My View From the Bridge Wing: A Reflection on life, perspective, and leadership

“For those who go to sea on ships, the bridge wing represents much more than simply a physical extension of the pilot house…as captain of the USS Arleigh Burke, the bridge wing was my place of both sanctuary and meditation.”

In this uplifting memoir, Captain Alan E. Eschbach, USN (Ret.), reflects back on a life journey that has taken him from the farming community of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the heart of Amish country, to becoming the captain of a guided missile destroyer.

Eschbach touches on the experiences and people who influenced his life, showing how these influences tempered and guided his decisions during his twenty-five-year naval career. He focuses on staying true to the values he gained in his youth and on his attempt to make a positive impact on navy culture.

After narrating his unique story, which covers all of his tours, including SEAL training, a final section addressing important social concerns such as alcohol, pornography, and suicide offers thoughts and ideas on how the military can improve its response to these issues.

My View from the Bridge Wing is a thought-provoking reflection on life, perspective, and leadership that shows the power of personal ethics in creating positive change.

Captain Alan E. Eschbach, USN (RET.), was born in Rawlinsville, Pennsylvania, and he grew up in nearby Quarryville, in the heart of the Amish country of Lancaster County. He attended Millersville State College and then joined the navy. During his twenty-five year naval career, he served in a number of positions on six ships, including being the Captain of two warships.