Vectors

Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy

By: Thomas B. Modly

Narrated by: Thomas B. Modly

As read by the author, Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy is an Amazon number one best seller that details the true story of Secretary Thomas Modly's tenure as Under and Acting Secretary of the Navy during the Trump Administration.

Secretary Modly had an eclectic career in the military, academia, business, and government when he answered the call to service in 2017 and returned to the navy where his career began. His experience, as chronicled by him in this audiobook, tells the story of Secretary Modly’s quest to advance the United States Department of the Navy’s preparedness for the challenges of this century. As Acting Secretary of the Navy, he held fast to the mantra of “acting, not pretending,” and thus advocated aggressively for the navy and marine corps’ future—a future he believed would be defined by uncertainty and unpredictability.

Every Friday, he wrote a personal message to the entire department, regardless of rank. Those messages were called SECNAV Vectors. Each Vector was intended to clearly communicate his priorities and to establish a rapport with all levels of the organization. The subject of each Vector was inspired by ongoing events that occurred in real time. As these events unfolded, the secretary’s unyielding emphasis on being prepared for the unpredictable was proven to be prescient as the navy found itself, unintentionally, in the center of the Covid-19 crisis.

The stories he uses to weave together the audiobook's narrative are fascinating and enlightening. The lessons he learned, and honestly describes, are both meaningful and profound.

©2023 Thomas B. Modly (P)2023 Thomas B. Modly

A Wonderful Inspiring Book

I am so glad Mr. Modly read the book. It made the book so much more powerful and personal. The book is great because it helps to understand the history of the time. Mr. Modly’s idealism, optimism, and vision need to be embraced by us all. I hope a secretary of the navy comes along that takes Mr. Modly‘s book and makes it happen … because all the initiatives that he speaks of are game changing in a good way. Thank you Mr. Modly for all that you have done, and all that you will do. God bless you and your family!!

An honest, revealing, meaningful listen by an honorable public servant… prescient insights and perspectives.

Tom has authored an important book that paints a picture of how bureaucracies work and don’t work and how meaningful change is difficult to instill to make our U.S. Navy better. I found his candor, genuine caring, humility and humanness refreshing, especially in the challenging environment he was operating in. Great leaders “own things” and Tom “owned” all his decisions, wins and losses. His use of song lyrics to theme each chapter and his weekly VECTORS will engage you as a listener and provide Tom’s insights and perspectives. I highly recommend VECTORS…. Well Done Tom Modly!