Today is my last day in Uniform with the United States Navy. After 20 years of service, 11 Active and 9 Reserve, I’m officially “Retired.” For me, this is simply the end of the first chapter. I spent the first 9 years in the military Observing and Orienting: > Figuring out a philosophy of fighting and winning wars, informed by officers that were effective and those that weren’t > Getting my Wings of Gold and demonstrating tactical competence > Deploying to combat with 250+ other patriots, accruing 32 combat missions and 300+ carrier landings, then training the next generation of pilots to do the same I spent the last 11 years Deciding and Acting – often in ways that challenged the mindsets of more orthodox senior officers, and in roles that career managers told me were dead-ends: > Launching, alongside other mission-focused junior officers, what become known as the “virtuous insurgency,” empowering emerging military leaders to push critical battlefield innovations into a resistant bureaucracy > Co-leading the unofficial “2014 Navy Retention Survey,” surfacing candid personnel feedback that wasn’t previously explored by the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Personnel > Using my reserve time to collaboratively build out defense innovation efforts with the Defense Innovation Unit, NavalX, and other emerging DoD organizations Much work remains – and over the next 20+ years, I’m committed to accelerating the generational transformation of US Defense. In the words of a frequent Navy and civilian co-conspirator, “we are going to win.” It takes men and women willing to step up and lead to do so. As I close out this chapter of my life, I have one final request. My young kids only peripherally know of my time in uniform. If you served with me, and have a memory of our service together, I’d be honored if you’d leave a short story or snippet I could share with them as they grow older. I want them to know that service to our nation, and the legacy they inherit, matters.
Prof… you are a legend amongst legends. Words don’t quite convey the depth of respect I have for you and the work you did. You personally changed my life, and you are an inspiration to all of those who have the extreme pleasure of calling you a friend. Thank you from a grateful nation brother. We love you.
Admire you & am grateful for your service.
Thank you for your service. May God bless you and your family as you move to the next chapter.
Amazing US Navy career, thank you for dedicating 20 years of your life to our country.
Enjoy your “retirement“, Prof. Those are very much air quotes as you don’t seem to be slowing down.
Congratulations for an awesome fighter-pilot career!!! 😎✈️🇺🇸 Wishing you success and good fortune in your next career sortie. 💫✨🌟😊🇫🇮🙏
Thank you for your service my brother 🙏🏽🇺🇸
Thank you for two decades of service🫡🇺🇸
You’re such a freaking stud. Thank you for your incredible service and continued service as a civilian!
Centurion Travel Specialist at American Express
2moThank you for your service and Patriotism! I was a Navy wife for 23 years! My son only served 4 years but he still works for the Navy in Jax! It was an honor to read your post! My nephew just joined the Marine Corps and he’s loving it! I also volunteered my time while my husband served as Ombudsman on 3 ships! I know you’re sacrifice as well as military families! God bless you and America! 🇺🇸