Episode 2: From Fires to Freedom – Rico's Journey Through the Fleet

In this powerful episode, host Patrick Riley sits down with DC1 Federico "Del” Delgadillo, a seasoned sailor whose time in the U.S. Navy took him from the decks of the USS Midway to the liberty ports of the USS Hewitt (DD-966).Del shares raw memories of the devastating fire aboard the Midway in 1990, the lives lost, and the emotional toll that still lingers. From firefighting and guilt to brotherhood and survival, his story honors the resilience of sailors who lived through the unthinkable.But it’s not all heavy—Rico also brings the laughs as the two shipmates reminisce about wild liberty calls in Australia, Japan, Oman, and beyond. They explore what made independent steaming on the Hewitt so unique, why liberty hits differently in a small port, and the unforgettable characters met along the way.This episode is for every sailor who served, every friend who remembers, and every listener who wants to know what life in the fleet was really like.Check out Patrick’s new novel “Deception Underway” on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at underwaybooks.com.