A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by John Richter with Sonar Technician Second Class Raymond Zieverink on March 19, 2014. Born on November 16, 1946, Zieverink volunteered for the United States Navy to avoid being drafted into the Army for Vietnam.
After completing basic training, he volunteered for submarine duty and underwent submarine school. In 1967, he was assigned to the USS Lapon, a fast attack nuclear submarine. As sonar technician, he played a key role in tracking underwater activity, listening for enemy submarines, surface ships, and potential threats. He recalls long patrols, including operations above the Arctic Circle and Cold War surveillance missions. He also talks about how life aboard a submarine was both demanding and close-knit, with 18 hour workdays and limited space.
