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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Sea Stories summary
My Life in Special Operations
23 mins
Brief summary
Sea Stories by William H. McRaven is a memoir that shares inspiring Navy SEAL experiences. It provides anecdotes with valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and perseverance in times of crisis. It's a thrilling narrative that will keep you hooked until the last page.
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Sea Stories
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William McRaven was an adventurous child and once snuck into a high-security nuclear site.
In 1963, William McRaven’s father was reassigned from Fontainebleau, France to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas after suffering a minor stroke. There, in the military complex known as Medina Annex, McRaven was free to roam outdoors. But at the height of the Cold War, one area of the complex was strictly off-limits.
Surrounded by three eight-foot-high barbed wire fences, the high-security ammunition storage facility in Medina Annex was alleged to hold nuclear weapons. And in 1966, with the help of his friends Billie and Jon, McRaven had a plan to break into it.
“Operation Volcano,” as they called it, was inspired by spy stories and the volcanic-shaped Gravel Gertie bunkers in which the ammunition inside the facility was stored. The playful mission was to detect if activities that were a threat to their country were going on inside.
Armed with toy guns and hot-dogs as protection against the facility’s K-9 guard dogs, McRaven and his friends found a forested area of the fencing where they would attempt their entry. They slid long wooden planks against the chain-linked barrier, building a makeshift bridge to the other side.
Though Jon and Billie got cold feet, McRaven made it all the way to the top of the third fence before the sound of sirens and the advancing barks of guard dogs sent him into panic mode.
Air Police announced over a bull horn that the trespassers were in a restricted area and that the use of lethal force was authorized. Rather than turning himself over, McRaven sprinted back up the planks, dashing over the remaining two barriers. His Roy Rogers pearl-handled six-shooter cap gun fell behind in the process, but he and his friends managed to escape back to McRaven’s house undetected and unharmed.
One day not long after, McRaven’s father came home and asked his son if he knew anything about an attempted break-in at the ammunition storage facility. For the first time in his life, McRaven lied to his father, claiming to know nothing about it. A look of disappointment filled his father’s eyes. But to his relief, he was let go without further questioning.
That night, as he climbed into bed, his six-shooter cap gun was on the nightstand beside him. And though the incident taught him never to lie to his father again, it certainly didn’t quash his appetite for adventure.
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What is Sea Stories about?
Sea Stories (2019) is a collection of William H. McRaven’s life tales, spanning from his childhood adventures through his 37-year career as a US Navy SEAL and commander of America’s Special Operations Forces. These blinks offer a personal look at the life of a courageous war hero as well as a first-hand account of some of the most famous missions in recent US history.
Sea Stories Review
Sea Stories (2019) by William H. McRaven dives into captivating tales from the author's life in the Navy SEALs, offering readers a thrilling and insightful look into the world of military operations at sea. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With first-hand accounts of missions like the infamous Operation Neptune Spear, readers get a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of special operations.
- The book's emotional depth and personal anecdotes humanize the experiences, making it relatable and impactful.
- From tales of heroism and teamwork to reflections on leadership, Sea Stories inspires and motivates readers with its stories of courage and resilience.
Best quote from Sea Stories
As terrible as it sounds, every SEAL longs for a worthy fight, a battle of convictions, and an honorable war.
—William H. McRaven
Who should read Sea Stories?
- Fans of war and adventure stories
- Leaders looking for inspiration
- History and political science students seeking an inside look at the War on Terror
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Sea Stories FAQs
What is the main message of Sea Stories?
The main message of Sea Stories is the power of perseverance and leadership.
How long does it take to read Sea Stories?
The reading time for Sea Stories varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Sea Stories a good book? Is it worth reading?
Sea Stories is a captivating read that offers an inspiring insight into the life of a Navy SEAL. Highly recommended.
Who is the author of Sea Stories?
The author of Sea Stories is William H. McRaven.
What to read after Sea Stories?
If you're wondering what to read next after Sea Stories, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Hero Code by William H. McRaven
- Raising Girls Who Like Themselves by Kasey Edwards
- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- Spare by Prince Harry
- Adaptability by Max McKeown
- How to Lead Smart People by Arun Singh and Mike Mister
- Living the 80/20 Way by Richard Koch
- Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
- When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest