Monkey Bottom

Nearly everyone is aware of the U. S. Navy’s aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, destroyers, and jet fighters. Not many know about the Navy’s soft under belly, its base quality of life (QOL) programs designed to keep Sailors fit to fight and emotionally balanced. They can also offer opportunities for reckless decision-making by senior personnel in positions of authority.

Admiral Logan has the vision to make available two Naval Base Norfolk properties for public-private ventures (PPV). He turns to a friend and shipmate, Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Dillon, to execute. Admiral Dillon downplays environmental policies in his zest to please. He has an affair with a mid-level female government employee on the base, Dottie.

Dave Pedersen and his commanding officer are charged with executing one of the two PPV projects, and while trying to do the right thing after consulting with Navy environmental staff, run afoul of Admiral Dillon. The admiral is under surveillance by NCIS after being observed with Dottie. Dottie wants more in the relationship and also schemes to bring false sexual harassment charges against another government employee. A fateful witnessing of the admiral and Dottie by the admiral’s wife heightens matters. Will misconduct charges be brought against Admiral Dillon? Will Dottie prevail? Does Admiral Logan cross over the line?

This suspenseful historical fiction novel of human fallibility, arrogance and greed that weaves in anecdotes of some unusual base QOL programs and historical aspects of Navy QOL programs will keep you turning the pages to learn the fates of its characters.