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I am very proud to be taking command of a Type 23 frigate, which is an extremely flexible warship, and I'm looking forward to taking HMS Portland on operations with a professional and focused team.

I'm a huge fan of the Navy. My father was a Naval historian, and I've been studying Naval battles forever.

In my opinion, any navy less than that which would give us the habitual command of our own coast and seas would be little short of useless.

I joined the Marines the week I turned 17, and that led to a few experiences that might qualify as adventure - eye of the beholder.

I've been to a number of places and seen for myself the caliber of people who are in the Navy today - in all the services for that matter. This is an altogether different bunch. These people of today are really bright, young, good people.

In the Navy, the path is paved for you. Your job is to be a soldier and fit in. As long as you stick to your place, it's actually really easy.

I was influenced by many, many different people in my student years, and I was always, I guess, immersed in a Navy environment, and so, obviously, that had a big impact when I decided what I wanted to do was go and be a Navy pilot. I was very familiar with the Navy community and felt very comfortable with it.

The Marines gave me a really strong sense of discipline and a work ethic that kicks in at my job.

To be a Navy SEAL, it's three and a half years training before you're ever put into harm's way the first time.