Title: Runnin’ with Frogs: A Navy Memoir
Author: George R. Worthington
Publisher: Authors Press
ISBN: 164314071X
Pages: 232
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

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George R. Worthington delves into a significant period in his life by sharing his experiences throughout through an inside look at the training and various assignments he received while in the Navy. Each chapter demonstrates the lessons he gained from the various tours and provides vivid details which give a deeper understanding of what it means to truly go “Runnin’ with the frogs.” Worthington weaves through these experiences by breaking them into three phases which include the early years, active duty in the U.S. Navy, and the rest of it. These are further broken down into where he went, what happened, his reactions, and what he learned through getting ready, warfare specialties, assignments in state and defense departments, and ways he’s still learning.

This stunning memoir shows step by step how “Runnin’ with frogs” became his service calling which begins with the early years of his life which he shares a rich history and family details. The early years follow his family with specific looks at his granddad and father with their careers and impact on his life setting up the eventual career Worthington followed. He weaves throughout his time spent in the Navy and deployment, his experiences during the NAZI-Fascist challenge, the Cold War, and deployment to places including the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand. Part of his youth is spent delving into education which is a vital part of the memoir and everything he has learned is gathered here for others to gain the same knowledge which includes vivid accounts of his time at South Kent School, Brown, and the Naval Academy.

Threading out from his education to delving into the next phase of his life that consists of active duty and first assignments. He gives an in-depth look at time spent during Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Training which includes honest experiences that range from a buoy course to blisters to Hell Week to pool races. The voice is open and honest about how he felt at the various stages of his life, even offering advice that includes keeping a good attitude and listening to everybody. Every chapter is a genuine insight into the Naval world which features rare explorations such as a fascinating look at the Marine Mammal Program where sea mammals had their own special roles under the eye of the SEALS.

The tone is conversational as Worthington speaks directly to you with personal photos are woven throughout each chapter that gives the sense of looking through an album while listening to him share all these stories of his experiences. This gives the memoir the ability to draw you into learn rich and exciting history and facts about the Navy from his early days to now. Several pop culture references are mentioned throughout which provides some humor as he alludes to a time before Monty Python and speaking “Martian” with R2-D2. This gives the memoir a playful sense about it that gives a peek at his personality.

Worthington’s memoir is ideal for veterans, soldiers, those looking to join the Navy, and all those interested in reading personal experiences in the Navy. Runnin’ with Frogs is an honest memoir about personal experiences in the Navy from training to assignments with rich details and intricate accounts.