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What is a Senior Officer Present Afloat?

Introduction Senior Officer Present Afloat, usually referred to as SOPA, is a US Navy term to indicate the US Navy officer, with the highest ranking by rank, or number in rank, present in a harbour occupied by more than one US Navy vessel. That officer is essentially commander of all US Navy operations afloat in… Read More

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What is Command by Negation?

Introduction Command by negation is a military command and control doctrine – a hybrid of command by direction and command by influence. Commonly found in the United States Navy, particularly in independent commands at sea, the doctrine is based on individual officers using their own initiative to execute actions unless the reported action receives a… Read More

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Who is Bob Kerrey?

Introduction Joseph Robert Kerrey (born 27 August 1943) is an American politician who served as the 35th Governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987 and as a United States Senator from Nebraska from 1989 to 2001. Before entering politics, he served in the Vietnam War as a United States Navy SEAL officer and was awarded… Read More

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Who was Daniel J. Callaghan?

Introduction Daniel Judson Callaghan (26 July 1890 to 13 November 1942) was a United States Navy officer who received the Medal of Honour posthumously for his actions during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. In a career spanning three decades, he served his country in two wars. Callaghan served on several ships during his first 20… Read More

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Who was John William Finn?

Introduction John William Finn (24 July 1909 to 27 May 2010) was a sailor in the United States Navy who, as a chief petty officer, received the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honour, for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbour in World War II. As a chief aviation ordnanceman stationed… Read More

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Who was Michael P. Murphy?

Introduction Michael Patrick Murphy (07 May 1976 to 28 June 2005) was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the US military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honour, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the United States Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam… Read More