Destroyer Skipper

About this book

Sheppard, a "mustang" sailor who rose through the navy holding every rank and rate from seaman recruit in 1948, to full commander in 1977, captures the daily drama of commanding a U.S. Navy destroyer, and recounts his struggle to push himself and his men to ever greater deeds of accomplishment. At first Sheppard believed that a ship's captain should be like a protecting father, someone to lean on and talk to when you need help. But he ultimately discovered the hard truth. That being a leader is a job of constant vigilance, made up of taking care of all of the seemingly minor details, and making sure to get them all right. He learned how leaders must set an example of excellence, clearly communicate goals, and provide honest criticism - and sometimes even praise - to their personnel. Author Sheppard shows the development - including the rocks and shoals he hit along the way - of his leadership skills while serving as the new captain of a. Destroyer whose crew had grown sloppy and suffered from poor morale. Sheppard puts into play the leadership techniques he'd picked up throughout his naval career, and demonstrates, with entertaining anecdotes, how he ultimately succeeded in shaping an efficient, highly motivated crew and a first rate fighting ship.