In September 2011, Admiral Jonathan Greenert became the Chief of Naval Operations. Before that, he had commanded the US Navy's 7th fleet, a fleet that just rings with Naval History related to World War II. But even before that, the Admiral had once upon a time been a LtCDR and was the Executive Officer (XO) aboard a TRIDENT ballistic missile submarine.
And, aboard that submarine, one of the sailors with whom he had a long history of service was a Ballistic Missile Fire Controlman (FTB), 2nd Class, named... well... Dave Bowman.
After the Admiral became CNO, I approached his office about being on the show for December 7th (and that adventure is a story for another day) and he was glad to do it. We had a great time recording the interview and an even better conversation after. What I always knew about (as he was to me) LtCDR Greenert was that he cared a great deal about the sailors under him. Most XO's are the "hard ass" types and they keep things in line. LtCDR Greenert was ALWAYS professional and personable. When I had an issue in December of 1986, he went to bat for me. Though we lost, I learned a valuable lesson from him. "Bowman," he said, "We lost. But that's no excuse for less than your best the rest of this patrol."
That conversation led to one of my most personal, private and favorite moments aboard USS Michigan.
At any rate, I was thinking about all the December 7th shows I've done through the years, and this is still my favorite. So I thought that I would share it with you once again...
