generated music—helped bring the project to life. Stay tuned for the full conversation on Continuing the Conversation.

Fleet Voices: Women in the Navy

Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association.

Originally recorded in 2020, this episode highlights the experiences of women serving in the United States Navy. The discussion was hosted by Captain Paul Rinn, U.S. Navy (Retired), a longtime leader within the Surface Navy Association and a respected voice in the Surface Warfare community.

Captain Rinn passed away in 2022 after decades of service to the Navy and the Surface Navy Association.

In this episode, Captain Rinn speaks with three distinguished members of the naval community about their experiences in service, leadership, and the evolving role of women in the Navy.

Guests include:

BM1 Cheryl Shaw, USN
USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)
2019 E3–E6 Admiral Zumwalt Award Winner

CAPT Donna Looney, USN (Ret.)
Surface Navy Association Board of Directors

VADM Mary Jackson, USN
6th Commander, Navy Installations Command

The episode features individual conversations with each guest followed by a roundtable discussion bringing all participants together to reflect on leadership, service, and the experiences of women serving across the fleet.

This episode is part of the Continuing the Conversation series, which brings together leaders, Sailors, and members of the naval community to share their experiences and perspectives.

Trailer: Introducing Continuing the Conversation: The Surface Navy Association Podcast

Continuing the Conversation is the official podcast of the Surface Navy Association. The podcast extends the dialogue taking place across SNA symposiums, chapter events, professional forums, and interviews by bringing conversations with leaders, Sailors, innovators, and members of the naval community to a broader audience.

The podcast highlights the people, ideas, achievements, and leadership shaping today’s Surface Force.

Subscribe and join us as we continue the conversation.