The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast with Ryan Keys
Welcome to Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, where the stories, leadership, and innovations of naval aviation come alive. Hosted by Ryan Keys, this podcast takes you beyond the artifacts and into the human stories, pivotal decisions, and groundbreaking technology that define one of the world’s most dynamic aviation communities.
Dive into the heart of naval aviation through vivid storytelling, exclusive interviews, and actionable insights. From the tales of legendary pilots and restored aircraft to the leadership strategies forged in the skies, Ready Room offers a unique blend of history, STEM, and global collaboration. Whether you're a lifelong aviation enthusiast, an educator seeking inspiration, or curious about the leadership lessons behind aviation’s most iconic moments, this podcast connects you to the rich legacy and exciting future of naval aviation.
Join us in Ready Room —where every episode takes you deeper into the extraordinary world of naval aviation.
9/11's Hidden Story: How One Schedule Change Saved This Pilot's Life | Capt Steve Schreiber
September 11, 2025 • 50 MIN
In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Captain Steve Scheibner, former Navy P-3 Orion pilot, Scheibner recounts his extraordinary journey from Cold War anti-submarine warfare missions to a life-changing near miss on September 11, 2001, when a last-minute schedule change kept him off American Airlines Flight 11. His story explores how fate, faith, and naval aviation principles shaped his approach to leadership, purpose, and service both in the cockpit and beyond.
From Naval Academy to Navy Foundation: Two Helicopter Pilots' Parallel Careers
August 28, 2025 • 47 MIN
In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, guest host Pat Everly flips the script, interviewing regular host Ryan Keys about his remarkable career in Naval Aviation. From their shared beginnings at Naval Academy prep to commanding helicopter squadrons, Keys reflects on leadership challenges, maintaining squadron morale, and the pivotal role of mentorship. Listeners will gain unique insights into the journey of a naval aviator, the weight of command, and the transition from active duty to preserving naval aviation heritage.
Search and Rescue Leadership: Combat Veteran Turns Coast Guard Aviator
August 27, 2025 • 47 MIN
In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Commander Michael Ross, USCG, whose career spans Army combat aviation in Iraq to Coast Guard search and rescue missions in Alaska and beyond. Now Executive Officer at Coast Guard Air Station San Diego, Ross shares insights on adapting leadership across service cultures, making life-or-death decisions in high-stakes missions, and the evolving role of Coast Guard aviation in securing America’s maritime domain.
From 35,000 Naval Aviators to Museum Legacy: Sterling Gilliam's Mission to Preserve History
August 21, 2025 • 52 MIN
In this episode of The Naval Aviation Ready Room podcast, host Ryan Keys is joined by Sterling Gilliam, Director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, to share insights from his 30-year naval aviation career, the preservation of naval aviation heritage, and the museum's mission to inspire future generations.
From Jaws to Justice: How a Middle School Student Exonerated the USS Indianapolis Captain
August 7, 2025 • 68 MIN
In this episode of The Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys sits down with Commander Hunter Scott, whose sixth-grade history project led to the exoneration of USS Indianapolis Captain Charles McVay. From uncovering a decades-old injustice to serving as a naval aviator, Scott shares how determination, research, and advocacy can influence military history and a life of service.
Launching soon: The Ready Room Podcast
July 16, 2025 • 1 MIN
The Ready Room Podcast, presented by The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. , explores the people, missions, and milestones that shaped naval aviation. Hear firsthand stories from veterans, aerospace leaders, and historians in this immersive series on aviation history, leadership, and innovation.