title: Destroyer Captain: Lessons of a First Command
author: USN  Adm. James Stavridis
description: "<i>Destroyer Captain</i> is a quick and enjoyable read. The writing flows like a good conversation with an old friend. This occurs in part because the chapters are short and succinct, enabling the reader to zip through the prose. Particularly valuable are transcripts of Stavridis' speeches to his crew on Memorial Day and during the Change of Command at the end of his tourIt is recommended for anyone who is interested in or has fond memories of naval service." -- <b>Naval Historical Foundation</b><br /><br />"This is a stirring tale of leadership challenge and the responsibility of command. How fitting that Admiral Stavridis' command experience was shaped by the adventures of guiding the USS <i>Barry</i> and her intrepid crew--a ship named for Irish American John Barry, a courageous warrior who led during the formative days of our fledgling republic. The 'good fortune and great heart' Admiral Stavridis ascribes to <i>Barry</i> is manifest in <i>Destroyer Captain</i> as timeless truths about leadership that accrues great benefit to all Americans thanks to those like Admiral Stavridis who defend us." <b>--Sean O'Keefe, Secretary of the Navy, 1992-93</b><br /><br />"Jim Stavridis' <i>Destroyer Captain</i>--a REQUIRED read for all who aspire to command at sea and anyone who wants to know what Conrad was really talking about. Stavridis tells you how it was--the ups and downs, the good and the bad--not how somebody thinks you ought to hear it. I loved it!" <b>--Adm. Robert J. Natter, USN (Ret.), Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, 2001-04</b><br /><br />"With all the joy, doubt, self-examination, hope, and fear of a first command, Stavridis offers an honest assessment of his experiences from the bridge to help readers grasp the true nature of command at sea. Officers from all the services, especially surface warfare naval officers aspiring to command, will find these lessons of a first command by one of the Navy's most respected admirals both entertaining and instructive." <b><i>-- Sea Classics</i></b><br /><br />"With his insider details about the real worries and triumphs of command, <i>Destroyer Captain</i> is a must read for all naval officers and a fascinating adventure for everyone who loves the U.S. Navy." <b> --Robert N. Macomber, Award-winning author of the <i>Honor Series</i></b><br /><br />"Ought to be read by those aspiring to leadership positions at sea (and land) from lead petty officers to future skippers."<br /><br />
zlib_text: > **__Galactic Defenders __**
  
  Perseverance
  
  Book Two of the Defenders Trilogy
  
    
  
  Michael Mishoe
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
  Copyright © 2019 Michael Mishoe
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  > **__Chapter 1__**
  
    
  
  Date: July 13, 2132
  
  Location: In the Control Tower of _Freedom Bound_ , the Defender-controlled
  holding facility positioned in the Atlantic Ocean
  
  ​“Well, don’t keep us in suspense,” Captain Adam Rickman said, excited to hear
  what his first officer had to say. “What’d you find?” Several other captains
  of the fleet, who had rushed up to the central hub of the massive Holding
  Facility, waited at his side.
  
  ​Typing as she spoke, Commander Trisha Hayley answered, “As you know, sirs, we
  have been going through the Ribiyar’s database for any useful information we
  could find. And I think we found just the ace that we need.”
  
  ​An image materialized on the screen at the front of the room