I served in the Navy from '71 to '93. After getting commissioned at Pensacola, I went to Denver for training at the Armed Forces Intelligence Training Center. Duty assignments included: USS INDEPENDENCE (2 deployments); Fleet Intelligence Center, Norfolk; Anti-submarine Squadron 22 (2 deployments); Pacific Fleet HQ, Honolulu; Mine Warfare Command, Charleston; Special Operations Command, Tampa; and USS SARATOGA (1 deployment). The operational tours with the Fleet (the 2 carriers and the squadron) were clearly the best of the lot, although the tour at Tampa was one of the most interesting. That's where I got to know some of the most remarkable people in the military -- the special operations troops (SEALS, Green Berets, etc) who have been so instrumental in kicking butt in Afghanistan. Courage, intelligence, and professionalism really set these guys apart from everyone else -- nobody on the planet does it better. I'm very proud to have served with them.