Enlisted people definitely have their favorite officers, and usually, the most popular officers are the “Mustangs”, which is military slang for those who began their military careers as enlisted. It’s not just that they’re older and wiser, as most make the jump from a non-commissioned officer rank – it’s just that they still feel like one of us.
The Rise of CDR Lee M. Foley in the U.S. Navy
That’s the kind of officer U.S. Navy CDR. Lee M. Foley was. His memoir, “Mustang: From Mess Decks to Wardroom,” documents his 32 years of naval service. Born in landlocked Arkansas, he somehow grew up loving the Navy and enlisted in 1961 as a signalman. Over the next three decades, he would rise in rank to Master Chief Petty Officer, then jump to Warrant Officer. After making Chief Warrant Officer 4, he earned a commission, rising to the rank of Commander and Captain of his own ship, the Agile-class minesweeper USS Excel, and finally, his last posting as Executive Officer aboard the USS Kansas City, a replacement oiler.
As one might imagine, there are many sea stories that come with such a career, and some of them, both aboard ships and on shore leave, are included in Foley’s book. But also included are the life lessons that helped him throughout such a long, illustrious career. The author served through some really interesting times in the history of the United States and its Navy, stowing his sea bag and heading out to hot spots like the Caribbean, Cuba, and Vietnam during the 1960s and to the Middle East in the 1980s.
Navy Life in From Mess Decks to Wardrooms
More than that, Foley offers an insiders look at what the title promises, both the Mess Decks and Wardrooms of many Navy ships, as he served aboard ten of them, including amphibious ships, service force, salvage ships, an aircraft carrier, and a destroyer. It’s an engrossing, easy read that will be especially interesting to anyone interested in Navy life or joining the Navy. Most importantly, Foley acknowledges the contributions of his fellow sailors to his life and success, showing us what it truly means to be a Mustang Officer.
“Mustang: From Mess Decks to Wardrooms” by CDR Lee M. Foley is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback, starting at $33.00.
Read About Other Book Reviews
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