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Destroyerman, the debut memoir by retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Kenny Sams, provides an unflinching and heartfelt portrayal of life aboard the United States Navy’s most versatile and demanding ships—the destroyers. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, Sams takes readers on a journey through his 17 years of service, from the turbulent waters of the Vietnam War to the routine struggles of daily life at sea.
Sams, a native of Stockton, California, enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and served on four different destroyers during his military career. His service took him to the far reaches of the globe, from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the oil-slicked waters of the Persian Gulf, and his time at sea gave him firsthand insight into the hardships, camaraderie, and resilience that define the sailors who serve aboard these crucial vessels. Destroyerman is a tribute to those who man these ships—often enduring long deployments, harrowing storms, and the monotony of daily routines—all in service of their country.
The book’s candid narrative recounts the challenges of life at sea, from violent hurricanes to the relentless duties that sailors face in the midst of international conflicts. However, Sams also reveals the bond that forms between shipmates, the pride that comes from serving on one of the Navy’s most iconic vessels, and the unsung sacrifices made by those who serve.
Kenny Sams wrote Destroyerman not only as a way to share his experiences with the world, but also as a personal legacy for his four daughters. Motivated by the encouragement of his wife, Tina Sams—author of My Life as Requested by God—and his stepdaughter, Sarah Foster, Sams sought to document his life and military service, preserving a history that his family would treasure for generations to come.
For those interested in military history, personal memoirs, or stories of human perseverance, Kenny Sams' Destroyerman is an essential read.
