Editor's notes

Sea Power, Jun 2001 by Hessman, James D

When he was Secretary of the Navy, Richard Danzig was known for, among many other fine qualities, his quick sense of humor, his sharp intellect, and his eagerness to learn. He had a bottomless curiosity and was interested in every aspect of his job ranging from grand strategy and naval history to the minutiae of daily life aboard ships of every type and tonnage from aircraft carriers and ballistic-missile submarines to coastal patrol craft and fleet tugs.

Most important of all, though, he was a "people person"-the highest praise the crew can bestow on a commanding officer. He realized from the start of his tour that as the civilian leader of one of the largest agencies in government he had hundreds of thousands of people, both uniformed and civilian, working for him-at least in a technical, legal sense. He also realized, though, that the larger truth was that as secretary he really was working for them. And he proved it every day in both words and actions, fighting hard for pay raises and increased quality-of-life benefits, an end to the "conscription mentality," and improved habitability aboard ship.

Danzig also knows what every SecNav comes to realize sooner or later: that his tour of duty at the top lasts only a few years at best, and he eventually must leave office. But the office will never leave him. For the rest of his life he will have an understanding of Navy life, and an appreciation for sea power and its importance to the United States of America and the American people. And he will continue, always, to be an advocate for the fine young men and women serving this nation in uniform, particularly those on watch in the forward-deployed carrier battle groups and amphibious ready groups overseas that today are the best guarantors of peace and freedom throughout the world.

Which is why the Navy League is so pleased to have Danzig -- shown here (center) accepting his Navy League life-membership certificate from NLUS National President John R. Fisher (left) and National Executive Director Charles L. Robinson-not only as one of its newest life members but also as a member of the Navy League's National Advisory Council.

Welcome aboard, Mr. Secretary! We need more members with your talents, your experience, and, above all, your dedication to sea-service people.