I Will Not Forget

 

© 2001Thomas E. Franklin/The Bergen Record/AP

Copyright © 2026

By Ralph F. Couey

Written Content Only

25 years.

Yes, it's been that long.  A brilliant, sunny early autumn day throughout much of the United States mainland.  It was a primary election day in New York City, and local news focused mainly on the election and related events.  Everywhere else, it was just another workday.  People finished breakfast and after a quick goodbye, left their homes to head for their jobs.  Yes, people still did that back then.

It was a busy travel day.  At airports in Portland, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, Newark, New Jersey, and the suburbs of Washington, DC, aircraft lifted off for their intended destinations.  It was by all appearances just another day.

Then, at 8:19 AM, Flight Attendant Betty Ong aboard American Flight 11 alerted American Airlines officials on the ground via airphone that a hijacking was underway and the cockpit was unreachable.  Five minutes later, a voice crackles through on the air control frequency.  It is the voice of Mohammed Atta telling passengers to stay in their seats and that there is a bomb aboard.  Confusion spreads across the circuit.  At 8:37 AM, Boston air controllers alert the Northeast Air Defense Sector (NEADS) to report the hijacking and request fighter aircraft.  NEADS was running an attack defense drill that day, and in a moment of confusion, sent the two F-15 Eagles out over the North Atlantic away from the threat.

Then the true horror of that day exploded onto the world.  At 8:46 AM, Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  A chance video shot by a French documentarian accompanying New York City firefighters showed the gleaming airliner knifing into the building, followed by a horrible bloom of fire and smoke.  Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 AM, United Flight 175 struck the South Tower.  At that moment, everyone- civilians, police, firefighters, and TV news teams- realized that for the first time since 1812, America was under attack.  

At 9:28 AM, hijackers aboard United Flight 93 attacked the flight crew of that aircraft and took control.  

At 9:37 AM, American Flight 77 screams in at literally ground level and slams into the Pentagon.  Eight minutes later, the FAA shuts down US airspace and orders all aircraft still in the air to land immediately.

At 9:57 AM, the passengers and surviving cabin staff of Flight 93 begin their counterattack against the hijackers.  Two minutes later, the South Tower, the second one hit, collapses.  At 10:02 AM, the passengers aboard Flight 93 breach the cockpit and try to regain control of the aircraft.  The hijackers flip the plane on its back, and it plows into a field near Shanksville, PA, less than 1.5 miles from an elementary school, full of children.

These are the key events of that day, as history has recorded them.  For those of us who were alive and aware, the shock and horror of the attacks remain fixed in our memory.  We know where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing when we heard the first reports.  Our response was so very American.  Threatened from without, we linked arms and, in a truly rare and beautiful time, stood together as one.  

9/11 changed us.  It changed us as a nation, and as individuals.  An outpouring of patriotic emotion swept us, united, into a new and darker world.

It's now 2026, a quarter-century since that day.  Over time, the raw emotions have faded, but a lot of Americans still carry the scar.  An entire generation has been born and raised in this post 9/11 world, and seeing the expressions shared on social media and other means has begun to separate Americans into two distinct groups: those for whom that day was a memory, and those who only know it as a page in a history book.  

That day, we vowed never to forget, and yet so many of us have forgotten.  Not the event per se, but the powerful emotions we felt.  This was not some distant, disconnected event.  This was personal.  

For a time, I was involved on the periphery of the effort to establish the permanent Flight 93 Memorial in Pennsylvania.  I was able to meet family members of the passengers and crew, and hear, in their words, what that day and the subsequent commemorations meant to them- a powerful, personal testimony from people who, so unfairly, were forced to bear their grief in public.

Image copyright © 2011

by Ralph F. Couey

We may hear many discordant voices this day, those who say that America deserved what happened, or those who still insist that the whole thing was somehow concocted.  These are new voices, whose words are intended to hurt, to anger, to once again tear open that wound.  And painfully, there are others who will hear those words, and believe.

I'm not sure how to feel.  I know I will never forget that day.  I know I will always mourn with those whose loved ones were lost.  I know I will forever know how that day changed us, and the world.  Remembering that day is not only about the attacks.  It is also about the human stories that came out of that dark day; stories of courage and sacrifice.  Stories of strangers assisting each other, saving lives in the process.  The first responders who, in the first moments of horror, went into the danger without hesitation.  

But mainly, I will remember those days when we truly stood united as one, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm...heart to heart.  Americans were proudly defiant.  Those were heady days, when we turned towards each other, instead of away.  That unity brought us forward, into acts for each other, strangers reaching out for each other.  The world noted that while America could be attacked, it could not be defeated.

“When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” ―Jeff Parness

Sadly, that didn't last.  People in positions of power and influence- government, the media, and others- who sensed only a political opportunity, struck and struck hard.  They had a vested, in many cases, financial interest in keeping us divided and in a permanent state of anger and hate.  Those voices have only gotten louder over the years.  And I fear that today, on a day some of us still remember what 9/11 truly was, the voices of unity may be drowned out by the dividers.

I could be wrong, and I hope I am.  

I cannot speak for anyone else.  But today, I WILL remember.  And I will honor the memories of the lost and their loved ones.  I will dig deep to rediscover the unity and pride that overflowed throughout the United States.  That is my duty as an American.  

And as an American, I choose to stand in the light of honor.

Speech: Peace Arising From The Day of Infamy

 

USS Arizona from USS Missouri on Pearl Harbor Day

Image copyright © 2025 by Ralph F. Couey

Copyright © 2026

by Ralph F. Couey

Pearl Harbor is a name that still resonates deeply in the hearts of Americans.  Looking across the water here, we can see the ships, submarines, structures, and infrastructure of what is still a powerful Navy Base.  But if you look closer, the scars from that day, 85 years ago, are still there.  Holes from strafing fire in the hangers and some buildings.  The concrete ramp on the southeast part of Ford Island has long stretches of bullet-riddled concrete. In a parking lot, a bomb crater with shrapnel scars lancing out across the asphalt  On the west side of Ford Island are the rusted remains of the Battleship USS Utah, sunk at her moorings.

And here in front of us, the Battleship Arizona, the symbol of that day, still lies where she was struck by bombs and blown in half by the resulting blast.  The remains of 1,178 of her brave crew are entombed within, many of them barely older than these students when their lives ended.

We learned much that day, mainly about readiness and not taking any potential foe for granted.  We also learned how quickly American sailors, soldiers, and marines responded, despite the sudden shift from peace to war.  Japanese aviators were astonished at how quickly the bursts of anti-aircraft fire darkened the sky.

Despite this harsh lesson, it would not be the last time we were surprised.  Twice in Korea, Tet in Vietnam, and of course, that terrible day that was 9/11.  Vigilance has been a tough thing for us to remember.

War is terrible, destructive, and costly.  Author John Ball wrote that the only reason a sane government engages in one is that the alternative is even less acceptable.  America was thrust into leadership by two nations, Germany and Japan, that lusted after power and domination.  We learned a hard lesson: that if we try to hide from the world, the world will come looking for us.  And the world learned an even more important lesson.  That America, thus armed, united, and engaged, is unassailable.

People come here to Pearl Harbor by the millions from all over the world.  They reverently touch the history, remember that day, and pay their respects to the fallen.  In that way, the memory and meaning of that day is passed on to the next generations.

USS Missouri is moored just three hundred yards away, symbolically standing watch over her gallant sister ship and her brave crew.  But the distance is really measured better by the thousands of miles between Pearl Harbor and Tokyo Bay, Japan, a path lined by tens of thousands of dead warriors, and civilians caught in the crossfire.  It is also the distance in time between a world consumed by the horrific violence of war and a world that on September 2, 1945 finally laid down their arms and declared, “We will not kill today.”

Peace has proven to be a fleeting, ephemeral thing, so it is so very important to embrace and honor those places and times that it was achieved.  This is why USS Missouri is here.  That place on the 01 level, starboard side forward is what we call the Surrender Deck.  But it can also be known as The Peace Deck.

When a rock is thrown into the water, there is a splash, then ripples spread out rapidly in all directions.  Oceanographers say that even when the ripples are no longer visible, the energy of those waves still travels through the water.  From this ship, anchored in Tokyo Bay on that day, ripples of peace spread rapidly throughout the world.  Untold millions came out of hiding.  They felt the sun on their faces.  They could now walk freely, without fear.  For many, the future became happier, a place to dream, to plan for a better life.  This was also the rebirth of hope. 

“A better world…”  This is what General MacArthur called this "cherished hope."  It is the same hope that lies within the hearts of every human on this planet.  For we know instinctively that a world where freedom, prosperity, safety, understanding, and opportunity exist for all is a world that will never need to wage war.

But peace is incredibly challenging, far more difficult than war.  Waging peace requires resisting the impulses of hate, anger, and violence.  It demands that we summon the noblest parts of ourselves, our better angels.  It compels us to seek reasons to talk, to negotiate, to find common ground rather than fight. The toughest part is recognizing that peace requires the full participation of both sides of a conflict.

We usually characterize the end of war as a state of peace.  But it is not merely an ending.  Peace is a powerful new beginning; a bold and hopeful step forward.  This profound idea is vividly reflected in everything that transpired here on September 2, 1945, and in the decades that followed.  Bitter enemies became the closest of friends.  Two vastly different cultures charted a shared journey of honor, dignity, and mutual respect which has stood the test of time.

81 years ago, the world celebrated the end of humanity’s costliest and bloodiest war.  Today, we honor it as a day of peace, proof that friendships can thrive despite a bitter past.  Together, Japan and the United States proved that peace is not only possible but can endure.

Today, we honor the memory of December 7^th, 1941.  But let us also today honor the memory of September 2^nd, 1945.  On June 10, 1963, President John Kennedy said these words:

"For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.”

The hard lessons of human history demand that we remain strong and ever vigilant.  But that same history has proven that it is possible to wage peace.  And win.

May God bless you; may God bless these children.  And may God bless the United States of America.

 

Speech: A Pearl Harbor Commemoration

Copyright © 2026

By Ralph F. Couey

Speech given to a high school band and parents during the week of 

Pearl Harbor commemorations at the USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

I'd like you to take a moment to be aware of your surroundings.  The beauty, the quiet, the serenity...the calm.  Feel the warmth of the sun and the cooling touch of the gentle breeze.  Let that peace envelop you. Then, imagine a moment when it all changed.

At 7:55 AM on December 7th, 1941, here in Pearl Harbor, that moment in time and history arrived.  The calm silence of a beautiful Sunday morning was shattered by the roar of aircraft engines, the thunder of exploding bombs, and the deadly staccato of machine gun fire.  Throughout the harbor, the strident klaxon of General Quarters alarms began sounding.  Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers raced to their battle stations.  America was thrust into war.

Despite the surprise and shock of the attack, they responded immediately.  On their own initiative and without hesitation, they manned their guns and began fighting back.  When ammunition ran low, others repeatedly went below decks into a terrifying place of darkness, flooding, smoke, and deadly fumes to bring ammunition topside.  Still others performed heroic acts of firefighting and damage control, trying to keep their dying ships afloat.  Everyone gave aid to the wounded.  Nobody ran.  Nobody hid.  They stayed at their posts until ordered to abandon ship.  When they left, the wounded went with them.  

Many acts of heroism took place that day.  16 Medals of Honor were awarded.  Eleven were posthumous.  There were certainly hundreds of other heroic acts, the accounts of which died with those who performed them.  

In those desperate hours, young men, many barely older than these students, experienced unimaginable destruction and the absolute horror of human beings, some close friends, literally torn apart by the violence that only war can inflict.  Despite it all, they did not waver.  The standards of service and sacrifice, duty and honor were established that day, an example that sustained this nation throughout the long, bitter three-and-a-half years that followed.   

Then, in Tokyo Bay, Japan, on September 2nd, 1945, Imperial Japan signed the surrender on the decks of this battleship, ending humanity's costliest and bloodiest war, which cost 69 million dead.  At the close of that ceremony, General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander Allied Forces, spoke these words:

"Today, the guns are silent.  A great tragedy has ended; a great victory has been won.  Death no longer rains from the skies.  The seas bear only commerce.  Men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight.  And the entire world lies quietly at peace.  It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past—a world founded upon faith and understanding—a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish—for freedom, tolerance and justice.  Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that God will preserve it always."

Toshikazu Kase, a member of the Japanese delegation, later reported to his Emperor that the General's words turned the deck of this warship into an altar of peace.

Missouri is a magnificent sight, a presence both majestic and powerful.  She is a vessel of war, but also a symbol of peace, for it was here on these decks that mankind's costliest and bloodiest war ended, and peace was restored.  And it was here on these decks where hope was reborn.

It is easy to focus only on Missouri's guns, missiles, and armor and assume that this is her only language.  But standing on that deck in front of the plaque, one cannot help but marvel at the magnitude of what took place that day.  However fleeting it was, it was a moment when humanity declared, "I will not kill today."

Peace, since that day, has proven to be ephemeral.  So, it becomes vital for us to remember and honor the places and days when it existed.  Because if we remember when peace existed, we will never lose the hope of peace.

For our students here, I have a personal message.

Some people are called ordinary for a reason.  They don't stand out, step up, or achieve.  Ordinary people will not change a world that so desperately needs change.  Ordinary people float downstream on a current of indifference, leaving no trace of their passage.

I challenge you to reject ordinary.  I urge you to resist the easy life of ordinary.  Choose instead to be incredible, magnificent, and awe-inspiring!  Each one of you has a set of gifts and talents no one else possesses. USE THEM!  Never accept the status quo.  Never believe that things can't change just because "they've always been this way."  In the very near future, your community, your country, your world will become your responsibility.  You must rise to meet that challenge.

Yesterday is over! Your moment is here!  Your time is now!  Seize this day and make it count.  Stand tall, be strong, lead with strength, optimism, and compassion.

We present to you our world.  I dare you to make it better.

Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this prayer:

Lest I continue my complacent way, help me to remember that somewhere, somehow out there, a man died for me today.  As long as there be war, I then must ask and answer:  Am I worth dying for?

On December 7th, 1941, men in this place fought and died protecting America.  In this dangerous world, men and women still fight and die for us.  I ask you to look now across the water to the Arizona Memorial and the remains of 1,178 brave men, and reflect on their sacrifice and what that sacrifice has gifted to us.  And remember the words of Abraham Lincoln:

"That from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which THEY gave, the last -- full -- measure of devotion.  That we -- here -- highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.  That THIS nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.  And THAT government -- of the people, by the people, and for the people -- shall not perish from the earth."

May God Bless you; may God Bless these students.  And May God Bless the United States of America.

Speech: Memorial Day

Copyright © 2026

By Ralph F. Couey

Throughout our history, humanity has been embroiled in relentless conflict.  Centuries of battles and wars have left an indelible mark on our passage, creating a seemingly endless trail of graves.  General William T. Sherman famously stated, "War is Hell."  Similarly, General Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed, "I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity."  Novelist John Ball poignantly wrote, "War is a tragedy.  The only reason a sane government engages in one is that the alternatives are even less acceptable."  Tragically, there have been crucial moments when such a hard choice became inevitable.  When faced with an attack, a response is imperative, or risk national destruction or extinction.

In this country, we mark December 7th, 1941, as the start date for World War II.  However, one could date it from 1931, when Japan invaded Manchuria, or 1937, when Japan and China went to war.  Therefore, the war had been raging in some form for as many as ten years.  Our late entry into the conflict resulted from powerful political forces of isolationism and pacifism in the United States, driven by deep dissatisfaction with the outcome of World War I.  This created a strong aversion to America getting involved in what were termed "foreign wars."  Many believed that if we could hide from the world, the world would leave us alone.  But we learned that if we try to hide from the world, the world will still come looking for us.  We are too strong and too big to hide.

On that sunny December day, Japanese Naval aircraft roared over the Waianae Mountains to attack military targets throughout O'ahu.  We were not prepared for war.  Our weapons, vehicles, most of our combat ships and aircraft were outdated and outclassed.  America, however, responded with energy and determination.  Cutting-edge aircraft, including the Corsair, Lightning, and Hellcat would supplanted the underpowered and less capable Wildcat and Tomahawk.  The old four-piper World War I destroyers were replaced by the fast, agile, and heavily-armed Fletcher class.  We increased the number of aircraft carriers from just four on December 7th, to more than 20 in two years.  Shipboard weapons improved, replacing the slow-firing and inaccurate 1.1-inch gun with the fast and accurate 20mm Oerlikon, and 40mm Bofors autocannons.  The U.S. also developed the proximity-fused shell for the 5-inch guns, which meant the crews didn't have to directly hit and attacking aircraft, but just get close enough for the radar transponder to detonate the shell.  That development alone would be recognized as the key factor that enabled the U.S. to defeat the Japanese Kamikaze.

Not only did radar improve, but Navy task force commanders also learned how to use that information best in combat, enabling us to win many key battles at sea.

Now, we are not by nature a warrior culture.  Yes, we know how to fight, as our enemies have discovered at their cost.  Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto understrood that if this sleeping giant were awakened, Japan would lose the war.  But when the war ended, both in Europe and the Pacific, we happily made our former enemies our best friends, put away our weapons, and went home, back to a life of selling groceries and insurance.

World War II finally ended on September 2nd, 1945 when Japanese representatives signed the surrender documents aboard the Battleship USS Missouri, then anchored in Tokyo Bay, Japan.  That same site, on the forward 01 level, starboard side, has been preserved as a place of reverence and remembrance.  As General MacArthur said that day, "Today, the guns are silent.  A great tragedy has ended, a great victory has been won.  The skies no longer rain death; the seas bear only commerce.  Men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight.  And the entire world lies quietly at peace."  One of the Japanese representatives, Toshikazu Kase, reported to the Emperor that the General's words transformed the deck of that warship into an altar of peace.  

In those long years of bloodshed, approximately 69 million people perished throughout the world.  50 million of those were civilians.  Entire countries were laid waste.

Peace is often fleeting, yet the peace established on the Missouri that day endured for nearly five years, a time when much of the world was able to catch its breath and dare to look forward to the future.  While violence still occurred and people still died, it did not escalate again into a global conflict.  

We hold dear that day when we gathered here aboard the USS Missouri.  It is amoment we honor and cherish -- the day the world chose peace.  Let us remember that we possess the power to choose kindness toward each other, and to respect differing points of view.  Together, we can keep the flame of hope alive and remain connected to the better angels of our natures.  AS a species, we need only to embrace that better choice.  The real question?  Are we willing to?

Wars are fought by those in uniform, individuals willing to lay down their lives.  In a broader context, they fought and died for our country and the ideals of freedom and liberty.  However, in the micro-reality of the battlefield, they fought for one another.  Today, we remember and honor their willingness to serve and sacrifice.  We also honor those who have suffered the deeper, unseen wounds inflicted on their psyche, spirit, and soul.  Never in our history has the scourge of suicide among veterans struck so deeply and tragically.  This represents the true human cost.  Yet even in the face of their suffering, many of them, if the call sounded, would serve again without hesitation.

I look across this assemblage, and am moved by the sight of this sea of uniforms.  Your choice to serve is inspirational.  Your uncritical willingness to give what President Lincoln called, "the last full measure of devotion" humbles us.  I am reminded of Elenor Roosevelt's war prayer:

Dear Lord,

Lest I continue my complacent way, help me to remember that somewhere, somehow, out there, a mand died for me today.  As long as there be war, I then must ask and answer, Am I worth dying for?

All of us must live lives that create value and promise, giving meaning to the great sacrifice of those in uniform.  We should all be worth dying for.

I am an old Chief Petty Officer and a retired Intelligence Analyst.  I thus feel an unwavering connection to our mission and our people.  I sense that our nation, alongside our allies, may soon face the challenges of war once again.  I know many of you may find yourselves at the tip of that spear, the edge of that blade, serving with courage, leadership, and faith.  My thoughts and prayers are with each of you, as well as your loved ones waiting anxiously at home.  Take care of yourselves and those you lead.  Stand tall and unwavering in your resolve.  Stand strong in the knowledge of what you fight for.   And no matter where you give battle--land, air, sea, or space--make sure the enemy knows that battlespace belongs to the United States of America.

Speech: September 2nd, 1945

 

Copyright © 2026

By Ralph F. Couey

On September 2nd, 1945, a ceremony took place in Tokyo Bay, Japan.  Aboard the anchored Battleship USS Missouri, representatives of the Imperial Japanese Government and military signed a set of documents certifying their acceptance of the terms of surrender.  With that act, the world that had been at war in one form or another since 1931, finally found peace.  Humanity, in an all-too-rare moment in time, was finally able to look towards the future with hope.

Peace is fleeting, as human history has repeatedly demonstrated.  Humans have never had to search far for a reason to fight.  Thus, starting a war is far easier than ending one.  Still, we cherish those rare moments because peace gives us a chance to breathe,to live, to love, and to dream.

War is terrible; destructive and costly.  Novelist John Ball noted that the only reason a sane government gets involved in war is that the alternative is even less acceptable.  The United States, which had avoided global power and responsibility like the plague, was forced to accept that role by two nations, Germany and Japan, that lusted after both.  We learned a hard lesson: that no matter how hard we try to hide from the world, the world will still come looking for us.  And the rest of the world also learned that an America, thus armed, united, and engaged, is unassailable. 

And yet, despite our ability to fight, we have never relinquished our humanity.  Our service members' willingness to act with compassion, even on the most war-torn battlefields, is extraordinary.  When we emerge victorious, we don't impose oppression on our former enemies.  Instead, we respond with aid, money, resources, and effort to help rebuild those countries and their economies.  I remember watching a documentary that included an interview with a former member of the German Wehrmacht.  After seeing the effect of the Marshall Plan on his country, he said, "It is never good to lose a war.  But there is no better country to lose to than America."

World War II was long, bitter, and violent.  However, from the day the war ended through today, Germany and Japan are among our staunchest allies, trading partners, and best friends.  

"A better world..." General MacArthur called this "cherished hope."  That is what lies at the heart of all people, because we know instinctively that a world where freedom, prosperity, happiness, and opportunity exist for everyone, and a world where the value of human life is held sacred, is a world that will never need to wage war.  In the words of John F. Kennedy, "For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet.  We all breathe the same air.  We all cherish our children's future.  And we are all mortal."

September 2nd, 1945 was so much more than the statutory end of a world war.  It was a day when the world finally found peace.  It was a day without death.  It was a day when hope was reborn.  It is what we celebrate on this day.  Peace, surely.  But hope lets us look forward with optimism instead of fear and dread.  For the people who inhabit this world, there is no better gift.

Unfortunately, the harsh lessons of human history instruct that we must always be prepared for battle. 

But let us remember this day; let us honor that day.  And for the sake of the world, may we always strive to wage peace.

Speech: Be the Chief

Speech:  Be the Chief

Copyright © 2026

by Ralph F. Couey

Welcome aboard the Battleship Missouri, and congratulations on your selection as Chief Petty Officers.  This is easily the most important moment in your careers, as well as in your lives.  This will live in your memories forever. 

I think it is fitting to hold this leadership academy aboard a battleship, particularly this one.  Missouri is a symbol of strength and resolve, a battle-tested warship.  I hope that in the coming weeks, you will absorb some of that strength and resolve and let it become part of you.  Being the Chief will require the absolute best of each and every one of you.  May you find the strength you need on your journey.

A couple of months ago, I was on the pier during an epic downpour.  I saw sailors leaving the ship after a ceremony, running through the rain, shoulders hunched, heads down.  But then a Chief came by.  For him, rain didn't matter.  Head up, shoulders back, he walked with a steady, determined stride, aloof to the elements.  I saw in him the epitome of strength, dignity, pride, and authority, every inch a Chief Petty Officer.  Others saw him, slowed down, and emulated him.  He had given no order.  Yet, by his example alone, he led others.  I was so impressed that the only response I could muster was a heartfelt "damn!"

Be the Chief.  It's a phrase you've heard a lot, especially lately.  I don't know what that means to you, but I know what it means to this old, salty Battleship Chief.  The easy and obvious answer lies in the context of the Chief's leadership of our enlisted personnel.  But it goes way beyond that.

Chiefs are instrumental in the training of junior officers.  We've all served long enough to know the difference between a good officer, and one who's probably better off running an ice cream parlor.  But as a Chief, you will have a priceless opportunity to shape and mold an entire generation of Naval officers into the kind of leaders you know full well the Navy desperately needs.  So, you're not only the Chief to the E-6 and below, but also to the O-1 and above.  You also need to Be The Chief to the Navy as a whole.  When you see that something is desperately wrong, but nobody seems interested enough to fix it, that's when you have to step up.  These anchors mean yhou not only have the rank, but also the professional, moral, and ethical duty to challenge the status quo; to speak truth to authority.  It will be a time when you need to find your voice and make people listen.  You see, Chiefs are not just the guardians of tradition.  Chiefs are also agents of change.  Once you don these khakis, the easy phrase "It is what it is" just doesn't cut it anymore.  You need to be ready and willing to call out the Navy when that moment arrives.  To quote Henry Fonda, "We all know the Navy is never wrong.  But there are times when it's a little weak on being right." 

A strong Navy is one that holds on to its sailors.  A big part of successful retention is people knowing that what they're doing is meaningful, and that they are valued and respected by those above them in the chain of command.  Sailors need to see their Chief advocating for them; fighting for them.  That breeds respect and loyalty.  And what you give, you will receive back tenfold.

In many ways, Chiefs ARE the Navy, and you can then choose to either be part of a sometimes faceless bureaucracy, or you can choose to Be the Chief.

We know what happened here on December 7th, 1941, but I want to share two accounts from that day.

Chief Watertender Peter Tomich was on duty in the boiler room aboard the Battleship USS Utah when the Japanese aircraft began dropping their bombs.  Utah took hits from multiple bombs and torpedoes, and the ship began to capsize.  Chief Tomich ordered the boilers to be secured, preventing a powerful explosion, then ordered everyone out of the engineering spaces.  He remained behind at his post until he lost his life.  He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Chief  Radioman Thomas J. Reeves was in Main Radio down on the third deck aboard the Battleship California.  This ship took severe damage from multiple bomb and torpedo hits, and the lower decks began to flood.  Chief Reeves got everyone out of that confined space safely.  However, once topside he discovered that the anti-aircraft guns were running out of ammunition.  He returned below and organized a detail to pass ammunition from the magazines below to the guns above.  Those lower decks were dark and flooding; fires raged, and toxic fumes filled the passageways.  As sailors began to feel the effects, Chief Reeves ordered them to safety, but remained behind until he collapsed and died in that passageway.  He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Both Chief Tomich and Chief Reeves on that day chose to Be the Chief.  The question for you today is this:  Are you ready to Be the Chief?  Are you ready to be those Chiefs?

You're going to learn a lot here from some very smart and experienced people.  Pay attention.  Absorb that knowledge and wisdom.  And put it to work.

I want to share some wisdom that was gifted to me on the day of my pinning, almost thirty-eight years ago.  The words came from a Master Chief Bo'sun's Mate, old, crusty, salty...I'm pretty sure he was at one point sitting on the pier waiting for the ocean to fill up.  This is what he said:

"You will always be the Chief, in uniform or not, on duty or off.  You will always be the Chief even decades after you take those khakis off for the last time.  Because you not only wear those anchors on your collar.  You also wear them on your heart."

You have a challenging road ahead.  But I have no doubt that you will rise and meet those challenges.  

Be strong.  Be courageous.  Be honorable.  Be the Chief.

A Little Trip Upriver

 

Cologne, Germany

Copyright © 2025

by Ralph F. Couey

Images and written content

We gave in to our itchy feet syndrome and decided to go to Europe.  We were intrigued by the possibilities of a river cruise, and scheduled a Rhine River cruise starting early November.  Of course, we mixed in a side trip to Virginia to spend time with our son's family, but also to soften the blow of traveling across 10 time zones in one day.

We enjoyed the two weeks in Virginia, and yeah, it was cold.  We got to watch Ian play a few games of tackle football, as well as NFL Flag.  He's so much fun to watch!

We boarded our flight at Dulles on November 3 and did the 7-hour transit to Amsterdam.  When we arrived, Viking representatives met us outside of immigration and walked us to our bus.  We drove across Amsterdam for about an hour, arriving at the place where the ship was docked.  While we traveled I took time to look at the city.  Most of what I saw reflected a gray, grim, industrial look.  The apartment blocks were sad, many deteriorated and as residences go, pretty sad.

We boarded the ship and our luggage was taken by the crew.  We were early, so we had to wait in the lounge for awhile until our cabin was ready.  Once we were moved in, we went into Amsterdam, the part called "Old Town" and walked through the area.

Much of the original character of the city is preserved here.  Some buildings date back to the late 1700's,  The section is now a hotbed of bars and restaurants with some boutiques mixed in, obviously a place for the young and young-at-heart.  

There were still some vibrant fall colors around even given the lateness of the season.

We went by the house where Anne Frank lived, and was betrayed by a neighbor, a sobering reminder of a dark time.

Cheryl stopped at a place to indulge in some of the famous Amsterdam Pancakes, which we didn't even realize was a thing.

Being a diabetic made these verboten to me, but Cheryl assured me they were gooey delicious!

After logging a solid 4.5 mile trek, we returned to the ship for what we in the Navy would have called a Pre-Sail Brief.  The staff gave us a preview of what would happen over the following seven days, as well as briefing us on the safety rules, including a warning not to lean out of our cabin windows and lick the sides of the canal locks as we passed through. 

Hmmm.....

We met the Captain, the Hotel Manager, the Head Chef, and our cruise director, an absolutely charming young man named Gavin.  Originally from England, he lives in Southern California.  He was a ball of laughs and a ton of fun.  

The biggest difference between this river cruise and the big boat trips we had previously been on was eating.  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were rigidly scheduled, and outside those times, the only option for food was bar peanuts.  Our first meal aboard was...underwhelming.  Possibly the worst Reuben sandwich I've ever had, burned on one side and soggy on the other.  I hoped it would get better.  Fortunately, it did.

The ship got underway before midnight.  Cheryl and I after a very, very long day were oblivious to that event.  We awoke the next morning moored at a place called Kinderdijik, pronounced "Kinder Dike."  Here were 19 classic windmills, exactly what you would expect to see.  Most of the Netherlands is about six feet below sea level, and hundreds of windmills were built to remove water from those lowlands.  

The windmills are still part of the Government Water Authority, so they're not just decoration.  Families live in them, maintain and operate them.  We learned that in order to get them turning, the Millers would open up sails, catching the wind.  It didn't take much time to get them going, and standing near the blades as they whooshed by was impressive.  

It was fascinating technology.  Using hard woods and some iron they would be able to pump about 44,000 gallons per hour.  Modern electric pumps have taken much of that load today, but despite their age, the mills are still in operation.  

The ship left just after 12:30 headed for the city of Cologne.  I took some time to sit on the sun deck (bundled up for sure) and watched the world go by.

These river systems are highways for commerce and transportation.  Long boats by the hundreds ply the rivers hauling fuel, scrap iron, sand, grains, all manner of goods.  They travel rapidly, 10 knots upriver, and 20 knots downriver.

Outside the cities, the river traffic drops off, leading a captivating view of the countryside and its villages, each with its own church.  It is a relaxing and peaceful way to see this part of the world.

Cologne is a city reborn in a way.  Druing World War II, Allied bombers leveled the place except for the cathedral, partly for religion reasons, but mostly because the twin spires provided a precise navigation reference for the pilots.  We were a bit ill in the morning, so we missed the walking tour, but in the afternoon we walked through what is left of the old town section.  Like Amsterdam, this area is well-stocked with bars and restaurants.  We saw a few high-end stores and some shops, so we did some shopping.  

It's not just Chiefs Kingdom, it's Chiefs Planet!

In Cologne there is what is called the Bridge of Lovers.  It is a tradition for couples to purchase a padlock, attach it to the bridge, then throw the key into the river over the left shoulder.  As long as the lock stays locked, the love will last.

Friday morning we spent in Koblenz and toured the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.  This is an amazing structure.  Occupying the site of an earlier fortress destroyed by the French in 1801, it was built as the backbone of a regional fortification system by Prussia between 1817 and 1828 and guarded the Middle Rhine Region, an area that French troops repeatedly invaded. The Prussian fortress was never attacked. The walls are 12 feet thick and are full of rifle ports, embrasures, and artillery sites. If an enemy force penetrated the fort, they would have been under fire from as many as six fortified positions. There have been structures on this site mentioned in history as far back as 1139 CE. When the fort finally fell, the cause was not structural, but human. The garrison was starved into surrender.

A commanding view of the Rhine Valley

In the afternoon, the ship cruised the South Rhine River Gorge.  We were treated to a parade of ancient castles and fortifications, a testament to the region's complicated politics.  It was cold and windy out on deck, so we didn't spend a lot of time on the top deck.  There was a sheltered area up on the bow that screened us from the wind, so that was the vantage point for us.  

This rooster atop the church is a testament to the 

moment when Peter betrayed Jesus three times

before the "cock crowed."

This was a toll booth from which money was

collected from passing ships.  

That evening we went to Rüdesheim for dinner at a restaurant in the town.  The food was good, and the times were fun.  There was a live band, which in addition to tradition German music, played some pop music as well.  Kind of a strange experience to hear a Jimmy Buffet song about indolent island life in the middle of Germany.  At one point, the restaurant staff invited folks up for a tradition involving Schnapps.  Drinking cups had been attached to a long board, from which several people drank at the same time.  Also, other, including Cheryl, took part in a bell choir, performing (of course) Eidelweiss.

Saturday, the ship moored at Speyer right after lunch. We had a walking tour of the town led by the best guide we had throughout the trip. He was knowledgeable and friendly, and imparted a lot of great history about the town. The day was cold and foggy, so not a great day for pictures. We moved on to Colmar, crossing into France. There, our guide told us about Frederick Bartholdi, who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Colmar was his birthplace, and there are reminders of that fact all over the town, including markers among the cobblestone streets.

These signs graphically portray the nature

of the businesses operating there.

Sunday was Strasbourg, which was unfortunate because on that day most of the businesses are closed.  But still an interesting place.

Sunday evening we spent in Breisach, crossing back into Germany.  

Monday, we took a bus ride to the Black Forest.  The scenery up the winding mountain road was spectacular, but the bus had tinted windows, so none of my pictures came out good.  Our guide was a young man, and easily the worst guide of the trip.  He barely escaped being annoying.  We stopped at what we Americans would call a tourist trap, home to a place that made cuckoo clocks, and other assorted items.  It was a beautiful sight, home to the largest cuckoo clock in the world.  Yes, we bought a clock and a huge glass stein which we shipped home.  There was a presentation where we were told how the clocks were built.  They're very complex, made mostly out of the native wood.  After looking carefully, I was able to determine that these were actually German-made, and not from Hong Kong.

Monday evening we had our departure brief where we were told how things would work the next day.  Our luggage was to be packed, tagged, and set outside our rooms by midnight.  Sometime after, they were picked up and moved to the gangway.  We mustered there about 7 AM, and taken by bus to the airport in Basel, Switzerland.  Again, the Viking staff were superb, and everything went smoothly.  Our flight boarded and departed on time, and we returned to Virginia.

Having been on a big boat cruise before, this river cruise provided some interesting contrasts.  The food, while mostly good, was not as good as the price we paid for this cruise may have dictated.  Serving times were strictly observed, and if you were hungry between, all you really had available were bar snacks.  The crew and staff were absolutely amazing.  They really spoiled the guests, and some real friendships were made there.  We made some acquaintances among the other guests and spent a lot of time with them.  These were people who were roughly our age, and all had fascinating stories to tell.  Many of them were on their 4th or 5th cruise with Viking, and were convinced that this was the way to go.  

Our stops were not ports, but mainly places along the river bank were the ship tied up.  At several points, the ship went through locks, raising or lowering the ship as the river dictated.  

There were two medical emergencies aboard, one a diabetic crisis, a man who forgot how much sugar there is in wine.  The other case involved a man with two prosthetic legs.  On one of the debarkation sites, he fell on the gangplank, broke his hip and suffered a concussion.  As we discovered, there were no medically trained people aboard, so the only option was to call for an ambulance and pull alongside the river bank.  Given the advanced age of the clientelle, this is kind of scary.

Overall, it was a good time, although the cost of the cruise made our expectations too high.  But, to each his own, so your experience may be completely different.

Visiting this part of Europe was a great learning experience.  We were visiting towns and villages that had been around in some form for eight or nine hundred years, and the continued existence of those structures was a testament to the quality of craftsmanship of the native people.  

We spent a week in Virginia on the way back, softening the blow of crossing 10 time zones.  Getting back to Hawai'i, we found the transition back to tropical weather not as severe as we thought it might.  But after all those adventures, it sure was good to be home!