SNAFU with Ed Helms

Key Takeaways

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey joined Ed Helms on his 'Snafu' podcast for a special episode.
The episode detailed the 1965 'Broken Arrow' incident: the loss of a nuclear weapon from the USS Ticonderoga.
The incident involved a 15-year government cover-up and created diplomatic issues between the US and Japan.
The co-stars reminisced about their time on 'The Office,' including cast camaraderie and conference room scenes.
Updates included Jenna Fischer's return to theater and Angela Kinsey's husband's upcoming cookbook.

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey joined Ed Helms on his podcast, 'Snafu,' which focuses on historical screw-ups.
Their episode discussed a 'snafu' moment that occurred on a boat, humorously linking to Helms' character Andy Bernard from 'The Office'.
Helms welcomed the 'Office Ladies' hosts, recalling their time working together and emphasizing the camaraderie.

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey expressed missing working with Ed Helms and the cast, reminiscing about constant laughter and the 'larger umbrella feeling' of the project.
They recalled 'The Office' conference room scenes, initially perceived as a 'slog,' fostered significant cast bonding and creativity.
Ed Helms described feeling a 'gentle entry' when joining the show in Season 3, crediting the welcoming atmosphere from writers and the established cast.

The hosts and guest Ed Helms introduced the episode's main topic: a significant 'work whoopsie.'
The discussion focused on a 'broken arrow' incident from 1965 involving the USS Ticonderoga.
A 'broken arrow' is defined as the loss of a nuclear device, drawing parallels to workplace comedy with exceptionally high stakes.

On December 5, 1965, near Japan, an A-4E Skyhawk attack jet was being loaded for a routine exercise aboard the USS Ticonderoga.
The 24,500-pound aircraft began rolling backward and fell off the carrier into the ocean.
Attempts by the deck crew to stop the jet proved futile as it was lost at sea.

A search and rescue operation confirmed that neither Lieutenant Douglas Webster, who was in the aircraft, nor the plane, carrying a one-megaton nuclear bomb, was recovered; only Webster's helmet was found.
The lost nuclear bomb was 70 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb, prompting an inevitable cover-up due to diplomatic sensitivity.
The incident violated a prior treaty with Japan, and the Navy initially believed the bomb was within Japanese territorial waters, concealing the event for over 15 years until 1981.

The Navy's 15-year concealment ended with the Pentagon's brief 1981 disclosure, vaguely stating the bomb was over 500 miles from land and posed no danger.
In 1989, Greenpeace and a naval expert revealed documents showing the bomb was only 70 miles off the Ryuku Islands, directly violating Japan's anti-nuclear policies.
The Pentagon admitted the full details in 1989, prompted by a Newsweek article, which created a significant diplomatic issue between the United States and Japan.

The euphemistic term 'broken arrow' refers to incidents involving nuclear weapons, with 32 such events recorded since 1950, including theft and accidental detonation.
The hosts expressed concern over these incidents and questioned official claims of harmlessness and lack of environmental impact.
The situation highlighted issues with safety protocols and governmental transparency regarding nuclear bombs decaying underwater.

The hosts announced they have covered every episode of 'The Office' and continue to release new content every Wednesday.
Jenna Fischer will return to the stage in 'Ashland Avenue' at the Goodman Theater in Chicago, with previews starting September 6th.
Angela Kinsey's husband's new cookbook, 'You Can Make This,' which compiles family recipes, is set to be released in October.