The Yankee Sailor, Decommissioned
Son No. 2 asked me over the weekend if I was on vacation, and when I was going back to work. After my initial surprise wore off, I came to realize just how much time the Navy demanded over the last decade. After all, until a few weeks ago I had been on sea duty for the entirity of their memories (my oldest is approaching ten), and they know no other Navy.
I have also become keenly aware following my recent promotion into the ranks of the senior officer corps that I’m most likely much closer to the end of my naval career than the beginning, and most importantly it’s time to start preparing to move on to other things. And I have little desire for those other things to remain centered on the Navy.
Finally, as my oldest son approaches double digits in age I’ve become more concerned about preparing them to live in the world, and consequently about shaping that world and the broader politics and culture of America. Recent developments in Washington have just added fuel to that fire. I have sensed domestic enemies in our midst before, but they appear now to be in control and consolidating power.
As a result, I believe this blog has run its course; other projects are now more important and enduring.
This is not quite a farewell, however. I will continue to read and participate in the naval blogosphere because it still interests me, but my posting will be less frequent and limited to Information Dissemination and the USNI Blog.
Get the Yankee Sage delivered!
Bio: I am currently a Professor of Security Studies, hold a BS in Management and an MA in National Security Studies, and am pursuing an MA in Systematic and Philosophical Theology. I've written for Navy Times, Proceedings, Armed Forces Journal and a number of blogs. As a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve, I attained the rank of Commander, deployed five times for four different conflicts and served as a Foreign Area Officer and a Surface Warfare Officer. During my 7 years in the private sector, I worked in the fields of information technology and publishing, and even ran for public office once.
June 30th, 2009 at 18:01
I guess the old saying is true, “all good things must come to an end”.
Sir, I may not have commented a lot but have enjoyed your blog. Enjoy the time with your kids, they deserve it and the time you have with them will fly by, heck, my oldest is 27 already…geez.
June 30th, 2009 at 19:20
Good job, thank you and good luck……..
“I have sensed domestic enemies in our midst before, but they appear now to be in control and consolidating power.”
I have to say I agree, We need to get our house in order……..
Teach your children well………
July 1st, 2009 at 14:38
Fair winds & calm seas; until your return.
Tom
July 1st, 2009 at 15:01
I realize that you do, indeed, have more important things to do, but if you could keep this blog up, and post perhaps once a month, your readers would be most grateful. You have to do what is best for you, of course. If you decide to leave us, I give you a well deserves BRAVO ZULU for you work, both here, and at sea. If I knew where to send it, I would buy you a palm tree, and send it to you.
July 3rd, 2009 at 04:49
Fair winds and following seas Yankee Sailor. You have had one hell of a blog, but you are correct, it is time to concentrate on family now.
I look forward to you posts on Informaton Dissemination and USNI Blog.