James Stavridis: Fair Winds and Following Seas

The Oath with Chuck Rosenberg

MSNBC

Chuck Rosenberg, News, Biden, News Commentary, Government, Politics

4.8 • 15.8K Ratings

🗓️ 16 October 2019

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

James Stavridis retired from the United States Navy as a four-star admiral and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, the only Navy Admiral ever to serve in that crucial role. His retelling of his work in NATO, including its special design, challenges, and impact, is essential for anyone interested in global affairs. Jim also tells host Chuck Rosenberg some fascinating tales of his time in the Navy. During his service, Jim rotated through some of the most difficult and sensitive jobs in the military. In one recounting of mistakes made and lessons learned at sea, Jim remembers almost running a destroyer aground in the Suez Canal as a young officer. The result is a remarkable study in humility and leadership. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Jim is the acclaimed author of four books: The Accidental Admiral, Sea Power, Destroyer Captain, The Leader’s Bookshelf (with R. Manning Ancell) and most recently, Sailing True North. If you have thoughtful feedback on this episode or others, email us at [email protected].

Transcript

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0:00.0	I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
0:11.0	But I will bear true faith and allegiance to the sea, that I take this obligation freely.
0:15.5	Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
0:24.5	So help me God, it's a help me God.
0:26.5	So help me God.
0:28.5	Welcome to the oath. I'm Chuck Rosenberg and I am honored to be your host for another thoughtful conversation with a fascinating guest.
0:36.5	Jim Stavitis retired from his beloved United States Navy as a four-star admiral.
0:41.5	In his storied Navy career, Jim held some of the most important and sensitive posts in the military.
0:47.5	In his last post, however, he made history.
0:51.5	Jim Stavitis was the first four-star Navy admiral ever to serve as the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.
0:58.5	Every one of his predecessors, dating back to Dwight Eisenhower, was an army general.
1:04.5	On the oath, Jim discusses the history, structure, and purpose of NATO, and why it remains so important today to the safety and security of the United States and to our NATO allies.
1:15.5	A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Jim Stavitis had a truly remarkable life at sea in service to our nation.
1:23.5	His tales of sacrifice, humility and leadership are important and timely.
1:29.5	Jim Stavitis is also the author of four books, his most recent book, Sailing True North, 10 Admoles, and the Voyage of Character has just been published.
1:39.5	Jim Stavitis, welcome to the oath.
1:41.5	It's an honor to be with you Chuck.
1:43.5	Thank you for having us to your beautiful home in North Florida.
1:46.5	As we are recording this, we are of course watching the hurricane season, so my major question for you is, do you know how to fill a sandbag?
1:53.5	I do, and I'm willing to work.
1:55.5	Let's hold that thought, depending on how the season unfolds.
1:59.5	Congratulations on your brand new book, Sailing True North.
	...

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