Cyberspace is on the bottom of the ocean

"Cyber space is on the bottom of the ocean because 95 percent of what moves in cyber space moves on cables that rest on the bottom of the ocean. That's the maritime domain. That's the domain of the United States Navy."

Admiral Gary Roughead
Chief of Naval Operation
On the importance of cyber space operations.

2010 VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award Winner's Advice for Leaders

"When meeting Navy standards, you have to be consistent," said Commander Mike McCartney. "It isn't about being nice or giving people a break, it's about meeting and enforcing that Navy standard. When getting ready to land an airplane, pilots follow the same procedures every time. They may fly that airplane thousands of times, but they do it the same way every single time. The same thing applies to us, whether it's doing a 3M (Material Maintenance Management Program) spot check or executing watch-standing principles. It sets you and your Sailors up for success. Sailors will work hard to meet your expectations, but if your expectations don't meet the Navy standard, then your Sailors will not be prepared when the CO or some outside organization comes aboard to inspect."

Commander Michael McCartney while addressing San Diego Surface Warfare Officers (SWOS) Indoctrination Course at a ceremony held at Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) headquarters on November. 19.

Keeping Sailors Better Informed

"I think if we kept Sailors better informed of what is happening in their organization, it would make them feel part of the organization instead of being just workers.  They are contributors and contributing because they want to.  If they are kept informed, they will know why something has to be done without having to ask or wonder why.  While I would agree that the concept that unless emergency situations dictate otherwise, the chain of command should be followed.  I do think that sometimes some of our junior officers use the concept as a crutch by waiting for the chain of command to make a decision and get the job underway, as opposed to taking some initiative and responsibility and starting the job.  Follow the chain of command, but don't use it as an excuse to put off directing that necessary action be taken."

Fifth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Billy Sanders

From:  NAVAL LEADERSHIP - Voices of experience

Skipper in the spotlight

Commander Doug Shelb is the Commanding Officer of Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Sugar Grove, West Virginia.  He assumed command on 17 September 2010.

NIOC Sugar Grove is CTG 1000.2 under the CTF 1000/Commander, TENTH Fleet organizational construct.

You can view the command website HERE.

Commander Doug Schelb is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan on an ROTC scholarship and studied Engineering. He graduated with a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering in 1993 and received his commission as a Special Duty Officer, Cryptology.

Commander Schelb began his career at Naval Security Group Activity, Misawa Japan where he served as a Direct Support Officer (DSO) and completed one surface and four subsurface deployments. His next tour starting in 1995 was aboard USS ARKANSAS (CG-41) where he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, OUTBOARD Officer, Shipboard Intelligence Officer, and Electronic Warfare Officer. He completed a Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer during this tour.

In November, 1997 he reported to Naval Security Group Support Detachment Two in Winter Harbor, Maine for six months of training at the CLASSIC OWL Operators Course. In July 1998, he assumed duties as the Officer in Charge of Naval Security Group Support Detachment Four in Molesworth, United Kingdom, a CNO-directed Special Project mobile unit.

In 2001 he reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and completed Joint Professional Military Education (Phase I) through the Naval War College, College of Command and Staff.

CDR Schelb reported to the Joint Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in November 2003. During this tour he served as an Intelligence Operations and Plans officer and deployed multiple times as an intelligence planner, liaison officer, and Deputy J2 for Joint Special Operations Task Forces (JSOTF) in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also qualified as a Naval and Marine Corps Parachutist during this tour.

In February 2007, he reported to U.S. Navy Information Operations Command, Misawa Japan for his second tour and served as the NIOC Executive Officer and Deputy Director of Operations for the multi-service Misawa Security Operations Center (MSOC).

In July 2009, he reported to the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine in Everett, Washington where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Information Operations and the Deputy Information Warfare Commander.

CDR Schelb’s military decorations include various personal, unit, and campaign awards.

Nelson's Touch

“Nelson’s touch” was not his tactics or his understanding of his enemies, but his belief that the best way to achieve a decisive victory was to give his subordinates a thorough indoctrination before the engagement and near-total initiative once it had begun. He set the conditions for success in an environment dominated by two factors – uncertainty and time – with a decentralized command and control system that required his Commanders to operate to the limits of their authority to accomplish their assigned missions. We need to do the same by establishing unambiguous, hierarchal lines of authority and accountability that reflect core Command and Control principles (setting the conditions for success), then requiring our subordinates to act to the limits of their authorities to implement guidance.

From Admiral John Harvey, Commander Fleet Forces Command

Serial 002 Command and Control

Trained in the severest school

“We must remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.”

Thucydides

A Renaissance Naval Officer

Admiral Ernest J. King

A Naval officer should have a firm handle on not just one or two, but every aspect of his humanity, working to strengthen himself in every way possible. If he is blessed with the gift of intelligence, his academic pursuits should not be chased to the expense of his physical health. Similarly, a creative personality should not lead an officer to isolate himself professionally and ignore the social aspect of his being a Naval officer. Excellence in one of these areas does not take attention away from the pursuit of the others but rather serves only to increase competence in complimentary areas, giving the Naval officer a greater understanding of himself, the Navy and the world around him.

Adapted from "The Art of Manliness"

Former Center for Cryptology Corry Station Curriculum Instructional Standards Officer (CISO) Chosen as Navy CIO

Terry Halvorsen has been named the Navy CIO. 

Halverson, who began the job on Nov. 22, replaces Robert Carey, who left the post in the summer for a job with the Navy Cyber Fleet Command (and is now the Defense Department’s deputy CIO).

Prior to joining the DON CIO, Halvorsen was the deputy commander of Navy Cyber Forces. He also has served as the deputy commander of the Naval Network Warfare Command.

Mr. Terry Halvorsen, a native of Trainer, Pa., graduated with honors from Widener University with a degree in History. Mr. Halvorsen was commissioned a Regular Army second lieutenant in May 1980. He was a distinguished military graduate and a George C. Marshall award winner.

Following graduation and commissioning, he attended Army Officer Basic Course and the Intelligence Officer Course. His first assignment was as Executive/Operations Officer Army Intelligence Detachment Pensacola, supporting the Army's training with the Navy at Hurlbert Field. During this tour Mr. Halvorsen attended various special operations courses and obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of West Florida. 

Mr. Halvorsen's active and reserve tours include Commander, Intelligence Security Detachment Combat Support Coordination Team 1, Republic of Korea Operations Officer Directorate of Security Fort Benning, Commander HHC 361st Civil Affairs Brigade (CAB), Intelligence Officer 361st CAB and Executive Assistant Commanding General 350th CA Command. Mr. Halvorsen was recalled to active duty numerous times in support of Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm and Joint Task Forces in Central and South America.

Mr. Halvorsen entered Federal Civil Service in 1985 as the Curriculum Instructional Standards Officer for Navy Cryptology Training, Corry Station Pensacola, Fla. He has held numerous positions in the training community to include Deputy for C4I Training, Director Training Policy and Standards, and Director of Assessment where he was one of the principal architects of the Navy's Training re-engineering efforts.

Mr. Halvorsen was personally selected for the CNO-directed Executive Review of Navy Training (ERNT). This was a comprehensive review of all aspects of Navy training resulting in the Navy's Revolution in Training to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Navy training. At the conclusion of the ERNT project Mr. Halvorsen was selected as the Director of Task Force Excel Atlantic, charged with accelerating the revolution in Navy training. Beginning in January 2003 with the establishment of Naval Personnel Development Command (NPDC), Mr. Halvorsen served as the Executive Director for NPDC, Norfolk, Va., and the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) CIO (Chief Information Officer). In February, 2006 Mr. Halvorsen was designated Acting Executive Director, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC)/MPT&E Echelon II. Mr. Halvorsen officially reported as deputy commander, Naval Network Warfare Command on October 30, 2006.

 

Mr. Halvorsen's personal awards include the, Superior Civilian Service, Meritorious Civilian Service, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medal. He is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and an Excellence in Government Leadership Fellow.

Now is the time to update our doctrine

"Where the principal effect of IO is to influence an adversary not to take an action, the principal effect of cyber warfare is to deny the enemy freedom of action in cyberspace. Granted, by denying enemies’ freedom of action in cyberspace, we will also influence them; however, influence is not the intended primary effect—denying freedom of action is the intended primary effect.

It may seem that we are arguing to remove EW and computer network operations from IO doctrine. We are not. What we are arguing for is that just as we have now come to recognize cyberspace as a new warfighting domain, so too must we recognize that it is equal to the other warfighting domains and doctrine should reflect such.

Now is the time to update our doctrine to establish fundamental cyber warfare principles that guide employment of EW and computer network operations forces in support of our national objectives."

General Keith Alexander
Director, National Security Agency
Commander, U.S. Cyber Command

Warfighting in Cyberspace


NOTE: The Navy is updating its doctrine through its Information Dominance Roadmaps.

Great American's Birthday Today

Captain Clyde C. Lopez, United States Navy - retired, celebrates his 73rd birthday today.  This great American enlisted in the Navy in October 1955 and served for 40 years, retiring in 1995.

His illustrious Navy career would fill volumes.  It is sufficient to say that he was a Sailor worthy of being called a Shipmate by all who know him.


He was born on this day in 1937 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

Sir, Happy Birthday SHIPMATE !!

He is still serving our great Navy and Nation today - in a civilian capacity.  Talk about service!

Do you know this guy?

He walks with the Admirals, yet keeps the Sailor's touch.

Admiral Elmo Zumwalt - -

Admiral Elmo Zumwalt would be 90 years old today, had he not passed away from exposure to asbestos aboard Navy ships. He died on 2 January 2000 at age 80 from mesothelioma.

At 49, he was the youngest man to serve as Chief of Naval Operations. As an Admiral and later the 19th Chief of Naval Operations, he played a major role in U.S. military history, especially during the Vietnam War. A highly-decorated war veteran, Zumwalt reformed U.S. Navy personnel policies in an effort to improve enlisted life and ease racial tensions. After he retired from a 32-year Navy career, he launched an unsuccessful campaign for the United States Senate.

His son James is a retired USMC Lt Colonel. His grandson is a Navy EOD.

The long post below is from his son James to the citizen's postal advisory committee. PLEASE join us in this effort to have a stamp issued in Admiral Zumwalt's honor. Please send a short note to the committee at the address listed and ask them for their support for this worthy endeavor.

June 17, 2009

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
c/o Stamp Development
U.S. Postal Service
1735 North Lynn St., Suite 5013
Arlington, Virginia 22209-6432

Dear Committee Members:

The purpose of this letter is to request the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) consider the issuance of a postage stamp commemorating the life of Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. While I am Admiral Zumwalt's sole surviving son and, obviously, have a personal interest in seeing him so honored, I would respectfully submit that his lifetime achievements clearly justify such an honor, regardless of the fact this request emanates from a family member. Allow me to briefly share some of those achievements.

While US postage stamps have been issued over the years commemorating men and women achieving great accomplishments, few exist recognizing those who have dedicated so much of their lives to leveling life's playing field for others unable to do so for themselves. A military man by profession, Admiral Zumwalt would prove himself not only to be of such an ilk, but a tremendous innovator and great humanitarian as well.

Admiral Zumwalt enjoyed an immensely successful naval career which involved a meteoric rise to the US Navy's top position. At the age of 44, he was the US Navy's youngest Rear Admiral; at 47, its youngest Vice Admiral; and at age 49 its youngest Admiral and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). During a 37-year career, during which he fought three wars, Admiral Zumwalt committed his life to achieving equality for all serving in his beloved Navy. While his life as a junior officer was spent practicing this belief on a local command level, it was not until he became CNO that he was able to implement such beliefs on a service-wide basis through a series of very creative leadership initiatives. As reported in the December 21, 1970 issue of TIME Magazine featuring him on its cover, Admiral Zumwalt's initiatives brought the US Navy, "kicking and screaming into the 20th Century." The article went on to hail him as "the Navy's most popular leader since World War II."

While the beneficiaries of many of the changes Admiral Zumwalt implemented in the Navy were members of minority groups whose professional growth within the service had been stymied by overly restrictive regulations, he worked diligently to improve service life for all wearing the Navy uniform. What had prompted his selection in 1970 by civilian superiors over 33 more senior admirals was his advocacy for rapid and drastic changes in the way the Navy treated its uniformed men and women. And, once selected, he made such advocacy a reality, undertaking numerous initiatives that included: improving living conditions in the Navy; promoting the first female and first Afro-American officers to flag rank; allowing females to become naval aviators; opening up ratings for Filipino sailors whose service had long been limited to a steward's rating; eliminating demeaning and abrasive US Navy regulations that negatively impacted on a sailor's attitude without providing a corresponding positive enhancement of professional performance; etc. The positive impact of his changes was tremendous, as evidenced by the effect on re-enlistment rates. These rates were at an all-time low when he took command of the Navy in 1970; when he retired four years later, re-enlistment rates had tripled. Admiral Zumwalt's personal papers, on file at The Vietnam Center at Texas Tech University, include numerous letters from sailors written over the years expressing their personal gratitude for changes he made that impacted so positively on their decision to stay and make the Navy a career.

When Admiral Zumwalt retired from the Navy in 1974, it did not end his service to country. He continued in numerous capacities to fight for the oppressed. As Commander of US Naval Forces in Vietnam during the war, he was of the belief a commander's responsibility to his men survived the battlefield, prompting him to fight for US Government benefits for Vietnam veterans suffering from Agent Orange exposure.

By way of background, Admiral Zumwalt had ordered the use of the chemical defoliant Agent Orange during the war to reduce the high casualty rate his sailors were suffering. Heavy jungle concealment provided the enemy with the element of surprise in ambushes against US Navy boats operating in Vietnam's narrow waterways. The sailors onboard these boats stood a 72% chance of being killed or wounded during a twelve month tour. The use of Agent Orange improved survivability, reducing the casualty rate twelve-fold--to 6%. It was not known at that time, however, what the long-term health impact of Agent Orange would be on those who were exposed. In a bitter irony of the Vietnam war, one of those so exposed, later succumbing to Agent Orange-related cancers, was Admiral Zumwalt's namesake and my older brother--Elmo R. Zumwalt III. A book, entitled "My Father, My Son," tells the story of the love and devotion existing between the two men as, together; they fought the unsuccessful battle for young Elmo's survival. In 1988, the book became the basis for a made-for-TV movie of the same title which, interestingly, starred a CSAC member in the role of my father--Mr. Karl Malden.

Until Admiral Zumwalt led the charge for benefits for Vietnam veterans afflicted by Agent Orange exposure, not a single cancer had been recognized by the Veterans Administration for having a causal relationship. Appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pro bono study on the linkage of Agent Orange to cancers, Admiral Zumwalt analyzed hundreds of medical studies--studies that had found no correlation--until he showed how such studies were flawed--a phenomenal undertaking for someone with no medical background. He also found the US Government's medical review board, responsible for determining if such correlations were supported by existing medical evidence, lacked credibility as its members included physicians with personal ties to the very chemical companies that had manufactured Agent Orange.

Today, medical evidence has established that more than a dozen cancers are linked to Agent Orange exposure. And, as a direct result of Admiral Zumwalt's tireless efforts, Vietnam veterans are now receiving medical benefits.

Admiral Zumwalt's sense of duty and responsibility to his fellow human beings spurned him on to other great achievements. He was founder of The Marrow Foundation, which raised funding to undertake the matching of bone marrow donors and recipients. He served briefly as a US ambassador to the American Red Cross in Geneva. In the years after the Vietnam war, he worked diligently to successfully win the early release of his good friend and South Vietnamese counterpart in Vietnam during the war, Commodore Tran van Chon, from a communist re-education camp.

During his lifetime, Admiral Zumwalt gave extensively of his own time and energy to pro bono efforts. These included serving on the Board of Directors of charitable organizations such as the Phelps-Stokes Fund, Presidential Classroom for Young Americans Organization, National Marrow Donor Program, and Vietnam Assistance to the Handicapped Foundation; serving as the Chairman of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, the National Council of the Vietnam Center at Texas Tech University, and the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation; serving as a member of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and the International Consortium for Research on the Health Effects of Radiation. One of Admiral Zumwalt's last contributions was to establish the National Program for Countermeasures to Biological and Chemical Threats at Texas Tech University, which later was named after him. This is a multidisciplinary academic research program that today conducts cutting-edge work to investigate and develop new strategies and technologies to protect military operating forces from such threats. Based on the terrorist threat facing 21st century America, his foresight in identifying such a threat and doing something about it was once again evidenced by his actions.

Tragically, years later, after having led this fight, Admiral Zumwalt would succumb to a service-related "environmental cancer" of another sort--asbestos--to which he had been exposed as a result of his naval service. In the early morning hours of the new millennium, at the age of 79, he passed away on January 2, 2000.

It was no wonder then, at his funeral on January 10, 2000, in addressing a standing room only Chapel service at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, President Bill Clinton described him as truly being a "Sailors' Admiral."

Among the numerous tributes made after the death of Admiral Zumwalt was one entered into the January 24, 2000 Congressional Record by Senator Russell D. Feingold of Wisconsin who said: "Admiral Zumwalt crusaded for a fair and equal Navy. He fought to promote equality for minorities and women at a time of considerable racial strife in our country and at a time of deeply entrenched institutional racism and sexism in the Navy...Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was a great naval leader, a visionary and a courageous challenger of the conventional wisdom. We will not see the likes of him again. We mourn his passing and salute his accomplishments."

Because of Admiral Zumwalt's commitment in life to improving the lives of others, a number of awards bearing his name--recognizing his accomplishments as a humanitarian and a visionary--exist today, not only in the US Navy, but in the private sector as well. The positive impact Admiral Zumwalt had as one of this Nation's great military leaders and humanitarians was recognized by two major events--one occurring during his lifetime and one following his death.

In 1998, Admiral Zumwalt was presented the Nation's highest civilian award by President Clinton--the Presidential Medal of Freedom--for service both to his Navy and country. And, in July 2000, six months after his death, the Navy announced a new class of warship--a vessel unlike any other ever built which represents the greatest technological advancement in the history of ship-building--would be named after my father, with the first ship of the class to be named USS ZUMWALT. (An artist's rendition of this unique looking surface ship, which, due to its stealth technology looks more like a submarine, is enclosed herein.) Construction of that ship is now underway. While I believe honoring my father with a stamp is warranted on his own merits alone, I would submit the Committee may want to consider issuing a stamp commemorating both the man and the ship. For when USS ZUMWALT is christened in 2013, it will usher in a whole new era in US Navy history. Future ships of the 21st century will be capturing many of the design features and unique capabilities for which the USS ZUMWALT has broken new ground.

One of my father's favorite quotes was Edmond Burke's admonition, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." My father lived his life by this creed. Not a minute of it was wasted doing "nothing." His life was dedicated to helping his fellow man. In my request that consideration now be given to issuing a US postage stamp in his name, it is my humble opinion such a man who lived such a life should now have that life commemorated by such a great honor.

Very respectfully submitted,


James G. Zumwalt
LCOL, US Marine Corps Reserves (Retired)

Unfortunate news - CO number 16 fired

Skipper of USS MEMPHIS, Charles Maher at the scope

CO of USS MEMPHIS SSN-691 fired

Commander, Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE (Captain William Merz) has fired the commanding officer of the attack submarine USS Memphis as 10 members of his crew are under investigation in an alleged cheating ring involving shipboard training exams.  Commander Charles H. Maher was relieved Thursday, 18 November 2010,  for  “loss of confidence in his ability to command.”

Commander Maher assumed command of USS MEMPHIS on 8 January 2010.

The release noted there was no evidence Maher was involved in the cheating ring, but stated his command had “fostered an environment which failed to uphold the high standards of integrity of the submarine force.”

Captain Carl Lahti, previously deputy commander of the SUBDEVRON 12, has assumed command of USS MEMPHIS.

His bio has been removed from the Commander, Submarine Group TWO website.

A native of Bainbridge Island, Washington, Commander Maher attended the University of Notre Dame with a NROTC scholarship and graduated with honors in 1990 with Bachelor degrees in Physics and History. Following graduation, he was selected as a Fulbright Scholar and studied Arabic Language at the American University of  Cairo. He was commissioned in 1991 and completed training in nuclear propulsion and basic submarine tactics and navigation.

Commander Maher has served on board three fast-attack submarines. His first sea tour was as a Division Officer aboard USS BERGALL (SSN 667) (1993-96) where deployed to the Mediterranean, participated in Operation Sharp Guard and decommissioned the ship. He served as Chief Engineer aboard USS MEMPHIS (SSN 691) (2002-04), where he oversaw an extended CNO maintenance availability and deployed to the Persian Gulf. As Executive Officer, he served aboard USS TUCSON (SSN 770) (2005-07) and deployed to the Western Pacific. During this tour, the crew of TUCSON won the 2006 Submarine Squadron 7 Battle Efficiency award and the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award, distinguishing TUCSON as the top submarine in the Pacific Fleet.

Ashore, Commander Maher served as the Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Submarine Group 8 in Naples, Italy (1996-98), as the Commanding Officer of Military Sealift Command Office, Panama (1998-99), as a Junior Board Member of the Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board (2004) and as the Deputy Commander for Readiness at Submarine Squadron 19 (2009). He attended the Naval War College (2007-08), where he participated in the Halsey Alfa Advanced Studies Program and graduated with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

From 1999 to 2001, Commander Maher served the Navy’s Selected Reserves. During this time, he held a position with the Perot Systems information technology firm and was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve unit supporting NAVCOMTELSTA, Cutler, Maine.

Commander Maher’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).

The Navy's Gifts to Sailors

"We give them the gifts of discipline, the fellowship of those who have served at sea, confidence, self-reliance, and the opportunity to lead others in service to the nation guided by the values of honor, courage, and commitment. Though imparting those life skills, I’m sure, were not part of your lesson’s enabling objectives you’re here tonight because you went beyond the lesson plan in reaching out to your students."

Vice Admiral Mark Ferguson
Instructor of the Year Ceremony
6 May 2010

Fleet Cyber Command/10th Fleet - Cryptologic Operations

The Navy’s vision is to fully develop our ability to operate in cyberspace by fusing old – and developing new – capabilities and capacities across our networks, signal intelligence systems, and electronic warfare systems. As such, we (Fleet Cyber Command/10th Fleet) organize and direct Navy cryptologic operations worldwide and integrate information operations and space planning and operations as directed.

The Navy's Cryptologists

We have great capability. The Navy, through its cryptologists, has some of the best linguists and network operators that are in the military service today. My concern is capacity and retention. There was a plan to add a substantial number of personnel to this community with the 2011 budget, but due to competing priorities, we got a little less than half of what we planned. We still need to increase our capacity, our personnel, in this area.

The Navy has outstanding signals intelligence capabilities. We also have a sound electronic warfare program, specifically with aviation capacity. We need to do some work on what we have in surface warfare, but we have a relatively sound foundation there. Therefore, my initial focus is on networks and the ability to command and control our forces globally. How do we get from static and reactive network operations and defense to proactive and dynamic? My first near-term goal is to establish dynamic cyber operations, which includes defense, as well as exploitation and development of non-kinetic effects.

Dynamic cyber operations is a huge challenge for the Navy, and I think there is one chance to get it right — and that is now. The Navy has the right vision to put us at the forefront of this capability and capacity in this new warfare domain.

Vice Admiral Barry McCullough
Commander, Fleet Cyber Command
Commander, TENTH Fleet

in the June issue of CHIPS magazine

Our leaders must be worthy...

Admiral John Harvey (Commander, Fleet Forces Command)  said he’s concerned that junior Sailors could come to feel that high-ranking people are immune from being held accountable.

“The issue here is trust, and that’s the only issue,” Harvey said. “If you don’t have the trust of those you lead, you don’t have anything.” It’s important for Sailors to understand that the Navy sets a standard of accountability to ensure their leaders are worthy of trust, he said. “And I will do everything in my power – legally, morally, ethically – to enforce and sustain that standard of accountability.

“Our leaders must be worthy of the trust of those they lead.”

Admiral John Harvey
Commander, Fleet Forces Command
in discussing his decision to move forward on the court martial of LCDR Sean Kearns, former XO of USS San Antonio for dereliction of duty in the death of a USS San Antonio Sailor

Advice for the new Commanding Officer

1. Listen. I have a lot of experience to offer. Nothing puts me off more than a new commander that knows it all already. Obviously, you have new ideas and a new perspective, but hopefully, also an open mind.

2. Be decisive. A wishy-washy com­mander is death for an organiza­tion. Make informed decisions as much as possible. See #1 above.

3. Be consistent. As with anyone, you will have both good days and bad. However, if the troops come in and ask the secretary “what kind of mood is he/she in today,” your organization will not be as effective.

4. Be visible. The troops need to see you. I used to put “walk around” time on my commander’s sched­ule. Nothing raises morale more than knowing the commander cares enough to visit them in their work areas.

5.  Don’t micromanage. You don’t have time to handle every detail. That’s why you have so many people in your squadron.

6. Have high expectations of your senior NCOs. Hold their feet to the fire and ensure they are earning the title “senior NCO” every day by upholding high standards and leading troops.

7. Integrate the core values into your squadron every day. If you expect your troops to live by these, you must live by them. I once had a commander who made reference to the core values in every corrective action he took—it was very effective.

From SMSgt Christopher Schloemer, former first ser­geant and instructor at the Senior NCO Academy.

COMSEVENTHFLT OFFICERS AWARDED IDWO PINS

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet awarded 21 officers the new Information Dominance Warfare Officer (IDWO) pin on November 10, 2010.

Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk pinned officers from the information warfare, naval intelligence, meteorological and oceanography communities.

For officers to obtain the IDWO designation, they have to demonstrate they acquired specific knowledge, skills, and experience, and have performed at a proficiency at the professional level of competence required for satisfactory performance of assigned duties.

"Officers who are newer to the community will have to go through basic and intermediate qualifications, as well as an exam," said Capt. John Holmes, 7th Fleet assistant chief of staff communications and information systems officer.

"It's new and interesting, and it's something I never thought we were really going to have," said LT Meredith Schley, 7th Fleet signals information warfare officer. "I never saw this as something this community would ever pick up and do."

The 21 U.S. 7th Fleet staff officers pinned by Van Buskirk were the first officers to receive the IDWO pin in the 7th Fleet area of operation.

"It's a good feeling, to be a part of history being made," said Cmdr. Weldon.

NAO Breast Insignia - Not awarded frivilously - Cherish yours

16 months of effort on this request to authorize NAO wings for RADM March resulted in failure.  VADM Ferguson (Chief of Naval Personnel) reviewed the request personally and stated that he did not have the authority to retroactively award RADM G.P. March his NAO wings for his service as a COMEVAL in P4M aircraft.  RADM March went to his final rest on the wings of a prayer - without his NAO wings.  In his letter to me, RADM Pat March did not express any faith in NPC awarding his wings and he was okay with that. This was a great learning experience for me and I was pleased that VADM Ferguson took the time to consider the request personally.

I feel it is our collective duty to honor and remember the service of those who have gone before us. If we do not remember them and their achievements, who will remember us and ours?

Think Differently- Act Differently - Be Different

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.

The Sailors, Chiefs, officers and civilians who are crazy enough to think they can change the Navy are the ones who will.

OPNAV N2/N6 is still accepting "White Papers" and welcomes your input.  You know where to send them.  The Commander is waiting.  Your responsiveness has been outstanding and more than 80 White Papers have been submitted.  Keep them coming.

Thank You For Your Service

A common thread

"If there is a common thread to our day-to-day work here, it is that  change will continue to accelerate. Success in this era will require community norms to shift, and our shared corporate vision to evolve quickly.

I encourage all IDC leaders to remain engaged, collaborative, communicative, and tenacious."

Rear Admiral Sean R. Filipowski, in his second broadcast, as head of the N2N6F3 Cyber, Sensors and Electronic Warfare Division. 

Never retreat - never surrender

Lieutenant Commander Sean Kearns, former Executive Officer of USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD-17), took the ship's motto to heart in his fight to exonerate himself from Navy charges of "dereliction of duty" in the death of  PO1 Ansong.  The jury at the court-martial on Friday found Sean Kearns not guilty of negligence.

In LCDR Kearns' words, "Things needed to be made known.... Someone needed to stand up."  Thanks Sean for making things known and for standing up.  As the Salamander says - "great demonstration of morale courage."

Navy Information Operations Command Bahrain Change of Command

Congratulations Gentlemen !

Our people truly are our greatest resource

"Every naval leader I've met says that our people are our greatest resource. It is absolutely true. I joined the submarine force because of the exceptional people and that is why I've stayed. I've learned from some inspirational leaders. Several are here today. Along the way, I've made some great life-long friends. It began with my Naval Academy classmates and has extended to shipmates from six afloat commands and staff members from my shore assignments.

"It's been an incredible 35-year adventure. I've completely circumnavigated the globe. I've visited 38 countries. I've been fortunate to serve in command four times, that's exactly three more than my initial stretch goal. I'll never forget the feeling I had as CO standing atop the sail of my submarine heading for deep water so we could dive and disappear. Only a submariner can fully appreciate the close camaraderie of a submarine crew or tolerate the practical jokes we played on each other. I'll always remember the joy of watching subordinates achieve successes they never thought possible. I smile every time I see a homecoming and recall the joy of reuniting with family after a six-month deployment."


Vice Admiral John J. Donnelly
upon his retirement on 5 November 2010

Skipper, I have a news flash for you..

"You're not the smartest guy in the wardroom.  You're not the smartest guy in the command.  You're not even in the top ten." 

Ten years ago, I knew I had some real smart Sailors in my command.  The smartest among them were not in my wardroom or in the Chief Petty Officers mess.  They were all Whitehats.  All had put their educations on hold as they served their country.  Today, 10 years later, they have completed another phase of their educations.  Among the 150+ Sailors, 20 have completed their Masters Degrees and two are PhDs.  Those are some smart Sailors.  Yes indeed, we had a fine group of men and women serving at U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Yokosuka, Japan.  B.Z.  and thank you for your service.

Navy education programs work.  Be sure to take advantage of every training/education opportunity that comes your way.

Office of Naval Research taking a different approach to DIVERSITY

The Office of Naval Research was recently recognized for the excellence of its workforce improvement programs.  ONR was awarded a BRONZE Medal on 3 November 2010.  NAVNEWS article is HERE.

"Initiatives such as the ONR Academy of Learning, Virtual Employee Program, Hiring for Cognitive Diversity and the Leadership Development Program create an environment for us to continue recruiting the best and brightest and maintaining our tradition of innovative ideas," Brown said. "These programs are part of the reason why ONR has consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government by the Office of Personnel Management."

Cognitive Diversity: Every person thinks differently. Leveraging this difference creates new opportunities for individuals and companies. Complex problems are solved by using the diverse cognitive style, knowledge, and experience from a team of individuals. Learn how you can recognize and embrace cognitive diversity to solve problems more efficiently.

For my part, this is diversity that matters.

Gaining a better appreciation for diversity

In reading THE MEDICI EFFECT (pages 79-83, especially) by Frans Johansson, I've gained a better understanding of his view of the value of working with 'diverse' groups.  It is the 'diversity of thought' (driven by cultural, ethnicity, and geographic orientation) that really matters.  He explains the psychological basis for our natural tendency to resist working with diverse teams.  This phenomenon is called "similar attraction effect". The more we know, the better we are able to combat our resistance.

It absolutely reinforces for me the belief that it is the 'diversity of thought' that matters.  The physical appearance (color/ethnicity) of a person plays a very small role in the diversity of their thought processes.  I don't care about your religion, your sex, your ethnicity, your color or your sexual orientation, what do you bring to the table in the way of new ideas?

Johansson pointed to the success of the Bletchely Park group of cryptologists who broke the ENIGMA machine in World War II and, along with U.S. TENTH Fleet intelligence, ended the German U-Boat threat which plagued the U.S. and her allies.  This 'diverse' group included linguists, mathematicians, chess grand masters and crossword addicts.  This group was also culturally, ethnically, sexually and geographically diverse.  Their "diversity of thought" allowed them to increase the randomness of the combination of concepts they explored in solving the ENIGMA puzzle.

More on Diversity of Thought HERE.

Catching up with our OPNAV N2/N6 IDC Leadership's Professional Reading

The MEDICI EFFECT by Frans Johansson is featured in a number of OPNAV  N2/N6 briefings on Information Dominance and the U.S. Navy's Cyber Warfare Vision. 


This is an absolute "MUST READ" for serious IDC professionals.  We need to read what our senior-most leaders are reading.  Since this book is featured in the various Admirals' briefs, I am making a leap of faith that they've done the reading.  As good followers who strive to become great leaders, the rest of us have to do the homework and keep pace with our bosses.


Click on the title above and you can save yourself some money.  Frans Johansson was smart enough to create his own website and it features his book for FREE.  He's done his part.  We need to do ours and become more knowledgeable about what our leaders are reading and thinking.  We owe our followers that much. Pay up!

I consider myself to be evangelistic regarding N2/N6's approach to moving the IDC forward.  This book is an EXCELLENT read.  I am hopeful that our seniors in the IDC have read it.  It is worth their time.  I put this near the top of the books I've read this year (past 5 years, really).  Hatchette publishing recently asked me to review one of their books - wish it had been this one.

Writing

Writing seems to be a solitary endeavor, but it is, in reality, a social act in which you not only learn, but you also become part of a larger community. When you explore ideas and advocate positions in writing and during seminar or informal discussions, you are joining an ongoing academic conversation.

Writing can be an extremely frustrating, and even confounding, process. Being a writer is like being a musician or an athlete: you don’t suddenly know how to be the best, but with hard work and commitment, you can become a better—if not accomplished—athlete or musician. Even then, you would practice and continue working with coaches and teachers. The same is true for writing.

From the U.S. Naval War College Writing Center.  You can visit them HERE.