

Cold War Conversations
Ian Sanders
Experience the Cold War like never before with Cold War Conversations — an award-winning podcast recommended by The New York Times.Each week, host Ian Sanders brings you raw, firsthand accounts from the people who lived through one of history’s most tense and transformative eras — soldiers, spies, civilians, and more.These aren’t stories from textbooks. They’re unfiltered voices from the frontlines of history — emotional, gripping, and deeply human.This is Cold War history, told from the inside out.We cover subjects such as spies, spying, the Iron Curtain, nuclear weapons, warfare, tanks, jet aircraft, fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, aviation, culture, and politics.We also cover personalities such as Fidel Castro, JFK, Ronald Reagan, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, Mikhail Gorbachev, Konstantin Chernenko, Margaret Thatcher, John F. Kennedy, Josef Stalin, Richard Nixon, Lech Walesa, General Jaruzelski, Nicolae Ceaușescu.Other subjects include Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, West Berlin, East Berlin, Cuban missile Crisis, Berlin Airlift, Bay of Pigs, SALT, Perestroika, Space Race, superpower, USSR, Soviet Union, DDR, GDR, East Germany, SDI, Vietnam War, Korean War, Solidarność, Fall of the Wall, Berliner Mauer, Trabant, Communist, Capitalist, Able Archer, KGB, Stasi, STB, SB, Securitate, CIA, NSA, MI5, MI6, Berlin Wall, escape, defection, Cuba, Albania, football, sport, Bulgaria, Soviet Union, Poland, China, Taiwan, Austria, West Germany, Solidarity, espionage, HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, IMINT, GEOINT, RAF, USAF, British Army, US Army, Red Army, Soviet Army, Afghanistan, NVA, East German Army, KAL007, T-72, T-64, Chieftain, M60The podcast is for military veterans, school teachers, university lecturers, students and those interested in Cold War history, museums, bunkers, weapons, AFVs, wargamers, planes, A Level, GCSE students studying Superpower Relations and the Cold War.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2022 • 43min
A trip across Central Europe on a East German MZ motorbike (252)
MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Zschopau, Saxony. The acronym MZ stands for Motorenwerke Zschopau GmbH (German for Zschopau engine factory). In the 1980s MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned (if worthy) motorcycles however, there was a hard-core set of UK fans who loved this relatively, cheap and easy-to-repair bike.Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike. He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involved MZ bike fans from across the UK touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact Countries. From sharing drinks with border guards to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Krakow it’s a tour through late 1980s Europe on the back of a two-stroke MZ motorbike.0:00 Introduction and background on MZ motorcycles1:21 Call for donations and testimonial from a supporter5:28 The journey begins - crossing the border into East Germany11:26 Interaction with an East German border guard and reflections on environment15:20 Entering Poland and experiences with locals22:19 Crossing through Czechoslovakia into Hungary and visit to a private museum26:12 Visit to Prague and interactions with locals29:37 Return journey through East Germany and humorous encounter at the border33:47 Julian's most memorable experience from his trip and favorite media recommendations38:29 Closing remarks and appreciation for financial supporters39:02 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and continue the conversationTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Julian Howe to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode252Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 2, 2022 • 1h 1min
Imprisoned in a Soviet Military gaol - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 2 (251)
This is the 2nd part of my interview with Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE who served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. The tours were hazardous three-man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. In this episode, we hear of Stephen’s imprisonment in a Soviet Army gaol, following detention in a Soviet Army garrison town as well as East German and Soviet Army press coverage about his activities. Stephen’s speciality was using his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops and thereby gaining valuable intelligence. He used to go into bars frequented by Soviet officers and recalls one particular drunken night in Potsdam.. We also hear about his visit to the infamous World War 2 prison camp of Colditz castle where he befriends the staff enabling other BRIXMIS tours to visit regularly.Stephen also shares details of the top-secret Operation Tomahawk, a particularly unpleasant mission which may not be for those of a sensitive disposition.In later years Stephen obtained his Stasi file which reveals that the surveillance on him was far closer than he’d ever believed.0:00 Introduction and Stephen Harrison's role in BRIXMIS10:21 Stephen's arrest and time in a Soviet military cell15:48 Stephen's role as interpreter and socializing with Soviet officers22:53 Stephen's experiences during town and cultural tours27:38 Stephen's Stasi files and the accuracy of their reports33:25 Stephen's work and dealing with detentions38:49 Operation Tomahawk: Exploiting Soviet military rubbish tips47:57 Reflecting on the human side of intelligence gathering49:45 Podcast end notes, acknowledgments and donation information50:15 Invitation to join the Cold War Conversations Facebook groupTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Stephen to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/There is nothing like hearing history from those that were there...Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 2022 • 53min
Arrested 11 times, plus 3 shooting incidents - a BRIXMIS officer's diary Pt 1 (250)
Lt Col. Stephen Harrison, MBE served for two years as a full-time Touring Officer with BRIXMIS. These Tours were hazardous three man, vehicle-borne patrols collecting intelligence on the Warsaw Pact forces in East Germany for up to five days and nights over a series of four-month patrolling periods. They lived in the field and did not carry weapons while Soviet and East German troops were nearly always armed, and their ever-present sentries carried live ammunition. The Tours operated in the closest proximity to these hostile and aggressive Warsaw Pact troops whose orders permitted them to use whatever force necessary, including opening fire, to protect the property they are guarding.We hear in detail about Stephen’s experiences in these demanding and frequently dangerous situations, as well as how he used his language skills to engage and befriend opposition troops gaining valuable intelligence which made him a particular threat to the Soviets.Don’t miss part 2 here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode251/0:00 Introduction and Background of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Harrison2:19 How to Donate to Cold War Conversations5:27 Stephen's Experiences and Roles During the Cold War15:05 Techniques and Strategies Used on Tours23:14 Emergency Situations and Adaptations During Tours30:10 Interactions with East German Population and Soviet Troops41:13 Encounter with Soviet Air Defense System and Other Incidents47:39 Reflections on Risk-Taking during Operations47:58 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements of Financial SupportersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Stephen to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode250/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 19, 2022 • 51min
Life in the forbidden zone at the East/West German border (249)
A young Claudia Bierschenk lived at the edge of a world called the GDR, in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests. Her great uncle lives in the Forbidden Zone, the area where the East German border is a few metres away from West Germany. This is where the villages are like ghosts towns and inhabitants need special permits to enter.Claudia provides a vivid and unique description of entering the Forbidden Zone for the first time after being granted special permits to visit her Great Uncle on his 80th birthday. His house is the last house before the final border fences and Claudia describes up close to the fences, while her grandfather tells her about “rabbit discos”…We also hear more of her life in this isolated area, including strange sports activities and Claudia’s experience of being trained as a 12-year-old Para medic.We end the episode talking about how she and her family experienced the momentous events of 1989 when the border opens, and East Germans are free to cross into West Germany. Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine PressDon’t miss our previous episode with Claudia here https://pod.fo/e/137f1e0:00 Introduction1:00 Life and experiences in East Germany featuring Claudia Biashek10:07 Claudia's family history during World War 217:10 Claudia's journey to the restricted zone and first sight of the Berlin Wall25:35 Claudia's family decision to emigrate and the fears associated34:35 Claudia's experience during the opening of the borders and crossing into the West44:27 Adaptation to life in the West46:00 Introduction to Claudia's book, "Nevermind Comrade"46:24 Acknowledging financial supporters of the podcastTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Claudia to our Cold War conversation…Enter the draw to win a copy of the book here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode249/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 12, 2022 • 56min
The girl at the edge of the World - an East German childhood at the West German Border (248)
A young Claudia Bierschenk lived in a village surrounded by hills, valleys and thick forests at the edge of a world called the GDR. It could be beautiful, but the Iron Curtain runs through it, like a tectonic plate separating East and West and Claudia from her West German relatives. She tells of her life in this isolated area, of village life, far away from the socialist showpiece of East Berlin, where there are only two types of yoghurt in the village store.In a series of snapshots, we re-live her childhood of secretly watching West German TV, learning “Marxism-Leninism for kids” at school, and the rare joy of a phone call from the West.We also hear of her parents’ challenges. For her father, it’s his home village, but he is criticised for his liberal views and for wearing Western braces to school. Locals see her mother as an outsider, and she yearns for a life in the West with her sister in West Berlin.Claudia has distilled these stories into a book, Never Mind, Comrade, published by Tangerine Press. Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/97819106917000:00 Introduction and Claudia Bierschenk's early life in the GDR6:50 Claudia's family occupations and life in a small town14:08 Education and the system of punishment and reward in East German schools24:06 Viewing Western television and maintaining contact with relatives in West Germany33:07 Claudia's family experiences with the Berlin Wall and escape attempts38:42 School experiences and navigating discussions in East Germany44:13 Tightening of border controls and holidays in Hungary49:56 After school activities and sports under the ideology ofEast Germany51:30 "Nevermind Comrade" book by Claudia Bierschenk52:00 Acknowledgement of financial supporters and call to actionTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us and sharing them on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Claudia Bierschenk to our Cold War conversation…Listen to the 2nd part of this interview here. https://pod.fo/e/1395f8Extra episode info here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode248All photos are © Claudia Bierschenk.Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 5, 2022 • 1h 1min
A daughter's 18 year search for her Cold War CIA pilot father at the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba (247)
In 1961, members of the Alabama Air National Guard secretly took part in the failed invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles known as the Bay of Pigs. This was a covert attempt by the United States to overthrow the Soviet-allied Cuban government of Fidel Castro. Pete Ray was one of eight Alabama guardsmen who flew combat missions on April 19th 1961, which resulted in the deaths of Pete and three members of the Alabama unit. U.S. President John F. Kennedy later acknowledged America's involvement but denied that American military personnel had entered Cuban territory. It was not until 1987 did the U.S. revealed that eight ANG members had indeed flown into Cuban airspace. We hear from Pete Ray’s daughter Janet, who tirelessly worked to find out the truth of what happened that day despite the best efforts of the CIA, the Cubans, and the US government to obstruct her investigations.Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Janet Ray to our Cold War conversation…Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode247/0:00 Introduction to the podcast and the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion2:32 Guest Introduction: Janet Ray, daughter of Pete Ray4:22 Pete Ray's involvement in the Bay of Pigs invasion9:34 Aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the government's cover-up15:03 Impact of the mercenaries' deaths on their families18:52 The fear and paranoia in the families following the Bay of Pigs invasion22:55 Janet's investigation into her father's death and resistance from the CIA31:58 Janet's interactions with the Bay of Pigs pilots and Fidel Castro47:15 The truth about Pete Ray's death and the return of his body55:58 Wrap up and closing comments by Ian SandersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 29, 2022 • 1h 27min
British Army Air Corps helicopter co-pilot in Cold War Germany (246)
Paul continues his story with his recruitment into the Army Air Corps. It’s initially delayed with a tour providing airfield repair in West Germany and then the Falklands, but finally, he’s at training at Middle Wallop, the home of the Army Air Corps. He describes the training including underwater escapes, flying and navigation. As a Gazelle crewman, his role was navigator, observer and co-pilot. We hear of exercises including the lesser-known Railex/Probex, a US, French and British exercise to re-open a land corridor to West Berlin should the links be closed by Warsaw Pact forces and the British Frontier Service.Paul’s story is again full of great anecdotes and the dangerous reality of flying low-level missions in a single-engine aircraft including a forced landing with a General on board.0:00 Introduction and Paul's recruitment into the army air corps1:30 Sponsor: Call for donations and listener testimonial8:08 Discussion on practice drills and Paul's deployment to the Falklands20:02 Surviving training and posting back to Germany24:17 Transition to a new hangar and memorable encounter with Apache helicopters28:34 Flying the inner German border and interception of unauthorized flights33:42 Exercise Railex Probex: A combined US, French, and British exercise44:08 Winning the Rolls Royce Trophy and personal experiences in the army air corps54:24 Reflecting on the dangers of the job and the forgotten casualties of the Cold War58:33 Importance of timing for the general's travels and emergency landing due to engine failure1:13:59 Return to the Corps of Royal Engineers and posting back to Germany1:21:16 Paul's sunshine tour in Gibraltar and final tours1:21:48 Closing remarks and appreciation for patronsTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Paul to our Cold War conversation…Photos and videos here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode246/Don’t miss our previous episode where Paul joins the Army as a boy soldier in the Royal Engineers here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 22, 2022 • 57min
A boy soldier in the Cold War Royal Engineers (245)
Paul joined the Royal Engineers in 1977, aged 16 as an apprentice. We hear of his experience of joining the army at such a young age and being away from home for the first time. After initial training his first posting was to Osnabruck in 1979. Shortly after his arrival Paul is appointed to the challenging role of driver to the Squadron Sergeant MajorWith participation in exercises such as Crusader 80 and Active Edge Paul describes in detail the role of Royal Engineers in Cold War Germany, including mine laying, bridge demolition and fixed defence construction.Paul’s story is full of great anecdotes and tales of the reality of life in the British Army of the Rhine.Don’t miss our next episode where Paul joins the Army Air Corps and becomes an Aircrewman Observer on Gazelle helicopters along the Inner German Border.0:00 Introduction to Paul's journey in the Royal Engineers1:30 Request for support to keep the podcast running2:31 Paul's early life and decision to join the army9:14 Paul's arrival in Osnabruck and his role as a Land Rover driver29:00 Paul's experiences in Germany and developing an affinity for the country38:20 Preparation and expectations for exercise Crusader 8047:00 Cooperation with German farmers during the exercises59:00 The humanity of the Sergeant Major and the challenges of dispatch riders35:33 Transition to engineering tasks during the Crusader 80 exercise42:20 Paul's transition to support troop and working with REME workshop51:01 Paul's career move and application for the Army Air Corps52:56 Ian Sanders: Closing thoughts and remindersTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Paul to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode245/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 14, 2022 • 1h 24min
A Mormon missionary in Cold War East Germany (244)
In the early 1980s East Germany had just 5000 members of the Church of Latter-day Saints, many of which had been members since before World War 2. In 1982 East German leader Erich Honecker historically allowed the church to build a temple in Freiberg and in 1988 Mormon missionaries were allowed into East Germany. Ken Brady describes his experiences as a Mormon missionary in East Germany as the country gradually disappeared and was absorbed into West Germany. Ken also gives us a valuable view of life away from Berlin in cities such as Cottbus, Gorlitz, Schwerin, Frankfurt an der Oder and Eisenhüttenstadt. It’s a fascinating story told with humour and candour as Ken grapples with local dialects, the local food and tricks with East German currency. 0:00 Introduction and Ken Brady's early interest in East Germany7:16 The Church's operations in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall12:24 First impressions of East Germany21:17 Fear of the Stasi after the fall of the Berlin Wall28:18 Encounters with locals suspecting them to be CIA agents34:19 Sightseeing and exploring local culture on days off42:19 Guidance on political party selection and introduction of West German products46:17 Teaching religion to those with no prior experience56:22 Currency Unification and its impact on East Germany1:09:00 Ken Brady's service in West Berlin1:18:18 The stark contrast of Soviet architecture1:21:00 Thanking the Patrons and final remarksTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome Ken to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode244/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Radio GDRIf you are interested in East Germany we can highly recommend our friends over at Radio GDR.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 8, 2022 • 1h 17min
US Navy Cold War airborne electronic reconnaissance (243)
KC flew the US Navy’s airborne Electronic Reconnaissance during the 1980s in the Lockheed EP-3 which is an electronic signals reconnaissance version of the P-3 Orion.He flew as a Navigator, Senior Electronic Warfare Evaluator and Mission Commander.We hear about several missions he was involved in including his first detachment to Athens the then main USN operating base for missions in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic.We also hear about flying in the Baltic from bases in the UK (Mildenhall/Wyton) or FRG (Schleswig-Jagel). Flying from Keflavik in Iceland KC monitored a huge Soviet Navy exercise in the Norwegian Sea involving the Kiev, Kirov, and numerous cruisers, destroyers, and frigates.In the 1980s Libya was claiming the Gulf of Sidra as its territorial waters and KC flew in support of “freedom of navigation” operations involving USN ships.It’s a great insight into a relatively unknown part of Cold War air operations.0:00 Introduction and KC's experience on the EP39:21 Focus on the Adriatic and Yugoslavia and Albania15:24 The aftermath of the La Belle disco bomb attack and increased security measures26:10 Busy month flying from Athens32:27 Continuation of Cold War era aircraft in service today36:15 The Achilles Lauro cruise ship hijacking, October 198554:25 Iowa class battleships and their role in the Cold War1:02:12 KC's last flight in the Baltic1:06:15 Instructions for landing in enemy territory1:13:33 Cold War conversations on FacebookTable of contents powered by PodcastAI✨Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show.I am delighted to welcome KC to our Cold War conversation…Episode notes here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode243/Follow us on Twitter here https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook here https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook.Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPodFacebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


