The Navy is often seen as a symbol of discipline, precision, and strength. From the outside, it looks like an institution built entirely on control—orders must be followed, routines must be perfected, and every sailor knows their role in the vast machinery of maritime defense. Yet within that structure lies something equally important: freedom. Not just the freedom our Navy protects, but also the personal freedoms sailors experience when representing their country abroad.
This balance between freedom and control has always been at the heart of military life. Too much control, and the human spirit is stifled. Too much freedom, and order breaks down in dangerous situations. Navigating the space between the two is what separates effective forces from fragile ones.
Take liberty ports as an example. When U.S. sailors visit a foreign city, they are often encouraged to mingle with locals, explore the culture, and share in moments of goodwill. These visits are not only a morale boost but also a living example of freedom in action. They show that the military, though rigid in its hierarchy, trusts its sailors enough to interact with the wider world. It’s a small reminder that they serve not just a command structure, but a set of values rooted in openness.
Contrast that with how some navies have historically handled the same challenge. There have been instances where foreign sailors, fearful of losing control, avoided allowing crews ashore. Instead, they created controlled environments that kept sailors entertained but isolated from the influence of other cultures. This approach certainly minimized risk, but it also deprived sailors of one of the greatest freedoms of naval service: the chance to experience life beyond their own borders.
The difference is profound. Freedom in the Navy is not about the absence of rules—it’s about trust. Trust that sailors can represent their nation responsibly. Trust that they can make decisions on their own time while still honoring the responsibilities of their uniform. Control has its place, but without freedom, the lessons of service become narrow and sterile.
Ted Delgrosso captures this tension beautifully in his short story Flying Colors, part of his collection Ted’s Tales Three. Through his firsthand perspective, readers see how the U.S. Navy’s approach to liberty and openness stood in stark contrast to the methods of America’s Cold War rivals. The story isn’t just about ships on the sea—it’s about the deeper meaning of freedom, and why it matters not only in the military but in life.
At its core, the lesson is timeless: real strength lies not only in control, but in the ability to balance it with freedom. For sailors, and for all of us, navigating that balance is what allows us to serve, grow, and truly live.
Discover more stories that explore the human side of service, resilience, and freedom in Ted’s Tales Three—available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
