Ernest King's rise to service leadership required a substantial following inside the Navy and support among politicians. His career therefore depended on the ability to communicate and build relationships. A viewer describes King as sharp with people, professionally respected and willing to listen to officers who defended their positions. Clarke suggests that reaching the top more quickly might have deprived the service of the broad experience King gained across its different branches.
Notable Point · 1:35:32-1:49:42
Ernest King's senior command required more than a harsh reputation
King's abrasive image has to be balanced against the communication, institutional support, and political skill required to reach the top of the US Navy.