I served in the Unites States Navy for thirty years.  During that time, I deployed fourteen times on nine different aircraft carriers – as an aviator, as an Executive Officer aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73), and as a Commanding Officer on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), [which are both carriers]. 

As a young aviator, I learned to appreciate the tremendous support and team work required to enable me to do my job.  As an Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, I got tremendous insight into the power of leadership at all levels in the successful operation of this 92,000-ton ship in a very demanding and complex work environment.  The aforementioned leadership enabled young nineteen year old men and women – average by their own account – to perform at an exceptional level. Collectively, they operated two nuclear reactor plants, launched and recovered up to 150 aircraft per day in a very dynamic environment, prepared and served over 20,000 meals a day, ran a dental and medical facility that took care of over 5,000 people, safely handled over three million gallons of jet fuel and over 2,000 tons of high-explosive ordnance ... and they represented our nation with aplomb and professionalism in numerous countries, all around the world.  It was my honor and privilege to be a part of these different crews, no matter the capacity in which I served. 

David M. Crocker
RADM (Ret) US Navy
Computer Sciences Corporation
Business Development, Navy & Joint Programs
Virginia Beach, Va.