By Jack Jones
In the early morning hours of Sept. 24, 1965, I sprawled face-down, struggling to breathe after scaling and leaping from the top of a tall, barbed wire-tipped fence behind the U.S. Naval Security Group operations building in Kamiseya, Japan. About a dozen of my shipmates crawled and wandered in dazed confusion around me.
Continue reading “Remembering The NSGA Kamiseya Fire”
I’ve spent some time contemplating what it means to be an O-5 in the military.
As a junior officer, I frequently sparred with those in this rank who were described colloquially as “The Frozen Middle.” This term refers to those mid-to early-senior grade officers who are perceived to place risk aversion over change adoption. Oftentimes, The Frozen Middle prioritizes career progression or comfort in ways that can feel at odds with a commander’s stated goals of innovation and change.
Continue reading “The Frozen Middle, by Roger Misso, Commander Select”
By Capt Jim Darenkamp, USN, (Ret.)
In my 37 years of naval service, I was blessed with opportunities I never imagined when I started as an E-1. From E-8 to O-1E to O-6, every step was cheered on by my best friend, partner, and wife of 33 years. She was my encourager, the quiet strength behind the uniform.
Continue reading “When the Wind Left My Sails”
Station HYPO 