From a Shipmate at Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) School in Newport, Rhode Island

As students of leadership and as individuals who love the Navy, we have been trying to gain greater understanding for ourselves and for our contemporaries of the causal factors behind the actions of some of our Commanding Officers. They are studying this in PCO school and I am very happy about that.

“In short, too many of the perpetrators of the violations we have recently witnessed are men and women of strong personal integrity and intelligence – men and women who have climbed the ladder through hard work and ‘keeping their noses clean.’ But just at the moment of seemingly ‘having it all,’ they have thrown it away by engaging in an activity which is wrong, which they know is wrong, which they know would lead to their downfall if discovered, and which they mistakenly believe they have the power to conceal. This, in essence, is what we have labeled the ‘Bathsheba Syndrome.’” (p. 267)

Maintaining Strict Standards of Personal and Professional Performance

Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead says that the Navy will maintain strict standards of personal and professional conduct when it comes to removing poor leaders from command. CNO said the following recently after 13 Commanding Officers were fired this year.

“They (Commanding Officers) weren’t living up to our standards.”

“The bottom line is we in the Navy have standards of professional conduct and standards of personal conduct. When someone elects to overstep that standard, then I don’t have any qualms of saying, you’re no longer fit to command.”

“Every time a CO is relieved for cause, it bothers me. There is no question.”

“The ones that baffle you are, ‘Why were you not able to step back and say to yourself, this behavior on my part is wrong and ... I shouldn’t go there?”

For the "responsively challenged"

"To acknowledge the receipt of letters is always proper, to remove doubts of their miscarriage."

~George Washington

Former COMNAVSECGRU passes away

Just received word that the first COMNAVSECGRU, Admiral Ralph E. Cook passed away in Hawaii on 26 August 2010. He would have been 95 in December. Admiral Cook was among the early cryptographers and was evacuated from Corregidor on the last submarine to leave. He worked at Fleet Radio Unit Melbourne (FRUMEL) during WWII.

Write a letter

"Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company."

-Lord Byron

Gone Three Years Now - Still Missing Our Shipmate Ronald N. Schwartz

My Command Master Chief, CTMCM (SW) Ronald N. Schwartz passed away three years ago today (27 August 2007). I had the privilege of promoting him to Master Chief Petty Officer while I was Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Yokosuka, Japan and presiding over his retirement ceremony while I was Director of Training at the Center for Naval Cryptology - Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida. He was a remarkable Chief Petty Officer. He is remembered fondly and greatly missed by the many Shipmates (including me) that he trained over the years.

The Chiefs' Mess is a man down.

Eight Rules of Leadership from George Washington

Be a visionary. In today’s information-rich world, people will not follow arbitrary directions given by authority. We will instead follow a cause, a dream, a vision that is compelling. Don’t just give us direction, give us inspiration, and we will be your agents of change. That was how Washington was able to lead his troops when Congress did not have money to pay them. His troops weren’t soldiers for hire, but rather they were revolutionaries for a better tomorrow.

Do what you say and say what you mean. “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man.” Washington was held in the highest regards by his fellow politicians and was the only President to ever be elected unanimously. He was among many great politicians during that time, but Washington stood out from the rest because of his integrity.

Don’t make decisions based on popularity; base them on principles. According to Mark McNeilly, author of George Washington and the Art of Business, Washington “always put the country first. People could trust him to stand above the politics, stand above the fray, and keep the interests of the country in mind.” Make sure your decisions stand the test of time.

Be a keen observer. Washington first made his mark in the world by being a geographer. His curiosity with the uncharted regions in Virginia led to his first missions in the military, and eventually gave him tactical advantage as an officer. Good leaders must be aware of the environment in order to to adjust strategies accordingly.

Be balanced. At that time, you had to choose sides. Either you were a Federalist - one who agreed with Alexander Hamilton and believed in a strong central government, or you were a Jeffersonian - one who agreed with Thomas Jefferson and believed in a smaller central government. Although he had his opinions, Washington did not choose sides and decided to have both Hamilton and Jefferson as part of his government. To be a good leader, you must understand the merits of both sides.

Foster relationships. I get by with a little help from my friends. The Beatles may have sung these words about 200 years later, but Washington probably said this as well when talking about France. Without the help of the French Navy, the British would have likely won the war. Great leaders know how their party affects the others, and such leaders constantly reach beyond their specific areas of influence.

Learn from your defeats. General Washington only won three of his nine battles. He was persistent and continued battling and learned from his mistakes, which prepared him for the third and most important victory, the Battle of Yorktown. It was the last major battle before the end of the war, thus illustrating that defeat is merely a set-up for the more important victories in the future.

Be humble. You are not greater than the cause that you represent. Washington was elected for two straight terms and would have easily won his third, but he felt that too much power would have been rested on him. He walked away from power for the good of the country. If you want to be a true leader, know the difference between benefiting yourself versus benefiting the greater good.

Doing The Right Thing

"Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let your Sailors know that you are doing the right thing."


Navy Information Operations Command
Commanding Officer

The Navy's Not So Golden Thirteen (The 2010 edition)

The Navy's 13 fired COs. (6 Ashore; 7 At Sea Commands - 6 ships/1 submarine; 6 Captains - 7 Commanders; 9 behavior - 4 performance)

1. Captain John Titus, Navy Supply Corps School Athens, Georgia
(PROFESSIONALISM-Failed to adequately punish offenders)
2. Captain Holly Graf, USS COWPENS
(BEHAVIOR-Abuse of crew)
3. Captain Glen Little - Charleston, South Carolina Naval Weapons Center
(BEHAVIOR- Morality)
4. Commander Scott Merritt - NSA North Potomac
(BEHAVIOR-Morality)
5. Commander Tim Weber, USS TRUXTUN
(BEHAVIOR-Morality/improper relationship with subordinate)
6. Captain Bill Reavey, NAS Pensacola
(BEHAVIOR-Morality)
7. Commander Jeff Cima, USS Chicago
(BEHAVIOR-Alcohol induced comments, actions)
8. Commander Neil Funtanilla, USS THE SULLIVANS
(PROFESSIONALISM/SEAMANSHIP-Buoy scrape)
9. Commander Herman Pfaeffle, USS JOHN L. HALL
(PROFESSIONALISM/SEAMANSHIP-pier strike)
10. Captain William Kiestler, Norfolk Naval Shipyard,
(PROFESSIONALISM-poor job performance)
11. Commander Fred Wilhelm, USS GUNSTON HALL - Navy Times Story HERE.
(BEHAVIOR-sexual harassment, assault)
12. Captain David A. Schnell (the bad Schnell) USS PELELIU, (BEHAVIOR-sexual harassment)
13. Commander Mary Ann Giese, NCTS Bahrain (BEHAVIOR-multiple inappropriate relationships)

FY11 Information Dominance Corps Command and Leadership Screen Board

DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING !

The FY-11 Information Dominance Corps Command and Leadership Screen Board (# 425) will convene on 13 SEPTEMBER 2010. The following information is provided to assist eligible members in preparing their records for this import milestone event. Your record represents you and your accomplishments as an IDC officer, so it’s in your best interest to ensure it is an accurate reflection of your performance. Officers should check their Officer Summary Record (OSR) and Web Enabled Record Review (WERR) on the BUPERS Online site (https://secure.bol.navy.mil) to ensure your record (awards, AQDs, qualifications, etc) is up to date and correct. Also, a picture in your current rank is also a required part of your service record. All correspondence to the President of the Board, or updates to your record, need to be received by Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center, not later than 3 SEPTEMBER 2010, to ensure that information is properly updated in your record.

For more information, go HERE.

Thirteenth Navy Commanding Officer fired

My former CO, RADM Ned Deets, now Commander, Naval Network Warfare Command, relieved Commander Mary Ann L. Giese, commanding officer of U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Bahrain Aug. 21 due to loss of confidence in her ability to command. According to Navy sources, “a preliminary investigation into allegations that she had been involved in inappropriate relationships with other Navy personnel,” according to a statement from 10th Fleet. “The investigation results call into question Giese’s ability to continue to effectively lead in her command.”

SHE WAS FIRED FIVE DAYS BEFORE HER SCHEDULED CHANGE OF COMMAND. HER ISIC MUST HAVE BEEN VERY INTENT ON MAKING A POINT OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF HER ACTIONS AND MAKING A VERY PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION OF HIS DISCONTENT WITH HER PERFORMANCE. OUCH! And, she was destined for much bigger and better things. Captain is no longer in her future.

Stars and Stripes is reporting that the XO has temporarily assumed command pending arrival of her permanent replacement. Seems like her relief would already be in place and conducting turnover with Commander Giese if the change of command was scheduled for 26 August 2010. Something doesn't quite fit in this story.

Commander Mary Ann Giese is a 1992 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science.

Her first duty station was Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Jacksonville where she served in a variety of positions; Administrative Division Officer, Total Quality Leadership Officer, Public Affairs Officer and Wide Area/Local Area Network Manager. DIVOFF TOUR

In 1995, she reported to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific where she served as Fleet Telecommunications Operations Center Watch Officer, Pacific Region Network Operations Center Division Officer and Assistant N3 Department Head. From 1998 to 2000, she attended Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science Degree in Space Systems Operations. DIVOFF and Asst DH and Education Tours

Upon completion of studies, she reported to the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Patrick AFB, Florida as an instructor and Chief of Curriculum. In 2003, she was assigned to Joint Analysis Center, Molesworth, United Kingdom where she served as Operations Officer for the Intelligence Technology Directorate and the Navy Element Commander. (OPS and Command Tours) While serving on Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve as the Deputy N6 and Knowledge Manager from 2005 to 2007, she completed a seven-month deployment to four AORs supporting Maritime Security Operations, Theater Security Cooperation, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and other Global War on Terror initiatives. (SEA tour) In 2007 she transferred to Naval Network Warfare Command where she served as Battle Watch Captain and a staff officer in the Command Information Office (CIO) Directorate. (STAFF Tour) During this tour, she attended Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JPMEII) at Joint Forces Staff College. (Education)

Commander Giese’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star, and various service and campaign awards.

Dedication

"I haven't slept off my ship since assuming command."

LTjg John Stansbury Baylis
Commander, PT Boat Pacific

Artwork by McClelland Barclay

Medals belong to the boys !

"I don't think there is an officer who gets a medal who wouldn't say it really belongs to the boys."

Lieutenant Commander Carter Bennett, WWII

Sometimes....I must be reminded

And my retort - "I don't just have internet access, I have HIGH SPEED internet access." The rest of it, sadly, is true.

Nice words from our CNO about Rear Admiral Willie Metts

"We now have 30 minority flag officers and 32 female flag officers, or admirals, for a 49% increase since 2006.

For those of you who are in the information world, this year it’s been my great personal pleasure for me as I welcomed into the ranks of our Navy admirals, a former shipmate, a great African American officer by the name of [Rear Admiral] Will Metts. He was selected for admiral this year. He was a close and personal friend, a consummate professional, who served with me in the Pacific Fleet, who later commanded the Navy Information Operations Center in Hawaii in a delightful little part of Oahu called Wahiawa. And in his first assignment as an admiral he will be the Director of Intelligence at the new U.S. Cyber Command."

Admiral Gary Roughead
Chief of Naval Operations
at the Black Data Processors Association

CNO's full speech to the Black Data Processors Association is HERE.

An adequate and highly trained Navy

"So far from being in any way a provocation to war, an adequate and highly trained navy is the best guarantee against war, the cheapest and most effective peace insurance. The cost of building and maintaining such a Navy represents the very lightest premium for insuring peace which this nation can possibly pay.

The American people must either build and maintain an adequate navy, or else make up their minds definitely to accept a secondary position in international affairs, not merely in political, but in commercial, matters."

—President Theodore Roosevelt, 1901
26th President of the United States

Standards for Commanding Officers

Below are the high standards expected of Commanding Officers nominated for the VADM James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.

The most important criteria will be a judgment of the command's overall excellence, which can be attributed to the CO's personal initiatives and performance. Time-honored principles of leadership are well known: setting an outstanding example, motivating subordinates, and enforcing standards. High standards of military behavior, courtesy, demeanor, and appearance have always been the hallmarks of a well-led command. An overall tone of positive achievement is conducive to combat readiness, discipline, and high performance.

Truly effective leaders know the weapons system and how to fight it to maximum advantage. They know their personnel and take care of them. In fulfillment of these duties, the CO's conduct is governed by a special set of moral, ethical, and behavioral standards that distinguish the military leader from civilian managers in society at large.

These are indeed high standards but they should be the MINIMUM standard against which our Commanding Officers are evaluated.

If Coach John Wooden were the Skipper

The Skipper's Rules

-Never try and be better than your Shipmates. Instead, be the best Sailor you can be.

- Learn as much as you can from your Shipmates (especially from their mistakes so that you don't repeat them).

-Worry about things under your control (and know which things are under your control and which things are not).

-Never be late. (If you're not early; you're late)

-Be neat and clean in uniform and civilian clothes.

-Start and end work on time. Your Shipmates are counting on you. When the job is finished - knock off ship's work. Don't keep your Sailors around needlessly milling about.

-No profanity. (Swearing like a Sailor doesn't really impress anyone.) Ask Captain Graf.

-Never criticize a Shipmate in public.

Maintaining perspective on CO firings

Today I was reminded, appropriately, by a Navy Public Affairs professional that while 12 Navy Commanding Officers have been relieved this year, more than 1000 other Commanding Officers are leading their commands competently with the honor, courage and commitment expected of them by their Chief of Naval Operations.

So, while these 12 officers have reflected negatively upon themselves and the Naval service, the VAST majority of our men and women in command are doing a job worthy of the trust and respect of the Navy and the nation.

Melvin Williams - Senior and Junior - Two Generations of Excellence by ANY measure

When MSCM Melvin Williams Sr. enlisted in the Navy in 1951, he didn’t want to be a Steward, and tried to change his rating several times with no success. Eventually, Mel Williams Sr. decided if he was going to be a Steward, he was going to be the best Steward possible. Eventually, his positive attitude and work ethic led to his assignment running the CNO Flag Mess under Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who Williams credits with being the driving force for change (racial equality).

One of those changes in the Navy allowed Mel's son, Melvin Williams Jr., to achieve a bit more in his career (Though some would argue that you can't do much better than becoming a MCPO in the Navy). Mel Jr. went to the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), the Naval Academy and then embarked upon a great Navy career. VADM Mel Williams Jr. recently concluded his Navy career as Commander, SECOND Fleet.

Master Chief and Vice Admiral Williams - thank you for your service to our great Navy. You both enjoyed superb Navy careers.

In his remarks at the 2nd Fleet change of command, Admiral John Harvey (Commander, Fleet Forces Command) made a comment that I think can be applied to most who have served in our great Navy. The remark was intended for Mel Williams Sr., but I put it out there for many of you who have served in and loved the Navy:

"At times, you loved our Navy far more than our Navy loved you."

Those who have served know what I am talking about. We love our Navy and honestly, sometimes she doesn't love us as much as we love her. We can live with that. We are honored to have served.

Navy fires 12th Commanding Officer in 2010

Captain David Schnell (CO, USS PELELIU LHA-5) was relieved after an investigation into allegations that he displayed behavior toward a number of crew members that was "inappropriate, improper and unduly familiar,'' according to the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Navy Times.

Captain David Schnell was relieved of his duties by Vice Adm. Mark Fox, the commander of the 5th Fleet, and replaced by Captain Mark E. Cedrun, the chief of staff of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, pending the selection of a permanent new commander.

AGAIN, the webmaster has already removed the leadership page from the official USS PELELIU website.

Navy statement: “The decision to relieve Capt. Schnell comes as a result of an investigation into allegations that he acted in an unprofessional manner toward several crew members that was inappropriate, improper and unduly familiar.”

“The investigation results call into question Schnell’s ability to continue to effectively lead his command.”

Ensign Nico Lee Figueroa

Yesterday I had the great honor of administering the commissioning oath to Ensign Nico Lee Figueroa. He flew in from Afghanistan for the ceremony at the Navy Memorial.

The photo on the left is from 10 years ago when I was privileged to re-enlist him as his Commanding Officer at U.S. NSGA Yokosuka, Japan.

This year he was selected for CTTC and Ensign at nearly the same time.

Sunday he heads back to Afghanistan to continue helping protect our military and Afghan civilians from attack by the Taliban.

For the first time in our 12 year relationship, I was able to meet his Mother (with whom I have corresponded for 12 years), Father, Uncle (MCPO) and Wife. What a great day for me and a great day for the Navy. It was such a pleasure to meet his great family and friends. It was especially nice to put on my Navy uniform again for the first time in 4 years. I didn't realize how much I missed it.

USS Gunston Hall's new Chain of Command is under construction

The USS Gunston Hall's webmaster is busy today reconstructing the chain of command page for the ship's official website. USS Gunston Hall's commanding officer, Commander Fred Wilhelm, was fired this week following Admiral's Mast. The CO was charged with with sexual harassment, maltreatment of a subordinate, simple assault, conduct unbecoming an officer, drunk and disorderly conduct and use of indecent language.

The XO was charged with dereliction of duty, while the CMC was charged with dereliction of duty, sexual harassment and simple assault. The XO and CMC had been relieved on schedule while the investigation was taking place.

That's a lot of bad stuff happening on a single ship. Worse yet is that it was perpetrated by the three senior most leaders of the ship. There's a lesson in leadership there for us but the Navy is not going to give us enough information to develop a proper lesson plan.

In thinking about this case, seems we take Sailors to Court-Martial for lessor offenses.

Commander Wilhelm was the ELEVENTH Commanding Officer fired this year. Last year the Navy publicly announced 15 CO firings.

CMDCM(SS) Wayne Owings, the former CMC, had been well thought of by senior Navy leadership. He sat the FY-08 ACTIVE-DUTY SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SELECTION BOARD MEMBERSHIP as a member.

Important? She thought so.

If it is important enough to you, you will find a way.

If it is not, you will find an excuse.

Thank you, Lieutenant Commander, for finding a way.

You are only one
But still are one.
You cannot do everything,
But still you can do something.
And because you cannot do everything,
you did not refuse to do the something that you could do.

Stolen from...
Edward Everett Hale

Information Warfare Officer Community Experience Preferred by Promotion Boards

FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT BE AWARE, LCDR ANDY NEWSOME IS THE NEW INFORMATION WARFARE OFFICER COMMUNITY MANAGER (IWOCM).

Valuable achievements prior to LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
- Fleet operational tours (PCS Afloat, Direct Support, Aircrew, Submarines, NSW, and IA deployments)
- National Security Agency operational tours, world-wide
- Warfare qualification (SWO, OOD U/W, TAO, NAO (if made avail by CO))
- Computer network operations experience/proficiency
- Advanced education degrees

Valuable achievements prior to COMMANDER
- Operational staff tours (CSG/ESG, Numbered Fleet, IA deployments)
- Leadership tours (DH/OIC/XO at shore commands)
- Major staff tours (NETWARCOM, OPNAV, FFC, CPF, COCOM, NSA)
- Advanced education degrees

Valuable achievements prior to CAPTAIN
- Successful afloat and operational staff tours
- Successful major or Joint Staff tours
- JPME completion

From the SECNAV approved FY11 community brief for selection boards available HERE.

Public Service Announcement - Social Media

Department of the Navy (DON) personnel are personally responsible for all content they publish on social networking sites, blogs, or other websites. In addition to ensuring Navy and Marine Corps content is accurate and appropriate, DON personnel also must be thoughtful about the non-service related content they post, since the lines between personal and professional life often blur in the online space. DON personnel must be acutely aware that they lose control over content they post on the Internet and that many social media sites have policies that give these sites ownership of all content and information posted or stored on those systems. Thus DON personnel should use their best judgment at all times and keep in mind how the content of their posts will reflect upon themselves, their command, and the Navy or Marine Corps.

Full guidance is provided HERE. It's an important read about DON personnel responsibilities in the Blogosphere.

Ethical Issue - Confronting the CO

One of the junior officers I mentor contacted me recently to get help with bringing an ethics issue to her commanding officer's attention. She was overcome with a sense of trepidation in bringing the situation to her CO. We talked the issue through and she is intent on going forward. It's a real tough call on her part and it is a risky move. Her FITREP is due in October for LCDR and the CO is most certainly not going to forget this discussion. Yeow !

Here are some tips from Harvard Business Publishing: (Many other leadership tips are available on the Navy's Executive Learning Officer website intended for Flag Officers - but available to all who want to learn.)

Here are three tips (with some minor paraphrasing to Navy lingo) for raising an ethical issue in a non-combative and productive way:

1. Treat the conflict as a Navy leadership issue. Present the issue as you would any other Navy issue: provide sufficient detail, tailor your message to the audience, and deliver it in an appropriate context.

2. Recognize that it's part of your job. Ethical issues may feel like a distraction from "real" work, but identifying, thinking through, and acting on them are part of everyone's job.

3. Be yourself. Don't assume that you have to be confrontational, assertive, or courageous to bring up an ethical issue. The best approach is to be yourself and use a style you are comfortable with.

Open Letter to CMSgt of the Air Force (CMSAF) - "Wingman of the Air Force"

"Chief Roy, it isn’t our intent to criticize — but the truth is, most of us have no idea what you are accomplishing other than touring, glad-handing and giving speeches. We would like to know about your input, and impact on events, policies and programs. We read all the articles published on your activities but, frankly, they don’t tell us much. Would you consider an in-depth, “no fluff,” article that covers you and your efforts and accomplishments in making a difference in what concerns our Airmen? Many of the things you endeavor to do have a diminished effect if people don’t know about them. The enlisted want to see their “Chief” making a difference, as it motivates and inspires them."

Concerned Air Force Non-commissioned officers

Story in AIR FORCE TIMES HERE.

Thankfully, our MCPON doesn't have this problem. Chief Roy could follow MCPON West's lead. Taking care of your people is the totality of your job. Sailors, Sailors, Sailors. Airmen, Airmen, Airmen. Marines, Marines, Marines. Soldiers, Soldiers, Soldiers. Single focal point. One thing and one thing only. There is nothing else.

Let's hope we never see this publication

NAVPERS 1509x

"Guide to Command of gays, lesbian and homosexual Naval personnel".

Sadly, we have THIS in our Navy's history.

Hopefully, we will be able to simply treat these Sailors like Sailors.

This institution

is about leadership,” he said. “To effectively lead, our midshipmen must engender the trust of those who follow them, and honor is at the core of building that trust. I’m confident that an ethical foundation must come first, and that will be our starting point while I’m here.”

Vice Admiral Mike Miller

upon assuming duties as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy

3 August 2010

Captain Jean Eberhardt Benfer - Retires

Captain Jean E. Benfer (United States Naval Academy Class of 1983) hangs up her Captain's cover for the last time today at Commander, Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Makalapa, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 27 years of service as a Naval officer pass quickly. She's had a hell of a run as a cryptologist and information warfare officer. Congratulations Shipmate - fair winds and following seas as you head into retirement. Thank you for your leadership and for your Service. Aloha!

Captain James Hagy, most recently the Commanding Officer of Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Hawaii has relieved Captain Benfer.

Captain Babette Bolivar - Small in Stature; Giant in character.

Members of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Navy Munitions Command (NMC) CONUS East Division said goodbye to their long-standing commanding officer, Captain Babette “Bette” Bolivar during a change of command ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown’s Cheatham Annex, June 4, 2010.

For those who may not know Bolivar, she has a spunky personality; her drive and determination are what has made her a successful Naval officer.

Captain Bolivar was a nominee for the VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award when she was a commander. The only woman officer ever nominated.

Captain Bolivar’s next assignment will be as Chief of Staff for Commander, Navy Installations Command.

I am a HUGE fan. I promise you, she worked without the benefit of any diversity support group or special provisions. Master Diver - Hall of Fame. Command Ashore. Command Afloat. Awesomeness personified. Small in stature; giant in character.

JUST SELECTED FOR FLAG BY THE FY14 BOARD !  Congratulations.

RADM Deets speed mentoring

Diversity action officers (DAOs) and Mentorship Program coordinators (MPCs) from Navy Information Domain commands participated in mentoring and training sessions with senior leaders of Navy Cyber Forces (CYBERFOR) and Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM), July 26-30 for the Association of Naval Services Officers and National Naval Officers Association, the affinity groups for Hispanics and African-Americans.

NETWARCOM Commander Rear Admiral Ned Deets, participated in the ANSO/NNOA speed mentoring session, and conducted several one-on-one mentoring sessions for the domain team and other conference attendees. He also briefed members of the Information Dominance Corps.

"I'm certain everyone participating in this joint conference understands the strategic imperative of diversity - ensuring our force is the best it can be and fully prepared to answer all bells," Deets said. "The strength of our great Navy is drawn from the rich diversity of our men and women, and our interaction this week builds on that strength."

The Navy has officially endorsed the Naval Officer Mentor Association via a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 25 June 2009. Originally formed to support Asian and Pacific Islanders, this organization is open to all races. You can become a mentor or mentee by joining HERE.

Admiral Roughead has said that he is “loath” for his diversity reviews “to turn into some kind of bureaucratic process.”

Awaiting his fate - CDR Joe Nadeau - USS SHOUP collision with civilian vessel

Commander Nadeau is awaiting his fate as the Navy investigates the collision of USS SHOUP and a civilian vessel in the late night hours of 1 August 2010. He has been in command for nearly 9 months.

Commander Joe Nadeau
Commanding Officer

USS SHOUP (DDG86)

CDR Nadeau is from San Diego, California. In 1993 he obtained his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of San Diego.

CDR Nadeau’s first sea tour was aboard USS THACH (FFG 43), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, where he served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Navigator. His second Division Officer tour was aboard USS BLACKHAWK (MHC 58) as Operations Officer, where he had the distinct privilege of placing BLACKHAWK into commissioned service. Following his Division Officer tours, CDR Nadeau was ordered to NAVSPECWARCEN, where he acted as Safety and Environmental Officer. During this tour he also earned an MBA from National University.

As a Department Head, CDR Nadeau served in USS MILIUS (DDG 69), where he was both Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. During these tours CDR Nadeau deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. After completing his tours in MILIUS, CDR Nadeau was ordered to COMNAVSURFOR Staff, where he acted as Combat Systems Officer and Maintenance Analyst. His last sea tour was aboard USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91) as Executive Officer.

Following his tour in PINCKNEY, CDR Nadeau reported to USTRANSCOM, where he served as a Sealift Planner and Executive Aide to Deputy Plans and Policy (J5/4). CDR Nadeau detached from USTRANSCOM July 2009, and assumed duties as Commanding Officer of USS SHOUP (DDG 86) on 19 December 2009.

POSTSCRIPT: Commander Nadeau did, in fact, survive the collision of USS SHOUP with the civilian vessel and continues to command USS SHOUP today.  By ALL accounts he is a superb skipper and a fine naval officer.

Zumwalt Legacy

My compatriot, Lt Col James Zumwalt reports that his son (Admiral Elmo Zumwalt's grandson) Captain James E. Zumwalt (USN) is home safely from his second tour in the combat zone defeating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Welcome home Captain ! And thank you for your service.

Write Your Own Leadership Book

Want the best leadership book on the market? Well then, Wally Bock recommends that you write it yourself. And, reflect on what you have written. Here are some things to include.

Write about your challenges at work.

Reflect on what you can do to improve things and on things you want to try.

Write about your results.

Reflect on what worked and what didn't and how you can do better next time.

Write about your reading and formal learning.

Reflect on the ideas they spark and how you might put those ideas into practice.

Write about other people and their actions.

Reflect on what you can learn from them.

Write about your heroes and mentors and role models.

Reflect on how you want to be like them and how you want to be different.

Make this a bound book. That's provides some permanence. I've still got some of mine from thirty years ago.

Take a little time every day to write whatever you're concerned about. Take a little time once a week to review what you've written.

You'll wind up with a book that will never make the best seller list. No problem. What your book will do is accelerate your learning and development.

Boss's Bottom Line

Feedback, reflection and adjustment are the keys to learning and developing faster. Your own leadership journal will help you do all three in just a few moments a day.

Read more of Wally Bock's blog HERE.