Chapter 18 - A High Level Pentagon Briefing Summons Commander Maddox
Three weeks after Chase’s federal arrest, a priority encrypted dispatch arrived from the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Squadron operations summoned me immediately to the secure command briefing room for an urgent teleconference.
Appearing on the encrypted wall screen was Admiral Harrison, the Chief of Naval Operations himself.
“Commander Maddox, we’ve reviewed your operational readiness reports and your recent conduct handling base security threats,” the Admiral began.
“Yes, Admiral. Ready for deployment whenever command requires,” I reported crisply, standing at strict attention.
“We’re standing up a new elite strike-fighter tactical division in the Pacific theater, headquartered out of Japan,” Admiral Harrison stated.
“We need a director who possesses unshakeable tactical brilliance, absolute discipline, and zero tolerance for incompetence.”
“I am honored to accept the command assignment, Sir,” I answered without a single second of hesitation.
“Your promotion orders to Captain are currently sitting on the President's desk for signature, Captain Barrett,” the Admiral smiled.
May you like
My maiden name—Barrett—used by the Navy's highest command as a mark of ultimate professional respect.
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