Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain

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Surf When You Can: Lessons In Life, Loyalty, and Leadership From A Maverick Navy Captain narrated by Brett Crozier contributor Micheal Vlessides illustrates the intensity that Crozier has when it comes to both his family life and career life. He is also honest/matter of fact on how one of his parents/guardians had served in the U.S. Airforce and how this might have indirectly played a part on how he had an idea even in his younger years the path into the military he was going to follow. The author/narrator also illustrates how his wife has also been a significant source of strength and support throughout his accomplished and long-term military career (his wife was also brought up in a military family). The author also recalls a multiple number of navy commands that he has been stationed at with immense pride: USS Ronald Reagan, USS Blue Ridge. USS Theodore Roosevelt etc. Moments of how the Covid-19 Pandemic affected both his concern of those in his command and how this would impact other areas of his life are also candidly mentioned.

Not only is this book amazing, but the author is an amazing person and leader. I served with CaptainCrozier when he was the captain on the USS Blue Ridge and he led an amazing crew. Some of my best memories in the navy were during his time as the Commanding Officer. Upon hearing how he stood up for sailors during the Covid 19 pandemic i admired his leadership and saw how a true leader displaying the navy core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment looked like. Rembering the spot check I had with Captain Crozier about one of the communication systems i was in charge of maintaining, he took time after the spot check to check on me as a person and sailor being away from home.I read his book and listened to the audiobook along side and admired how this leader was able to balance through a carrer of stress and chaos with enjoyment and fufilment. I learned a lot about balance from this book and think its a great read.Thank You Captain!

This book was so inspiring on so many levels. It should be required reading in any leadership course as his message of leading by supporting those one leads is sadly not practiced by many in that role. Crozier's examples from his role as an officer training navy pilots, and as commander of an air craft carrier,are moving, in both his recounting of the relationships he builds with and among his crew, as well as his sharing the excitement risks, and dedication of those who live and work in the U.S. Navy.Crozier's guiding principal to "take care of your sailors" was evident in every decision he made, including the one that led to his removal as Commander of The USS Truman during COVID because of his efforts to get help for his sailors.Although he seems to hold no grudges, I hope that before long, the Navy admits it handled this event inappropriately, by ignoring a well thought out request for help for his soldiers, and instead letting bureaucracy and politics prevail over common sense.As well as wonderful lessons in leadership, there are also incredible descriptions of such heart stopping dangers as pilots are faced with night time landings on an aircraft carrier, in high seas, and dense fog compounded by technological malfunctions, while critically low on fuel. This will get your adrenalin pumping.Crozier reading his book on Audible just makes it that much more real and heartfelt.I have given this book as a gift and recommended it to many.

“Surf When You Can” by CAPT Brett CrozierA collection of memorable life lessons and stories from over 30 years serving in the world’s greatest Navy…including the absolutely heart wrenching story of facing the global pandemic from the decks of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT. As a naval officer myself, I remember hearing about CAPT Crozier’s plight pushing back against Big Navy during the COVID outbreak and being devastated that a leader like that was fired. Reading it from his perspective broke my heart all over again, but it also inspired me. He calls for us as leaders to be courageous and stick to our values no matter what. He tells stories that are relatable and applicable to everyday life and I think I will find myself recommending this book to my JO’s and my wardroom one day. It was entertaining, heartfelt, and I am truly jealous that I did not get an opportunity to serve under CAPT Crozier myself. Bravo