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.
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