Trident's First Gleaming

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In memory of John Koenig (Commander, Navy) — who taught me marksmanship, demolitions, and small-unit tactics during the land warfare phase of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Commander Koenig served in many classified operations, including as a SEAL in Vietnam, MILGRU advisor in El Salvador, and SEAL Team Six operator in Grenada and Panama. In Grenada, his team rescued Governor General Paul Scoon’s family from house arrest. Commander Koenig’s leadership and instruction were straightforward, his dark sense of humor brought high points during many long hours of training, and his experiences were invaluable. I will always be grateful.

Last year, Larry Vickers (Master Sergeant, Army) instructed me in handgun and assault rifle shooting for my preparation of this book series. Larry served as a Green Beret and Delta Force operator in many classified operations, including Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, and Bosnia. Most notable among these operations was the rescue of CIA agent Kurt Muse from imprisonment by forces under the command of dictator Manuel Noriega.

I greatly appreciate Carol Scarr, Danielle Poiesz, and Amy Knupp for their editorial advice on early drafts of this book. Most of all, I am thankful for the support of my wife, Reiko, and children, Kent and Maria.