|
DanSez -> OT-Lite: Book recommendation Destroyer Squadron-23 (8/29/2017 5:17:58 PM)
|
I love used book stores. On an good weekend, I feel like a hunter stalking the elusive prey.
Latest find:
Destroyer Squadron 23
Combat Exploits of Arleigh Burke's Gallant Force
by Ken Jones
ISBN 0-7394-1015-6
First published in 1959 - the old school prose and attitudes clearly echo the heroes who rose to meet the challenge of command.
A small excerpt: page 58
Seagoing is nearly as ancient as the human race. Down through the centuries, the art of seagoing has absorbed and amalgamated the sea ways of all people, including their practical inventions along with the their legends and superstitions. Thus ships, their organizations and the customs and traditions embodied in their design, building, and sailing are truly empirical creations. Preforce the false has been battered down and destroyed along with the lives of countless thousands of sailors by the implacable might of the killer sea against which they sought to stand. What survives is the true -- the true design, the true fabrication, the true organization, the true practices of seagoing; most of all, the true men. For the false cannot long survive at sea.
I particularly like Burke's first 5 points of doctrine:
1. If it will kill Japs -- it's important
2. If it will not help kill Japs -- it's not important
3. Keep your ship trained for battle
4. Keep your material ready for battle
5. Keep your boss informed concerning your readiness for battle
The book (which I am still reading) spends some time introducing you to the ship's captains with their histories ( how they got there) and examples of how they executed their duty. I find it interesting that all of the Arleigh Burke's initial destroyer commanders of DesRon-23 became Rear-Admirals or higher.
Highly recommended.
|
|
|
|
