Our Sailors - true 44 years ago, true today

The rugged seagoing man is still of great importance in the Navy, and the need for officers and enlisted men armed with sophisticated knowledge is growing every day. Inevitably, as both ships and society change, our enlisted men are also changing. Always dependable, always competent, the new enlisted man retains these fine characteristics of his predecessors but, in addition, brings to the Navy an increasing amount of expertise and knowledge.

He is, inevitably, more demanding of his leadership, and never has the challenge to our officers been so great in this area as today. The educational difference between officer and petty officer may be much smaller than it once was, and as a result, both parties to the relationship must bring to bear great understanding and dedicated performance. High moral character, mental alertness, tolerance, and a broad understanding of our nation's position and problems are increasingly characteristic of our enlisted personnel. Working with these young Americans in a leadership position represents an extraordinary challenge in itself.

Rear Admiral James Calvert
The Naval Profession - 1965

A willingness to be alone - Former SECNAV John Dalton

"Character is the ability to place the needs of our Nation, our Navy, and our subordinates above our own personal desires. In this, character is good leadership, both by direction and by example.

What causes our Sailors and Marine to follow us into the danger of potential combat? What motivates them to stand a tough watch and work long hours? What inspires them to give their very best?

It's the trust and respect that our Sailors and Marines hold for those who lead them. It's the knowledge that naval leaders are looking after the best interests of their Sailors and Marines.

A leader stands for something…and that something is character. People choose to follow because they believe that that individual, that leader has the personal principles to make the right choice, the ethical choice when it comes to making a tough decision.

It requires courage to have character. It requires courage to admit mistakes and then take action to correct them. It takes courage to say "no" when it seems like everyone else in the crowd pretends not to notice, or worse yet, appears tolerant of immoral behavior--or a bad decision.

That's what it really takes to be a leader--a willingness to be alone while standing for something."

- Former Secretary of the Navy John Dalton

Captain Edward H. Deets III, (then) Commanding Officer, Center for Naval Cryptology, Corry Station, reminded us of former Secretary of the Navy John Dalton's important words about 'character and leadership' in his address to the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association Spring Breakout - February 2003

We adhere to values of integrity, professionalism and tradition.

We must conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, seniors and subordinates. Navy people do not lie, cheat or steal.

Honesty is the cornerstone of our profession, and we must be truthful in our dealings with each other and with those outside the Navy. As professionals, we embrace mission accomplishment and improvement. Our commitment to teamwork and mission reflects traditions passed down since our founding more than 200 years ago.

These include patriotism, courage to meet the demands of our job, a genuine concern for our people and a belief in the fundamental principles of our spiritual and ethical heritage.

From The Navy Policy Book, Chapter 5, The Navy's Character and Reputation