Lieutenant Commander Martin Holguin, commanding officer of mine countermeasures crew Fearless was fired Thursday for “demonstrated poor personnel management.” LCDR Holguin was fired by Captain David Chase, commander of Mine Countermeasures Squadron 3, due to a ... "loss of confidence in his ability to command."
7 comments:
Captain Lambert,
It is very alarming to me that Commanding Officers of United States Navy ships and stations seem to be relieved for cause at a very high rate. Is it just because the technology of today allows the word to be disseminated more easily, and we are therefore more able to find out about these things, or is the lowering of standards to become a Commanding Officer that has caused this relieving of Commanding Officers, for cause, to be as frequent as it is?
Very Respectfully,
Navyman834
Navyman,
IMHO it is the misconception that senior Navy Leadership has had in the last 15 years that has led to this crisis. When the juniors who are unworthy grow up to be the leaders...well, you see my point. There was a time when masters degrees were more important than leadership. Knowing your career "gate" was more important that leadership. Dwelling over that career decision as an Ensign or JG took precendence over dwelling on how to help your sailors. Unfortunately those who met the "career gates" were elevated to command because that was the flavor of the day. What was the "right career path" to some has proven itself to be a disaster. The data proves my point. Additionally there was an erosion of the philosophy of who runs the Navy. The Chiefs my friend always have and always will run the Navy...or will be left holding the bag when the dust settles. But some Chiefs lost their way or were misled into believing they were a "mini-wardroom". Those two toxic items are the reasons we are failing. It's not race, it's not sex, it's not homosexuality, it's not money, it's not drugs. It is plain old school leadership.
Some will reply that it is a few who stain the reputation. I would argue that there is a disease on the waterfront. Over the last two years 40 of our brightest, screened, career-gate-meeting individuals have been fired. That is a travesty in any business line, let alone in my Navy. The bright spot is that there is an inspirational undercurrent of mentorship out there. There is a "cadre" of leaders who are fostering their junior officers, who are removing the hurdles so the Chiefs can do their jobs. They are providing an example of leadership in defiance of extraordinary odds. And the sailors are eating it up. It is truly breathtaking when you see it. Unfortunately our senior leadership is too busy firing folks that should never have had the job and is not taking the time to witness, let alone foster the change. My best goes out to those few. Go Navy.
I for one am glad to see these officers held accountable for their poor behavior.
Before I was commisioned an LDO I rememebr as a young seaman in the late 80's early 90 CO's and other officers displaying crappy behavior and violating the rules left and right.
On my first boat I remember the CO actually physically assualted 4 or 5 enlisted men with no reprecussions. He was subsequently promoted to one star a few years later. This inspite of an "investigation" being conducted.
Strict is one thing but believing you are above the law is wrong plain and simple.
An LDO nearing retirement
Anonymous,
October 31, 2011 11:25 PM
Some strong words which I totally agree with, but am unable to give due maximum credibility to as I am fairly obsolete. I even had to consult the internet as to what the meaning of IMHO was. I felt that my entire Navy life was dedicated to leadership and the understanding of what that really meant. I have never seen anyone give the discreet reasons for the digression of the performance of Senior Command Personnel in the Navy over these last few years and I fully accept what you have written. I was a Chief Petty Officer for 15 years and attempted during those years to exert leadership every day, and felt that was of value to my ships or stations.
I do hope that your observation of changes taking place today are going to be a continuing effort.
As you said. Go Navy.
Very Respectfully,
Navyman834
Who is to say why this CO was fired. perhaps he was not justly relieved? The screening process is such that you must be capable of handling a ship and crew. This CO wasn't relieved for misconduct... so what's the deal? Are they pushing paper incorrectly?
-mustang
I submitted my retirement after I saw a senior flag relieve a highly respected CO for no legitimate reason (the pretense was minor misconduct by a very junior subordinate, which the CO investigated and corrected) in order to replace the CO with his Flag Secretary, who needed a command tour to ensure promotion. The Flag Sec, who took command over literally dozens of senior and more qualified officers on the staff, comprehensively destroyed the unit in a very short time and was of course promoted. Leadership is a forgotten quality in today's Navy.
Anon at 7:21 PM
Care to name names?
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