Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon’s Post

On December 7, 1941, the United States was thrust into World War II when the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet later that month. He oversaw the Allie's island-hopping campaign to systematically defeat the Japanese-held territories throughout the Pacific Ocean and led pivotal battles, including Midway. When the war ended, Admiral Nimitz became the Chief of Naval Operations. He made one of his more lasting legacies in this role: the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels are the Navy's flight exhibition team. Maybe you have seen them in action with their close-flying diamond formation (18" apart) and high-speed, low-ground maneuverers. Since its founding, a team of six Blue Angel fighter pilots tours the country, headlining airshows. Does the Navy need the Blue Angels? Of course not. The Blue Angel squadron does not make better fighter pilots. The Navy has other training for that. Why then form and keep the Blue Angels? Sometimes you need a little sizzle. Admiral Nimitz saw the general public lose interest and awareness in naval aviation as he led the Navy's post-war transition and demobilization. Pilots are essential to a Naval Fleet's attacking and defensive capabilities. Nimitz's vision was for the Blue Angels to demonstrate the professionalism and skill of naval aviators. Look, we know the memes about runners. We always wear GPS watches and talk about upcoming races and how long we ran this weekend. Does that sound like you? It does me. Remember, though, that you can overdo this, and we should realize (gasp!) that not everyone is as interested in running as we are. But don't lose the sizzle. It's good to remind those around you that you run. Maybe you will inspire them to start running when they see running's tremendous health and mental benefits on you. We're not Admiral Nimitz. However, there's no reason we can't have a similar lasting legacy. #running #halfmarathon #halfmarathontraining #marathon #marathontraining #supplements #research #runcommunity #runningcommunity #peregrune

A 3-minute oral history of the Commissioning of USS Ranger (first aircraft carrier) on June 4, 1934, making it A Day To Remember courtesy of University of Central Oklahoma Listen on Spotify https://lnkd.in/gTyC4w2Z Listen on #applepodcast https://lnkd.in/g8C-VRED World War I was a conflict of new technologies: tanks, mines, poison gas…and, of course, airplanes. Having fighter planes taking off from ships at sea was an idea that increasingly gained traction. But the scale was limited, because ships simply weren’t designed to carry aircraft on their decks. After the war, the US Navy ordered three existing ships to be refitted as “aircraft carriers.” USS Langley, USS Lexington, and USS Saratoga were converted. But at the same time, Navy engineers began designing a new ship from scratch. The design called for an unobstructed flight deck. The aircraft were to be housed below, on a semi-open hangar deck and lifted to the flight deck by an elevator mechanism. The new vessel was named USS Ranger, after the sloop of Commodore John Paul Jones during the American Revolution. The new Ranger was commissioned at the Norfolk Navy Yard on June 4, 1934, commanded by Captain Arthur Bristol. In its first years, Ranger operated on the Atlantic coast of South America, traversed the Panama Canal as far as Hawaii, then returned to Norfolk. By the time World War II began, other aircraft carriers had been built, and Ranger was considered too slow for the Pacific theater. But it provided air superiority for Operation Torch in north Africa. Later it disrupted German shipping in the North Atlantic, and its aircraft shot down multiple German fighters. Later in the war, Ranger was a pilot training vessel. By 1946 USS Ranger was considered obsolete. It was decommissioned and sold for scrap. A rather quiet ending for a historic vessel…the first purpose-built aircraft carrier of the US Navy. #History #June4 #USSRanger #usnavy #UnitedStatesNavy #aircraftcarrier #ships Photo: USS Ranger (National Archives).

Why This Elite Veteran Chose Sarkar Tactical Over All Others 🎖 After over 2 decades of service in the Parachute Regiment, with the last nine in the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), transitioning to civilian life as a military contractor was no small feat. But for this seasoned veteran, one thing remained non-negotiable: the quality of his gear. When he set out to find body armour and helmets that would meet the rigorous demands of his new role—training soldiers in the blistering 45-degree heat — he turned to explore the market with one goal in mind: find superior manufactured, spec body armour. The market was flooded with cheap, unreliable copies, but he wasn’t willing to settle for less. His life and the lives of those he trains depend on it. That search led him to Sarkar Tactical. From the moment he navigated the website and consulted with the very knowledgeable staff, he knew he had found exactly what he needed and the gear truly exceeded his expectations. The hard armor plates struck the perfect balance between protection and weight—no small feat for someone accustomed to wearing the likes of Osprey and Paraclete. His colleagues, all ex-British and Australian military, were equally impressed, noting the level of protection these plates offered. As he prepares for his next live-fire training session, this time wearing his Sarkar gear in the extreme temperatures, we’re reminded of why we do what we do. Our products aren’t just pieces of equipment—they’re lifelines for the men and women who use them in the most challenging conditions. This feedback isn’t just a review. It’s a testament to the quality and reliability of Sarkar Tactical’s products. Built to last. Built to protect. Built with the best materials. And most importantly, built for those who demand the very best. Explore our Armour Range : https://lnkd.in/eiyg7w82 For any questions or quotes, contact us at info@sarkartactical.com #VeteranVoice #SarkarTactical #BodyArmor #MilitaryGear #BuiltToProtect #CustomerStory #QualityMatters #TrustInYourGear #MadeinUK #MadeinBritain

Startup for an old school Stearman Model 75. Courtesy of Wikipedia: The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is an American biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, of which at least 10,626 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s.[2] Stearman Aircraft became a subsidiary of Boeing in 1934. Widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman, or Kaydet, it served as a primary trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy (as the NS and N2S), and with the Royal Canadian Air Force as the Kaydet throughout World War II. After the conflict was over, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market. In the immediate postwar years, they became popular as crop dusters and sports planes, and for aerobatic and wing walking use in air shows.

*Inverted Military Hierarchy and the Curious Similarities in Business and at Home!* Here I am recalling inspiring moments of 2024 and my visit to the USS MIDWAY aircraft carrier in the USA, and a curious situation of inverted military hierarchy... This was an inspiring visit that taught me new things and reminded me of others. For example, did you know that the person who gives the signal for a fighter jet to take off from an aircraft carrier is usually a lieutenant? The military officer kneeling (there next to me in the photo), giving precise instructions to the pilot, is usually someone with a lower rank than the pilot, who is typically a captain or higher. This inversion of hierarchy, which we see in movies like "Top Gun," is a strong example of how trust and technical expertise override hierarchical ranks. The pilot completely trusts the knowledge and orders of the lieutenant. This is not restricted to aircraft carriers! At home and in the business world, we see this happening too: the junior professional who masters a new tool and teaches the boss, the technician who has the final say on a specific problem, and so on. At home, this curious dynamic also happens. I confess that sometimes I have to yield to the wisdom of my daughters and, worse, to my wife’s wisdom… (She authorized this publication) :) The truth is that leadership is not about who has more stripes or stars on their shoulders, but about who has the expertise and confidence to make the best decisions. Another lesson that the military institution has probably been offering for centuries. #leadership #trust #hierarchy #management #teamwork #navy #aircraftcarrier #topgun #lifelearning #USSMIDWAY #portugueseairforce #invertedmilitaryhierarchy #militaryhierarchy #trust

Nathan Canestaro's "The Mighty Moo" offers a captivating account of the USS Cowpens, a light aircraft carrier that defied expectations to become one of the most decorated ships of World War II. This meticulously researched book brings to life the remarkable journey of a vessel that many in the Navy initially dismissed as unwanted. The USS Cowpens, affectionately nicknamed "The Mighty Moo" by its crew, was part of the Independence-class of carriers hastily converted from light cruisers due to wartime necessity. Despite its unconventional origins and perceived disadvantages, including a narrow flight deck and a perpetual list, the Cowpens proved its worth in combat. Canestaro skillfully weaves together the ship's operational history with personal accounts from the crew, including his own grandfather, who served as a tail gunner on a torpedo bomber. This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the story both informative and emotionally resonant. The book chronicles the Cowpens' participation in nearly every major Pacific battle, earning an impressive 12 battle stars without ever being hit by enemy fire. Canestaro explores the superstitions surrounding the ship's perceived "jinxed" status and how the crew overcame these beliefs through their exceptional performance. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of the Cowpens' role in the final days of the war. As the only aircraft carrier to enter Tokyo Bay for the formal surrender ceremonies, the Mighty Moo played a unique part in history. Canestaro's analysis of why this particular ship was chosen for this honor adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. “The Mighty Moo" is more than just a military history; it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both ship and crew. Canestaro's work not only honors the veterans who served aboard the Cowpens but also preserves an often-overlooked chapter of naval warfare. This book is essential reading for military history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human stories behind the grand narratives of World War II. Thanks for recommending this to me, Nathan Canestaro https://lnkd.in/eBGyfpmw

Last year on Veterans Day, I wrote some reflections on my own service: https://bit.ly/3UM0Gvk This year, I’d like to make it a little more practical, and discuss for all of you employers out there why you might want to consider hiring a veteran. Virtually all veterans have four characteristics that make them valuable to all employers: teamwork, leadership, high levels of responsibility, and integrity. Let’s look at each in detail. TEAMWORK: Almost by definition, all members of the military work on a team to accomplish their organization’s mission. There are no solo operators. Working on a team means relying on the work of others and having others rely on their own work, critical skills in almost any workforce. This would also include building communications skills, the ability to see the big picture, and an understanding of how their own work product contributes to the larger strategy. LEADERSHIP: As a young officer right out of the Naval Academy, I was given the management responsibility of leading a fifteen-member team that ran the communications equipment on my first ship, the USS HIGGINS, a guided missile destroyer. And because the military works in a strict hierarchy, even enlisted sailors are given leadership responsibility – even if only over one or two other junior sailors – within their first four years in the Navy. HIGH LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY: From driving 500 foot long ships in constricted waters and even 1,000 yards behind an aircraft carrier, to launching heavy munitions (including the newsworthy Tomahawk missiles), to boarding ships going into and out of rogue states in the Middle East, to directing supersonic fighter aircraft, not to mention the management responsibilities discussed above, virtually all members of the military at all levels have had some experience with very important responsibility levels. INTEGRITY: Members of the military are trained to operate with integrity. Given the high levels of responsibility mentioned above, there is no room for integrity lapses that could get others killed, damage critical equipment, or put a mission at risk. As Veterans are considered a diverse group, I would encourage all employers out there to consider hiring veterans for these reasons.

These sessions seem valuable for senior leaders, I am a little curious how well this type of thing is percolating down into the lower ranks. I think the greatest positive or negative recruiting impact for the military in general is not coming from high ranking leaders - - it is coming from our veteran E-4s, E-5s and E-6s, going back to their families and their hometowns, in person and on social media, and talking about their experiences. Talking about how the military has helped them grow professionally, how the military has helped them build relationships. Sadly, I believe the recently reported shortfalls in recruiting, for the Navy in particular, are the fruits of at least 20 years of doing more with less. Sailors are getting burned out and they are not feeling cared for by the bureaucracy. There is only so much encouragement that a leader can offer when you do not have confidence that the broader organization will take care of you. And a poor leader will exacerbate the issues, making things worse. And much of this does start at the end, with how we support those who choose to separate from the military before reaching retirement. Many commands are hesitant to give time to prepare for what comes after, because of a false urgency to get the current mission done with the already and adequate amount of personnel. I have seen sailors denied their full terminal leave, because a squadron couldn't get a replacement until the actual separation date. So instead they stayed on deployment, upset and bitter at their treatment, feeling like they were not being allowed to use benefits that they had earned, and impacting the attitudes of other sailors who now felt the command was no longer on their side. And when does sailors go home, the story they share of their time in the Navy is going to be tainted by that out the door experience.. This particular issue is a policy problem that could be solved at the flag level. Encouraging and promoting the SkillBridge program is another issue that can be solved by policy; but instead recent changes have made it harder to use that program. I got a lot out of my career in the Navy, and I would love to see the organization improve and succeed moving forward, but I fear there are some big challenges to come.

US Naval and US Marine Corps aviators and aircrew have the best job in the world. When an Ironman athlete crosses the finish line, 🏁, it’s well accepted and understood they may need a day of rest, and some TLC for their mind and body. Aviation Athletes deserve the same TLC. Pain in the Ironman athlete doesn’t mean they’re weak. They need a moment of recovery because they did things not many others can or will do. Wash, rinse, repeat. When it comes to addressing spine pain on a rest day, 22 years of treating patients reveals some key points. Paradigm shift: 🐆 stability will increase mobility and willingness to move, not prolonged, elongated stretching. 🐆 Mobilty is not “stretching,” its movement- the Ability to Move. 🐆 when muscles fatigue, we feel tightness more. That fascia and nerve tightness doesn’t get better with elongated loading. 🐆 We wouldn’t stretch a sprained ankle or wrist when it’s in pain. Imagine if we could tape the spine and how supported and good that would feel. That happens with stability and strengthening interventions. 🐆 A phrase I heard this week: “The lion and cheetah don’t stop and stretch. They simply stop. We feel tightness after activity when we don’t have (the tri-axial) control of joints and limbs during that activity.” -Functional Patterns 🏁 when it comes to feeling better: unload, choose co-contraction of posterior and anterior core stabilizers, keep the spine in neutral, 🏁don’t recreate the pain- it will inhibit the nerves from activating the joint stabilizers and we start over. 🏁think stability > mobility > that looks like flexibility. Bending more doesn’t always mean more capacity to move. U.S. Naval Air Forces US Navy U.S. Navy Reserve USNORTHCOM USSOCOM Helicopter Sea Combat Wing PACIFIC Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific U.S. Naval War College #flynavy #navalaviation #neckpain #lowbackpain

Sean Mahoney joined WIN Waste in March 2024 as a Performance Engineer and is a member of the WIN Military Community. In addition to his role at WIN, Sean serves as a Strategic Sealift Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, using his experience as a licensed Merchant Marine Officer to serve as an Engineering Officer aboard Combat Logistics Fleet ships. He also serves as a Tactical Advisor aboard merchant ships carrying military cargo, advising crews in contested maritime environments. With 7 years of service and 3 deployments, Sean’s military career has shaped his understanding of commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. ⭐Branch: U.S. Navy ⭐Rank: O-3 Lieutenant ⭐Years of service: 7 ⭐Deployments: Operation Karat 2018, Native Fury 2020, Defender Europe 2021, and multiple Joint Logistics Over the Shore exercises ❤️ What Sean wants those without military experience or connections to know: “Serving goes beyond just a career. It’s a life-defining commitment, and that commitment comes along with demands that are mental and emotional. Many veterans carry experiences that are challenging to explain, and adjusting to civilian life is an ongoing process. So, recognizing the sacrifices made by service members and their families is important and a willingness to listen can make a real difference.” 🤍 How the military has affected Sean’s personal life: “You spend a lot of time away from home, missing out on events and holidays. As a sailor, I spent a significant amount of time at sea and that can be extremely isolating. You often don’t have any kind of communication back home and are just no contact for long periods of time, which can be difficult for everybody. You may expect to return on a certain date, but it usually ends up being a lot longer than you planned. You kind of end up putting your life on hold until you get back, which can take a toll over time.” 💙 Sean’s perspective on transitioning back to civilian life: “It’s a big change going from that regimented lifestyle where everything is planned out and executed at a certain time to going to civilian work where there is more freedom and you’re more on your own. That took me awhile to get used to. As far as advice, don’t be afraid to ask questions as you learn how to adjust to that.” Thank you for your service, Sean. #VeteransDay #employeespotlight