Sea Stories

Having retired fm the Navy in the late 1990s, this book felt like time in the Wardroom swapping stories.

The Admiral has some very challenging experiences in his seabag, and he does a masterful job of making them sound easy. He begins his journey as a boy with a loving family and a personal affinity for the joys of boyhood in its simplicity and joyful abandon. He takes that same attitude into adulthood to display superb leadership in some very tight situations. His reading of his own narrative adds to the fun of the listening if you get the audiobook version.

You will enjoy reading this book multiple times.

If only HE would run for President!

This is not so much a memoir as a series of stories about important events and missions in the life of a man who made an incredible contribution to his country. Each chapter is distinct in that each details a specific event or mission. Within each, McRaven reveals his character, beliefs, and dedication to his country and the men who served with him. It is generally upbeat and laudatory of remarkable men and women who have served in our military. It's apolitical; no one is faulted for mistakes or differences in their philosophy or actions. Several chapters stand out. The account of SEAL training tells us much about the incredible rigor of the training that weeds out 80% of men stronger than you or I can imagine. The chapter that deals with the rescue of Captain Phillips on the high seas from Somali pirates is fascinating; no action like that is accomplished without time, planning, skill, and heroism. The longest chapter details the lengthy and detailed planning in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. McRaven's writing style matches the adventures he recounts. It is articulate and detailed and holds your attention. Throughout the book he writes of our servicemen and women and the sacrifices they made. Whether you believe in America's policies and commitment of our people to war, you need to know of the men and women who give so much in service to our country. McRaven talks about these men and women with humility with the recurring theme of the need for teamwork in every mission. He repeatedly emphasizes that it takes the effort of all pulling together to get the job done

This is not my usual reading genre, however my husband found it so interesting that he felt I would like it too! It was great! McRaven has a very engaging writing style, and he certainly knows how to tell a story! I have given this book to several others, who have loved it, and the book was originally given to me for my husband, by a friend. Now I am buying it as a gift for someone! This book contains first hand information about SEAL training, the capture of Osama bin Laden, and other military maneuvers of recent years! A great read!

As a former sailor, I am addicted to sea stories. My favorite were told to my shipmates and I by a Gunner’s Mate I nicknamed Seattle McFall due to one of his sea stories. Of course, my life was changed a great deal by that man. In fact, I am only alive due to an action he took on February 24, 1972 while my ship was enroute to Cuba, but that story will have to wait for another time.

I served in the Navy from 1970 to 1980. In 1972 my gunboat went on special ops in and around Cuba. Of course, as a cook aboard the gunboat, I was not privy to much of what we were doing, except that it was prompted by actions taken under the leadership of Fidel Castro in an illegal action against reputed freedom fighters seeking to overthrow Castro’s regime. At times, we worked with members of the Navy Seals.

The only thing I recall in my conversations with one of the Seals is that he didn’t appear any different from you or me. I state this with all respect. He just seemed to be like anybody else, except, there was no evidence of his being out of shape. Mind you, I am certain he was skilled in fighting and so forth. But, he never acted or appeared as such. To his credit.

My point is, when I found William H. McRaven’s book, “Sea Stories,” available on Amazon Kindle, I snapped it up, as well as the Audible edition.

If I had been the editor or publisher, I might have advised McRaven to devote a few less pages to his touching tribute to his father and to his youth. Then again, though, these pages were interesting and inspirational, so I don’t want to come across as critical. Besides, his tribute to a coach resonates with me, almost as well as it did to McRaven.

Aside from that, the book is an excellent reminder of the courage and determination, and even, often, of the cost these great folks pay to help keep our country safe and secure. Read on to learn more, if you wish, or simply buy the book and treat yourself to great inspirational tales that even, occasional, evince some humor.

Sometimes that humor helps, because it follows events that came when some special operations didn’t quite go as planned.

BLUSH FACTOR: If rough language offends you, be forewarned. However, in this book, I WOULD recommend reading it to everybody you know. Bleep out the eff-words if you wish, but even children, in my humble opinion, should have an honest understanding of warfare and the war against terrorism. I know that I, myself, would have appreciated a more honest understanding before I enlisted. I was more like that guy born on the fourth of July – Ron Kovic.

WRITING & EDITING: This is much more than a memoir, even if it is very much just that. It touches all of the emotions. The editing is first-rate.

BOTTOM LINE:

I initially wanted to rate it four stars but, in considering all of my emotions while reading, and listening to Mcraven narrate his own words, I can only rate this five stars out of five. I thak him for his service and for his reminder of what it means to be a member of the greatest generation – which is not reserved merely for WWII vets. It includes anybody going through the sacrifice and courage that he bears witness to.