MERIDIAN Fall 2009 Magazine of the National Naval Officers Association “Gateway to Success” www.nnoa.org

1 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

President’s Message

Greetings! A special thanks to attendees of 2009 Professional Development and Training Conference. Overall 523 officers of the (256), Coast Guard (179), Marine Corps (52), and civilians (36) registered for the annual conference. General attendance exceeded last year's conference by more than 16 percent. Bravo Zulu to CDR Lamar Johnson, CDR Rosalind Brooks, LCDR Elaine Pearson and the Houston NNOA Chapter for their superior efforts in making the 2009 conference the best ever.

Planning is already underway for the first ever joint ANSO/NNOA Conference which will be held in Portsmouth VA at the Renaissance Hotel, July 25-31, 2010. We expect record attendance and I encourage all of you to make plans to attend this historical event. NNOA 2009-2010 Board Members

Overall Strategic Framework: President: • Continue to leverage the strength and expertise in our retired members Capt Bernard L. Jackson, USN (Ret) • Engage with Sea Services leadership to ensure they understand our role and Immediate Past President: how we can support Sea Service Diversity efforts RADM Manson K. Brown, USCG Eastern Regional VP: • Execute the communication strategy to enhance the organizations prestige in LCDR Herlena Washington, USN (Ret) order to grow our membership, revenues, and sponsorship Western Regional VP: • Partner with like-minded organizations (ANSO, ROCKS, AFCOMAP, USNA, etc); Maj David R. Everly, USMC and Central Regional VP: CDR Lamar Johnson, USCG • Grow our membership. Far East Regional VP: CAPT Joel L. Parker, USN National Secretary: 2010 NNOA Board Goals: Capt. Natasha McEacin, USMC National Membership Director: • Improve external and internal communications with our chapters and fellow LTJG Ryan Baxter, USCG Board members National Treasurer: LtCol Grady Belyeu, USMC • Develop an NNOA financial strategy and a long term objective of granting 500K National Historian: in scholarship to students in 2015 CDR Ron Casey, USN (Ret) Master-at-Arms: • Successful 2010 Joint Conference LT Warren Wright, USCG • Identify the conference sites for the next five years; and Public Affairs Officer: Maj Jason Davis, USMC • Establish processes to reach out to future officers before they are commissioned Navy Rep: CAPT Cedric Pringle, USN Coast Guard Rep: LCDR Christy Rutherford, USCG 2010 Chapter Strategic Goals: Marine Corps Rep: LtCol Chester McMillon, USMC • Grow reserve officer members by 10% by July 2010 Reserve Rep: CAPT Keith Jones, USN • Generate at least ten NROTC Immediate Selection Determination Scholarships Retired Rep: as follows: 4 Eastern Regional, 2 Central Regional, 4 Western Regional ; and CDR Williams Bundy, USN (Ret) • General at least ten NROTC Endorsement Letters National Chaplain: LT Philip E. Ridley, USN National Parliamentarian: LCDR William J. Shelton, USCG (Ret) I am thrilled to continue to serve as your President and I look forward to an enjoyable and National Judge Advocate: Ms.Tamia Gordon productive year.

Bernard L. Jackson **If you have questions or CAPT USN (Ret) concerns about NNOA please National President contact the National PAO via email at [email protected] or via our [email protected] website at www.nnoa.org. **

2 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

Chaplain’s Corner Far East Region Vice President’s Corner LT Philip Ridley, Chaplain Salutations!!

As the newly elected NNOA Far East Region Vice President, I am excited and looking forward to supporting NNOA members of the sea services in the Far East Region. The goal is for the Far East Region NNOA Chapters to have a successful 2009-2010 chapter year. Plan of action is to first conduct a willingness to serve assessment. So in order to move forward, calling all motivated and energetic members stationed in the locale of the Kanto Plains, Guam, Iwakuni, and Okinawa NNOA 1 Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to Chapters who are willing to serve in leadership positions or dwell together in unity! be members to re-energize and/or re-establish the chapter programs in your local area, send your contact information Psalms 133:1 to [email protected] . David is credited with writing this particular Psalm. He Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve. realized that peace and serenity comes upon a community or organization when they work, live, or Joel L. Parker spend quality time together. He also realized that dwelling together in unity makes ones’ community Nurse Corps, stronger and more productive. ______This year at our annual professional development conference the Sea Services continued taking major steps towards cultivating an environment where all naval officers can dwell together and thrive: especially those representing minority communities. We received Promotions and Awards mentoring from various community managers and detailers, along with many words of encouragement and information on strategic plans for improving the recruitment and retention of minority students from approximately 30 flag and general officers.

Next summer we plan to expand our community by co- locating with the American Naval Service Officers (ANSO). Both organizations will meet in Portsmouth, VA and build on our existing foundation, a bigger forum with which to continue increasing the professional development, retention and recruiting opportunities for all during our annual conference. It will be a great opportunity for us to come together, renew old friendships and create new ones. This conference will be a great occasion for military officers serving in the sea services to dwell together with the The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. expressed purpose of strengthening our existing Conway, congratulates Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams as his diverse officer corps and create avenues for others to wife, Bobbie, hugs him after helping pin on his third star join our ranks. during a ceremony held outside building 3500 Tuesday The NNOA has come a long way forging a path of in front of Marines, civilian-Marines, family and friends. equality and success for all officers serving their Williams is now the director, Marine Corps Staff in country in the sea services. Next year we are taking a Washington. Jason M. Webb, 8/11/2009 12:13 PM bold and big step by combining our efforts with those

of ANSO. We have a promise that our dwelling together will be good and pleasant as long as we seek ______unity, which is an indicator of our spiritual and Christian standard of living.

Peace and Blessings

______

3 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

Commander Andrea Petrovanie, NC, USN was promoted to her present rank by VADM Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, deputy director of the Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MC, USN, Surgeon Expeditionary Warfare Division of the Office of the Chief General of the Navy on Friday 7 August 2009 at of Naval Operations, speaks with retired Adm. J. Paul the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Reason, the Navy's only African American four-star MD. admiral, and Alma Gravely, the widow of Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely. Gravely was the Navy's first-ever Commander Petrovanie is assigned as Junior African American admiral. Gravely and Reason met with Nurse Corps Detailer, Navy Personnel Harris to congratulate him during his promotion Command, Millington, TN, and is the President ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Karen E. of NNOA Memphis Chapter. Eifert/Released)

LtCol Grady Belyeu, accepts the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Comptroller Team Award for Fiscal Year 2008 from John W. McNair, (Acting) Assistant Secretary of the Navy (FM&C). At the American Society of Military Comptrollers’, Professional Development Institute Conference in May 2009, Camp Pendleton and NNOA Life member. LtCol Belyeu was the Assistant Chief of Staff, Comptroller for Multi-National Forces- West in Al Anbar Province, Iraq from Feb 2008-Feb 2009. His Comptroller team was chosen as this year’s award winner, for their operational impact on the Marines’ success in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Under his direction, his Comptroller staff reached out beyond traditional Comptroller boundaries by steadily going “out-side the wire” to train and assist the Al Anbar Provincial Government and Provincial Police in resource management. LtCol Belyeu’s assistance helped professionalize the Iraqi government by increasing their self-sufficiency, which enhanced the security and stability in Iraq. Additionally, his initiatives helped strengthen Iraq’s financial institutions while also reducing the availability of U.S. currency for support in anti-coalition activities. His staff’s kinetic and non-kinetic initiatives directly contributed to the success of the Marines’ nation building efforts and counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and provided a solid foundation for Al Anbar Government officials and financial institutions to build their future success upon. Accepting the award, along with LtCol Belyeu, is one of his Budget Officers, 1stLt Wilman Granados.

4 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

Selection Rates for In-Zone the reasons this career path Officers – Lieutenant appealed to them in the first place. How to Maintain Excellence as an Selection Boards Under the previous fitness report Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps system, Marines were acutely aware of the fact that they were being By ranked against their peers within the Overall African- unit and the names of each peer was LtCol Chester McMillon, USMC Selection American listed on the back of their fitness Rate Selection report. Under the new Performance As a Second Lieutenant at The Basic Rate Evaluation System, Marines no School, it seemed to me that every longer see the names of their peers FY10 71.8% 56.4% Lieutenant had an expectation that and the pool of competitors has they would one day become increased to all Marines of a FY09 70.6% 51.7% Commandant of the Marine Corps. particular rank that the senior officers Upon graduation from The Basic FY08 65.0% 46.7% has observed. There are three School, a Lieutenant has a 1 in 5400 significant areas we need to be chance (with the assumption of 35 3 Year 69.1% 51.6% keenly aware of to ensure the Lieutenants x 6 platoons x 6 classes Average maximum possible competitiveness: x 4 years), at best. Excluding a few performance of our assigned jobs, significant variables (e.g. Military physical fitness, and Professional Occupational Specialty, career path, Military Education (PME). actual performance, etc…), this estimation points out that not all Performance: We all probably know officers will obtain the rank of Selection Rates for In-Zone of peers who treat their job like a Commandant. However, it is still Officers – Major Selection Boards week-long social club and produce feasible to have a meaningful and very little tangible work. We must do productive career as a military officer. our assigned jobs and do them well. Track your progress regularly. Enter The personal fulfillment that comes Overall African- it onto your Marine Reported On with serving the citizens of the United Selection American Worksheet (MROW) monthly so that States of America and protecting our Rate Selection you have a more accurate record of nation’s interest at home and abroad Rate your accomplishments at fitness is a life changing accomplishment. reporting time. Do not miss FY10 87.6% 81.3% Continuous career satisfaction and deadlines. For example, set professional development also come personal deadlines several days prior FY09 87.0% 76.2% with military service. The key to to the official one so that the person success as a Marine officer is FY08 87.4% 84.0% receiving your product praises it for maintaining excellence not only in the being outstanding and early. This junior ranks in early years of military 3 Yr 87.3% 80.5% course of action is far better than service, but at each level of Average them rightfully bad-mouthing you increased responsibility. Every because you failed to submit it on officer will have multiple opportunities time. Proofread your work. Do not to excel, and many will continue to be afraid to ask a competent peer, exceed all expectations. Being The differences in the numbers senior (or even junior) officer or selected for advancement to the next presented above should get our civilian to look over it, as a second rank and promoted directly correlates attention and motivate senior officers set of eyes. to the work performance, personal to actively mentor junior officers, of commitment, and ability of each all ethnicities, and provide them with “You are a victim of your own officer to stand out from the crowd. the professional tools that they will success.” I have had discussions The charts below provide selection need to become successful and with competent peers about this percentages for the most recent competitive in the Marine Corps. phrase and it sometimes appears promotion selection boards for Junior officers must be mindful that that while they get competitive fitness Lieutenant Colonel and Major. the Marine Corps is a highly reports, success may also come with competitive organization. more work. It makes sense that if I,

Performance does matter and as a supervisor, have an important sustained performance is crucial. task to be delegated to either an

exceptionally qualified Marine or a

qualified Marine; it is going to the exceptionally qualified Marine. It is up Many Marines played sports growing to the supervisor to ensure there is up and the competitive and selective full accounting for both Marines at nature of the Marine Corps is one of evaluation time and the Marine being 5 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

tasked should be concerned with Corps. There has been renewed highest of standards. The difficulty mission accomplishment. Do not emphasis on these issues and new and sacrifice in meeting these ever entertain the urge to do less regulations regarding enforcement of standards sets us apart from other work to avoid getting more work. Marine Corps height and weight people and services. It makes us Instead, accept challenges and even standards. This, like physical Marines. Marines accept this potentially greater workloads as training, gets harder with age. concept when they dress up in early added opportunities to show your Weight gain is not dependent on November every year in celebration boss how great of a Marine you are. billet or proximity to a gym but on of our birthday. We must strive to be Excel at them. Critically review your caloric intake and lack of physical faithful to our Corps always. We own work before you release or activity. We must make the must be faithful to those standards by submit it. A reputation as a necessary lifestyle changes to performing at a high level and also by dependable and proficient Marine is ensure that we are healthy and within hitting the gym. We must be faithful a great thing. Perform exceptionally required weight or body fat to those standards by turning off the and your reputation will precede you! standards. I remember a Xbox and picking up the MCI or conversation with a fellow Marine a seminar lesson. Physical Fitness: It is common to few years ago. He failed selection see Marines starting to run a month for promotion to the next rank and The daily application of our Marine before a semi-annual Physical attributed it to the Marine Corps’ Corps leadership traits and principles Fitness Test (PFT), expecting to be inflexibility regarding his desire to plays directly into our performance where they need to be in short-order. “bulk up” and his commitment to the and the resulting success. If in It is also common to see Marines weight room. He was neither obese, doubt, read the traits evaluated in score in the low 200s or high 100s nor was he obviously muscular in sections D through H of the fitness and be content with mediocre build. Likewise, he never took report and ask yourself, “How many performance. My boss recently told accountability for his physical of these areas are effected by my the Marines in command formation condition. The standards are well- performance, physical fitness, something very appropriate as he known and Marines have the military appearance and PME?” In urged them to guard against personal responsibility to stay within order to be successful in our complacency: “Unless you run a 300 them. respective Marine Corps careers, we PFT, you have room for must excel at the basics; we must do improvement.” He is absolutely PME: We all know Marines who have our job in an outstanding fashion; we correct and all Marines who expect to not been promoted likely because must be in shape; and we must be have a successful career must they did not complete their required committed to self-education. We, as perform well on the PFT and newly PME. However, this surprises me Marine officers and leaders, must instituted Combat Fitness Test every time I hear it, since the concept also ensure that we mentor our (CFT). We must avoid a “good is non-negotiable; the need to subordinates and likewise hold them enough” mindset, which is more complete required PME for each rank to the same standards so that they common and accepted than it ever has been engrained in us from day can be successful as well. should be. We must also recognize one at TBS. that physical fitness becomes even more challenging as we get older. Marines must take the initiative in this For me, PFTs in the 270+ range aspect of their professional An Eye Opening Experience came extremely easy as a lieutenant development. Check the required Captain Misca Cartwright but maintaining that high level of PME out from the Marine Corps Institute (MCI) or enroll as soon as performance now requires my Camp Pendleton Chapter commitment to a fitness program that you get promoted. Get it done. Enroll includes resistance, running and in seminars. Marines take a needless Building a Strong Foundation for cross-training 5 days a week. This chance if they delay knocking out Future Generations was the theme type of commitment has to be a required PME in hopes of a tour with for the 2009 NNOA National deliberate process for us all. We a schedule more conducive to the Conference held in Houston, TX this cannot show up at gym expecting seminar or selection to resident PME. past July. One of the founding improvement without a plan. There Read books on the Commandant’s mission action items of the are Cross-fit programs, programs like reading list. This cannot be stated organization was prevalent P90X, and other great resources any more clearly; Marines have to throughout the conduct of the available at gyms across the Marine complete required PME, at a conference; Recruitment. From day Corps. These programs facilitate minimum, to be considered one a key message that was improved physical fitness overall and competitive. conveyed to attendees was the yield results, in general, and in increase in numbers from the In conclusion, the Marine Corps is specific tests like the PFT and CFT. previous year; by more than 16 not about contentment or percent. An overall count of 523 complacency. It is about Weight and military appearance are officers from the Sea Services and competitiveness and holding two aspects of physical fitness that Civilian sector attended the are very important in the Marine ourselves and our Marines to the 6 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

conference. If my reaction to the Generals and Admirals my Answers: Applicants compete for a conference is any indication to first conversations took on meanings than NROTC scholarship. Applications, if time attendees last year, I can clearly I could have ever expected prior to qualified are awarded an ISR without understand why. Though I have this conference. I was pleased to competition. been a member of NNOA (off and learn of home state ties with a on) since The Basic School, this was General and how all of his kids have Question: What are the basic my first national conference. The attended my alma mater, how there eligibility requirements for a NROTC welcoming feeling from members, the was only two degrees of separation scholarship? interaction with individuals from from knowing a Colonel, or how a Answer: U.S. Citizenship, 17 years diverse cultural and military female Admiral once encountered st backgrounds, the desire for personal some of my same experiences. old by September 1 of year starting and professional development, and These moments may seem minor to college and no more than 23 years the approachability of Flag and some, but for one week in July I old on June 30 of that year (exceptions for prior military service). General Officers was like no other realized how great this organization th experience. The difference had to is and how what I contribute to the Must not have reached 27 birthday do with a common goal of the sea development of others can leave a by June 30 of year in which services; DIVERSITY. Diversity was lasting and motivating impression. graduation and commissioning are the key topic of choice by our anticipated. High school graduation respective service leaders. It’s not ______or equivalency certificate. Physically just having the right “mixture” of qualified by Navy or Marine Corps ethnic backgrounds, its individuals The Naval Reserve Officer Training standards. Qualifying scores on the with diverse experiences: education, Corps (NROTC) ACT and SAT. birthplace, community interest, From CDR Denise McCallaCreary Question: What are qualifying income bracket, and opportunities to USN (Retired) scores on the ACT & SAT? name a few. Everyone knows that a four-year Answer: SAT: 530 critical Reading; Throughout the conference key education at a top university or 520 Math speakers focused on what it takes to college can break the bank. A diversify an organization. They college degree can easily cost more ACT: 22 English; 21 Math stressed the importance of knowing than $180,000 including room and your people and using their strengths board. You could take out loans and Question: What are the qualifying to develop your organization and spend the next decade trying to pay scores on the ACT & SAT for an ISR incorporating top down approaches them off. You could let your parents Scholarship? to unit cohesion. sacrifice retirement. You could lower Answer: SAT - 1290 composite your expectations and settle for much Leaders have a deciding impact on with a math score of at least 650. less than you deserve or you could the development of their ACT - 56 combine English & Math realize your full potential with an subordinates which ultimately affects with a minimum math score of 29. the “reach back” to future NROTC scholarship. generations. When officers are open Question: What if I don’t get the Question: What is a NROTC about their experiences, challenges, qualifying score on the ACT & SAT? scholarship? and “tipping point” moments, Answer: You must be in the top regardless of race, color, or creed, Answer: A NROTC scholarship 10% of your graduating class. they offer insight into who they were provides a full tuition for four years in the past and how they are the (up to five years for some technical Leaders they are today. These Question: Are there other academic degrees), allowance for textbooks, requirements moments of mentorship are key monthly spending money and related contributors to recruitment and educational expenses. Answer: Yes. retention in any organization. Question: What is an Immediate Question: Are there medical In order to help junior officers get at Selection Reservation Scholarship requirements for NROTC program? least a small benefit of how senior (ISR)? leaders can have an impact on junior Answer: Yes officers we were given a task. CAPT Answer: A NROTC scholarship Jackson, NNOA National President, immediately awarded to an eligible Question: How do I get into college charged every junior officer to seek candidate. with a NROTC Scholarship? out an officer of at least three pay grades higher and have an open Question: What is the difference Answer: You must apply on your conversation concerning professional between an NROTC scholarship and own and be accepted in one of the development. In approaching these an ISR? schools that have a NROTC individuals the tone was very program. welcoming. From Colonels to 7 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

Question: What is the commitment conducting officer interviews for the Fitch hopes she will serve as a model to the Navy when you apply for NROTC program. Chapter members for the newest cadets. "I want to NROTC scholarship or you are are encouraged to volunteer. challenge myself as a leader ... but most importantly, I applied for this awarded an ISR? ______position because I wanted to leave an impression and influence those Answer: There is no commitment to Get Some!!! who will come after me," she said. the Navy to apply. However, if you by Chaplain O. J. Mozon, Jr. apply and is awarded either an ISR By Jennifer Grogan or an NROTC scholarship, your The New London Day When attending the NNOA commitment does not begin until you Conference, I was delightfully uplifted accept. by the senior enlisted panel. The ______moderator’s opening question went Question: What if I accept the something like this: Many of us have THE WHITE HOUSE scholarship and then change my a motivating quote. Mine is, “If I am in mind? the right place at the right time in the Office of the Press Secretary right uniform with the right Answer: There is no commitment information, I will be successful.” President Barack Obama announced What is yours? The Master Chief of to the Navy until the first day of his intent to nominate Clifford L. the Coast Guard said, “Semper the Sophomore year when you Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense Paratus.” The Master Chief of Naval for Personnel and Readiness, accept a NROTC scholarship or an Reserve Forces said his was, Department of Defense. A “Life ISR. “Always Ready, Anytime, Anywhere!” Member”, mentor to many and The Sergeant Major of the Marine longtime supporter of NNOA, Dr. Portions of the above information Corps Recruiting Command said his Stanley retired from the United were excerpt from a Navy NROTC was, “GET SOME!” States Marine Corps with the rank of brochure. For more detail Major General. Major General In his distinctive staccato manner of information, visit the NROTC Stanley earned his Doctorate of speaking, he painted a word picture website www.nrotc.navy.mil or Education Degree from the University which led me to visualize the SgtMaj of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School www.nnoa.org. applying maximum effort in each and of Education. every situation, any time of day or The National Naval Officers night, in order to achieve the ______Association is committed to helping maximum benefit and contribution. “GET SOME!” That “get some” the Navy find eligible applicants for PAO Note: As the newly elected Immediate Selection Reservation attitude reminds me of the words of Paul, “Whatever you do, work at it National Public Affairs Officer this is (ISR) and NROTC scholarships. with all your heart, as working for the my first edition of the Meridian and I NNOA has a quota of 10 ISR’s. Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) hope that you all find it interesting Each regional Vice President has and informative. been assigned a recruiting goal for Because God has gifted us and given Thank you to all who submitted us purpose we give maximum effort fiscal year 2011. Western – 4, articles and pictures for this edition. I Central - 2 and Eastern - 4. CDR in all we do for Him in every task. Let’s “get some” for God. want to extend a special thank you to Denise McCallaCreary is the NNOA ______Elaine Pearson (Houston Chapter), NROTC National Coordinator. She without whom this Fall edition may can be reached at 408 268-2933, not have gone to press until Spring Fax 408 927-9566 or e-mail Cadet Commander a first 2010. [email protected]. New London - First-class Cadet This is “our” Meridian and any Chapters are encouraged to call her Jacqueline Fitch, the first black member is free to submit an article or for guidance in executing this woman named regimental picture for inclusion in a future commander at the U.S. Coast Guard program. edition. Submissions should be sent Academy, led the corps of cadets in to your Chapter PAO or can be sent Chapters Presidents are encouraged a parade Saturday at the academy's directly to me at [email protected] to do an office visit with your local Washington Parade Field to mark Parents' Weekend. NRD Commanding and Executive Very Respectfully, Officer. Invite a member of their staff The regimental commander, the Maj Jason B. Davis to your Chapter meetings. Get to highest ranking cadet in the corps, is know your local NRD NROTC the liaison between the academy Coordinator. Invite him/her to your commandant and students and is meetings. Commander responsible for maintaining discipline and overseeing cadet companies. "I McCallaCreary can provide contact had originally just put in for a staff information for all the NRD’s. job," said Fitch, of Catonsville, Md. "I find it hard to believe that I actually In addition to helping to find eligible do hold this prestigious title." NROTC candidates, your local NRD NROTC Coordinator also need help 8 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

37th Annual Professional Development and& Training Conference

Houston, Texas 20-24 July 2009

CNO ADM Gary Roughead—“Diversity has made our Nation and Navy stronger. To derive the most from that diversity, every individual, military or civilian, must be encouraged and enabled to reach his or her full potential. They must be inspired and empowered to attain the most senior levels of leadership.” Read the CNO’s diversity policy letter at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/Diversity_Policy_2.pdf

(Right) Five of the Navy’s leading Admirals answer questions during a Navy breakout session

CMC Gen James T. Conway—As United States Marines, we pride ourselves on our ability to remain “most ready when the nation is least ready.” Diversity in the background and experience of those who join our Corps is not only a reflection of the American society we represent, it is also a key element to maintaining the strength and flexibility required to meet today’s national security challenges. Read the Commandant’s Diversity Policy letter at http://www.marines.mil/units/marforpac/iiimef/3rdmardiv/EO%20Documents/CMC%20Diversity%20Letter.pdf

(Above) Gen Conway, LtGen Colman and LtGen Williams pose with Marines in attendance at conference.

(Left) Gen Conway speaks to the masses during the Marine Corps Day Luncheon.

9 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

(Left) Commandant of the Coast Guard ADM Thad W. Allen— “Since I have been Commandant, I have stressed that diversity is an operational necessity. By diversifying our workforce in terms of race, gender, culture, professional experiences and personal backgrounds, we can bring different perspectives and skills to bear on the complex maritime challenges we will face in the 21st century. This will help us detect simmering issues before they become problems, manage risk utilizing all available resources, and implement comprehensive solutions.” Commandant Allen’s Diversity Strategic Plan can viewed in its entirety at: http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog/2009/09/coast- guards-diversity-strategic-plan.asp

(Belowt) RADM Manson Brown speaks to Coast Guardsmen during Coast Guard breakout session

(Below) VADM Winns, LtGen Natonski, VADM Papp and VADM Williams Jr. deliver the State of the Sea Services.

Senior Leadership Panel Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles Bowen Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command SgtMaj Fenton Reese Navy Reserve Force Master Chief FORCM Ronney Wright

10 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

RADM Cecil Haney and NNOA, Great Lakes Chapter at 80th Annual Bud Billiken Parade.

The Bud Billiken Parade is an annual parade in Chicago, Illinois, and the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States. The parade is the brainchild of Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott. Pictured at left are Midshipman Joshua Johnson, RADM Haney, and Command Master Chief April Beldo

Left: Ensign Latoya D. Thompson and Captain Connie Evans (Chapter President)

Right: Midshipman Joshua Johnson, RADM Haney, and Congressman Bobby Rush, Illinois 1st Congressional District

WASHINGTON (Oct. 9, 2009) The Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Mabus, a former governor of Mississippi, is honored to announce that the Navy will name a dry cargo ammunition ship after the civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The future USNS Medgar Evers (T‐AKE 13) is designed to provide replenishment services to U.S. Navy ships at sea, to include collation ships from other nations. (091009‐N‐5025C‐001 U.S. Navy Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay Chu/Released) 11 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009

ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING CONFERENCE

JULY 25 - 30, 2010

RENAISSANCE PORTSMOUTH HOTEL & WATERFRONT CONFERENCE CENTER

The 2010 Conference – will be a joint venture with the Association of Naval Service Officers (ANSO). The joint NNOA-ANSO Conference will be held at the beautiful Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel. Start making plans now to attend this can't miss educational and networking event.

12 NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FALL 2009