With his Vietnam draft notice arriving any day, Jess Harper joins the US Navy, only to see the peace talks signed soon thereafter. Air traffic control becomes the anchor that holds him true to course throughout a twenty-year career and thereafter. The harrowing air traffic control situations and life beyond ATC create his story. Both an east and west coast sailor, exploits begin in Orlando boot camp to Glynco, Georgia, for training. Life for this sailor travels on to Lemoore, California, Cubi Point, Philippines, New Orleans, USS Forrestal, Corpus Christi, Texas, Iraq-Kuwait border, and Troutdale, Oregon. Rule 1: Never let them take your independence.