Respectfully Sir, that’s bull
January 18th, 2008 by everettThis is a load of modernist crap in the Washington Post today. It seems some do-goodniks at the Naval Academy are “reviewing” the Herndon Climb.
But at the ever-changing academy, the climb may be going the way of the sailing ship and the smoothbore cannon.
“Similar to how our Navy looks at all traditions in the Fleet, we are evaluating the Herndon Monument Climb to ensure the event remains a valid part of our heritage but it is conducted with professionalism, respect, and most important, safety in mind,” the academy’s public affairs office said in a statement.
It is unclear what changes might be imposed. This year’s climb is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 15.
Deborah Goode, a spokeswoman for the academy, said that she could not recall any serious injuries resulting from the Herndon Climb and that the reevaluation was part of a broader reconsideration of the end-of-year events for plebes.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? “Safety in mind?” I’m an enlisted sailor. I don’t want new ensigns coming out to “lead” me who haven’t overcome physical challenges because some desk driver decided it wasn’t safe. What’s next? Getting rid of General Quarters in boot camp?
The last thing our ever-shrinking Navy needs is soft officers, unable to take a risk because it’s not safe. The guys killing themselves to take out the Cole weren’t concerned with it being unsafe. Millennium Challenge 2002, General Van Riper takes out the bulk of US forces in one morning. Did he go easy because it wasn’t safe? No! He kicked ass and took names and was rewarded for his innovative thinking by having the fleet “unsunk” the next day by the Pentagon. Admiral Farragut’s famous “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” order given at the Battle of Mobile Bay wouldn’t have been thought of if he’d been overwhelmingly concerned with safety. Would Operation Overlord have even taken place in this mindset?
Don’t mistake my intention. I don’t want a reckless captain, or an ignorant, inconsiderate officer corps. I want a leader. Someone who will get the mission done successfully and is able to make the hard decisions in order to accomplish it. I want Nelson, Farragut, Jones, Ramsay.
We’re still the greatest navy in the world; I just want to keep it that way. Herbert McMillan, USNA Class of 1980 asks the question succinctly,
“We’re going to send these guys to war but they can’t climb a monument because they might get hurt? Come on,” he said. “It just seems like a solution in search of a problem.”
Hoorah, sir.
