Increased trust in each individual

"I have stressed the need to place increased trust in each individual and want to continue and expand this recognition of confidence in him.

In return, each individual must assume added responsibilities for his own appearance, conduct, and performance.

In case the latter has not been fully understood, commanders and commanding officers must reemphasize to all hands that military courtesies, including customary saluting and deference to seniors, and adherence to traditional standards of cleanliness, neatness, and smartness will continue to be an integral part of our Navy as they have been since our beginning.

Those standards are essential elements of a proud and professional force.

Commanding officers continue, as always, to have responsibility and full authority to enforce these standards."

Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.,
Admiral, U.S. Navy,
Chief of Naval Operations