CONTRAILS

James Bond Stockdale: Farewell to a Hero for the Ages

Admiral Stockdale passed away a few days ago on July 5, 2005.  I make the assumption that most folks know Admiral Stockdale, if perhaps only for the few moments of public infamy during the 1992 presidential debates which were relentlessly replayed and caricatured, or more hopefully from his selfless leadership during his 7.5 years as the senior Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam for which he was appropriately awarded this Nation’s highest decoration, The Congressional Medal of Honor.  I fortunately have a much personal and profound recollection of this exemplar of human honor, dignity, and service and for those of you who don’t know about Admiral Stockdale, I urge you to spend a few moments learning more at http://www.admiralstockdale.us. 

I first met Admiral Stockdale while enrolled at the US Naval Academy in the 1980’s.  I was among a handful of fortunate First Class Midshipman (seniors) who were selected to take part in an exploratory course on Leadership and Ethics designed and taught by Admiral Bill Lawrence (also a singularly extraordinary person and Vietnam POW).  This class remains one of the formative pillars of my life as I was exposed to so many incredible guest lecturers in an intimate and engaging setting.  One series of classes was led by Admiral Stockdale, and these few days standout as the capstone of my four long years at the Academy; being able to discuss leadership, ethics, and the placement of service to others over oneself with someone who had spent their life doing just this was a powerful experience for each of my classmates, all of us at such a critical juncture in our personal and professional development.  In the 20 years since, I have tried, imperfectly, to apply these important concepts in my life, but I have always held Admiral Stockdale as the beacon against which I have re-calibrated my ethical compass when I have strayed off course.

Years later, I had occasion to spend an evening with Admiral Stockdale and his wonderful wife Sybil when a couple of my squadron mates, one who’s Father was close with the Stockdales, and I were invited over to their home in Coronado.  Admiral Stockdale appeared much older and the beginnings of Alzheimer’s were becoming evident, but he and Sybil were so accessible and had so much presence that one could not help think how many such evenings they had spent graciously entertaining young Naval Officers and sharing their warmth, tales of courage and home so that each of us might feel like they we have a special bond with this amazing family.

The concepts that Admiral Stockdale developed, believed in and lived are not merely military precepts, but basic tenants for each of us to understand, and strive for.  As is probably becoming evident in the emergent ramblings of this blog, I am a fledgling student of history, religion and philosophy as tools in my pursuit to better understand the world around me, and in my goal to be a better person and global citizen.  Regardless of your religious or political orientation, you will find true wisdom and deep meaning in the life of James Bond Stockdale and for that, I thank him deeply…

Order Amidst Chaos Onboard USS JFK

Some friends and I had the occasion to go to a reception aboard the USS John F. Kennedy last night.  JFK is a Navy aircraft carrier which happened to be in Boston for a port visit.   Turns out I had spent a short bit of time aboard JFK during my flying days and have a dozen or so “traps” (carrier landings - see picture) aboard her (ships are always referred to in the feminine). 

Anyhow, we went up the flight deck which on this cold, and somewhat rainy Boston evening (redundant, I suppose), was quiet and calm with only a few airplanes there for tourist aesthetics.  However,  being up there again back memories of my hundreds of trips up to an active flight deck as I readied for a mission.  Imagine dozens of airplanes, many with engines and propellers turning, hundreds of people, bombs, missiles, and jets launching and landing every 45 seconds.  All of this on a space no more than the size of a standard par 3 hole at your local golf course.

To the casual observer,  all this hustling and bustling presents the ultimately chaotic environment , with noise and danger like no place else on earth.   However,  every  movement is choreographed,  every person has a purpose and is specially trained for their role.  Different color shirts denote various roles (red for ordnance, purple for fuel, yellow for the all powerful fight deck directors, and so on).  Communication is mostly non-verbal,  specific and everyone knows the drill.  Years of training for the pilots and the sailors turns what would otherwise be dangerous chaos into a beautiful rhythm which allow the ship’s mission to be carried out 24/7 for months at a time with only minimal injuries and often no fatalities. 

There is much to be learned from this;, the power of specificity of role, the importance of standard communications, and ultimately, how creating a true learning organization can turn the potential chaos of a high stress environment into the order that stems from a high performance Team executing on its common mission.

And finally, don’t forget to take any chance you have to thank the Sailors, Marines and Soldiers who dedicate their lives to making your lifestyle possible.