Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Handwritten letter


A good handwritten letter is a creative act, and not just because it is a visual and tactile pleasure. It is a deliberate act of exposure, a form of vulnerability, because handwriting opens a window on the soul in a way that cyber communication can never do. You savor their arrival and later take care to place them in a box for safe keeping.

Catherine Field - The New York Times

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Waste no more time


Don't waste your time arguing what a good Naval officer should be.  Be one.

Marcus Aurelius - once removed

Monday, August 28, 2017

Word to the wise from my former boss - Donald H. Rumsfeld - Rumsfeld's Rule


If you are lost – “climb, conserve, and confess.” 
(U.S. Navy SNJ Flight Manual)

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Ten Years Ago Today - CTMCM Ronald N. Schwartz Passed Away

Master Chief Petty Officer Ronald N. Schwartz passed away on 27 August 2007 following a fatal tractor accident near his home in Indiana. He had a distinguished career as a Cryptologic Maintenance Technician in the Naval Security Group. He served in USS BIDDLE, in The White House Communication Office, at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Education and Training, as an instructor at Naval Technical Training Center - Corry Station - Pensacola, Florida and as Command Master Chief for U.S. Naval Security Group Activity - Yokosuka, Japan.  One of the young men he influenced there (now CTRCM Cedric Rawlinson) took his place as the Command Master Chief twelve years later.

On the tenth  anniversary of his passing, I suspect he continues to smile upon us knowing that, Naval Network Warfare Command reversed their decision to disestablish the Cryptologic Technician Maintenance rating in the Navy.  The CTM rating is stronger than ever.  He was foremost a career-long advocate for Sailors and, in particular, the Cryptologic Maintenance Technicians afloat and serving in the Fleet Electronic Support shops around the world. THE MESSAGE: Never doubt the value of our Cryptologic Technicians; for the most part, theirs is a unique contribution to the Navy's warfighting ability. That capability must be preserved for the good of the nation.

His son, Ronnie, proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps.