Dateline: Renaissance Worthington Hotel, Fort Worth, TX

A good day of workshop. Lots of good information put out. Much of the material was old news but nice to hear again and refresh my memory. There were lots of people like me, those who are in the second or more command which lends more credibility to the adage that early command begets more command.

The highlight of the day was a two hour VTC with Vice Admiral Cotton. I’ve the good Admiral several times in the past via VTC and once in person. He is truly an enthusiastic person who makes you want to join the Navy. He also gets it. He understands what it is like to be a deckplate Sailor and to be a unit Commanding Officer. He gets pissed off at the same thing we get pissed off about and he tries to fix the problem. My favorite quote today was from him… “That which interests me, fascinates many.” Well said. I’ve been accused of making too many references to Admiral Cotton when I talk to my Sailors but if they could hear him in person they would understand why. What he says is on point and true. What more can you ask from a Flag?

The workshop was followed by a nice social at the Flying Saucer pub (great stouts). The night ended with a good meal and good wine at the Fort Worth Chop House. I had a great steak and some really good Sterling Merlot.

All in all I’m looking forward to this command. I will have more officers than ever before which should really help things run smoothly and the REDCOM seems to have the right mindset, a major factor in what it takes to be successful.

And another good part, I got a good image of the Don’t Tread On Me Flag for my laptop desktop.