June 1923 Proceedings—In “American Marines in the Revolution,” Marine Major Edwin N. McClellan wrote, “On October 5, [1775], Congress directed General Washington to secure two armed vessels from Massachusetts, place them ‘on the Continental risque and pay,’ and use them to capture two unescorted brigs loaded with munitions that had sailed from England. He was also instructed to give orders for the ‘proper encouragement to the Marines and Seamen’ that served on the vessels. This was the first time the Continental Congress ever mentioned ‘Marines.’”
June 1973 Proceedings—Captain Edward F. Oliver, U.S. Coast Guard, looked at strategic straits and ever-bigger ships in “Malacca: Dire Straits.” “As ships of deeper and deeper draft make their appearance in the straits, shoals that were previously of no consequence become significant hazards. Present-day ships of extreme draft, approaching the governing depth of water in the straits must exercise the greatest care and navigate with precision to make the passage safely. To avoid ‘squat’ when there is little bottom clearance, ships must reduce speed, which cuts down their maneuvering capability.”
June 1998 Proceedings—In his prize-winning essay “Chance Second Chances,” Lieutenant David A. Adams, U.S. Navy, wrote, “At the core of the problem is a belief that to be successful, individuals, commands, and institutions must appear error-free. This flawed mindset is not new . . . but in recent years it has escalated in magnitude. Downsizing and the inflated fitness and efficiency reporting fuel a widespread perception that maintaining a flawless record is a prerequisite for promotion and selection to command. Since few naval officers have deluded themselves into believing that they are perfect, a perceived necessity to maintain an unblemished record . . . encourages people to commit small—yet debilitating—ethical violations on a regular basis.”
A. Denis Clift
Golden Life Member