Welcome to SixthFleet.Com, the Cyberspace Home of author David E. Meadows. "When Meadows' men set sail, it's sure to be a mission like no other." --W.E.B. Griffin "Rip-snorting, realistic action-adventure from a man who has been there. David Meadows is the real thing," --Stephen Coonts author of numerous bestsellers, including Flight of the Intruder, Saucer, America, and Liberty. "An absorbing, compelling look at America's future place in the world. It's visionary, and scary. Great battle scenes, believable heroes, plus villains you'll love to hate!" -Joe Buff, bestselling author of Straits of Power, Tidal Rip, and Crush Depth. "David E. Meadows is simply the best writer of naval thriller/adventure fiction out there today." --Tom Wilson, acclaimed author of Black Canyon, Desert Fury, Tango Uniform and other best selling military thrillers.

Old Navy

Poop Deck - Nope, doesn't have a thing to do with bathrooms—or 'heads' as we say in the Navy. It does have something to do with resting. It's an old nautical term from the days of sail to describe the highest and aftermost deck of the ship. A poop deck is always a partial deck on the aft portion of a ship. The poop deck is higher than the main deck and most times located directly above the Captain's cabin.

That was because the poop deck, being the highest deck, allowed more headroom for the stateroom located below it. But that headroom came with a price, because the poop deck was where Sailors congregated after a hard day at sea to pass the time with smokes, sea tales, their spot of rum (We hate you, Josephus Daniels*) and music. Dancing was not unknown; so below the partying poop deck lay the Captain being bombarded with noisy echoes and distorted conversation bouncing off the wooden bulkheads.

Today, you rarely hear the term poop deck on board U.S. Navy ships. You can even find Sailors who don't know what it means, but they definitely know when they're pooped.

* Josephus Daniels was the Secretary of the Navy who around the beginning of the 20th Century banned all alcohol from U.S. Navy ships because his wife was the head of the temperance league. This decision is a primary reason why conferences at-sea between allied and coalition partners are usually held on their ships.

JOINT TASK FORCE AFRICA is Meadows' newest novel scheduled for release in March 2005.

Read More About JOINT TASK FORCE AFRICA

JOINT TASK FORCE AFRICA A Navy EP-3E is hit by a missile and before the pilot can recover control of the aircraft four aircrew bail out over West Africa, landing in the middle of an African civil war. It is a fast-pace story as Admiral Holman races to rescue the Sailors before they are killed or captured. "Meadows will keep you turning pages and thinking new thoughts." --Newt Gingrich "Rip-snorting, realistic action-adventure from a man who has been there." --Stephen Coonts "When Meadows' men set sail, it's sure to be a mission like no other." --W.E.B. Griffin "Fast-paced, roller-coaster ride with this exhilarating military thriller. Dynamic writer with a fresh voice in this technical-ridden, yet intriguing genre." --Midwest Book Review "An absorbing, compelling look at America's future. Visionary, scary. Great battle scenes, believable heroes, plus villains you'll love to hate!" --Joe Buff, author Tidal Rip.

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David E. Meadows / SixthFleet.Com David E. Meadows Washington D.C. E-Mail readermail@SixthFleet.Com