In late 2011, Admiral Jonathan Greenert became the Chief of Naval operations. Before that, he had commanded the US Navy's 7th fleet, a fleet that just rings with Naval History related to world war II. But even before that, the Admiral had once upon a time been a LtCDR and was the executive Officer aboard a ballistic missile submarine.

And, aboard that submarine, one of the sailors with whom he had a long history of service was a Ballitic Missile Fire Controlman, 2nd Class, name... well... Dave Bowman.

After the Admiral became CNO, I approached his office about being on the show for December 7th (and a story for another day was that adventure!) and he was glad to do it. We had a great time recording the interview and an even better conversation after. What I always knew about (as he was to me) LtCDR Greenert was that he cared a great deal about the sailors under him. Most XO's are the "hard ass" and keep things in line. LtCDR Greenert was ALWAYS professional and personable. When I had an issue in December of 1986, he went to bat for me. Though we lost, I learned a valuable lesson from him. "Bowman," he said, " we lost. But that's no excuse for less than you best in everything."

That conversation led to one of my most personal and favorite moments aboard USS Michigan.

At any rate, I was thinking about all the December 7th shows I've done through the years, and this is still my favorite. So I thought that I would share it with you once again...