Dog Watches

At sea, the four-hour watch at the end of the work day is cut in half to make two dog watches. Drawn from thirty-five years in the Navy, in a career ranging from from seaman to captain, Rolf Yngve's Dog Watches brings to life the men and women who stand the dog watches, the moments when their decisions define them and shape the lives of those in their care. A former commanding officer finds himself powerless when he confronts young woman about to leap from a bridge. A captain blames his second in command for the crazy decision he makes that ends his career. A heroic young woman discovers the deep tragedy of trafficking. An officer pursuing his duty makes a fatal error that defines his entire life. The inventory of dead sailor's locker haunts a young officer's first hours on board and the life of his ship. The illicit affection between a beloved captain and a shipmate is discovered after a near tragedy. Praised by Tim O'Brien, Andrea Barrett, David Kranes, Goldie Goldbloom, and Admiral James Stavridis, widely published and anthologized, Yngve's work has been compared to Conrad. Compelling reading and a powerful exploration of the meaning of integrity, duty and personal responsibility in 21st century America.