cover image In the Shadow of Greatness: Voices of Leadership, Sacrifice, and Service from America’s Longest War

In the Shadow of Greatness: Voices of Leadership, Sacrifice, and Service from America’s Longest War

Edited by Joshua Welle, John Ennis, Katherine Kranz, and Graham Plaster. U.S. Naval Institute, $29.95 (256p) ISBN 978-1-61251-138-2

This collection, compiled by members of the United States Naval Academy Class of 2002, chronicles some of the most compelling war experiences from among their classmates, the first to graduate and serve after 9/11. As the mission of Annapolis is to “graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service,” these 33 firsthand experiences both demonstrate the depth of that commitment and the diversity of what is meant by “naval service.” The class of 2002’s war experiences include leading Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, overseeing explosive ordinance units, commanding sophisticated warships on the high seas, evacuating casualties under fire during combat, flying fighter jets in support of ground units, and dealing with the deaths of friends and comrades. The book also highlights some unique aspects of military service in the 21st century: it describes Annapolis graduates serving as diplomats; participating in disaster relief; the specific problems of a female fighter pilot; the stress of dual military couples dealing with constant deployments; and the struggles encountered by gay service members. These proud Annapolis graduates provide a glimpse of the achievements of and contributions made by today’s young servicemembers, making a strong case that they are worthy of being called the next great generation. (Sept.)