Surf When You Can

Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain

By: Brett Crozier, Michael Vlessides - contributor

Narrated by: Brett Crozier

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspiring lessons learned from a lifetime of honor, service, and leadership from Captain Brett Crozier, the former commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and renowned Navy officer.

Amid one of the darkest times in American history, it was a moment that captured the attention of the nation. Brett Crozier, captain of the most powerful and prestigious aircraft carrier in the United States Navy, walked off his ship for the last time while thousands of his sailors saluted and chanted his name in admiration.

This remarkable moment occurred after Crozier made the decision to try to protect his sailors by pleading with his superiors for help when COVID-19 swept through the vessel. Two days later, he was relieved of command.

Now, Crozier reflects on his life, career, and commitment to doing the right thing in a book that celebrates the power of kindness, the importance of teamwork, and the value of standing up for what you believe in. Through a series of captivating stories set all around the world, Crozier takes us along on the grand adventures of his extraordinary career and introduces the incredible people he met along the way.

From his days as fighter pilot facing near-death experiences to commandeering suspected pirate vessels in the Persian Gulf, and of course, seizing any opportunity to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies—surfing—Crozier distills the lessons he has learned and the principles that have guided him, showing how you can apply them to your personal and professional life.

©2023 Brett Crozier and Michael Vlessides (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

An important lesson in leadership

An excellent account of one of the Navy's top leaders. I very much enjoyed hearing the story of Skipper's career, first hand. You can hear his passion for his career and taking care of his sailors in every sentence.

Excellent book

This book is an excellent depiction of how a leader should think and act in regards to the people they are leading. Through adversity and even some self-doubt, Captain Crozier remained steadfast and exemplified the importance of taking care of his sailors. Well worth the read/listen!

Worthwhile Listen

Thoroughly enjoyed the Audible Version. Loved the Leadership and Life Lessons. BZ (Bravo Zulu) Captain Crozier!

A great book on leadership

This book teaches you to put your people first. It teaches you to understand what it takes to be a great leader while standing up for your beliefs with integrity.

Best book ever

This was the best leadership book I have ever read. Listening to the Reagan stories, I learned the reasoning behind, I was part of the crew at the time and I remember the wifi stories, the thanksgiving underway/ phone access on the flight deck.

Solid life lessons well told

Captain Crozier packs many solid leadership and life lessons illustrated with stories from his career and does so without pretense, instilling them with integrity and authenticity. I wish more leaders were like him, and I hope that I can embody more of these lessons.

Captain Crozier narrates the book well when speaking in his voice and shows that he isn't a professional when not. I still walked away feeling like I was listening to a mentor.

Exceptionally written, truly a must read!!!

Wonderful to hear such great and personal stories from a person who embodies leadership, humility, compassion and integrity. I served with you for a couple of months, but what an honor it was.
Thank you for your service and demonstrating that leadership is not a rank, it’s a human act. Fairs winds and following seas from this retired QMCM.

Damn good book for service members

Loved every second, I'm a sailor my self and this man is a hero. take these lessons and apply them to your career if you want to serve or want to be a great leader

Every Sailor Must Read

Captain Crozier embodies the leadership qualities that every Sailor should aspire to replicate. These stories carry lessons of every day occurrences in the Navy and showcase personal and professional growth, responsibility and “Sailor First, Mission Always” mentality. The Navy lost an incredible leader in Captain Crozier. I’m glad he wrote this; I cannot recommend this book enough.

Inspiring

As a navy guy, all the explanations are crazy but to the norm, I know it’s needed. What a amazing view of how to take take care of those you lead. Great lessons that can be applied in many ways.