Since 1999, the Lost Clipper team has truly grown and evolved while investigating the captivating narratives of the Hawaii Clipper and the Amelia Earhart sagas from the bygone era of 1937-1938.
Each person brings a unique set of skills to the table, strengthening the project as we forge ahead…
Guy Noffsinger is not your ordinary storyteller; he’s a decorated veteran of the US Navy, NASA, and CBS, and a two-time Emmy Award recipient. With nearly three decades of television production experience encompassing roles as diverse as director, producer, writer, editor, and even UAV pilot, Guy has navigated the intricate world of filmmaking from inception to fruition.
His journey has taken him to the most challenging corners of the globe, from remote exotic jungles to desolate Middle Eastern deserts, from towering mountain peaks to the glitz of Hollywood’s backlots. Fueled by an unwavering ardor for recounting history’s hidden mysteries, Guy’s relentless quest has taken him to the furthest reaches of the Earth.
His narrative odyssey commenced as an aviation photographer and videographer during his tenure in the US Navy, a chapter that flung open doors to myriad experiences and opportunities. These portals led him to Cameo Productions, the CBS News affiliate WKMG in Orlando, the Golf Channel, an array of distinguished production companies, and ultimately to the helm of his own video production enterprise nestled in Valencia, California. However, California was just a pit stop on his journey, as destiny beckoned him to an exceptional sojourn back to the world of aviation, albeit in the boundless expanse of space, as a Senior Special Projects Producer at NASA Television. Swiftly, Guy ascended to the mantle of Senior Producer, overseeing productions for the expansive NASA Television Network, spanning ten NASA field centers. His visionary acumen earned him the esteemed NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2015, lauded for his “extraordinary conception, planning, coordination, and utilization of the NASA Ikhana Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to capture live capsule descent footage during the Orion Space Capsule EFT-1 Mission.”
Guy is now the Director / Producer for a new federal agency, the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet.gov), which has partnered with AT&T to build the nation’s first secured wireless network for fire, police, and EMS communications.
Jeff Riegel stands as a luminary in the world of filmmaking, boasting an impressive resume that includes a nomination for the documentary Emmy and the illustrious title of a two-time Emmy winner, not to mention multiple accolades from the esteemed Peer and Telly Awards. Armed with a degree from the prestigious Ithaca College in New York, Jeff has meticulously honed his vast array of production skills, solidifying his stature as the revered Video Producer/Editor within the ranks of the Lost Clipper team. His fateful encounter with Guy Noffsinger occurred shortly after the completion of his Naval thesis in 2001 at the Office of Naval Intelligence, marking the inception of their collaborative journey, characterized by an array of ambitious projects.
Jeff’s journey is a tapestry woven from a myriad of experiences, including ventures into the heart of Micronesia for field productions, immersive forays into nature filming alongside the world-renowned National Parks Photographer, Frank Lee Ruggles, and the creation of cinematic gems such as the festival-worthy short film “The Great Realisation” and the emotionally resonant documentary “Tori Nelson: Fighting For Her Future.” Beyond the realm of a conventional editor, Jeff assumes multifaceted roles as a webmaster for DEA Narcos and The Lost Clipper, an expert of social media, and an articulate blogger. His role extends to the domain of research, statistical analysis, and logistical orchestration, focused on the ever-evolving landscape of state-of-the-art broadcast and non-linear editing hardware and software platforms. “I undertake the meticulous task of analyzing and endorsing these tools, elevating project workflows to create a visually majestic product that captivates our viewers, all in alignment with our present and future mission objectives.”
Jeff Riegel is an Award Winning Video Producer / Director based in metro Washington DC and is represented by agents Adam Leibner and Jerry Silbowitz at The United Talent Agency in New York City.
In 2018, DEA Narcos’ Steve Murphy embarked on our fourth trip to Micronesia, leading The Lost Clipper exploration and immersing himself in the captivating quest to uncover the world’s first aerial hijacking by rogue Japanese agents before World War II. His journey ignited a passion for this never-before-told story, a narrative spanning over eight decades, poised to potentially reshape our understanding of history.
Stephen Murphy worked his up way from his start as a police officer in a small West Virginia town to the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the DEA. During his 37 years in law enforcement, Steve was stationed all around the world, most notably as one of the two Americans present and involved in the hunt for the largest cocaine distributor in the world, Pablo Escobar. Murphy was present during the chase and eventual shooting resulting in the death of Escobar and took all the photographs seen in the media following the event.
Instead of accepting that he would never again work a drug trafficking case the size and scope of Escobar’s, Murphy continued to aggressively pursue local and international drug dealers just as he had pursued Escobar. His work ethic, conviction, integrity, and character assisted him in climbing the ranks within DEA before his retirement in July 2013.
Murphy continues to serve in law enforcement roles, and lectures around the country on drug trafficking trends, security-related challenges, and what it was like to pursue a criminal the magnitude of Escobar. He has appeared in a variety of television specials on Escobar’s death. Along with Javier Peña, he serves as a subject matter expert and senior consultant for the hit Netflix series Narcos and co-writers of their recent book “Manhunters. How We Took Down Pablo Escobar.” Steve and investigator, Morgan Wright, helm a bi-weekly “true crimes” podcast Game of Crimes with nearly 100,000 monthly downloads.
Looking forward, Steve is back again with his DEA Narcos partner Javier Peña to lead an investigation into a history-making cold case. Just prior to World War II, the world’s most high-tech commercial airliner with secret military-grade engines was on a seemingly routine mission – but was it? On board Pan Am Airways flight 229 Hawaii Clipper were fifteen passengers and crew bound for Hong Kong from San Francisco with three million dollars (46 million today) in gold-backed bank notes. Why? Allegedly ransom for missing aviatrix Amelia Earhart. The plane -missing. The crew – allegedly murdered by rogue Japanese agents and buried on a remote Pacific Island. If Steve and Javier can find the remains of these fifteen Americans – the start date of World War II may have to be changed in our history books.
Steve Murphy’s BIO ONE SHEET
Steve Murphy, based in Orlando, FL, is represented by agents Adam Leibner and Jerry Silbowitz at The United Talent Agency (UTA) and The Greater Talent Network in New York City.
JAVIER PENA
Javier Peña retired in 2014 as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the DEA Houston Field Division after an illustrious 30-year career with the DEA. In 1988, Peña embarked on a pivotal assignment at the DEA office in Bogota, Colombia, alongside partner Steve Murphy. Together, they relentlessly pursued the world’s first narco-terrorist, Pablo Escobar. SAC Peña’s unwavering dedication spanned six years, culminating in the dramatic chase and eventual shooting of Escobar in 1993.
Throughout his distinguished DEA tenure, Peña’s work took him across the globe, from San Francisco to the Caribbean and beyond. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in dismantling complex criminal networks, contributing significantly to successful investigations in the war against drugs and narco-terrorism.
A renowned subject matter expert on the Medellin Cartel, Peña has delivered over 100 presentations on this subject and related areas. He has shared rare, captivating photos capturing the Cartel’s rise and fall. In collaboration with Steve Murphy, he serves as a subject matter expert and senior consultant for the acclaimed Netflix series Narcos.
Javier’s passion for solving mysteries has led him to his next significant endeavor. Teaming up once again with former DEA partner Steve Murphy, they embark on a new trail to unravel an 85-year-old cold case involving an ancient organized criminal enterprise that may have played a role in the start of World War II in the Pacific. Together, they will conduct interviews worldwide and explore a remote Pacific island in pursuit of answers to the very first hijacking of a commercial airliner, the Pan Am Airways Hawaii Clipper.
Javier Pena is based in San Antonio, Texas, and is represented by agents Adam Leibner and Jerry Silbowitz at UTA and The Greater Talent Network in New York City.
Javier Pena’s BIO ONE SHEET
BILL STINNETT
Bill Stinnett, a retired and highly accomplished Hawaii 5-0 police officer and investigator, as well as the proprietor of the renowned Truk Stop and Dive Center, has been the indispensable linchpin in ensuring the Lost Clipper project’s triumphant navigation through the intricate clan system of Truk Lagoon. The Truk Stop has consistently served as our team’s residence and the hub for orchestrating our logistical operations.
Our host, a cherished friend and unwavering advocate who has offered invaluable financial, emotional, and personal support, along with his exceptional logistics acumen, has illuminated our path and rendered all prior visits to Chuuk extraordinarily successful from day one. His vast knowledge, expertise, remarkable policing abilities, and revered local reputation are the lifeblood of this project, without which it would be at an insurmountable impasse.
Jim Janicki is a true Renaissance man, boasting a diverse array of skills and expertise. He’s a seasoned pilot, an accredited celestial navigator, and an accomplished skipper for sailboats up to 50 feet in length. Additionally, he holds a license as an amateur radio operator (Call sign WB3FMS) and is accredited for search and rescue operations, accompanied by his trusty search dog, Sadie.
Furthermore, Jim is a registered Professional Engineer with a wealth of experience in highly regulated and intricate industries. His exceptional leadership capabilities span across various functions, enabling him to deliver outstanding global results, from strategic planning to implementation. With a background that encompasses Fortune 500 companies, mid-size enterprises, and small entrepreneurial units, Jim is well-versed in steering strategic business plans, shaping organizational culture, and driving effective outcomes across a wide spectrum of businesses
The long and short of it is, Jim is a big deal and will be the most creditable expert on this program adding authenticity backed as a certified professional with documented years of experience.
Jim holds a solid track record of results and functional leadership across Operations, Commercial, R&D, Services, and Sales in diagnostics, bio-tech., high-tech., chemical, pharmaceutical, plastic, and other industries. He’s proficient with Lean, Six Sigma, Business Process Excellence, ISO 9000 / ISO13485, cGMPs, cGLPs, FDA/MHRA/EMEA/S-FDA, and other global regulatory requirements.
Having collaborated with Jim for nearly a decade in various endeavors, we can attest to his engaging personality and his knack for imparting knowledge. He brings a wealth of perspectives and opinions on a wide range of subjects, making him a valuable addition to our team.
Greeting Jim Janicki to The Lost Clipper Team!
Award-Winning Mr. Ollie Dale of Virtually Famous Productions out of Auckland, New Zealand, and President at The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) provides epic land and aerial video/photography. Ollie joined the Lost Clipper team on our 4th adventure to Truk, Micronesia in January 2018 capturing the beautiful landscape and aerial footage that the islands have to offer.
“I started my photographic career aboard a cruise ship in 2001. When I returned to New Zealand in 2003 I set myself up as a freelance photographer, and in 2005 started my company, PhotoNZ Ltd.
In 2008 I joined the NZ Institute of Professional Photography, was the Chairman of the Auckland region in 2009-10, and was on the Honours Council from 2010-15. During that time, I achieved the level of Fellow of the NZIPP, and have judged at the Professional Photography Awards in NZ (Iris) and Australia (APPA). My Clients over the years have included many household names, the largest of which are Mazda, Microsoft, Vodafone, Flight Centre, and the Auckland Airport.”
What’s in The Name?
The original “Virtually Famous” was the title of a small documentary I created in 2012, all about how social media was changing the landscape for photographers, and everyone.
“I interviewed a number of people who influenced me and asked them about how they used Social Media to grow their brands, interact with followers and become virtually famous.”
Olie’s work with the renowned photographer, Trey Ratcliff, and his eye to capture “the epic” will only enhance the story that needs to be told on the Lost Clipper Project.
The Lost Clipper Welcomes Epic Video/Photographer Ollie Dale to the Team
We’ve teamed with Mr. Robert W. Perry of TOPOGRAPHIX® LLC out of Hudson, New Hampshire to provide Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveying services to help pinpoint and find those 15 Americans lost in 1938.
Bob explains Ground Penetrating Radar and how it rules out false possibilities before an actual dig, drastically saving time and money. Per the TOPOGRAPHIX website: “GPR Mapping is non-intrusive, sub-surface imaging that looks underground to develop a picture profile of what lays below the surface. We use GPR to determine the location of unmarked graves, headstones, and burial vaults. We can also locate lost or available grave space, markers that have been moved, and verify casket positioning.”
Using TOPOGRAPHIX’s Ground Penetrating Radar, we’ll now be able to investigate and map sub-surface areas for the locations of mass burial sites, underground evidence, and buried human and metallic remains.
Bob, like the other members of The Lost Clipper Crew, is an integral part behind the search to uncover the true history of those 15 missing Americans lost in 1938.
We Welcome TOPOGRAPHIX to the Lost Clipper Effort!
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Lost Clipper 
Very interesting story!
This is the first I have ever heard about this Lost Clipper.
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