Customer Reviews

Bluejacket Admiral: The Navy Career of Chick Hayward

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Certainly there are few military careers as interesting as that of Admiral Hayward. During the centennial year of naval aviation, I would call this required reading if one wishes to understand the rise of aircraft carriers, atomic weaponry and nuclear propulsion. Chic Hayward had a front row seat for all of it. His writing style is first person, and it is clear he kept a journal spanning his entire career as he frequently quotes it. His observations, both past and present, are astute and enlightening. I recommend this book to help anyone understand how technical expertise, an active mind, and leadership can combine to make a very effective Naval Officer.

According to all sources, the book accurately chronicles the highlights of the life of an amazing man. Unfortunately the details would fill several books. Just the incident of the American Korean baby provided the plot for a ninety minute movie. "Chick" led a golden life and admired by all. He truly was a hero. The book is a must read for anyone interested in a great man and the early years of the modern United States Navy. Rickover was the Hayward of the subsurface nuclear fleet as Hayward's efforts for the nuclear surface fleet predated Rickover's efforts.