VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award Winner in 1999 - His team loves him, they really do.

You have a pretty good idea that you are on the right leadership track when your peers nominate you for the prestigious VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award. RADM Bruce Grooms is such a man.   Back in 1999, as a commander, Bruce Grooms was Commanding Officer of the nuclear powered fast attack submarine USS ASHEVILLE (SSN-758) when he was selected as winner of the VADM James Bond Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award.  At the time, my Shipmate and sometimes mentor, RADM Al Konetzni said "CDR Grooms is a top-notch performer and an ideal leader." RADM Al Konetzni, Jr. was Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet at the time. "He's the best of the best and I couldn't be happier for him and his great crew."  I wrote more about RADM Grooms HERE in September 2009.

This award was established in honor of VADM James Bond Stockdale, whose distinguished Naval career symbolized the highest standards of excellence in both personal example and leadership. The award is presented annually to two commissioned officers on active duty below the grade of captain who are in command of a ship, submarine, or aviation squadron at the time of nomination. Candidates are nominated by peers who themselves must be eligible for the award.  More about RADM Grooms below. 

PLEASE NOTE:  MORE THAN A COUPLE OF OUR CNO'S HAVE EARNED THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING RECOGNIZED BY THEIR PEERS WITH THE VADM JAMES BOND STOCKDALE AWARD.

Rear Admiral Bruce Estes Grooms

Assistant Deputy, Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5B)

 

Rear Admiral Grooms, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Following completion of nuclear power training, he served in nearly every capacity aboard a variety of submarines including a tour as executive officer of USS Pasadena (SSN 752) where he twice deployed to the Persian Gulf.

His command tours include service as commanding officer of USS Asheville (SSN 758). During this tour the ship received the Battle Efficiency E award, the Golden Anchor and Silver Anchor for the highest retention in the Submarine Force. Asheville twice earned the Engineering Excellence E award, won the Fleet Recreational Award for best quality of life programs, and twice won the Submarine Squadron 3 Commodore’s Cup. Grooms subsequently served as commander, Submarine Squadron 6 and later as Commander, Submarine Group 2.

Ashore he served as a company officer and later as the commandant of midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. He served as the senior military assistant to the under secretary of Defense for Policy. He was the senior inspector for the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. He served as deputy director then director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87) and as vice director, Joint Staff. Currently, he is serving on the chief of naval operations’ staff as assistant deputy, Operations, Plans and Strategy.

Grooms was selected as the Vice Admiral Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award winner for 1999. He earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, graduating with distinction and attended Stanford University as a National Security Affairs Fellow.

He has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and various campaign and unit awards.