Zachary Howe

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Maritime Studies Capstone Seminar Oral History Project

Description

MAST 4994W/AMST 3265W Capstone students at the University of Connecticut produced podcasts from oral histories that they collected during the Spring semester 2020.  

Interviewer
Date of Interview
04-28-2020
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Supplemental Material
Abstract

On April 28, 2020, Christopher Rice interviewed Zachary Howe for the Maritime Studies Capstone Seminar Oral History Project. Howe, a resident of Ledyard, Connecticut, was born in 1988 and grew up in Frankfort, Indiana. His military career brought him to Connecticut, where he has lived for the past fourteen years following his enlistment in the U.S. Navy. The interview provides an overview of Howe's family background, military career, and personal experiences. Howe discusses his upbringing, mentioning that he was primarily raised by his mother, aunts, and grandmother. Howe's naval career began in high school, inspired by conversations with friends, and has spanned fourteen years without interruption. He shares insights into the structure and demands of Navy life, including the rotational system between shore and sea duties, the camaraderie within the submarine community, and the challenges of being on call 24/7. Howe also reflects on the impact of the military on his household and community, noting the significance of the Navy in providing employment and shaping the local area. The interview also touches on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Navy operations, where Howe describes the minimal impact on recruitment and the adaptability of military protocols to ensure continued operations. He recounts memorable experiences from his time in the Navy, including participating in an Ice Exercise (ICEX) in the Arctic, which allowed him to play football on the ice and take unique photos at the North Pole. Howe concludes by discussing the advantages of a Navy career, such as steady employment, health benefits, and educational opportunities, and offers advice to young people considering military service. 


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.