In an era where leadership and mentorship are more essential than ever, Grandpa’s Adventures in the US Navy Volume II delivers one of the most compelling true stories of professional transformation and human connection to emerge from the world of naval aviation. The memoir highlights how a single mentor, Radar Intercept Officer Sam Montgomery, helped turn a struggling pilot into a respected aviator who would eventually be selected as a Top Gun alternate.
While military memoirs often focus on heroism, combat, and hardware, Jerry “Disco” Werner’s story goes deeper. It reveals the human side of high performance military culture, where confidence can be shaken in an instant and careers hang on both skill and support. After experiencing the most difficult night of his flying career, Werner entered a period of self doubt that threatened his future in the squadron. What changed everything was the arrival of one man who believed in him and knew exactly how to rebuild a pilot from the inside out.
Sam Montgomery was no ordinary crewmate. As a seasoned RIO with multiple cruises under his belt, a calm personality, and razor sharp judgment, he brought experience that could not be taught in any classroom. When the squadron’s new Commanding Officer placed Sam in Jerry’s backseat for several months, what followed became a master class in mentorship, leadership, and the power of steady guidance during high stakes challenges.
Under Sam’s coaching, Werner’s flying improved dramatically. His landings became more consistent, his situational awareness sharpened, and his confidence returned. What had once been a shaky period in his aviation career transformed into one of growth and renewed purpose. Werner credits Sam with stabilizing his mindset, refining his skills, and helping him take the next step toward elite training.
These changes did not go unnoticed. After watching Jerry and Sam outperform the squadron’s Commanding Officer in three consecutive one on one dogfights, leadership made a pivotal decision. Jerry was selected as the alternate pilot for the squadron’s Top Gun detachment, one of the highest honors in naval aviation. His journey from self doubt to Top Gun selection stands as a testament to the life changing impact a mentor can have.
“This story is not just about flying,” says reviewer Michael French. “It is about what happens when a leader sees potential in someone and dedicates himself to helping them reach it.”
Grandpa’s Adventures in the US Navy Volume II positions itself as essential reading for leadership publications, mentorship driven platforms, business magazines, and professional development audiences. Sam Montgomery’s quiet strength and unwavering guidance embody the traits that modern leaders strive to cultivate: empathy, clarity, patience, and belief in the people they support.
Werner’s story shows that in the cockpit, in the workplace, or in everyday life, the right mentor can change the trajectory of a career. His journey invites readers to reflect on who encouraged them, who sharpened their abilities, and who helped them find their way when the stakes were high.
About the Author
Jerry Werner is a retired United States Navy Lieutenant Commander, former energy industry executive, longtime college instructor, and leadership consultant. He divides his time between Montreal and Manhattan with his wife Arlene. His two volume memoir series captures the discipline, courage, and human stories behind naval aviation.