BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Essential reading as part of the Chief of Naval Operation's Professional Reading Program!
Two high-achieving African Americans in the U.S. Navy share their leadership experiences over nearly sixty consecutive years of service. Melvin G. Williams Sr. served in the Navy from 1951 to 1978 with a final assignment as a Command Master Chief. His son, Melvin G. Williams Jr., served from 1978 to 2010 with a final assignment as Commander, U.S. Second Fleet. Their book describes how they navigated through the ranks by employing what they call the "Seven Cs" of leadership: Character, Competence, Courage, Commitment, Caring, Communicating, and Community. The authors contend that their leadership principles can be learned, practiced, and refined for any profession.
Master Chief Williams served twenty seven years in submarines, aircraft carriers, and surface ships. His many awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and six Good Conduct Medals. He resides in Temple Hills, MD.
Vice Admiral Williams, a 1978 graduate of the Naval Academy, served thirty-two years in submarines, Fleet, and Joint assignments. He has several military and civic awards for service and leadership. He resides in Alexandria, VA.
Praise for Navigating the Seven Seas
"What is nice about their autobiographical sketch is they bring readers through their thoughts on each of the Seven Cs. As if on a sojourn, the Williamses take the time to explain their personal chronologies in words, ideas, opinions and photographs. Their 'back-and-forth' method of telling the story in their own voices to characterize their experiences also lends to the book’s appeal. Particularly poignant is how the lder Williams explains how some harsh lessons in post-World War II America made him stronger and more determined to succeed."
— U.S. Black Engineer Information Technology, Spring 2011
"...An extraordinary distillation of courage, committment, duty, service, and adherence to a principled code of conduct with lessons that can be applied to all walks of life . . . .[A]n inspirational dual autobiography offering a vivid picture of life on the seas, and is highly recommended."
—Midwest Book Review, April 2011
"A worthy primer for those interested in what it takes to become and be a successful leader, written by a father–son duo who successfully made it to the top of Navy leadership."
—Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, USN (Ret.), 23rd Chief of Naval Operations
"A most remarkable book by two Navy retirees, father and son, whose hard work and uncompromising ideals have established a family, a shared code of values, honor, integrity, and attainment. Its well-written message, artfully composed, gives their work a universal appeal for all readers, well beyond just the naval community, both for its powerful motivation and the pure enjoyment of the Williams family’s success in life."
—Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.), 20th Chief of Naval Operations and author of Aircraft Carriers at War
"This is a must-read story for two reasons. The first being it's a classic American tale of a parent and child that captures family values and love. The second reason is that two elements of the American spirit, leadership and character, are evident."
—Tyrone Taborn, Chairman and CEO of Career Communications Group, Inc.
"The wisdom and knowledge they have gained serving our U.S. Navy is unsurpassed. Both men have 'led by example' and have enhanced the lives of others along the way. I recommend this book and their 'Seven Cs' principles of leadership to anyone seeking a life of challenge, leadership, and commitment."
—Byron Marchant, President and CEO, Naval Academy Foundation
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