Everything You Didn't Know About Being a Carrier Strike Group Commander

[@felixtec6652]

I remember when Nasty left 31. We stripped down his tomcat down for his flyby to drop weight. He did his flyby at high speed and pulled back on the stick. When the plane came back chief martin in maintenance said the jet came back with stress values he had not see before. It was an honor to serve with him.

[@drewjames8594]

Curious what a stress value is. Is this something they can visually detect or measure?

[@felixtec6652]

@drewjames8594 flight computer on the jet can measure stresses on a jet. Those codes would provide feedback on whether a jet needs maintenance like after a hard landing or inspections of the airframe due to G forces.

[@timd1366]

First time I ever met Adm Manazir, was when he was the CO of NIMITZ. The Cold Iron Watch called me when I was the Reactor Duty Officer and told me a guy was in the Main Machinery Room in khakis wearing a “Morale Officer” name tag, this explains the background on that! Very humble and one of the best Leaders I ever worked for.

[@ChronicAndIronic]

My old CO was a Reactor Officer. Did you know anyone with the last name Garza?

[@orangejjay]

What a treat. This is better than a Saturday morning cartoon. Love what youre doing in featuring all these old dudes for us kids in the service to hear from. It's not often we're told stories like this nor can we talk to these guys in such a casual way as you do. Keep it up, brotha.

[@ProCoatsChestemere]

Agreed what a treat

[@andreweppink4498]

Another good one. Thx.

[@ypw510]

From what I understand, a lot of people refer to him as "approachable". So you might be surprised.

[@arneldobumatay3702]

"Nasty" has more patches/emblems on his flight jacket than a NASCAR race car! But . . . he earned them!

[@Utahdropout]

Ward.... Again, you have knocked it out of the park. To see these senior officers talking about their experiences during their careers makes them so human. The patches on that jack the admiral was wearing could tell so many stories volumes could be written. Hearing him talk makes me believe that they would be captivating just as this interview was. Thank you again Ward for making this available.

[@jbcallender]

Excellent interview. This is literally a 30,000 foot masterclass in leadership.

[@MotoNomad350]

Never served but I have been loving these interviews. They inspire my confidence in the officers we have leading our Navy. And they’re great content on their own merits.

[@dks13827]

No ! Look who is there now!! My God.

[@rafale1981]

I‘m not a military person, but i love how you make these officers talk about the human, organisational and leadership aspects. Thank you, i learn a lot from these

[@OldNavyGuy]

Mooch, an epic interview with my friend and former CAG LSO Nasty Manazir. He’s always been a great leader, a phenomenal Top Hook pilot, and a standup guy you just want to chat up at the I-Bar. Well done! ⚓️

[@adamfischer6768]

Rear Admiral "Nasty" was just captivating... This episode was a pleasure to watch!

[@briangibbs3774]

Admiral "Nasty"! You know the essence of command. You look after your men, as well as weighing the good of the service. Your telling of the enlisted man to whom you showed mercy and who became a Captain, is an inspiration to all in positions of authority, be they Armed Forces or civilians. My Squadron Commander in the Royal Canadian Engineers, (60+ years ago!) was cut from the same cloth as were you. As it was with my beloved C.O., you are a man who I would follow to hell and half-way back. May God richly bless you and yours, Admiral! I salute you, Sir!

[@roccode3934]

Nasty is a person who inspires the best a person can be. What a great leader.

[@billbrockman779]

Great interview with a super leader. He seems like the kind of leader where the subordinates would rather eat glass than disappoint him.

[@davidsmith8997]

Humility, integrity, and dedication to your people and your mission. That's how you lead any job, anywhere. Great stuff from Nasty!

[@pongokamerat8601]

So true, if the organization you lead and the people you lead are of the same opinion

[@jamesstark8316]

Adm Manazir reminds me of my favorite CO, Capt (later Adm) Ralph "Benny" Suggs when he was skipper of USS AMERICA (CV 66). He certainly empowered us to be our best and we would have literally gone to hell and back for him. Great and inspiring leader. Thank you for this interview. Superb.

[@mgregory3777]

Terrific interview! I had the honor of meeting Adm Manazir on board Nimitz when he was CO. After some back and forth smack talk, Eagle driver v Tomcat, he graciously assigned an Ensign to give my wife and I a wonderful tour of his ship. Thank you Mooch! Thank you Nasty!

[@Sometungsten]

10.12.24 Fifty-four minutes well spent. Thank you both.

[@dennisfalzon8946]

When Nasty has the Bridge, who's counting!?

[@scottinman7507]

Ward, Rear Admiral Manazir’s concepts of leadership are not new. What they are, is verification that those of us who lead from the same school of thought continue to win hearts and minds while developing our people to lead similarly. What a fantastic interview. The Rear Admiral’s books are on my list to show my men . Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@jimpalmer1969]

Wow, what a great description of leadership. Four years of the Navy and 43 years of Boeing with half of it in management along with a BS in Business/Management and a Master of Management. I thought I was a pretty good leader that people would follow and want to work with me. Mike Manazir really describes the methods and madness of being a leader in a clear and succinct way. I'm going to get his book for no other reason other than his way of expressing himself. THX to Ward for putting this on.

[@ragingirishman6969]

This is another great interview with Nasty. It’s refreshing to hear him talking about leading from the heart. Being a strong warrior requires you to be a strong human first.

[@blackmagicprod7039]

This was awesome. Didn’t think I’d watch a 54 minute video cover to cover but here we are. Admiral Nasty is a heck of a fellow

[@Okfalls]

Wow...thanks for showcasing this amazing " nasty" military asset !

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

People like Nasty always amaze me, and it's testament to the people in the Navy and the training and pipeline programs they have. Here you have some of the most highly trained people in command of some of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal, but are still down to earth. I love the fact that despite being in command he doesn't lose empathy for the men and women under his command, and recognizes its a people business first and foremost. Really cool.

[@bearowen5480]

Hey, Mooch, this was a fascinating interview! When I was a young Marine aviator, my collateral duty was running leadership and management seminar programs, one for an entire Marine air wing, and one for a Navy training squadron. Our efforts translated into measurable positive results in terms of increased aircraft availability/reliability and dramatically reduced disciplinary incidents. That was almost 50 years ago. Nasty's exposition upon his own successful leadership style bears out the principles which I and my leadership seminar instructors were teaching back then. Many of those principles apply in practice whether at the level of a chief petty officer/gunnery sergeant, or of a strike group commander. It proves that great leadership principles change little over time. Bravo Zulu, gentlemen! 👍🐻🇺🇲

[@neshotah1976]

Very good interview with Nasty. My career stretched from the mid 70's to Feb '99. I had some really good Officers/Leaders who knew how to explain the end goal, but allowed you to get there on your own, obviously with guidance along the way. At times it was very difficult but it brought greater personal rewards because it forced you to dig deep within yourself to reach the goals that were set.

[@stormm787]

The line from Bridges, "Where do we get such men?", so appropriate. Nasty, Slapshot, virtually every person Ward has interviewed, and Ward, himself very fitting for a line from another movie, "Best of the best!"

[@spencercunningham1017]

Mooch! All your interviews are great, but Admiral Manzir was a real treat to watch! I would love an opportunity to have some whiskey neat and a cigar and listen to every sea story he could tell!! He needs to come back soon! Heck, make him a regular!! Well done!!

[@vhostovich]

Ward, once again you did the nation, the navy, yourself, and us good. Thank you.

[@Aokitadamitsu]

Ok thats the kind of commander we would do ANYTHING for, work as long as it took, suffer whatever nasty weather had to throw at us, because when it was all said and done we were proud that we were part of the that team.. need more like him

[@Duke_Romilar_III]

Thanks, Mooch, for another entertaining and informative interview, and thanks, Nasty, for sharing your experiences.

[@tommychew6544]

The big picture is way larger than most people would ever imagine! Great episode!

[@okie3807]

I served in the cold war on nuc fast attack boats, and these interviews are absolutely fascinating. KZbin is overloaded with content, and I sit and watch every single word of your channel. There's no way that we ever got to hear things so candidly spoken and so interesting. Well done, 4.0--

[@Towbie442]

It's me, Brent. I get to wake and watch a video with 2 of my most favorite mentors🎉❤. I bought all 3 of your books Mooch and have been reading Nastys heavily. My down time is important for me to ingest good materials, so thank you both for working so hard to produce for us.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Outstanding interview with Rear Admiral Manazir. I know a number of civilian managers that would benefit from his management philosophy based on the lessons learned during his career. Unfortunately, many of those managers would be too ego driven to listen.... Thank you both for the informative and insightful discussion.

[@BeechSportBill]

Mooch… you have MORE ACCESS than ANYBODY!

[@michaeldwyer9656]

Mooch is too humble to leave a heart.

[@jameshisself7375]

Man I wish I had a leader like Nasty. What a BOSS

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Appreciate your ease in transitioning to this Modern Era. Well Done Sir!

[@markb.1259]

52:58- Good persons/Good human beings... RULE!!! A+++ video!!!

[@rostamr4096]

I love these interviews. What a cool jacket Nasty has.

[@jeffcare2812]

Ward I always love your episodes where you sit down & talk with past shipmates.

[@scottcooper4391]

I LOVE to hear your interviews with such leaders like Nasty - so much to learn from them.

[@scottharris5714]

Great stuff. I took this interview as an extension of Nasty’s Lead to Win which I recently read, so the timing is perfect. I appreciate these interviews. Stories of work, service to country and leadership. Thank you sir!

[@Doodelz02]

These are truly amazing "real life TV" videos. The questions are flawless. The intelligence, wisdom, and leadership demonstrated by those you've interviewed is unbelievably impressive. Well done!

[@cloudinthewind]

Loved the interview and I added "Learn How to Lean to Win" to my management' team's reading list at ~:25. Great discussion gentlemen. Thank you.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

I was USAF .. enlisted… a Crew Chief ( plane captain type , 1 ea ) .. I’ve never been on a boat… listening to the Admiral speak… I would go to sea with him… GREAT SHOW “MOOCH” … Thank You both.

[@jasong546]

I read nasty’s book on leadership and I got it for a friend who is in a leadership position and it was just a great book. Thanks Nasty

[@gregparrott]

That was a long, impressive journey. As one who has never taken control of either a plane/jet or ship, the best I can say is 'Thank you for your service, sir!'

[@johnnolen8338]

Thank you for this, RADM Manazir. I gotta say I'd have given my left nut to have gone to Nuke School. I got screened out because I had one C in an Engineering course going into my junior year at Fresno State. I was an EE major and the course I had gotten the C in was Engineering Materials, taken as a sophomore. (Wood, Steel, Asphalt, that sort of stuff.) The recruiter for NPS unknowingly insulted me while he was trying to let me down easy. The man asked me to bring him a transcript. I was happy to do it because at that point I was proud of my academic achievements. He looked over my transcript and asked, "What's with this C that you got last year?" I tried to explain that it had absolutely nothing to do with my major. He replied, "I can see you're doing a lot better. Come back and see me again next year." I thought to myself [not out loud, I was trying my best to be respectful], "I was the Principal Nominee to the Naval Academy from this District for the Class of 1986. 'Doing a lot better,' my ass! Besides what would you know about Nuclear Power? You don't even drive!" He was an O-3 NFO. Sorry, Mooch; no insult to you was intended by that. I never did go back to see the man.

[@speedygonzales9090]

GREAT INTERVIEW WARD !!! Thanks. 🇨🇦

[@pjv767b5]

I went to Nuc School became a Reactor Operator. I know how tough it is, but I can’t imagine going through Nuc School in my 40’s. Well done Nasty.

[@pjv767b5]

As an after thought, I am a Submariner thanks for sometimes acting a a target🤪

[@rp1645]

Thank you for taking on that very hard and in-depth training. Can you tell me without going into classified stuff. What was the hardest part of getting through training. I heard on another of ( Wards) interview that it's your training partner and that study study after hours. 😊 The ones that make it through and love it must be retaliation types that must keep in the Navy. I am thinking of so many boomer Nuclear guys or gals, that are highly trained that in my Humble opinion stay on Boats ( subs) what your feedback 😊 nothing classified please.

[@fredkibler]

I struggled through nuc school because I lacked the knowledge and experience to really understand what I was learning, I think going through it later in life would actually be easier. It is good to hear that the leadership is getting better, moral was shit in the 90s.

[@johnslaughter5475]

Sacramento (AOE-1) and Camden (AOE-2) were more than oilers, Mooch. They were also ammo ships. The Deck Departments of the carriers, usually 3 on Yankee Station, were very happy when one of them was deployed and on station. That meant we only UnRepped once every 3 days instead of 2 out of 3. If I remember correctly, they also had a fair amount of refrigerated stores. Sacramento was sent to the Sea of Japan in April, 1969 with Task Force 77 - 4 carriers, 2 cruisers, a bunch of destroyers. While we were alongside, she was also UnRepping the 2 cruisers and destroyers on her starboard side. A mile, or so, off, Mars (AFS-1), a brand new class of ship, was VertRepping the entire fleet. The supply ships, like Sacramento, were the workhorses of the Navy. Without them, we couldn't have stayed out long enough to do our jobs.

[@scottcooper4391]

Everybody has a job that needs done , to contribute to the overall mission.

[@daviddallas4607]

Mooch, it's been a long time since a military leader or even a civilian business leader has knocked me off my feet in their natural leadership skills. The last time I was mesmerized by a person like the Admiral was when I read General Tommy Franks book "American Soldier". A former Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command after 9/11. I'm sure you know the story. Thank you Sir for helping us old Navy guys keep the faith in knowing our Navy is in good hands.

[@floundergearjam]

This is one of the best interviews I have ever seen. Mooch, you keep taking thinks up a notch. Appreciate the great content you put up.

[@yellowcubdriver9545]

Nice interview! One of the best ones yet. I couldn’t put it down. He’s got a Ton of knowledge. Lots of experience. Keep them coming Ward!

[@marc1829]

Any USN Carrier CO has to be one of the most accomplished human beings in existence. Ever. What a privilege to hear from ADM Manazir first hand, prompted by the best possible interviewer, the Legendary MOOCH! 🤩

[@HandyMan657]

Thanks again, Ward. Good to see you again, Nasty. Turn away so you don't have to wake me up. HA! Take care gentlemen, Fly right, Fair winds

[@TurboHappyCar]

Absolutely outstanding interview. You can tell Nasty loved his job. On a production note, great job on the audio, cameras, and lighting. 👍

[@WardCarroll]

Much appreciated!

[@glennac]

Ward, these deep interviews of navy leaders are THE BEST EPISODES! Is Adm McRaven out of reach? Would love to see you talk with him.

[@wayneroyal3137]

What a fantastic interview with Nasty, as if I expected anything less… these videos are amazing and so informative. Thank you Mooch.

[@lonpfrb]

Thank you Ward for some really 'Nasty' content to appreciate the quality of leadership he offered and the inspiration that is to those who want to do better, every day. World class. Fly Navy!

[@mariellouise1]

A lesson and encouragement for anyone, and in any career in a leadership position.

[@davidfox1726]

Great interview! As a 40 plus year veteran between my active and civilian career with my parent service....I am always intrigued the thinking of executive leadership. It certainly patterns my thinking when advising the many Co's I now have. Many times, they act comfortably (I hope) on that advise. Hearing interviews like this certainly temper that thinking.

[@069FS]

You've done it again Ward! Totally fascinating and revealing interview - thank you 'Mooch' and Respect 'Nasty'. Another one to watch twice - at least!

[@jmcw9632]

Pleasure to listen to you two, thanks

[@ds2112]

Mooch, BZ on the interview! I could listen to Nasty for hours. But, I'd love to hear more about the story about the A02 rate that went to Mast and mustang'ed to Captain. I'd love to hear his lessons of leadership from both sides. Once again Mooch, BZ!!!

[@jdlft.w836]

Your best interview, WC. Gives black shoes a better understanding why aviators drive supply ships. True that on Adm. Rickover's legacy on decades of NucPower officers.

[@scottcooper4391]

As I recall from Navy ROTC days - appararently we weren't the only ones who didn't want to go Nuc Power 😁

[@JesseLeight74]

This is just great advice for every day leadership... This applies outside of the military too.... The best part of this interview is the last 10 minutes❤...Thanks Nasty, you're one of a kind... And thanks Mooch for bringing this to us

[@gmplatz]

Fantabulous 54:27 use of my time. Learned so much. Should be an insert into the library of every aspiring leader. And as for the flight jacket, all I can say is….I am not worthy! Thank you!

[@JackWaldbewohner]

As always we feel spoiled because of great interviews! Commander, well done!!!!

[@jonathancarroll1283]

Thank you both, Mooch and Nasty! This was really enlightening. I’m in senior management and these discussions are finally leadership discussions that resonate with me. I either already do the things you discuss or I am trying to enact them in my own command. 32:16 mirrors my difficulty with delegation that I’m starting to outgrow and 49:55 is what I try to avoid doing with my people. I’ve learned to really look forward to opportunities to work with my people to help negotiate barriers. It feels good to help my people succeed.

[@johngeorgegately7402]

Another fabulous interview. I especially enjoyed the NAS stories. I had the privilege of a three day stay with a Navy Chaplain serving on the Kitty Hawk ('94). He had an apartment in town -- near a doughnut shop!! Such a magical place (at least from a civilian perspective).

[@cullariwardell]

Thank you both.

[@Mike7O7O]

Thank you Ward. I stopped by for a few minutes because of the catchy title and also because your channel sets a high bar for delivering quality content. An hour later and I've been glued to watching you both go back and forth. As a British veteran, twice over. I've had the privilege of being led by commanders like the Admiral. Leaders who you would trust enough to follow into hell. Knowing they'd bring you out again on the other side. I believe that poor leaders fail, because often they're trying to be something they're not. Whereas the best leaders are authentic. Such an entertaining and highly amusing hour, calls for a man sized mug of tea!

[@michaelsullivan479]

Mr. Mooch, as with any successful THING, the nuts & bolts of how something is put together is so important. Your videos and stories help highlight that. To compentantly command a Carrier Strike Group requires a master understanding of all the components even the non-sexy. Oilers!

[@byronking9573]

Superb interview. Thoughtful, and deeply informative. 1980s/90s-era NFO here... Brought back memories of squadron life and deployment challenges. Fabulous overview of career path progression, and how to "grow" oneself into an effective senior officer. Piece of advice to JO's out there: Go to Pentagon early in your experience. More than likely, you will be a working stiff there... but keep your eyes & ears open and learn. Because that first tour in the Pentagon means that you will be better-prepared for a subsequent tour where you can really add value.

[@richardmerrill4036]

Ward, You have interviewed without a doubt, some of the finest people I can only imagine exist. Yet they do. Every one I watch just gets better and better. Who was it that asked the question, “Where do we find such people?”

[@wtafda]

Wow, what treat - this interview should be mandatory listening for all leadership classes - actually for life lessons starting in high school - and certainly in OCS across all branches of US MILITARY - well done ! Cannot watch to get my copies of his books

[@michaeldwyer9656]

The totality of the channel is the gold mine for future historians. Time for Mooch to smell some roses while he's in his prime.

[@joemancini2988]

Thanks, Ward. That was informative and entertaining. I like the subtitles for the jargon. Admiral Nasty is a great guy.

[@GregoryComstock]

Wow! What an amazing interview. So wonderfully done. Wisdom to live by. Thanks so much Mooch!

[@Delatta1961]

Awesome. Leaders like “Nasty” don’t come around very often. I only had a couple of commanders in the Army I’d take a bullet for. Great interview

[@JackWaldbewohner]

Ward, this man is truly a great leader. The Navy is lucky to have a leader like this!

[@LCafran]

It was a pleasure listening to Rear Admiral “Nasty” Manazir. A lot of what he spoke about regarding leadership is the way I viewed leadership as an officer which is to empower your people while being the top guy. Great interview.

[@Towbie442]

So far, this video speaks to me personally. I'm banging my head to get so many jobs done because I forget to delegate outwardly to our command structure. They trust me, and I have shown little trust that they will handle the issues from the bottom up. Great content is rare these days and you have EXCELLENT content. Keep it coming and thanks for the DCS shout.😊 It's my passion.

[@rafaelmulet5329]

Wish I had similar information, anecdots and life experiences such as this back when I was in the Navy. Thanks Mooch.

[@kbalch]

Another great one, Mooch. I've always appreciated Nasty's perspective on leadership and this was a fantastic conversation. Incidentally, I'd be very interested to hear your ideas on how Vietnam-era JO tours resulted in the sort of less-than-optimal leadership characteristics you later encountered from those guys as COs.

[@WardCarroll]

Read PUNK'S WAR for details on that.

[@lescobrandon3047]

I barely had a full grasp on Army PFC. But these videos of yours are great, Ward.

[@scottmunch5679]

Gentlemen, that was a privilege to hear and experience. So much gratitude for true leaders who, at the end of the day, are really serving others.

[@tomseagraves]

Great interview here Ward. I learn so much from your channel and you introduce us to a lot of wonderful people. Thank you!

[@stuartkcalvin]

Best interview ever, thanks. My leadership maxim is "leaders are people who say and do things that make sense to other people".

[@gpapich25]

This interview was awesome. Confirms my views on leadership. I need to determine how to swing the rudder of big navy procurement to fund digital transformation in shipyard workflows to turn ships back to the line faster. We didn’t get to current state overnight but we need resources and funding to drive both integrated business systems and organizational culture change. I’m proud to be back on the Navy team. Fortune Favors the Bold…USNA 92.

[@rox6385]

Again, Stellar interview, the Admiral did it right in his career, superb nava

[@rox6385]

got zipped on my ending, last sentence is superb naval Officer and example to emulate!

[@howardnielsen6220]

Wow that Sir was an interview from start to finish Thank You

[@lemoncake6957]

From a random 29 year old dude in the UK, thank you for this interview. Nasty is a good story teller. Felt like i was watching a movie of this guys career. Enjoyed every minute

[@bukstopshere]

Seeing the education, experience and time requirements to be carrier CO, Strike group Commander to 1 stat it would be interesting to see how someone gets 4 stars!! As usual, a very interesting and entertaining episode Mooch.

[@appptyltd9436]

These interviews are gold. Fantastic insights into the extraordinary leaders developed by the US Navy. Thank you.

[@jamesa.7604]

Great Video. Always enjoy your interviews with officers who are serving or who have served!

[@PaulBeaudoin]

Tim Keating was a LCDR in VA-94 while I was there as a 2nd class AQ in the 1980s. Great guy.

[@n22537]

Thank you both. As a civilian who admires my nation’s position as the world’s leader in keeping world peace: this interview reassured me that my children’s future and security is in the best hands. Thank you both

[@Genebaket]

Another 5 star interview, thanks for bringing these 1% leaders on your prodcasts.

[@jamesgunnyreed]

This is an amazing interview. Many good lessons in leadership from the Admiral.