Commandant’s Suggested Reading List

(Copies available through the Regimental Office – Downloadable PDF List)

  1. No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf, by Bradley Peniston (Through research and interviews, the author explores how Captain Paul Rinn’s training and motivation of his crew allowed them to overcome near impossible odds as they saved their ship from sinking after it struck an Iranian mine.)
  2. Golden Stripes: Leadership on the High Seas, by Capt. V S Parani (Weaving together his experience, insights and real-life stories, Capt. Parani distills principles of leadership into practical guidance for all professional mariners.)
  3. Until the Sea Shall Free Them: Life, Death and Survival in the Merchant Marine, by Robert Frump (A compelling re-telling of the wreck of the M/V Marine Electric and the drama of the investigation that followed.)
  4. The One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams – Excellence through Team Building, by Ken Blanchard, Donald Carew, & Eunice Parisi-Carew (Backed by decades of research, a classic guide to equip leaders to unleash the power of teamwork.) Recommended by CDR Christian.
  5. Book CoverUnbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand (Explore the power of human resilience in the true story of Louis Zamperini, a young delinquent who channels his energy into becoming a world class runner, then fighting for survival as a downed airman during the Second World War.) Recommended by LT Snow.
  6. Book CoverSouth: The Endurance Expedition, by Sir Ernest Shackleton (An epic struggle against the elements as Shackleton leads his team on a harrowing quest for survival across Antarctica. In 1914). Recommended by LT Willette.
  7. Book CoverAtlantic Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories, by Simon Winchester (Author of “Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded” comes a concise history of the Atlantic Ocean, from its geological formation and major current structure to the pirates, pollution and overfishing that happen upon it.) Recommended by CWO Kowalski.
  8. Book CoverOver the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe, by Laurence Bergreen (Follow Ferdinand Magellan’s daring three-year circumnavigation of the globe in the 16th century).

Secondary List

  1. Book CoverLincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times, by Donald T. Phillips (The wisdom and leadership philosophy of Abraham Lincoln can help you run your business.)
  2. Book CoverIt’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy, by Capt. Michael Abrashoff (Learn how the commander of USS Benfold improved his own leadership ability to help develop a confident and inspired crew.)
  3. Book CoverTurn the Ship Around: A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders, by L. David Marquet (Follow the author who as a new submarine skipper empowered his crew by giving control to subordinates and achieving results that far surpassed expectations.)
  4. Book CoverThe Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations, by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (The standard manual for effective leadership, grounded in research and exploring how people work differently, are motivated differently, and have different expectations.)
  5. Book CoverInto the Storm: Two Ships, a Deadly Hurricane, and an Epic Battle for Survival, by Tristram Korten (The author follows the fate of two vessels caught in Hurricane Joaquin, the 790 foot El Faro and the 230-foot Minouche.)
  6. Book CoverEnder’s Game, by Orson Scott Card (A classic science fiction novel exploring the development of Andrew “Ender” Wiggin who is chosen for his leadership skills to lead an army in defense of Earth.)
  7. Book CoverThe Power of Communication: The Skills to Build Trust, Inspire Loyalty, and Lead Effectively, by Helio Fred Garcia (Building on the U.S. Marine Corps’ publication Warfighting, this book shows how to apply the proven leadership strategies to achieve extraordinary results.)
  8. Book CoverGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth (Exploring the lives of West Point cadets, teachers in the toughest schools, National Spelling Bee finalist and other high achievers, the author focuses on the combination of passion and perseverance to achieve success.)
  9. Book CoverStart with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, by Simon Sinek (Starting with the question of: Why are some people and organizations more successful, the author explores how influential leaders think, act, and communicate.)