Command of the Seas: A Personal Story

Former Secretary of The Navy Lehman provides the framework for anyone interested in what it takes to implement ideas within the U.S. Navy. By following his life's groundwork and background, the reader will quickly understand the fuel that provided the strength and courage it took to re-build the U.S. Navy. Secretary Lehman's unique personality and drive were focused on the idea of rebuilding the Navy after years of delapidation. He was given the political authority by President Reagan to force Congress and others in the Pentagon that a fully forward deployed, 600 ship Navy was required to maintain our national security. This text should be required reading every fifteen year's or so that no one should forget that our Naval infrastructure should match the courage of our sailors. Strength equals peace and Mr. Lehman reinforced this idea in the Defense Department. Let's hope that future administrations understand this dictum; or at least, another Mr. Lehman sticks his or her soul in the fray again. Books should further understanding. "Command of The Seas" provides the understanding required to take action in an atmosphere where the stagnant are popular

The Honorable John Lehman describes why he, as a naval reserve officer and conservative Washington insider, wanted the job as Secretary of the Navy. Once he achieved this position, Lehman gives a hard look at the state of the nation's defense during the late 1970s and 1980s. He also details info on who helped keep the Navy together and who worked to tear it apart. Lehman also includes details about his controversial interaction with Admiral Rickover. This book is an essential editorial on the state of naval affairs during the cold war. All arguments are backed up with documentation and facts. An excellent read.