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HomeShop at BookSurgeFictionRomanceSeawolf28: Branded a Maverick as a Junior Officer this is a true account of naval aviation as seen through the eyes of one of the most decorated Navy pilots of the Vietnam era |
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Seawolf28 - Military Revisited Aug 08, 2009
Who would think that stumbling upon an old high school classmate on Facebook would lead to reading a book such as this. CDR Billings shared his experiences in a wartime Navy followed by peacetime. I know the feeling having done the same at the same time. Having faced some of the same kinds of officers Al did, I was unable to cope with limited resources and left the active Army after eight years as a junior officer. The story and manner told should be mandatory reading for all officers during their first years of service. Operations is the main focus and provides intellectual stimulation to all soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen and their leaders. It also gives back sadness for those lost on combat and their families. In Vietnam I experienced days of adrenalin pumping action followed by weeks of boredom. Returning to garrison/base after combat operations can be a let down. CDR Billings demonstrated complete professionalism during his service to this country. A 22 year career and attainment of O-5 is quite an accomplishment for a graduate of Torrance HS. Al, I'm damn glad to know you. I know the difference between cock sure and arrogance, and, buddy, you ain't arrogant. Thank you for serving our great country with dedication and honor. Duty, honor, country!
Amazing book Jun 19, 2009
Mr B.
I rate this as one of my favorite books of all time. I'm reading it for the second time now and even so, I can't put it down. Your sea stories are just amazing and incredibly detailed. By reading you're book I actually feel like I've learnt something on helicopters and even life itself. I'm still curious to this day about what ever happened to Mr. Combat SAR. I'm looking forward to reading your next book. Is it still in the making?
 Leadership tested in the fire of combat! Apr 25, 2009
Al Billings takes his 20+ years of leadership experience in the Navy and uses them to write an honest, emotional work about his experiences in combat and in command. He doesn't pull punches, and he does an excellent job of relaying the leadership traits and tools that worked well for him during his career. I particularly enjoyed how he in detail relayed how he got to the root of the problem in the various units in which he served. Those techniques could be used in the military today, and even in civilian leadership roles. Billings embodies servant leadership, taking care of his troops even at great personal risk and expense, and though not as polished as some other career officers, he had the right ideas at the right time to complete the mission. Current military and civilian leaders alike would do well to take note of his no-nonsense, cut-to-the-chase approach, as well as his practice of making decisions and standing by them, despite the consequences.
In addition to the important leadership lessons, the book had some fantastic sea stories to keep things light and moving, and any Navy vet will find something to relate to within its pages.
I recommend this book for any current military officers or senior enlisted, as well as civilian managers. The style described might not work all the time for everyone, but there is value in the approach presented.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Unsolicited Review Dec 13, 2007
Mr. Billings,
I have not had a book like this that I had difficulty putting down in years. In addition to everything else, you are quite the writer. I think this should be required reading by all medical students and psychiatry residents. I plan to purchase a few and assign it as reading for anyone I supervise. I have to keep the one you sent me to myself as it means so much to me. Hope things are going ok for you. Didn't you tell me you are in the process of a second book, and if so, will that be a continuation or on a different topic. I can think of several people involved in the treatment and assessment of veterans and a few politicians I may send a copy. I also plan to make it one of my primary gifts throughout the year for special occasions, because I think it is a great read in addition to the insight into the realities of war and the effect on the people involved. You are truly a great man. Lanette
Dear Al:
Morris and I want you to know how much we have enjoyed your book. Your keen ability to take the reader right into whatever action or feeling you're experiencing speaks volumes about your talent. I could literally feel the story you were talking about. I realized the first night I started the book that I could not keep from constantly clenching and unclenching my toes. Morris felt the same way - our daughter who is 31 experienced the exact same thing so your reach is for these younger ones who have such an interest in this war. She read all night the first night - could not stop herself. Thank you for the hours and hours of work that went into this book. Please write another - about any subject! You have captured the Pendleton audience. We have great appreciation for some of the pain that must have come to you in this process. You are a true gentleman and officer.
Dianne
6 of 15 found the following review helpful:
 Amusing if only for the poor spelling and grammatical errors. Aug 27, 2007
The Seawolves have a great story that needs to be told. Unfortunately, this is a poorly written, poorly edited book that does a great disservice to men who made that story great. If you can endure the abundant spelling and grammatical errors, you are certain to be turned of by what boils down to be one long, pointless and self promoting sea story. One look at the picture on the back cover told me all I needed to know: cheesy mustache, choker whites unbuttoned down to his chest hair, awkwardly posing on a wicker chair with a San Miguel in his hand. The entire book is an embarrassment to Navy Pilots.
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