Captain Jim's Green Flash Sightings

2016 Election For the last seven years, the President of the United States has worked with unprecedented opposition to his initiatives, and the American electorate has stood by and accepted the dysfunctional way our national government has been doing the peoples’ business, or not doing the peoples’ business. Now there are divides and ideological differences, but in the end the business of governing has to go forward, smoothly and reliably. The opposition raises their issues, voices, and argues their points; but the imperative is to get the job done, find the compromise and common ground that allows the certainty that the programs are funded and the bills paid. At least that is what I expect of these duly elected representatives. In the coming election, I do not see a candidate that if he or she were to win is going to be able to change the way Congress functions for the better. The entire Republican field is campaigning in undoing the ACA, imposing Christian values as protected

I am very lucky, truly fortunate and blessed, to have served as a commanding officer in the United States Navy. Those of us who have served on Navy ships are exposed to the unique command structure and organization that encompasses leadership responsibility at sea. Where it becomes most in evidence is on the bridge of the ship while underway, the Captain present on the bridge, in command of the ship and all of the crew. The Commanding Officer is the absolute authority, responsible and accountable for everything and everyone on board; to the mission, safety, morale, and well-being of the crew. I was very lucky that my career progressed through some very special experiences, most very good and memorable, some not, with commanding officers, and leaders at all levels up to 4 stars, having a part in molding me. What resulted was a command philosophy and leadership approach that was not conventional or traditional. Somehow their examples and teachings inspired and empowered me to be a CO

Americans should not be so in love with our idea of "American Exceptionalism" when justifying our role in interventions to the rest of the world's cultures and nations. Such belief a Americans should not be so in love with our idea of "American Exceptionalism" when justifying our role in interventions to the rest of the world's cultures and nations. Such belief and thinking by some of our leaders does not empower us to take any and all actions to impose our idea of democracy and a free society. Americans have done a vast number of good and even great things, maybe because we benefited from freedom and were able to have the security of the two oceans between us and Europe and Asia. But our Nation's growth was built in no small part on the institution of slavery, Indian removal, exploitation of Chinese immigrant labor, anti-Semitism, and

Our President represents the best of what the United States is all about to our citizens and to the rest of the world. We grant him this status as our elected leader, responsible to protect our way of life and secure our posterity, our future. The goals of security, economic stability and growth, and conservation and protection of our environment, can only be achieved by dealing with the global community.  So, the air we breath, the water we drink, must be a priority. A threa t to our climate is a global security problem and needs a global solution by those nations that can make a difference. We need a leader who can speak to our understanding and acceptance of the threat of climate change and leads the way to the best possible measures to improve our future prospects. Steps to keep the Earth Biodome capable of sustaining life on the planet is an urgent priority. Denying the science, challenging the integrity of the scientists and their process, is more than ignorance it is a conseque

Arguing About Gun Control My life experience has me convinced that any reckoning for the people who kill other people, for whatever reason, will be after death and decided by God's judgement.  Living each day with the memories of all the men, women, and children killed in acts of violence is terrible burden for all of us to bear.  We should do what we can to minimize guns in the hands of citizens who are not so innocent - people who are spouse abusers, documented mental health issues/problems, felons convicted of violent crimes, etc.  It is not, and should not be about citizens in good standing owning guns. It should be about gun owners being responsible and safeguarding their weapons. We should do all we can to see that guns purchased by citizens are registered, and each time that gun legally changes hands, it is documented and registered in the new responsible owner's name. Making it easier and less restrictive, and Congress outlawing registration records of gun owners

I have decided that if I am going to tilt at windmills, I need to do it on my blog. Facebook is not the place to express my views, opinions, hopes, and dreams for this country, for this world. I am not seeking affirmation or challenging others on their views, but I welcome any feedback.  I have discovered that many of the men and women that have crossed my path, both professionally and personally, are out there and because of our time together have established a connection that I value and am grateful to be able to engage.  We all share the oath we took, some many times over, and believe so very strongly in the core of that pledge, to serve our country and to defend it using our combined strength and will. I hope that my shipmates, friends, and family will use this blog to discuss, argue, and seek solutions and answers to the things/issues/concerns that need answers and our commitment to see through to resolution. 

When I was a midshipman, I stood bridge watches , including the helm. Did the same in the fireroom, including spending twenty four hours in the firebox rebricking and recasting the firebox in the boiler, also engineroom - CIC -Sonar, etc. Each ship I served on I would make a point of steering the ship and learning from the master helmsman/woman. Carrier/LHA/LHD aviation CO's do not have that kind of experience and probably think it is beneath them. Point is, it is essential and professional to be involved with training and qualifying watchstanders. Their job is as important as the Captain's. In some ways more important because if the hundreds of actions and checks and details that watchstanders do routinely are not done, everyone is at risk. One of the reasons I love sailors in general and any who I served with in particular.

August 11, 2015 Dear David, Re: “Solitude and Leadership: If you want others to follow, learn to be alone with your thoughts.” By William Deresiewicz             I have taken my time responding to you because you are asking for my opinion, thoughts, even reflections on the subject of leadership.                                                        The presentation was tailored and targeted to a specific group, a plebe class early in their first academic year at USMA. These young men and women are near identical to those attending the other service academies (USNA, USAFA, USCGA, MMA). The Army plebes are representative youth from across the nation because, the selection process dictates appointments are offered from each congressional district and two from each state, at large, by each senator. As extraordinary as these men and women are, the classes could be filled from certain regions of the country exclusively if it were just based on the qualifications, academic and otherwi