Proceedings Editor-in-Chief—Fred Rainbow
In late April, Fred Rainbow let us know of his decision to retire from the Naval Institute effective 1 July. This issue of the magazine will be his last one as Editor-in-Chief. The moment is bittersweet.
Fred first joined the Naval Institute staff in April 1975 and rejoined us in 2014. In total, he has worked at the Institute for more than 34 years. I first met Fred in 1997 when I joined the Board of Control and Editorial Board. His dedication to the mission of the Institute, his intellect, and his belief in the Institute impressed me then and impress me even more today. Fred’s leadership as Proceedings Editor over many years has had a profoundly positive effect on the naval profession. He has been a friend and mentor to some of the most powerful people in the Sea Services; however, he always championed giving voice to junior people who served.
There is a quote that some attribute to Winston Churchill that goes, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” I don’t know if Churchill said these words or not, but I do know this—they apply to Fred Rainbow. No one has given more to the Naval Institute. No one has more passion for the open forum. No one has influenced our Naval Institute more. His impact goes far beyond the magazine.
Congratulations to Captain Bill Hamblet, U.S. Navy (Retired), who will step up to the
Editor-in-Chief role. He is part of a resurgent Proceedings and Proceedings staff that Fred rebuilt in the past few years. Someone said recently, “Proceedings has its swagger back.” That captures the essence of what Fred Rainbow has delivered, and I have full confidence
the team he built will continue to build and deliver.
Fred departs with our deepest admiration and highest respect. We are hoping he will continue to frequent our programs and events. If our Members spot Fred Rainbow, be sure to say hello, shake his hand, and thank him!
Congratulations Essay Contest Winners
In this issue, you will read the winning essay from the Naval Mine Warfare Essay Contest (sponsored with the Mine Warfare Association). Like all our essay contests, this one was judged in the blind, and the winners are Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld, U.S. Navy (Retired), and Captain Syed Ahmad, JAGC, U.S. Navy (Retired). Sandy has written for Proceedings since he was a midshipman at Georgia Tech, and I admire the fact that the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would enter a blindly judged essay contest. Their essay is titled “The Other Mine Warfare Will Work.” Second prize was awarded to Lieutenant Allen Lucas, U.S. Navy, and Captain Ian Cameron, U.S. Marine Corps. Third prize went to Lieutenant Commander Christopher Nelson, U.S. Navy.
The June Proceedings also features the winning essay from the Enlisted Prize Essay Contest. This year’s winner is Yeoman Second Class Erica Rands-Howard, U.S. Coast Guard, for her essay, “Break In Sailors, Don’t Break Them.” The second prize winner is Master Chief Hospital Corpsman David C. DiPietro, U.S. Navy, and third prize went to Corporal Nicolas A. Swain, U.S. Marine Corps. We were pleased all three Sea Services were represented among the winners of this contest.
Maritime Security DialogUE Update
On 1 August, the new Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Karl Schultz, will discuss the current state and future of the service in a Maritime Security Dialogue at 1000 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Please visit www.usni.org/events for more details and to register for this event.