The Navy Does Good Work.

Two pieces of media have me thinking very highly of the US Navy recently. Generally speaking, I am not a pro-military person. It's not that I am anti-military, but I typically thought of the military as necessary, but expensive and often clumsy. My thinking is slowly changing as a result of these two pieces of media.

If you haven't seen the mini-series Carrier on PBS, it is excellent. Having heard the stories from my dad, who served on a carrier, I always wondered what folks on an aircraft carrier did on a day-in day-out basis. This series, about a six month deployment aboard the USS Nimitz, isn't some propaganda to make you feel good about your tax bill. They show the ugly side of the carrier business as well as the great visuals of fighter jets launching and landing. Overall, what I took away from the series was a complex and nuanced view of those who serve in the Navy. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the whole staff - from the teenagers who sign up unaware of what they were in for, to the pilots, to the military brass. I could write a long entry on this series alone, but it is worth the watch.

USS Essex. Photo copyright Wall Street Journal.

The other item is a Journal article about the USS Essex. It is anchored off the coast of Myanmar, just waiting for the ruling junta to allow them ashore to help the survivors. I like the fact that they are unhappy just waiting. The article makes it appear they are chomping at the bit to go ashore and help the typhoon victims.

In a period when the United States is facing severe criticism in international arenas, it is great to hear stories that give the US reason to hold its collective head high. We're one of the first to the scene to help in an international disaster and our guys are anxious to help. I appreciate it.

Those two stories combined are reason to be proud of the Navy. I am sure there are similar stories from the other service braches, but the Navy has been getting some good ink.