Our Man In The Pacific (Now at the Pentagon)

PACOM Director for Intelligence visits U.S. 7th Fleet
By MC2 (AW) Greg Mitchell, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

Posted: July 16, 2009

YOKOSUKA, Japan -- The future intelligence officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) July 10 to get an intelligence update from 7th Fleet and participate in an all-hands videoconference with active duty service members and civilian intelligence professionals around the region.

Currently the U.S. Pacific Command director for intelligence, Rear Adm. Michael S. Rogers (1610 - Information Warfare Officer) visited Commander, 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. John M. Bird, during an office call and used the videoconference to discuss intelligence operations.

Originally a surface warfare officer, Rogers was recently selected to be the intelligence officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen in the Pentagon.

Rogers used the videoconference as a chance to talk career-oriented moves, while also opening the floor to personnel for asking questions concerning intelligence operations within the spectrum of forward-deployed naval forces.

“As an intelligence specialist, it is an honor to be able to be in the presence of such a prestigious senior officer in our field of expertise,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Steven Martell, with 7th Fleet's N2 Division. “This was a rare occasion to have the opportunity to meet a difference maker in our field of work.”

Rogers reciprocated Martell’s thoughts, expressing gratitude for the service of those in the intelligence community.

“I just wanted to come forward and thank all of the troops personally for their efforts,” said Rogers. “You should take pride in your part of supporting the area of responsibility (AOR). Your skill set and experience are vital to the decisions made by those senior decision makers.”

In closing, Rogers provided a bit of advice toward continuous success.

“Communication is something that I cannot emphasize enough,” said Rogers. “Part of the key to success is to know that the person on the other end of the line is just as capable and just as professional as you are.”