Calm in the Chaos: True Tales from Elite U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers

From an elite Navy rescue swimmer comes this insider perspective on what it takes to survive some of the most dangerous situations imaginable -- and how the lessons learned can help overcome other momentous challenges.

Brian Dickinson, famously known for having climbed down Mt. Everest while completely snow blind, is often asked how he managed the incredible feat. He has always attributed it to his faith and to his U.S. Navy Search and Rescue Training, which taught him how to remain calm in moments of chaos. For the first time, Brian takes an in-depth look at the training that saved his life and the missions--both his and others'--where these skills were put to the test to save other people.

Over two decades after being honorably discharged from the Navy, Brian is compelled to share his unique military training and experiences. He believes that sharing the training that he received to overcome adversity in the most extreme scenarios can help others to overcome their own personal Everest. Even beyond mountaineering, the military training has rewired Brian's ability to navigate difficult business, financial, health, and relationship challenges. With the chaos of the world continuing to expand, these stories from U.S. Navy rescue swimmers provide a fresh perspective on what it takes to survive some of the most dangerous situations, and how that shapes the rest of a person's life.

Brian Dickinson, former US Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer (E5), is an expert in survival, adversity, and overcoming obstacles. In 2011, Brian soloed the summit of Mount Everest, but then went completely snow blind on the descent. Hand over hand he made his way down blind and alone. What should have taken three hours to reach high camp ended up taking him seven hours. Brian took a major fall down the south summit and eventually ran out of supplemental oxygen, but through determined faith and focus he survived the impossible.

Brian has been featured on TV, in magazines, and on websites and podcasts countless times to recount his amazing experience. Notably, he has spoken on major news productions such as CNN with Anderson Cooper and Chris Cuomo, ABC's Good Morning America, and NBC's Today Show. Brian is also a motivational speaker, and has delivered speeches to a variety of audiences. In his free time, Brian enjoys spending time with his family mountain climbing and snowboarding. He has climbed the Seven Summits--the tallest mountains on each continent--as well as many others.

He lives in Snoqualmie, WA.