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NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 47th ANNUAL LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING SYMPOSIUM
ADMIRAL KIDD CATERING & CONFERENCE CENTER, SAN DIEGO, CA
PRESIDENT’S
WELCOME
Thank you again for participating in the NNOA 47th Annual Leadership, Professional Development and Training Symposium.
Very respectfully, RADM (Ret.) Sinclair M. Harris, USN
Welcome to our 47th Annual Leadership, Professional Development and Training Symposium. Your NNOA Board of Directors, along with the San Diego Chapter worked diligently to put together a symposium that fully supports our theme, “Charting the Course for tomorrow’s Leaders”. Our National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy clearly articulate the return of our nation to a geo-political environment that can be described as “Great Power Competition” (GPC). Our world is more connected than ever. The work of our Sea Services, US Flag Merchant Fleet, United States Public Health Service (USPHS), and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is vital to our nation’s prosperity and global stability. To be competitive in this highly complex and challenging world, we must have leadership that is more innovative, more resilient, and more agile in its decision making. A more inclusive and diverse officer corps provides our nation with the women and men needed to be successful and ready to address the challenges today and into the future. The NNOA has been supporting a more inclusive and diverse officer corps long before these terms were part of our nation’s dialogue. I believe our founders wisely chose our logo to symbolize one thing, “STRONGER TOGETHER”. Our logo with the hands of many colors clasped together shows that NNOA is not about any one ethnic group, gender or orientation. NNOA brings the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, MARAD, USPHS and NOAA together in a unique way that allows exchange of information and networking like no other organization. NNOA allows for a free and unfettered venue for interaction and learning between Flag/General Officer to Midshipman/Cadet – Active, Reserve and Retired – Uniformed and Civilian. Undoubtedly, NNOA recognizes that our nation and the Services are “STRONGER TOGETHER”.
In a recent conversation a retired admiral commented to me that NNOA members need to “dial 411 before they dial 911” to make the most of their careers. This elegantly simple idea captures the essence of what this conference and the NNOA is all about. By active participation early in your career and leveraging the relationships developed, you can gain the mentoring, develop the coaching, and find the advocacy we all need to succeed. Three things that each of us must do to make the most of NNOA and this symposium: BUILD YOUR NETWORK: Each one reaches out to at least one new mentor, new mentee, new coach, or new advocate. ENGAGE LEADERSHIP: Ask that burning question and engage fully in a discussion regarding options for future success, and when you return home, engage your chapter leadership to continue working the plan you developed here at the Symposium. PROVIDE FEEDBACK: Please let us know what you think NNOA needs to do better. Fill out the Symposium survey as highlighted on page 60 of this booklet. Send me an email at [email protected] if it is something you need to convey to me directly. 1
CONTENTS
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SERVICE WELCOME LETTERS Service Chiefs
EASTERN REGION MESSAGE
CDR Stacey L. O’Neal, USN
WESTERN REGION MESSAGE CAPT Rod Rojas, U.S. Coast Guard
LEADERS
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SENIOR LEADER BIOS
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ADVISORY PANELS
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NNOA LEADERSHIP
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
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JO SPOTLIGHT
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INFORMATION
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PRESIDENT‘S WELCOME RADM Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret.)
HBCU AWARD WINNERS IN MEMORIAM
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ARTICLES
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HIGHLIGHTS
WELCOME
2019 NNOA Symposium | August 7-8
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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SITE MAP
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STEM EVENT
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SYMPOSIUM GUESTS
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WHY JOIN
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SURVEY
NNOA MISSION – 50TH ANNIVERSARY By: NNOA Historian
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PVAMU GOLDEN 13
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FUTURE NAVAL NUCLEAR POWER OFFICER
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A REFLECTION
By: Vice Admiral David Brewer, USN (Ret.) By: CDR Denise J. McCallaCreary , USN (Ret.)
By: Mrs. Theresa Velazquez
ADVERTISEMENTS USAA - L3HARRIS - LOCKHEED MARTIN - U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE - LMI - RAYTHEON “The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”
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NNOA MISSION – OPERATIONAL HISTORICAL RECLAMATION AND DOCUMENTATION 2022 FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY By Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR(Ret.) - “Historian” National Naval Officers Association
The creation and development of the National Naval Officers Association, in 1972, by those great leaders whose names ring out - Johnson, Wiley, Haynes, Green, Fauntleroy, Proctor, Penn, Emory, Williams, Harris, Jenkins, West, and Norman - produced a wealth of resultant career success stories within the ranks of the “Sea Services.” As we gather in San Diego, we should take time to celebrate our “NNOA History.” It is a pleasure to announce, “NNOA Mission – Operational Historical Reclamation and Documentation for our 50th Anniversary.” The magnificence of NNOA’s history has been built on a “foundation and mission, of promoting diversity,” within the ranks of the, U.S. Navy, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, and NOAA Corps. Our history can be found, as we reflect on the accomplishments of many exceedingly courageous pioneers, leaders, and visionaries within the sea services. Let us conduct a review of selected accomplishments and names of major achievers, who through times of turmoil, in service to our country, produced enormous historical events.
course, ADM Michelle Howard receiving her fourth star. The story continues with the exploits of ENS Jesse Brown, USN, Aviator, serving in Korea, RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN, CO, U.S.S. Midway, Vietnam; LCDR Wesley Brown, USN, Naval Academy Graduate; ADM J. Paul Reason, USN, CO, Atlantic Fleet; and Petty Officer Danny R. Eckols, USN, Aviation Electrician, HS-3, one of my mentors, NAF Weeksville, N.C., during the 1950’s & 60’s. “Semper Fi,” Marines of the Corp, as we conduct this historical reconnaissance, picture with these writings; LT. Frederick C. Branch, USMC, commissioned during the end of WWII, The Montford Point Marines training in North Carolina; Major Doris Armstrong Daniels, USMC promotion to LtCol; Lt. General Frank Emmanuel Petersen, USMC, Aviator, flying F9F Panther Jets, combat, Korea; Major General Jerome Gary Cooper, USMC, combat, Vietnam; promotion of Col. Lorna M. Mahlock, USMC to BGen.; CAPT. Vernice Armour, USMC, aviator, and granddaughter of a “Montford Point Marine”; MajGen. Cliff Stanley, USMC, CO, U.S. Marine Corp, Office of Information, and a great NNOA Visionary.
U.S.S. Franklin 1945 USCGA Class of 1966 “Anchors Away,” Naval shipmates, as we visualize these moments of history, picture the AfricanAmerican sailors, mainly mess cooks, who had to carry heavy steel cables, on board the U.S.S. Franklin (CV13), 50 miles off the shores of Japan, during a horrific battle, with the ship on fire, during 1945. In order to save the ship, they attached steel cables to a hawser from the U.S.S. Pittsburgh for a tow out of “harms ways,” thus saving the ship from being lost. What a moment, as the members of the “Golden Thirteen,” received their Commissions on the steps of the barracks at Camp Robert Smalls, Great Lakes. Then consider the story of the promotion of CAPT. Samuel L. Gravely to Rear Admiral; CAPT. Lillian E. Fishburn to Rear Admiral; WWII commissioning of ENS. Frances Wills, Lt. Harriet Ida Pickens, USN, and of
“Always Ready,” Coast Guard Shipmates, as we research and locate the historic contributions of CAPT. Richard Etheridge, Surfman/USCG, CO, Pea Island, N.C., 1800’s; Dr. Olivia J. Hooker, USCG, SPAR, WWII; ENS. Merle J. Smith, USCG, USCGA, Class of 1966; WWII, Lt. Joseph Jenkins, USCG, Lt. Clarence Samuels, USCG, and Lt. Harvey Russell, USCG, 1st African-American Officers; CAPT. Bobby Wilks, USCG, Aviator,and CO, CGAS, Floyd Bennett Field; RADM Erroll M. Brown, USCG, RADM Stephen Rochon, USCG, and VADM Manson Brown, USCG; Lt. Jeanine McIntosh, USCG, Aviator; and Petty Officer Louis C. Etheridge, USCG, gun Continues on page 10 3
Admiral John M. Richardson, USN CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS, UNITED STATES NAVY
Admiral John Richardson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and National Security Strategy from the National War College. At sea, Richardson served on USS Parche (SSN 683), USS George C. Marshall (SSBN 654) and USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716). He commanded USS Honolulu (SSN 718) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Richardson also served as commodore of Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 12; commander, Submarine Group 8; commander, Submarine Allied Naval Forces South; deputy commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; chief of staff, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa; commander, Naval Submarine Forces, and director of Naval Reactors. His staff assignments include duty in the attack submarine division on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; naval aide to the President; prospective commanding officer instructor for Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet; assistant deputy director for Regional Operations on the Joint Staff; and director of Strategy and Policy at U.S. Joint Forces Command. Richardson served on teams that have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Navy “E” Ribbon. He was awarded the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for his time in command of USS Honolulu. Richardson began serving as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations September 18, 2015.
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Admiral Karl L. Schultz, USCG COMMANDANT, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
Admiral Karl L. Schultz assumed the duties as the 26th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on June 1, 2018. He previously served from August 2016 to May 2018 as Commander, Atlantic Area where he was the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions spanning five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. He concurrently served as Director, DHS Joint Task Force-East, responsible for achieving the objectives of the DHS Southern Border and Approaches Campaign Plan throughout the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Region, including Central America. Prior flag assignments include Director of Operations (J3), U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Florida; Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District in Alameda, California; and Director of Governmental and Public Affairs at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Previous operational assignments include Sector Commander in Miami, Florida, as well as command tours aboard Cutters VENTUROUS, ACACIA and FARALLON. His senior staff assignments include Chief of the Office of Congressional and Governmental Affairs; Congressional Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives; Liaison Officer to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Assignment Officer at the Coast Guard Personnel Command; and Command Duty Officer in the Seventh Coast Guard District Operations Center in Miami. A native of Connecticut, Admiral Schultz graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1983, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. In 1992, he was awarded a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, and in 2006, completed a one year National Security Fellowship at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He and his wife, Dawn, have five children - Kelsey, Lindsey, Annaliese, Eric, and Zachary. His personal awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals and various other personal and unit awards.
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General David H. Berger COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
General David H. Berger assumed the duties of Commandant of the Marine Corps on July 11, 2019. A native of Woodbine, Maryland, General Berger graduated from Tulane University and was commissioned in 1981. He commanded at every level – including a Reconnaissance Company; 3d Battalion, 8th Marines in Haiti during Operation SECURE TOMORROW; Regimental Combat Team 8 in Fallujah, Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. As a General Officer, he commanded 1st Marine Division (Forward) in Afghanistan during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM; I Marine Expeditionary Force; U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific/Fleet Marine Forces Pacific; and Marine Corps Combat Development Command. General Berger’s staff and joint assignments include serving as Assistant Division Commander of 2d Marine Division; policy planner in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Chief of Staff for Kosovo Force (KFOR) Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo; and Director of Operations in Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. General Berger’s formal military education includes the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Advanced Course, U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and U.S. Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting. He holds multiple advanced degrees including a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
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NNOA MISSION – OPERATIONAL HISTORICAL RECLAMATION AND DOCUMENTATION 2022 FOR THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
By Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR(Ret.) - “Historian,” National Naval Officers Association Continued from page 3
captain, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, Campbell(W- 32), Feb. 1943, Battle of the Atlantic, where he assisted in the sinking of German Submarine, U-606. These highlighted sea services members are but a small statistical sample of those who have provided sacrifice and dedication in completing the mission. Their tremendous contributions have provided an exemplary historical timeline for the continued growth and development of the National Naval Officers Association. As Historian for NNOA, I would to extend memories, and “BZ,” to Golden Thirteen members, the late Lt. Dalton Baugh, USN, who presented the “Oath of Enlistment” to me, as I was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, 7 February 1981, and the late Lt. Jesse Walter Arbor, USN, who “Frocked,” yours truly to CDR, USNR, on board the U.S.S Glover(FF-1098), during Naval Great Lakes Cruise, Chicago, 1986. 1 July 2022 will be the 50th Anniversary of the birth of the National Naval Officers Association; and as this date approaches, the “Historical Arm of NNOA,” is announcing a major operational mission. This mission will be entitled “Operational Historical Reclamation and Documentation 2022 for the 50th Anniversary.” This mission will be deployed to research, write, document, and locate the many pieces of historical artifacts, I.e. photographs, written documents, films, video, etc., that have been created and developed over the past 50 years. For a half century, NNOA has been most successful in carrying out its mission of “enhancing sea service operational readiness by providing professional development, mentoring, and recruiting support, to achieve a diverse officer corp., that reflects the demographics of the nation.” Now, is the time, for building a historical framework working with a network of NNOA Historians and associate member organizations to include The Navy History and Heritage Command. The proposed operational plan for implementation is as follows:
Phase One – The Development of “A Historical Arm of NNOA,” composed of “Dedicated Sea Service Members of NNOA,” who are interested in the total documentation of our 50 Year History. Phase Two – “Oral History Interviews,” with “Living Legends, and Family Members,” of our various Sea Services, I.e., Navy, Marine Corp., Coast Guard and NOAA. Phase Three – A Major “Search Mission,” by NNOA Members, Past and Present to find and locate historical materials, I.e., photographs, written documents, audiovisual materials, booklets, official orders, MOU’s, NNOA Newsletters/Meridian, NNOA Chapter documents, etc. Phase Four – The signing of a “Memorandum of Cooperation with the Navy History and Heritage Command. Phase Five – The Development of an “Official Depository,” and location for all NNOA historical materials. Phase – Six – The Production of an “NNOA Audiovisual Documentary and Display, A Salute to NNOA’s 50th Anniversary,” to be shown at the NNOA 2022 Annual Symposium. The accomplishments of “The National Naval Officers Association,” has blazed a tremendous historical trail of outstanding contributions for our sea services. This most amazing and rich history must be given the utmost attention by our entire NNOA Family. A strong NNOA historical foundation must be laid now so that present and future sea service scholars can maintain Article Five of the NNOA Articles of Incorporation - Establishing and Maintaining a Positive Image of the Naval Services in Communities throughout the world. “BZ” to the National Naval Officers Association, Family Members, Associates, Contributors, and Friends, in attendance at the 2019 Symposium, and “Fair Winds and Following Seas,” to all!
V/r Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR (ret) Historian, National Naval Officers Association 10
TUES - AUG 6 TRAVEL/ REGISTRATION 1300 – 1700 Registration/ Admiral Kidd Lobby 1830 – 1930 Life Skills Seminar – Financial Wellness 1930 – 2030 Life Skills Seminar – Secrets to Building Wealth & Real Estate
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Looking for room assignments, speakers, topics, break-out sessions, and more… Download the detailed agenda at www.nnoa.org at the Symposium Portal NNOA BoD ONLY CHALK TALKS TUES 1000 & 1700 WED 2030 THUR 0700 FRI 0800 LOCATION NIMINTZ ROOM
WED - AUG 7
DAY 1
THUR - AUG 8
DAY 2
0630 – 0700 Chaplain’s Live Devotional – San Diego Room
0630 – 0700 Chaplain’s Live Devotional – San Diego Room
0730 – 1600 Registration/ Admiral Kidd Lobby
0700 – 0745 Individual Officer Career Counseling – Service Breakout Rooms
0800 – 0845 Opening Session 0845 – 0945 Joint Session: Global Strategic Overview with the Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy 1000 – 1145 Service Specific Sessions 1200 – 1315 Joint Session: Navy Service Awards Luncheon – Key Note Speaker: Chief of Naval Personnel 1330 – 1430 Joint Session: Naval Heritage and History Command
0730 – 0800 USCG: The Mentoring Project 0730 – 1600 Registration/ Admiral Kidd Lobby 0815 – 0915 Joint Session: Coast Guard Service Awards Breakfast – Key Note Speaker: Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard 0930 -1030 Service Specific Sessions 1045 – 1145 Joint Session: Defend Forward: Executing Cyber Space Strategy
1445 – 1545 Joint Session: Workforce Talent Management and Mission Support for the Future
1200 – 1315 Joint Session: Marine Corps Service Awards Luncheon – Speaker: Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps
1600 – 1700 Joint Session: Senior/Junior Officer Professional Development and Mentoring
1330 – 1430 Joint Session: Operational Way Ahead for Maritime Forces in the Pacific
1715 – 1800 Joint Session: 1st General Assembly
1445 – 1545 Joint Session: General Officer / Flag Officer Leadership Panel
1900 – 2000 NNOA Networking Social – Harbor Lounge & Outside Patio *Agenda subject to change – visit Symposium Portal at nnoa.org for full agenda
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1630 – 1715 Professional Development Seminar 1730 – 1745 2nd General Assembly 1830 – 2300 Awards Banquet/Dinner/Dance
FIRST FLOOR
MAPS &
NETWORKING SOCIAL
LAYOUT REGISTRATION
Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center Navy Base Point Loma Harbor Drive Annex 33050 Acoustic Avenue Building A3, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92148
SECOND FLOOR INTERACTIVE BREAK AREA
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2 0 1 9 N N OA
STEM
600+ students from local San Diego middle and high schools will join the USS America crew for a full day of activities and exposure to military personnel, sea services mission and operational readiness. While onboard, the students will tour the ship and interface with the crew members at their various workstations to witness STEM at work at an operational level. The keynote speaker retired Rear Admiral Ponds, United States Navy will speak to the students about stem innovation in the sea services. Additionally, the Microsoft
USS AMERICA
Corporation has partnered with NNOA as part of their National STEM initiative and will provide an interactive mechanical hand on display. To close out the day’s event, two $500 scholarships will be awarded to two students in attendance who plans to pursue a STEM curriculum in college.
STEM Speaker
STEM Keynote Address
STEM Welcome
RDML Eric Ruttenberg, USN NAVWAR
RDML Fernandez L. "Frank" Ponds , USN (Ret.)
CAPT Marco Cromartie, USN (Ret.)
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SENIOR LEADERS
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Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook ( Ambassador Sujay) She brings the world TOGETHER THROUGH BUSINESS, DIPLOMACY & FAITH
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n International Influencer, Business owner, Communications expert, Diplomat and Faith leader, Hon. Suzan Johnson Cook was the first female and African-American to hold the position of U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom. Nominated by Secretary Hillary Clinton, and appointed by President Barack Obama, she was the principal advisor to the President of the United States and Secretary of State, for religious freedom globally. Having all l99 countries in her portfolio, she integrated religious freedom into the foreign policy and national security discussions, and worked to empower women leaders around the world. She represented the United States in 28 countries and more than l00 diplomatic engagements, bringing faith leaders and women to the Religious Freedom table. Additionally, she has been the faith advisor to two U.S. Presidents, three cabinet secretaries, as well as political and celebrity leaders. She served as President Bill Clinton’s only faith advisor on the historic “President’s Initiative on Race”. In 2016, she was the only woman to run for NY’s 13th Congressional district, and most recently served as Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Religious Freedom Center at the Newseum in Washington DC. Often called upon to be a media commentator, guest lecturer, Visiting Fellow and panel moderator, she can be seen frequently on CNN, MSNBC, FOX and ABC TV. She served Harvard’s Divinity School as an Associate Dean, and Faculty member for three years, as a President’s Administrative Fellow. Her alma mater, Union theological Seminary, awarded her with the UNITAS and Trailblazing awards, as well as the Activist Scholar Fellowship for two years, and she served on the Board of her undergraduate Alma Mater, EMERSON COLLEGE, on the Institutional 15
Advancement and Diversity & Inclusion commit-tees. She also was a Fellow at Catholic University of America, where she concentrated on women and Peace Building. In it’s Centennial Year, DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC, made her an HONORARY member and she proudly serves as a Soror of the Centennial 6 Line. Ambassador Johnson Cook held the rank of Inspector, as Chaplain to the New York City Police Department for twenty-one years, the first woman to serve in that role. She was on the front lines of 9/11 as well as the front lines of bridging relations between the NYPD and New York’s diverse communities. She was also the first and only female President of the historic Hampton U Ministers Conference, in its l02 year history, the largest gathering of African American clergy in the world. She served as pastor for three NYC congregations, including the famous standing room only “Lunch hour of Power”, mid week services and seminars for the business community., and formed the Pro Voice/Pro Voz movement for women of color leaders to not only LEAN IN at the table but to GET IN to have a seat at the table. Owner of CHARISMA SPEAKERS, the only global Professional Speakers bureau and Cross Cultural Communications firm owned by a Black woman, she is in demand as a motivational and keynote speaker, she has given more than 3,000 speeches around the globe. She plans and provides annual life balance/launching Retreats for busy Professional women, and Unsung SHEroes Banquets, to connect and celebrate female community and corporate leaders through her WOMEN ON THE WORLD STAGE and Pro VoicePro Voz International Movement for Women. A civil, gender and human rights activist, she officiated the Funeral services for her mentor and God-mother, Civil Rights legend, Coretta Scott King. She has addressed the United Nations, the UN General Assembly, and UN Geneva. A graduate of EMERSON COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, UNION AND UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES, HARVARD’S PRESIDENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE FELLOWS PROGRAM and HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S EXECUTIVE BUSINESS PROGRAM, she has authored 14 books. Ambassador Johnson Cook is highly regarded as one who bridges party, racial and gender divides. She can be reached at [email protected] or HarryWalker.com
Jodi J. Greene DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY, UNITED STATES NAVY
As the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy (DUSN), she serves as the (Secretary and) Under Secretary of the Navy’s primary advisor on foreign and defense policy and strategy; security cooperation and international engagement; security and space policy; intelligence and counter intelligence; intelligence oversight; defense sensitive support, signature reduction, and sensitive activities; special operations and irregular warfare; global force management and posture. Serves as the DON Security Executive. Responsible for DON interactions with the Under Secretaries of Defense for Policy and Intelligence. Prior to her appointment as DUSN, Ms. Greene was the Senior Director for Policy in the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy (DUSN). She was the principal advisor to the DUSN on general defense and foreign policy development, responsible for coordination with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. She supported the formulation of Department of the Navy-wide strategic plans, program objectives, policies and standards in support of major policy initiatives. From January 2004 until August 2007, Ms. Greene served as the Country Director for Russia in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense for Europe-NATO in Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Policy. She was responsible for the formulation and implementation of United States security policy for Russia and the Eurasia region. Ms. Greene served as the Country Director and Senior Director for Korea in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of Asian and Pacific Affairs in OSD Policy from 19972004, where she developed security policy on North Korea’s nuclear program and managed defense policies in support of the security alliance with the Republic of Korea. From 1995-1997, Ms. Greene served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC). While at the NSC, she monitored the Northern Ireland Peace Process, assisted in the development of plans for the African Crisis Response Initiative, and participated in negotiations with the governments of Peru and Ecuador regarding resolution of their border dispute. Prior to joining OSD Policy, Ms. Greene served in the U.S. Air Force from 1990-1995, with assignments at the National Security Agency, in the Offices of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of Defense. 16
General Gary L. Thomas ASSISTANT COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
General Gary L. Thomas is currently serving as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. A native of Austin, Texas, he graduated from the University of Texas and was commissioned in 1984. He previously served as the Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. General Thomas is a Naval Aviator and has served in several F/A-18 squadrons. He commanded VMFA-323 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM while embarked aboard the USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). He also commanded Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), and he served as the Commanding General, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) in Afghanistan as well as the Commanding General, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He has also served as Assistant Wing Commander of 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation, and as the Marine Corps Deputy Director of Operations. His joint assignments include service in the Joint Staff Strategic Plans Directorate (J-5) and in the Force Structure, Resources, Assessment Directorate (J-8). General Thomas is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, the Navy Fighter Weapons School, Air Command and Staff College, and the National War College. He holds a M.S. in National Security Strategy from National Defense University.
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Vice Admiral DeWolfe Miller, III COMMANDER, NAVAL AIR FORCES/COMMANDER, NAVAL AIR FORCE, US PACIFIC FLEET
Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller is a native of Annapolis, Maryland, grew up in York, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981. He holds a Master of Science from the National Defense University, is a Syracuse University national security management fellow and is a graduate of the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. His operational assignments include Training Squadron (VT) 19 in Meridian, Mississippi; Attack Squadron (VA) 56 aboard USS Midway (CV 41); Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 on USS Constellation (CV 64); VFA-131 and VFA-34 both aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); executive officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); commanding officer of USS Nashville (LPD 13); commanding officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and as a flag officer, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 participating in combat Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Resolve. Miller’s shore tours include Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 5; aviation programs analyst Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N80); Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic; deputy director of naval operations at the Combined Air Operations Center during Operation Allied Force; Office of Legislative Affairs for the Secretary of Defense; aircraft carrier requirements officer for Commander, Naval Air Forces; and flag officer tours in OPNAV as director for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (N2N6F2); assistant deputy chief of naval operations for Warfare Systems (N9B); and most recently as director, Air Warfare (N98). Miller became Naval Aviation’s 8th “Air Boss” in January 2018. He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and other personal, unit and service awards.
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Vice Admiral John B. Nowell, Jr. DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS (MANPOWER, PERSONNEL, TRAINING AND EDUCATION) (N1) CHIEF OF NAVAL PERSONNEL
Vice Adm. John Nowell is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering and holds a Master of Science in Weapons Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. Nowell’s operational tours have spanned the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets to include forward deployed naval forces in Europe and the Western Pacific. He served aboard USS Callaghan (DDG 994), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). He commanded USS Porter (DDG 78), and Destroyer Squadron 60/Task Force 65. He also served as the maritime force commander (Combined Task Force-Bravo) for Joint Task Force Lebanon, Commander of Task Force West and Central Africa (CTF-365), and commander of the inaugural Africa Partnership Station deployment. His staff assignments included tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Surface Warfare Directorate (N86), and executive assistant to the Director of Theater Air Warfare (N865); chief of the Theater Air and Missile Defense Branch (J-38); head of the Washington Placement Branch (PERS-441), executive assistant to the Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Naval Personnel Development Command, and director, Surface Warfare Distribution Division (PERS-41). Nowell also served as director of the Navy Senate Liaison Office in Washington D.C. As a flag officer, Nowell has served as chief of staff and director, Strategy, Resources, and Plans (N5/8) on the staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy; Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet/Expeditionary Strike Group Seven/Task Force 76 in Okinawa, Japan, and most recently as director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy (OPNAV N13). Nowell assumed duties as the Navy’s 59th Chief of Naval Personnel May 24, 2019. Serving concurrently as the deputy chief of naval operations (manpower, personnel, training and education) (N1), he is responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources for the U.S. Navy. He leads more than 26,000 dedicated professionals engaged in the recruiting, talent management, training and development of Navy personnel. His responsibilities include overseeing Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Personnel Command and Naval Education and Training Command. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (six awards), Bronze Star, and various other personal, unit and campaign awards. Every ship that he has been assigned to has won the Battle Efficiency “E” award, and USS Porter (DDG 68) also won the Anti-Submarine Warfare “Bloodhound” award. Nowell was also the recipient of the 1987 Pacific Fleet Junior Officer Shiphandling Award. 19
Vice Admiral Linda L. Fagan PACIFIC AREA COMMANDER, U.S. COAST GUARD
Vice Admiral Fagan assumed command of the Coast Guard Pacific Area in June 2018 where she serves as the operational commander for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the waters off the East Coast of Africa. She concurrently serves as Commander, Defense Force West and provides Coast Guard mission support to the Department of Defense and Combatant Commanders. Vice Admiral Fagan is the Coast Guard’s first-ever Gold Ancient Trident, as the officer with the longest service record in the Marine Safety Field. As such, she advocates for and advises the Prevention workforce. Vice Admiral Fagan reports to the Pacific Area from her tour as the Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, & Capabilities, responsible for establishing operational strategy, policy, capability, and resources to meet national priorities. Prior flag officer assignments were Commander, First Coast Guard District where she oversaw multi-mission operations across New England, and Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters, United States Northern Command, advising the Commander on mission operations. Admiral Fagan has served on all seven continents, from the snows of Ross Island, Antarctica to the heart of Africa, from Tokyo to Geneva, and in many ports along the way. She commanded Sector New York, with responsibility for all Coast Guard missions in the greater New York metropolitan area and as far north as Albany. Additional operational assignments include sea duty on board the USCGC Polar Star, and more than 15 years as a Marine Inspector. Vice Admiral Fagan’s staff tours include Executive Assistant to the Commandant and Vice Commandant, and Division Chief of the Foreign and Offshore Compliance Office. Vice Admiral Fagan has extensive interagency as well as intergovernmental experience. She has worked with both the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization on flag state and port state issues, including the development of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), and the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention. Vice Admiral Fagan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master’s Degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. She has earned numerous personal and team awards during her 38 years of Coast Guard service.
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Vice Admiral Michael F. McAllister DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MISSION SUPPORT (DCMS) U.S. COAST GUARD
Vice Admiral Michael F. McAllister assumed the duties of Deputy Commandant for Mission Support at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on May 25th 2018. As Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, Vice Admiral McAllister leads the 17,000-person organization that delivers the systems and people that enable the U.S. Coast Guard to efficiently and effectively perform its operational missions. He is responsible for all facets of support for the Coast Guard’s diverse mission set through oversight of human capital, lifecycle engineering and logistics, acquisitions, information technology and security. District, where he was responsible for Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea. Vice Admiral McAllister also served as the Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters United States Northern Command where he was responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities for North America, and theater security cooperation with Mexico and the Bahamas. He has served in a variety of operational assignments, both afloat and ashore. He served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCGC STEADFAST, St. Petersburg, Florida, and as Commanding Officer of USCGC POINT STEELE, Fort Myers Beach, Florida and USCGC KEY LARGO, Savannah, Georgia. From 2000 to 2003, Admiral McAllister served as Chief, Response Division at Coast Guard Activities New York where he led maritime response and security operations following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in New York City. He also served as Commander of Coast Guard Sector Charleston, South Carolina where he prototyped the Department of Homeland Security’s successful Interagency Operations Center Program. His staff assignments include duty as a Construction Project Manager at Facilities Design and Construction Center Pacific in Seattle, Washington and as Executive Officer of Civil Engineering Unit Miami, Florida. He served as a program reviewer in the Office of Programs and Budget at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the Officer Assignments Branch Chief at the Coast Guard Personnel Command, Arlington, Virginia. He was also the Executive Assistant to the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Executive Director for the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, and the Director of Coast Guard Enterprise Strategic Management and Doctrine. Vice Admiral McAllister attended the United States Coast Guard Academy, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. In 1991, he was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. In 2004, he received a Masters of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a member of the Sloan Fellows Program. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (five awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (three awards), the DOT 9/11 Medal, as well as numerous other personal, unit and Service awards. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Washington. 21
Major General Craig C. Crenshaw DIRECTOR, MANPOWER MANAGEMENT DIVISION
A native of Pensacola, Florida, Major General Crenshaw received his commission as a Second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in August 1984 through the NROTC Scholarship Program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisitions Management from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri; a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Washington, DC; and is a graduate of the Senior Acquisition Course and the Program Manager Course from the Defense Acquisition University. Major General Crenshaw began his career as a Logistics Officer with 3d Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan, starting in June 1985. In July 1986, he was reassigned to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, where he served as a Series Commander and Battalion Operations Officer. In September 1992, Major General Crenshaw was assigned to the Program Executive Office for Cruise Missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Washington, DC. In June 2002, Major General Crenshaw was assigned to 2d Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he assumed command of Headquarters and Service Battalion and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In August 2004 Major General Crenshaw was selected to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, in Washington, DC. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Logistics Directorate, as the Division Chief, Joint Logistics Operations Center, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Major General Craig C. Crenshaw Director, Manpower Management Division. In June 2007 he was assigned to the Department of Installations and Logistics (I&L) as the Special Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Commandant for I&L and Logistics Facilities for Defense Policy Review Initiatives. In June 2008, Major General Crenshaw assumed command of Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2d Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF). He was subsequently assigned as the Commanding General, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, Okinawa, Japan in June 2010. In July 2012, Major General Crenshaw returned to the Joint Staff as the Vice Director, J-4, with the follow-on assignment as the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics (LP), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, in October 2013. From May 2015 to June 2018, Major General Crenshaw served as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, Georgia, and then transitioned to his current position in July 2018 as the Director, Manpower Management Division, Department of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Major General Crenshaw's personal awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous unit awards and citations.
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Major General James W. Bierman Jr. COMMANDING GENERAL, MARINE CORPS RECRUITING COMMAND
Major General James W. Bierman, Jr. was born in Camp Lejeune, and attended the Virginia Military Institute. Upon completion of The Basic School and Infantry Officer’s Course in 1988, he reported to the 2d Marine Division and was assigned as a Rifle Platoon Commander in Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 4-88. While in this billet he participated in contingency operations in the Persian Gulf. In December 1988, Major General Bierman was assigned to 2d Battalion, 8th Marines. While with 2/8 he served as an AntiArmor Platoon Commander, Adjutant, and Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Service Company. In 1991 he deployed to the Mediterranean with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and participated in operations in Northern Iraq as part of Operation Provide Comfort. In February 1992, he began a tour in the Intelligence Field and was assigned to 1st Surveillance Reconnaissance and Intelligence Group for duty as an Analyst in the 1st MAGTF All Source Fusion Center. In December 1992, Major General Bierman was attached to the 1st Marine Division for duty as an Intelligence Analyst in Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. In May 1993 he assumed duties as the Intelligence Officer for the 1st Marine Regiment. In June 1995, Major General Bierman returned to Quantico to attend the Amphibious Warfare School. After graduating, he returned to Camp Pendleton where he served as the Commanding Officer of Company C and Battalion Operations Officer in 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. During this tour he participated in contingency operations ashore in the Central Command Area of Operations with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. From July 1999 to June 2002, Major General Bierman served as the Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Richmond, Virginia. Following recruiting duty, he attended the School of Advanced Warfighting in Quantico. While a student there he was assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force, and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a planner. After graduating from the School of Advanced Warfighting, Major General Bierman returned to I Marine Expeditionary Force. In the summer of 2003, he deployed to Al Hillah, Iraq where he served as an Action Officer during Phase IV of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the spring of 2004, he deployed to Fallujah, Iraq where he served as the Deputy G-3, Future Operations Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. In July 2005, he assumed command of 1st Battalion, 3d Marine Regiment.
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Major General Matthew G. Glavy COMMANDER, U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND
Major General Matthew G. Glavy assumed command of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command on 2 July 2018. He was commissioned in May 1986 through the United States Naval Academy. Upon receiving his wings in September of 1988, he was selected to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight. Assignments in the Operating Forces include: Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Embark Officer, HMM-261 (REIN); Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Executive Officer, HMM-265 (REIN); Current Operations Officer, G-3, 1st MAW; Commanding Officer, HMM-265 (REIN). Assignments in the Supporting Establishment include: Platoon Commander, Officer Candidate School; Operational Test Director, White House Liaison Officer, Presidential Command Pilot and Commanding Officer, HMX-1. Headquarters and Staff Assignments: Plans, Policy and Operation, HQMC; Information Operations, Joint Staff J3; HQMC Aviation, Expeditionary Enablers Branch; Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Marine Corp Staff; Deputy Director of Current Operations, United States Cyber Command, CG 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. Military Education: The Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College and Marine Corps War College. Master’s degrees in both Military Studies and Strategic Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.
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Major General Mark R. Wise ASSISTANT DEPUTY COMMANDANT COMBAT DEVELOPMENT & INTEGRATION
Major General (MajGen) Mark R. Wise was born in Amarillo, TX, and is a graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, and the Naval War College in Newport, RI. MajGen Wise served as the Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 Crusaders from 2003 to 2004 during which the squadron deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program. He commanded Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12 from 2008 to 2009 during which he supported numerous exercises throughout the Western Pacific Region. From 2011 to 2013, he served as Commanding General, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. From 2016 to 2018, MajGen Wise served as Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. MajGen Wise's operational tours include service with VMFA-333 during Operation DESERT SHIELD and Operation DESERT STORM; VMFA-312 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT during Operation DENY FLIGHT and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW); the 58th Fighter Squadron during OSW; and VMFA-251 with CVW-1 and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in support of OSW. MajGen Wise's staff tours include various billets with MAG-31 and MAG-12 between 1998 and 2008 as well as assignment to Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation from 1999 to 2001. In 2009, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as an individual augment to the International Security Assistance Force. In 2010, MajGen Wise returned to Headquarters Marine Corps and served as the Deputy Branch Head for Aviation Plans, Policies, Budget, and Joint Matters until 2011. From 2011 to 2013, while serving as the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, he also served as the Vice Chief of Naval Research. In 2013, MajGen Wise was assigned as the Assistant Wing Commander, 3rd MAW and in 2014, he was assigned as the Deputy Commander, United States Forces Japan.
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Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR HUMAN RESOURCES (CG-1) U.S. COAST GUARD
Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan assumed the duties of the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1) in July of 2019, becoming responsible for developing a diverse and effective workforce to meet Coast Guard mission requirements. A Bridgeport, Connecticut native, Rear Admiral Nunan graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1987. Her early sea duty was in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Western Pacific before she became the last commanding officer of the WWII era USCGC IRONWOOD in Kodiak, Alaska, and subsequently the first commanding officer of its state of the art replacement, the 225-foot SPAR. Ashore, she has held senior positions in two different Cabinet offices: Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security and Military Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation. She has been Chief of Staff at the Force Readiness Command, Sector Commander in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Deputy Sector Commander in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Most recently, she commanded the Coast Guard’s Ninth District, which encompasses the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaways region. Her professional studies range from a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to a Master Merchant Mariner license and fellowship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a non-partisan think tank in Washington, DC. She has attended a number of courses on national and international security at Harvard University and the Naval Post Graduate School. At CG-1, Rear Admiral Nunan oversees personnel management spanning recruitment, duty assignments, and retirees pay and benefits. She is responsible for the Coast Guard’s Health, Safety, and Work-Life programs, as well as policies addressing leadership, diversity, and sexual assault. She serves as Vice Chair of the Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees, Diversity and Inclusion Chief, and President of the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Board. She is responsible for the integration of the human component in the design and acquisition of all new CG systems. She also oversees the Coast Guard Exchange System.
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Rear Admiral William G. Kelly SUPERINTENDENT, COAST GUARD ACADEMY, U.S. COAST GUARD
Rear Admiral William G. Kelly assumed the duties of the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources (CG-1) in April of 2016. In this capacity, he is responsible for implementing the vision for human capital management; to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, proficient, and effective workforce to meet the current and future needs of the Service's nearly 60,000 member active duty, reserve, and civilian workforce. Rear Admiral Kelly oversees the Coast Guard's human resources field activities, from accession of new military personnel to retirees’ pay and benefits. He is responsible for the Coast Guard’s health, safety, and work-life programs, sexual assault prevention/response victim support, and leadership and diversity initiatives. He serves as Chair of the Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees, Diversity and Inclusion Chief, Warranting Officer Human Systems Engineering, and President of the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Board. His previous Flag assignment was as the Commander, Personnel Service Center. Rear Admiral Kelly is a 1987 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and he earned his Master’s Degree in Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. He has extensive experience in personnel development as the Director of the Coast Guard’s Leadership Development Center in New London, CT and also served as the School Chief for Officer Candidate School. For his work in providing distributed leadership training across the Service, he was awarded the Federal Government Distance Learning Association Diamond Award for Leadership in Distance Learning. While serving in Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Training and Performance, he led significant improvements to personnel policy, which enhanced the performance of Coast Guard Surfman, crews of the Buoy Tender fleet, and had lasting impact on the overall training and development for the Service’s workforce. Serving as the Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Recruit Training Center Cape May, he championed quality of life improvements to the base infrastructure that provided staff and instructors with a modernized Training Center. Additionally, he led significant upgrades to the recruit training curriculum that enhanced the operational readiness and professionalism of over 20% of today’s enlisted Coast Guard members. Rear Admiral Kelly is a Cutterman with over ten years of service at sea, including two command tours in CCG SENECA and CGC MONOMOY. As Executive Officer in CGC SPENCER, he prepared and successfully led the crew for deployment with the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, CGC SPENCER stood the watch protecting the ports of New York and Boston in the days following the attacks of September 11th. Rear Admiral Kelly’s major awards include the Legion of Merit (3), Meritorious Service Medal (4), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (6), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal and the permanent Cutterman’s Pin.
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Rear Admiral Steven Andersen JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL & CHIEF COUNSEL (CG-094), U.S. COAST GUARD
Rear Admiral Steve Andersen assumed duties as the Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the Coast Guard in July 2016. He has the privilege to lead a dedicated group of legal professionals who are responsible for the delivery of all legal services in support of the Coast Guard's missions, its units and its people. Andersen's previous assignment was the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence where he had the honor to serve with the Coast Guard's 1,100 intelligence professionals who were accountable for the Service's intelligence programs, to include counterintelligence, cyber, and cryptology. Prior to that he had the honor to serve four years as the Commanding Officer of Legal Service Command in Norfolk, Virginia, where he led the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard's nationwide legal command. Other rewarding assignments include: a one-year deployment at NATO Training MissionAfghanistan where he served as chief of anti-corruption; three years in command of Coast Guard Base Portsmouth; Deputy Chief of the Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic Legal Division, military judge, operational law attorney for Atlantic Area and the Fifth District, and Assistant Legal Officer at the Seventh District Office in Miami. Andersen began his career serving as student engineer aboard CGC STEADFAST, and as Commanding Officer on CGC CAPE KNOX and CGC STURGEON BAY. Andersen graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1985. He entered the Coast Guard legal program after receiving a Juris Doctor from George Mason University School of Law in 1997 and is a member of the Virginia Bar. Andersen wears several decorations, which are all a direct result of the professionalism, loyalty, and excellence of the men and women with whom he served. His 2012 receipt of the ABA's Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award is one such example.
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Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey COMMANDER, CARRIER STRIKE GROUP ONE
Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at Morehouse College in 1988, where he received a degree in Computer Science. He earned a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University in 1995 and attended the Joint Forces Staff College in 2010. He served in a variety of training and operational squadrons including Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 36, Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 8, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 40, and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44. His sea assignments included deployments aboard USS Jesse L. Brown (FF 1089), USS Nicholson (DD 982), USS Vreeland (FF 1068), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and USS Simpson (FFG 56). He commanded Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37 and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Assignments to shore and staff billets have included, flag aide to Commander Naval Air Force and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Warfare Requirements and Programs N6/N7), operations officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-3, Joint Operations Directorate, European Command, deputy director PERS 43/Head Air Combat Placement Officer, Navy Personnel Command, force operations officer, N3 at Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. Holsey became commander, Carrier Strike Group One, June 12, 2018. He previously served as deputy director for Operations, National Military Commanded Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards.
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Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar COMMANDER, NAVY REGION SOUTHWEST
Rear Admiral Bolivar is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography. She holds a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University. At sea, Bolivar served in various leadership positions aboard USS Reclaimer (ARS 42), USS Grasp (ARS 51), USS Grapple (ARS 53) and USS Recovery (ARS 43). She served as commanding officer of USS Salvor (ARS 52). Bolivar’s other operational assignments include commanding officer of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, and officer in charge of the Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Electronic Warfare program while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom’s counter IED task force, Task Force Paladin. Her shore tours include fleet and message center officer/CMS custodian at the U.S. Naval Communications Station, San Miguel, Philippines; researcher/writer on the Secretary of the Navy’s White House Liaison staff; and as ordnance officer at Naval Station Norfolk and Atlantic Ordnance Command Yorktown. Bolivar also served on the staffs of Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic and Explosive Ordnance Group 2. Bolivar served in various leadership assignments as executive officer of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, operations officer and military professor at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, and as the commanding officer of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Navy Munitions Command CONUS East Division. Bolivar served as the chief of staff for Commander Navy Installations Command. Bolivar’s Flag Officer assignments include Commander, Navy Region Northwest and Commander Joint Region Marianas, where she also served as the U.S. Pacific Command/Defense Representative Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands-Federated States of Micronesia-Republic of Palau; Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas; and Commander, Task Force West. Bolivar’s previous tour was as Commander, Navy Region Southeast. Bolivar assumed command as Commander, Navy Region Southwest in March 2019. Bolivar is designated as a special operations officer (Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Diving and Salvage community). Bolivar’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards) Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various campaign, unit and service awards, including recognition as the Chief of Naval Operations’ Pacific Fleet finalist for the Vice Adm. James Stockdale Leadership Award and a 2005 inductee into the Women Divers Hall of Fame.
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Rear Admiral Eric C. Ruttenberg DEPUTY, PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICER(PEO)FOR ENTERPRISE INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg is a native of Redondo Beach, California. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and was commissioned in 1988. He holds a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. His initial sea duty assignment was to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Eleven (HC 11), where he flew the UH/HH-46 and deployed aboard USS Flint (AE 32) during Desert Storm and aboard USS Kansas City (AOR 5) in support of both Operations Southern Watch and Restore Hope. Later he served at Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC 6) in Patuxent River, Maryland as the safety department head, flying the Pioneer Unmanned Airborne Vehicle on surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Ashore, Ruttenberg served as the deputy director, Integrated Overhead SIGINT Architecture, Phase II Program Office, Technology Division at the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia. In a subsequent tour, he served as executive officer at Navy Reserve (NR) Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) 0366 in Chantilly, Virginia. He then served as the Space and Network Warfare Program (SNWP) and the SNWP operations director, coordinating the integration of Space, C4ISR, and Network Operations Units with the Naval Security Reserve Group. Additionally, he served as U.S. Special Operations Command deputy J6X, supporting the acquisition of a multi-mission communication architecture supporting both the special operations and intelligence organizations. His command tours include NR SPAWAR 0366 and NR SPAWAR 0866, supporting the SPAWAR Space Field Activity in Chantilly, Virginia; NR SPAWAR 0466, supporting the Program Executive Office for Space and the Navy Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego, California; and Commander, Naval Information Forces Reserve, Region Washington DC. Most recently, Ruttenberg commanded NR SPAWAR HQ and served concurrently as director of the SPAWAR Reserve Program in San Diego, California. Ruttenberg was the recipient of the 2003 Space and Network Warfare Program Junior Officer of the Year Award and was designated an Information Warfare Officer in 2011. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service, expeditionary, unit and campaign awards.
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Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox, USN, Retired DIRECTOR, NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
Rear Adm. Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy (Retired) serves as the director of the Naval History and Heritage Command and Curator of the Navy. He is responsible for the Navy's museums, art and artifact collections, the research library, 150 million pages of archives, and for collecting and interpreting U.S. Naval history throughout the world. Entering the Navy from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, he graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980, winning the Trident Scholar Prize for his independent research project "U.S. Foreign Policy and Naval Strategy in China, 1945-1950," as well as the prize for the history major with the highest standing. He also holds a master's degree in Military Art and Sciences from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, earning U.S. Army designation as a Military Historian. In his 37 year naval career, Cox served as an intelligence officer, retiring in November 2013, as the senior naval intelligence community leader and from both command of the Office of Naval Intelligence and as director of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office. He also previously served as director of Intelligence (J2), U.S. Cyber Command. His major command tour was as commander of the U.S. Central Command Joint Intelligence Center. He was also the first intelligence officer to serve as a senior fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group. He held significant operational intelligence leadership positions throughout his career: Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), Mount Pinatubo eruption, Philippines (1991), Cuban Refugee Crises (1993-1995), Haiti intervention (1994-1995), Kosovo conflict (1999), Iraq Southern No-Fly Zone enforcement (1999-2001), Iraqi Maritime Interception Operations (19992001), USS Cole attack (2000), Afghanistan (2001, 2004-2007), Iraq (2004-2007), South Korean warship CHEONAN sinking (2010), and Cyber Operations (2011-2012.) Cox became the 14th director and Curator of the Navy on Dec. 29, 2014. The office was established in 1944 and after a series of mergers and name changes, became the Naval History and Heritage Command in 2008. Cox's awards include the Bronze Star, the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement Medal for leading the CHEONAN sinking multinational investigation, the 2001 Navy League of the U.S. Naval Intelligence Foundation Award for excellence in operational intelligence support to the Fleet, as well as numerous other military unit, campaign and individual medals.
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Rear Admiral Fernandez L. "Frank" Ponds, USN, Retired
Rear Admiral Fernandez Ponds, a native of Alabama, earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama in 1982 and received his commission from Officer Candidate School in June 1983. Ponds holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Technology from George Washington University, a Master of Science in Military Studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, National Defense University. Ponds commanded Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 from June 2013 to June 2015 and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 from November 2007 to May 2009 as commander of the USS Kearsarge (LHD) 3 Expeditionary Strike Group operating in four numbered fleet areas of operation in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, counter piracy operations, and operation Sea Angel II-Bangladesh humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR). He also served as mission commander for operation Continuing Promise 2008 and Haiti HA/DR operation 2008. Ponds commanded USS Fife (DD 991) from October 2001 to February 2003. Additional sea billets include: damage control assistant and assistant first lieutenant in USS Mauna Kea (AE 22); boilers material officer in USS Midway (CV 41); engineering officer in USS Berkeley (DDG 15); flag secretary for Commander Amphibious Group 1 (CTF 76); and executive officer, USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964). His shore assignments include inspector for Pacific Fleet's Propulsion Examination Board; inspector in the Office of the Navy Inspector General; Assessment Division/Capability Analysis Group team lead for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N81/N00X), Resources, Requirements and Assessment; senior naval advisor in the Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Department of State during 2005 Pakistan earthquake relief operations, 2006 Lebanon non-combatant evacuation operation, and Hurricane Katrina disaster relief; senior fellow on the 2010 Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group; and commander for Navy Region Hawaii, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. Ponds assumed his current duties as Special Assistant to COMNAVSURFOR on June 29, 2015. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four), Meritorious Service Medal (five), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards.
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Brigadier General Francis L. Donovan ASSISTANT COMMANDER FOR OPERATIONS - KOREA, JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
Brigadier General Francis Donovan entered the Marine Corps in 1986 through the Platoon Leader's Class program while attending Towson State University. After graduating with a degree in Geography in 1988, he attended The Basic School and was assigned as an 0302 Infantry Officer. Donovan reported into 3d Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (3/9) in early 1989 and led platoons in Lima Company and Weapons Company. With 3/9, he deployed to Honduras in support of Joint Task Force Bravo operations, Okinawa and the Philippines, and to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In 1992, Donovan was assigned to Marine Corps Security Forces Detachment Souda Bay, Crete, Greece to provide security for national reconnaissance platforms. Following a year and a half in Greece, he was assigned to the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) Company in Norfolk, Virginia and made numerous special security deployments. Selected to attend Amphibious Warfare School (AWS), he reported to Quantico for the 1995-96 school year. After graduation, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) and 1st Force Reconnaissance. He served for three years as a Force Reconnaissance platoon commander and raid force commander making a deployment to U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Donovan was selected to attend the Marine Corps Command and Staff College for the 1999-2000 school year. After graduation, he was selected to command Recruiting Station Harrisburg, and spent three years in Eastern Pennsylvania leading 85 Canvassing Recruiters. In 2003, Donovan reported back to I MEF for service as OIC, Special Missions Branch, Special Operations Training Group (SOTG). In 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq as an individual augment to Special Operations Command. In 2005, he was selected to fill the billet of Executive Officer for the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, Detachment One. Donovan reported to 2d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (2/1) in 2006 for duty as commanding officer. 2/1 deployed to Okinawa in 2007 and served for one year as the 31st MEU's Battalion Landing Team operating across the West and Southwest Pacific. Upon returning to the United States and turning over command, Donovan served on the 1st Marine Division staff until transferring to Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 2009 for a year of school at the US Army War College. After Army War College, Donovan was assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command where he served in J3 Operations as the J35. On May 6, 2011, Donovan took command of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, where he deployed for nine months to the 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Brigadier General Francis L. Donovan Assistant Commander for Operations - Korea, Joint Special Operations Command Responsibility as the nation's crisis response force. After attending Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, he spent the next two years as Director, Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA. BGen Donovan is currently assigned to the Joint Staff J5, serving as Division Chief, Trans-regional Threats Coordination Cell. 34
Brigadier General Roberta Shea ACTING DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR EAST ASIA
Brigadier General Shea enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1985. Trained as a ground support equipment mechanic, she served with 2d Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. She was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 and was assigned as a communications officer. BGen Shea’s operational assignments have included: platoon commander and company commander with 2d Landing Support Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group in Camp Lejeune, NC; company commander with Marine Wing Communications Squadron-38, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, San Diego, CA; S-6 Officer for the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) for deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq; Director of the Commander's Initiatives Group for the Commander, International Security Assistance Forces, Afghanistan; Assistant Chief of Staff G-6, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, San Diego, CA; and Commanding Officer, I MEF Headquarters Group, Camp Pendleton, CA. Her duties in the supporting establishment have included duty as a series commander, company commander, and battalion commander with 4th Recruit Training Battalion, and the Assistant Director of the Drill Instructor School, MCRD Parris Island, SC; as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Homeland Security Advisor, The White House, Washington, DC; as a Strategic Analyst with the Strategic Initiatives Group, Headquarters, Marine Corps; as the Director, Commandant’s Staff Group, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and the Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. BGen Shea most recently served as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense since July 2017. BGen Shea holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Boston University (2000) and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (2011). Her military education includes graduating as an honor graduate from both the Marine Corps Basic Communications Officers Course and the Amphibious Warfare School, and as the Commandant’s Distinguished Graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.
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Rear Admiral Michael P. Ryan ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR CAPABILITY (CG-7), U.S. COAST GUARD
Rear Admiral Mike Ryan serves as the Assistant Commandant for Capability, and is responsible for identifying and providing capabilities, competencies, and capacity along with developing standards for the staffing, training, equipping, sustaining, maintaining, and employing Coast Guard forces to meet mission requirements. Prior to this, he served as the Executive Assistant to the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard and Executive Director for the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS). He also led the Officer Personnel Management (OPM) division at the Personnel Service Center where he directed career actions for the service’s 9000 officers. He served as Deputy Sector Commander of Sector Northern New England in directing mission execution in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Northeastern New York. His afloat tours include serving as Commanding Officer aboard USCGC KATMAI BAY and Executive Officer aboard USCGC BISCAYNE BAY conducting icebreaking operations in the Great Lakes, and Operations Officer aboard USCGC RED BIRCH executing Aids to Navigation missions in the Mid-Atlantic. Using his C4IT specialty, he commanded the Operations Systems Center (OSC) with responsibility for software development and sustainment of enterprise information technology systems. He also commanded Electronic Systems Support Unit St. Louis, providing support for 77 operational and shore side units in the Midwest. He was a ‘plank owner’ for the USCG Differential Global Positioning System during his tour at the Electronics Engineering Center in Wildwood, NJ, and served as Information Systems Branch Chief in the Office of Command and Control Architecture (G-OCC) at Headquarters. Rear Admiral Ryan is a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Mathematical and Computer Sciences. He also completed a Master of Science degree in Computer Science at Purdue University in 1993. He received the AFCEA / U.S. Naval Institute Copernicus Award in 2002 and the Federal 100 Award in 2011 for outstanding Information Systems contributions. His personal awards include two Legions of Merit and five Meritorious Service Medals with "O" device among others.
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RDML Susan L. Dunlap DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT, U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
RDML Dunlap is a native of Philadelphia, Pa. She attended Northwestern University on an NROTC scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature She is a graduate of the Naval War College, where she earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with a single area focus on Africa. She also earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. She was a distinguished graduate of the Surface Warfare Officers School Basic Course, and her initial assignment was to USS CANOPUS (AS-34), where she served as Navigator and Auxiliaries Officer. A distinguished graduate of the Surface Warfare Officers Department Head Course, she was assigned as Chief Engineer of the USS JASON (AR-8). She also served at sea as Executive Officer of USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47), Navigator of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS BOXER (LHD-4); and Chief Staff Officer of Amphibious Squadron THREE, embarked onboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD-6). Dunlap commanded Assault Craft Unit ONE, Training Center San Diego, and Sealift Logistics Command Far East. Ashore, she served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet, and Naval Forces Europe/Africa. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two gold stars), the Meritorious Service Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other campaign and service ribbons.
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Command Master Chief Adwoa Hendricks COMMAND MASTER CHIEF PACIFIC AREA, U.S. COAST GUARD
Command Master Chief Adwoa S. Hendricks assumed the duties of the Coast Guard Pacific Area Command Master Chief on June 8, 2018, and is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) and serves as the principle advisor to the Pacific Area Commander and on all matters affecting the morale, work-life, and general wellbeing of Coast Guard enlisted personnel and their families assigned throughout the Pacific Area. Her previous CSEL assignments include service as the Command Master Chief of the Fifth Coast Guard District, the Senior Enlisted Advisor at the Coast Guard Navigation Center in Alexandria, Virginia, and the Senior Enlisted Advisor at Coast Guard Sector Detroit, Michigan. CMC Hendricks graduated from Amityville Memorial High School in Amityville, New York, in June 1993 and immediately entered Coast Guard Basic Training in Cape May, New Jersey, in August 1993. Upon completion of Basic Training, CMC Hendricks’ first duty assignment was Coast Guard Sector Galveston, Texas, and completed Radarman Apprentice School in Yorktown, Virginia, in 1994. Her principle staff and unit assignments include; Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Diversity as an Enlisted Gender Policy Advisor; Coast Guard Air Station Miami, Florida; USCGC DALLAS Charleston, South Carolina; Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston, Texas; and USCGC SHERMAN, Alameda, California. CMC Hendricks’ awards and decorations include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, two Coast Guard Commandant Letter of Commendation Ribbons with operational distinguishing device and various other awards and decorations. The is the recipient of the U.S. House of Representative Congressional Special Recognition Award, and the Stars and Stripes Award for Leadership in Science Technology Engineering and Math. CMC Hendricks is a 2006 graduate of Nova Southeastern University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and is a 2009 graduate of Webster University, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She is also a graduate of The Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute Senior Leadership Training, the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy, the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course, and the National Defense University Keystone Joint Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course.
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LIFE SKILLS SEMINAR HOSTS Tuesday, August 6, 2019 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lorraine Santirosa, CEO, Realtor AgentsForVeterans.com
Irvin Jewell Spencer, Northwestern Mutual Agent
TOPIC: Secrets to wealth building and real estate while serving in the military.
TOPIC: Reaching financial goals and becoming debt free.
BANQUET ENTERTAINER
Visit NNOA.ORG for Symposium highlights and details for the upcoming 2020 Symposium
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CHAPTERS IN ACTION EASTERN REGION VP CDR STACEY L. O‘NEAL, USN
Annapolis Bayou Camp Lejeune Jacksonville Quantico Tidewater Washington, DC WESTERN REGION VP CAPTAIN ROD ROJAS, USCG
Camp Pendleton/Mirimar Monterey Okinawa San Diego San Francisco Bay Area
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EASTERN REGION Message from Eastern Region VP
CDR Stacey L. O’Neal, USN
Greeting from the ERVP, Local Chapters have been a continuing source of innovative ideas and positive attributions not only to their respective militaries, but their communities as well. Their meticulous focus to developing emerging leaders through mentoring in seminars, workshops and local projects are their core drivers in excellence. Eastern Regional Chapters take personal responsibility in leading by example in our armed services and local regions. Collectively we are capable and dedicated to achieving uniformly outstanding results! Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.
NNOA ERVP represents NNOA at War College Annual Ball
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Annapolis CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
President CAPT Robert Dews USN (Ret.) Vice President LCDR Yasmin Odunukwe, USN Treasurer LT Wesley Saavedra, USN
NNOA/NSBE Members at BEYA
Public Affairs Officer ENS Malcolm Dixon, USN
NNOA Members with CNO at 2018 NNOA Professional Development and Training Symposium
NNOA Professional Development Session – presenter CAPT Donnie Cochran (USN Ret) – Former Commanding Officer, Blue Angels FLT Demo Team
NNOA members at retirement of CAPT Robert Dews (USN Ret)
NNOA Professional Development – “African American Flag and General Officers” presenter CDR Jim Jackson (USN Ret) Joint NNOA/Midshipmen Black Studies Club Professional Development – “Thinking Two Levels Up” presenter CAPT Rob Dews (USN Ret) 42
Bayou
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
President Capt. Deon Sanders, USMC (Ret.) Vice President LCDR Mary Gilday, USCG Secretary LTJG Lloyd Banks, USCG Treasurer LTJG Nakia Banks, USCG
Bayou Chapter building momentum – gaining members.
PAO LCDR Lori Campbell, USN (Ret.) Outreach/STEM Coordinator LCDR Michelle Ferguson, USCG JAG Major Tamia Gordon, USMC (Ret.)
President Capt. Deon Sanders, USMC (Ret.)
Bayou Chapter reinvigorated! – LCDR Howard Vacco, USCG, Col Grady Belyeu, USMC and Captain Brian Harrison, USN (Ret.) lead the way.
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Vice President LCDR Mary Gilday, USCG
Outreach/STEM Coordinator LCDR Michelle Ferguson, USCG
Camp Lejeune CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
President 1stLt Christin N. St. John, USMC Secretary Ms. Renea T. Lewis, USAF (Ret.) Treasurer Maj Terry Whitaker, USMC Public Relations 2nd Lt. Justice Stewart, USMC Chaplain LTJG Rainell Cannon, USN
Camp LeJeune NNOA local chapter monthly PME had the honor of having BGen Odom speaking on work/life balance and his definition on LEAD
Chapter Ev ents
NNOA President visits Camp Lejeune for Military Education Luncheon.
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Jacksonville CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
President LCDR Paul Nix, USN (Ret.)
Master-at-arms LT Harold Jones, USN (Ret.)
Vice President LT Mark Jean-Pierre, USN
Chaplain CDR Darryl Pierce, USN (Ret.)
Secretary ENS Renicka McGill, USN
Community Chairperson LCDR Herlena Washington, USN (Ret.)
Treasurer LCDR James Andrew, USCG (Ret.) Membership Director LT Brian Davis, USN
Professional development training at Mayport USO
Chapter Advisor RADM Gene Kendall, USN (Ret.) NNOA President visits Jacksonville to discuss inclusion, diversity and the National Naval Officers Association
Scholarships presented to Paxon School for Advanced Studies students Zachary Bell, Olivia Walker, and Ashley Williams
10th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament to raise funds for local high schools seniors
NNOA Jax members attended Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Breakfast 2019 where the guest speaker was Chris Gardner, author of the book “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
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Quantico CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
[email protected]
President Col Chris Shaw, USMC Vice President Maj Blake Jackson, USMC Secretary Captain Valonne Ehrhardt, USMC PAO Maj Keith Stevenson, USMC Treasurer Maj Rod Singleton Membership LtCol Melanie Bell-Carter, USMC
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Tidewater
NNOA Symposium STEM static display Aug 2018
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP President CDR Carlton McClain, USN Vice President LCDR Lee Stenson, USCG Public Relations Officer LT Nakesia Mouzon, USN Webmaster LT Devonte Weems, USCG Membership Director LTCOL Jason Davis, USMC (Ret.)
STEM Scholarship Award with Vice President and STEM Coordinator Aug 2018
Master-at-arms LTJG Ginger Pena, USCG Secretary LT Nicholas Powell, USCG Outreach Coordinator LTJG Jeanette Rincon, USCG Treasurer LT Sara Daniels-Jacobs, USCG PME Coordinator CDR Rick Howell, USCG STEM Representative CDR Joe McMahon, USN (Ret.) Chaplain LTCOL James Washington, USMC (Ret.) General Body Meets the third Tuesday at 1700. Building N-30, 1474 Gilbert St., Norfolk, VA 23511
NNOA sponsored Campostella STEM Academy Spelling Bee with President and Treasurer Jan 2019
Chaplain, CDR Eric Jones, CAPT Sandy Pollard, USN (ret), President and LCDR Tommy Johnson, USN (ret) Aug 2018
MLK Breakfast at Old Dominion Univ. with CAPT Sandy Pollard, USN (ret), sister Edna, Vice President, and LCDR Kimberly Cain Jan 2019
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Washington DC CHAPTER LEADERSHIP President CAPT Tom Abernethy, USN (Ret.)
Vice President CAPT Gary Powe, SC, USN Secretary CAPT Jerome Davis, SC, USN (Ret.)
VA Hospital Visit Participants
Treasurer CDR Roger Hardy, USN (Ret.) Membership LCDR (Ret.) Stephen Williams, Historian CAPT (Ret.) Willie Evans, SC, USN
Ester Boone Memorial Scholarship Banquet Scholarship Recipients
MAA CW04 (Ret.) Diedra Padgett
Chapter Photo
VA Hospital Visit – Lending A Hand 48
WESTERN REGION Message from NNOA’s Symposium Coordinator & Western Region VP I welcome you to beautiful San Diego, CA for the 47th annual National Naval Officers Association Symposium. We gather every year to address critical issues facing our Sea Services – U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Our success is measured by your ability to support NNOA’s mission to enhance Sea Service operational readiness through recruiting, professional development, and retention. As an attendee, I encourage you to: Crave Knowledge & Experience: Take advantage of the many opportunities that are available throughout the symposium, especially our seminars that feature champions of leadership and collectively some of the most powerful keynote speakers and expert panelists. Participants include a former Ambassador and Cabinet Secretary as well as Senior General and Flag Officers, elected officials, and academic experts. Ask questions, be inquisitive, and challenge us to challenge you. Be a Shipmate: Support & mentor each other. Each of us are at different points in our personal/professional development, with individual strengths & goals. Our combined experiences, knowledge, and perspectives make us better. Look around you…extend a handshake, introduce yourself and get to know your fellow shipmates. Seek advice before, during and most importantly build the relationships, network that guide you and help guide others after you depart the symposium. Set a fix towards the future: We honor our Service through the observance of customs and traditions that celebrate our collective history. Together, we will write the next chapters - our own sea stories- and build upon of the legacy of those that came before us. Bring your “A” Game and embrace this year’s theme by “Charting a Course for Tomorrow’s Leaders.” Let us measure how far you can carry it forward. Best Regards, CAPT Rod Rojas, U.S. Coast Guard NNOA Symposium Coordinator & Western Region VP 49
Okinawa CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Vice President LT Angela Sadosky, USN Treasurer 1stLt Edward Robinson, USMC Secretary LT Janell Green, USN Membership Director LT Maya Bell, USN Public Affairs Officer 1stLt Kadeem Murray, USMC Master-at-arms 1stLt Miguel Ramirez, USMC
[email protected]
President Capt Marie Banks, USMC
Historian 1stLt Jamar Alexander, USMC Chaplain LCDR Raynard Allen, USN Parliamentarian 1stLt Kareem El, USMC Chapter Advisor Col Stacey Taylor, USMC
Chapter Ev ents
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Monterey INTEREST GROUP
LCDR Shamire Branch and MAJ Matt Bowman host a meet and greet at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) for prospective members. The NPS interest group is working with national leadership and the school administration to reenergize affiliation with NNOA.
NNOA Leadership stops at Naval Postgraduate School to meet interested Chapter member LCDR Shamire Branch and NPS staff.
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San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
NNOA National President, Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris visits the Officers stationed at United States Coast Guard Base Alameda.
San Francisco Chapter has an ongoing partnership with Oakland Military Institute.(Center) Col Peter B. Cross, USA’s Commanding Officer.
CDR Adolph Keyes, Sr., US Coast Guard Retired, President President Harris made an office call on Chief of Staff Captain ? USCG Base Alameda.
LTJG Omar A. Duke-Tinson, SFBA Chapter member presented President Harris with a token appreciation for his visit.
Captain Rojas, Western Regional Vice President and President Harris with Cadet David Tram displays his appointment certificate to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Maj. D ’Emmanuel Grosse, Sr., US Air Force Retired, Vice President
The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter normally meets onboard U.S. Coast Guard Base Alameda, California. Mailing address: 16 Seminole Court, Rio Vista, CA 94571. Email: [email protected]. CDR (ret) Denise J. McCallaCreary. Telephone: 408 268-2933
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LCDR James Haskins, U.S. Navy Retired, Treasurer
Advisory Panels
NNOA.ORG/ADVISORY-PANELS Senior Advisory Panel - The primary purpose of the Senior Advisory Panel is to assist the President and in turn the BoD in providing wisdom and guidance, as well as establishing, operating, and evaluating programs, which will serve the needs of NNOA members.
VADM Anthony Winns USN (Ret.)
LtGen Walt Gaskin USMC (Ret.)
JUNIOR
VADM Manson Brown USCG (Ret.)
ADM Cecil Haney USN (Ret.)
S E N I O R
LT Tyree Harris, USN
Lt Gen Ronald L. Bailey USMC (Ret.)
PANEL CHAIR
LTJG Shakeitha Lewis, USN
LT Michelle Coleman, USN RDML Annie Andrews USN (Ret.)
Ensign Cody E. Mitchell, USCG
Capt. Valonne L. Ehrhardt, USMC VADM Manson Brown USCG (Ret.)
LTJG Tanesha Green-Baker, USCG RDML Errol Brown USCG (Ret.)
Cynthia Miller SES
BGen John Thomas USMC (Ret.)
www.facebook.com/nnoajo/ Junior Advisory Panel - The panel advises the Board of Directors on continuous improvement to NNOA Junior Officer (JO) outreach. They provide a communication network to deliver the pulse of Junior Officers to the Board of Directors. They assist the Board of Directors in establishing, operating and evaluating programs that will serve the needs of Junior Officers and they assist in maintaining Junior Officers membership participation in NNOA through recruitment & retention ideas. 53
Board of Directors
NNOA.ORG/BOARD-OF-DIRECTORS
President RADM Sinclair M Harris, USN (Ret.)
Western Region Vice President Capt. Rod Rojas, USCG
Immediate Past President CDR Denise McCallaCreary, USN (Ret.)
Historian CAPT Roosevelt Wright, USN (Ret.)
Executive Vice President Dr. Mary E. McAdams, CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Navy Affiliates CAPT Wesley J. Joshway, USN CDR(s) Desmond K. Walker, USN
Treasurer LCDR Beulah I. Henderson, USN (Ret.)
Marine Corps Affiliates Col C. Derek Campbell, USMCR Col Carlos T. Jackson, USMCR
Legal Advisor Maj Tracey L. Holtshirley, USMC
Coast Guard Affiliate CDR Shameen Anthanio-Williams, USCG
Chaplain LT Takana Jefferson, USN
Reserve Affiliate LCDR Paul Green, USCG
Membership Director LtCol Jason Davis, USMC (Ret.)
Veteran’s Representative CDR Ernie Taylor, USN (Ret.)
Eastern Region Vice President CDR Stacey L. O’Neal, USN
Committees
NNOA.ORG/COMMITTEES
Information Technology CAPT Mike Francis, USN (Ret.)
Membership LtCol Jason Davis, USMC (Ret.)
Career Development Dr. Mary E. McAdams, CAPT, USN (Ret.)
Recruiting & Accessions LCDR Robert Atkinson, USN
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The PVAMU “Golden Thirteen” The first Naval ROTC (NROTC) program at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) was commissioned at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) on 12 March 1968. Its historic beginning was the result of the leadership of PVAMU President Alvin I. Thomas.
Dr. Alvin I. Thomas, PVAMU president, was instrumental in bringing the Navy ROTC program to Prairie View.
The Navy was the most technical military service and didn’t believe that an HBCU could produce successful Naval Officers. However, Dr. Thomas pointed out that Prairie View was one of the leading producers of AfricanAmerican engineering, science and technology graduates and convinced the Navy that PVAMU could meet the Navy’s standards. In the Spring of 1968, 21 NROTC midshipmen were initially chosen. After strenuous training, 13 emerged as the final selectees. Two years later, on 17 May 1970, Navy Secretary John Chafee commissioned 10 Navy and three Marine Corps officers in a historic graduation ceremony. In a twist of historical irony, 13 African-American officers were the first to be commissioned as Naval Officers in 1944 and became known as the Golden 13. Thus, the historical significance of the 13 PVAMU officers being the first HBCU NROTC officers commissioned and their subsequent success earned them the distinction of being called the PVAMU Golden 13. “The PVAMU Golden Thirteen”
The 13 officers joined a Navy and Marine Corps in 1970 that had less than 300 AfricanAmerican Navy Officers in an officers’ corps of over 70,000 and less than 150 African-American Marine Corps officers. Many of the Sailors and Marines that they would lead had never seen an African-American officer. In 1970, there were five African-American Captains, one Marine Corps Reserve Colonel (Herbert L. Brewer, 1st African-American Marine promoted to Colonel in 1968), and no Admirals or Marine Corps Generals. 56
The PVAMU “Golden Thirteen” The first African-American admiral, Samuel Gravely, would be promoted a year later in 1971. The first African-American Marine Corps general, Frank Petersen, would be promoted in 1979. PVAMU NROTC’s Executive Officer and eventual Professor of Naval Science (1969-70), Gerald Thomas, became the second AfricanAmerican promoted to admiral in 1974. As Secretary Chafee stated during his commencement address and the commissioning ceremony, “But as black officers, you will face the added challenge of integrating efficiently into what is still essentially a great white fleet.” Thus, as Secretary Chafee warned, life on the deck plates for the PVAMU Golden 13 in the early 70’s was indeed challenging. Some white officers were supportive, yet some confronted them and didn’t believe that they were worthy. Racial epithets were still the order of the day. However, they persevered. Of the 10 Navy Officers, eight served 20 years or more. Of the eight, five were promoted to Captain and one was promoted to Vice Admiral. This 60% Captain and above promotion percentage is one of the highest ever for an NROTC unit. Although none of the three Marine Corps officers served 20 years, they also had very successful civilian careers. PVAMU NROTC has produced three African-American admirals to date – Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III ‘70, Rear Admiral Kelvin Dixon ’81, and Rear Admiral (lower half) Osie Combs ’71. Thus, Prairie View has produced more AfricanAmerican admirals to date than any college or university, with the exception of the U. S. Naval Academy.
On June 15, 2019 in Washington, DC, former Marine Corps Captain Wendell Chinn Sr, Prairie View A & M NROTC Class of 1972, donated his sword to the National Museum of African American History and Culture to reside in perpetuity. Pictured with members of the Golden 13 and other Prairie View NROTC graduates is retired Commander Denise J. McCallaCreary, United States Navy, Immediate Past President and the first female President of the National Naval Officers Association in its 47 year history who was invited to participate in this historic event.
Author: Vice Admiral David Brewer, USN (Ret.)
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FUTURE NAVAL NUCLEAR POWER OFFICER By: CDR Denise J. McCallaCreary, USN (Ret.) Akpokli, born and raised in Northern California by immigrant parents, mother Bolaya Kimfuema from the Democratic Republic of Congo and father Folly Akpokli from Togo developed a passion for the Navy in her teenage years. She demonstrated persistence, perseverance and maintained a consistent positive attitude throughout the journey of applicant to NAPS selectee. Her Dad was the first to notice that his daughter was gifted in Math like her Mom, a genius her Dad said. At first, Jacey was reluctant to accept that she had above average aptitude in Math but agreed after impressive test scores on her first geometry test. As a result of her high academic performance, Dad enrolled her simultaneously in college courses and high school.
Fireman Jacey Akpokli is about to have her dream come true. This summer, she will join the 2019 Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) class convening in Newport, Rhode Island. Selected from a pool of over 16,000 applicants, Akpokli, a recent high school graduate and college student, will now FN Jacey Akpokli be added to the list of many high school graduates, members of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) San Francisco Bay Area Chapter recruited to join the Navy. One of the primary objectives of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) is to help the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard recruit, train and retain a diverse work force. The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter recruiting team helped Akpokli to navigate many challenges to finally get a coveted spot in the class of 2019. Said Akpokli, “one way or another I was getting into the Navy and that is why upon high school graduation, I applied for the Naval Academy, Naval Recruiting Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and the Enlisted ranks. I wanted to do Nuclear Engineering”, she continued, “and become a Nuclear Power Officer.”
(L to R) Jacey, Dad, baby sister Ayélé and Mom 58
Brian Rodriquez, an instructor of Akpokli from 9-12 grade stated in his recommendation ‘that Akpokli attended the Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) located on the campus of Peralta Junior College, a public magnet early college high school started by Bill & Melinda Gates -ranked as one of the top ten magnet schools in the State of California.” Akpokli graduated high school, earned two Associate college degrees, two Certificates of Achievements and 100 college credits with a GPA of 3.03. She is trilingual in English, French and Spanish. She excelled in academics and still made time to positively impact her community and participate in extracurricular activities. She was a Leader and member of the Mesa Club, College of Alameda. She was a Leader and Student, Alameda Science & Technology Institutes. She was a Math tutor and member of the Umoja group. She explained how much she loved the Umoja program and how much it left a lasting impact on her life. “The Umoja group where students from various high schools throughout California and across the nation worked together to get financial assistance for college and academically support each other. We participated in group activities to help us be successful in life, she explained with lots of enthusiasm. Continued on page 60
Junior Officer in the Spotlight NNOA recognizes our Junior Officer talent monthly. The JO Spotlight highlights highly motivated, dedicated, successful junior offers. These exceptional junior leaders continually advance and we anticipate that they will hold senior leadership positions where someday they will pass the torch.
JULY 2019
JUNE 2019
MAY 2019
Lieutenant Christina Johns Williams USN
Lieutenant Herman Green USCG
Captain Damali M. Brimm USMC
For more visit: nnoa.org/jo-in-the-spotlight/
WHYSHOULD YOU JOIN NNOA?
W W W. N N O A . O R G
Gain professional knowledge pertinent to your career success from leaders vested in your development.
Expand your professional network to include successful senior leaders and peers from the Sea Services with whom you might not otherwise engage or encounter. Join the distinguished group of veterans who form the foundation of NNOA's professional contingent and work with like-minded peers to support the Sea Services.
Support the Sea Services in recruiting community youth throughout the country with a propensity to serve.
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FUTURE NAVAL NUCLEAR POWER OFFICER,
cont’d from page 58
By: CDR Denise J. McCallaCreary, USN (Ret.) However, disappointment came when Akpokli was not accepted to the Naval Academy or the NROTC program. Following her mantra that she was getting into the Navy no matter what, she applied for the Navy’s Enlisted Nuclear Power Program. She was accepted and completed her boot camp training on January 25, 2019 in Great Lakes, IL. When asked her thoughts about the 8-week training she responded that she had expectations before going in that it would be hard. It would require discipline. She did not expect to have fun. She expected to be yelled at constantly instead she enjoyed bootcamp and treasured the late-night moments with her fellow Sailors talking about the day’s activities. Not only did she have fun, but Bootcamp changed her, she said. “I left Bootcamp focused on my goals, my priorities, learning how to lead and how to follow. It was different from anything I had done in life and I realized I was now a Navy Sailor. One team, one fight.”
Akpokli is enjoying Nuclear Power A School and looking forward to starting NAPS. She sees herself staying in the Navy and at some point, settling down with a family of her own. I asked her what advice she would have for a young high school student like herself wanting to join the Navy Enlisted ranks or an Officer program. Akpokli responded thoughtfully, “learn to be mature. Decide what difference you want to make in the Navy and what difference you want the Navy to make in your life in general. Learn from elders. Ask questions as much as you can. Find motivation to focus on your priorities.” It was clear that FN Jacey Akpokli has a plan and there is no doubt she will be a member of the Naval Academy graduating class four years from now. She is looking forward to graduating Nuclear Power A School in June 2019 and starting NAPS as a Third-Class Petty Officer. The members of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter wish her “Fair winds and following seas.” FN Akpokli wish to recognize LCDR (ret) James Haskins, USN and Captain(ret) Donald Flowers, USN who helped her entry to the enlisted ranks and introduced me to FN Akpokli. I would like to thank the Naval Academy Admissions team and Fleet Naval Academy Accession Coordinator, MMNCM David Price for their respective roles in processing Akpokli’s Academy application. It takes a village. Author: CDR Denise J. McCallaCreary is the Immediate Past National President, NNOA and a life member in the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
A visit to The USS YORKTOWN at Patriots Point, Charleston, SC. Old fighter jet open for the public.
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mustachioed Lieutenant Commander’s name who spent his valuable time talking with me about my future as a Naval Essay for the NNOA “Meridian” Officer, but I do remember his polite disappointment when I told him I was choosing the Marine Corps over the Navy.
It has been a few years since I have worn the midshipman uniform (let us not count how many), but there are some early experiences that have continued to influence me throughout my life. The one goal I set for myself as a teenager was to earn a Naval Officer commission. Upon reflection, I think I wanted to be an Officer more than a college graduate, which was my first lifelong goal since I was seven. I encountered definite obstacles and painful disappointments along the way. There were detractors voicing their doubt about my goals being achievable. However, I was determined on all fronts to serve my country through emulating several family members to include my uncle, David Jauregui (1944-1970), a helicopter pilot during Vietnam.
Receiving this symbolic token before my leadership and peers was my introduction to the NNOA. It meant a great deal to me that an organization of military officers thought to say, “You are on the right track. Keep going.” That NNOA medal with its citation was most likely lost in the 2007 house fire that my family suffered; nevertheless, the positive impact upon my receiving it remains with me. From the time I received this honorable accolade and throughout my active duty years, I have viewed NNOA as an organization espousing a strong leadership ethos with a membership dedicated to mentoring others from the grassroots. Subsequently, it has been my fortunate privilege to spend time talking with students, colleagues, and service members of all ranks about their life and career ambitions.
As a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) midshipman at the University of Arizona, my focus was firmly set upon earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Marine Corps commission. I traveled an unusual path in some ways for as an art major I had no friends in the art department, but I made several close, lasting friendships from the NROTC unit. I loved studying art and developing my artistic skills; yet, I was simultaneously committed to doing my chosen duty. I regularly participated in NROTC extracurricular and leadership development activities, while maintaining solid grades and enjoying 10K runs. I was experiencing the adventure of my life.
If I can say anything to today’s midshipmen and junior officers of the NNOA, then it is to stay the course. Do all you can to achieve your academic and career goals; be appreciative of those who support you in your pursuits; and be open to being mentored by those who have gone before you. You are on the right track. Keep going.
Somewhere during my college sophomore year, I was nominated by my NROTC unit for a midshipman award sponsored by the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA). Unbeknownst to me, my leadership recognized my dedicated performance, and members of the local NNOA chapter apparently agreed. An NNOA representative came to the campus on drill day to not only present the midshipman medal but to also offer me a short mentorship session. I unfortunately do not recall the
Mrs. Theresa Velazquez served as a Navy enlisted and Marine Corps officer. She is currently the Diversity Program Manager for Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
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2019 WA
HBCU
A R D S Hampton University MIDN 1/C Kennedy Maldonado USN
FAMU MIDN 1/C Shaun Shamlee USN Morehouse ENS Carl Victor Newton II USN, Next duty station USS New York
Tuskegee University MIDN 1/C Deion Shamlee USN Southern University MIDN 1/C Patrick Cadovet USN Prairie View University MIDN 1/C Ashley Gutierrez USN Norfolk State University Howard University
Savannah State University MIDN 1/C Erikson Cherilus USN
NNOA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CAPTAIN DONALD FLOWERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
DR. OLIVIA HOOKER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Established in 2019, the $500 scholarship award seeks to reward determined persons in the Enlisted Corps who have overcome major challenges in their lives while striving to pursue their educational and professional goals.
Established in 2015, the $500 Captain Donald Flowers Scholarship Award is presented to a deserving high school student who participates in NNOA’s annual STEM program.
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2019
NNOA AWARDS NNOA awards are established to recognize the achievements of those who excel in the accomplishments of NNOA goals and objectives during the program year 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019. Chapter members are nominated for these Individual awards and elected by an Awards Committee. Any Regular, Affiliate or Life member in good standing with NNOA is eligible for this recognition. Judging is based on outstanding performance documented by specific accomplishments. Following is a summary of each award.
NNOA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Recognizes a member for their lifetime commitment and contribution to enhancing the principles of NNOA and selfsacrifice in devoting their time and energy in the service of NNOA. The candidate should embody and represent the values of NNOA and be well respected. Their contributions must have a measurable impact on the longterm success of NNOA. Nominees can be posthumous.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL FRANK PETERSEN SERVICE AWARD
Presented annually to a Marine Corps Officer who excels at the accomplishment of the mission, vision, and goals of the NNOA. It is in honor of Lieutenant General Petersen for his significant accomplishments during a storied career and the example of professionalism and leadership he provides still today.
CAPT SALLEE P. KAFER MENTORING AWARD
In honor of CAPT Kafer for her significant involvement in the shaping and supporting of numerous Medical Service Corps careers. She was one of the first women to attain the rank of captain in the Medical Service Corps of the United States Navy. This award is presented to an officer who is noted for superlative mentoring of other Sea Services officers.
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DORIE MILLER AWARD
GOLDEN PEN AWARD Established in 1989 in memory of Captain Eddie Benford, USN, NNOA President from 1983-84. It is presented annually to a junior officer (0-3 and below) in good standing who excels in the accomplishment of goals and objectives of NNOA.
VICE ADMIRAL MANSON BROWN OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT AWARD
CAPTAIN EDWARD R. WILLIAMS SERVICE AWARD
In honor of Doris “Dorie” Miller. Doris “Dorie” Miller is noted for his bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross. It is presented annually to a member who excels in the accomplishment of NNOA goals and objectives.
In honor of Vice Admiral Brown’s contributions to NNOA is presented to the chapter president who displays outstanding leadership. Emphasis is placed on leadership ability and support of the ideas and goals of the NNOA.
CAPT JOHN G. WITHERSPOON FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING AWARD
Presented to the Board President's selectee. CAPT John Witherspoon served the Coast Guard with great devotion and distinction. His career spanned over three decades as he advanced from E-1 to 0-6. During this time, he expertly performed several assignments throughout the continental United States, Guam, and Hawaii. Captain Witherspoon is remembered as an exemplary leader and professional. A Coast Guard pioneer, he was the first African-American to command a shore unit when he assumed command of VTS Houston/ Galveston. Only board members are eligible for this award. 64
Presented to a distinguished member of US Coast Guard (active or reserve). Nominees should successfully demonstrate an ability to contribute toward the mission, vision, and goals of the NNOA. During the year, the actions of the selectee must directly assist in the recruitment, retention, and professional development of NNOA members.. Recipient recognized at the Coast Guard Luncheon.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Presented to those members nominated by their chapters whose actions throughout the year are in support of NNOA ideas and goals. In addition those members nominated but not selected for the Dorie Miller, Golden Pen, Individual Membership Recruiting Award, and CAPT Sallee P. Kafer Mentoring award are also presented with this award. Recipients recognized at Service luncheons.
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NNOA AWARDS Cont’d
CAPTAIN CHARLES L. TOMPKINS, USN (RET.) AWARD
Presented annually to a distinguished member of naval service (active, reserve, or civilian) who successfully demonstrate an ability to contribute toward the mission, vision, and goals of the NNOA. In honor of Captain Tompkins, USN (Ret.), the award symbolizes a 40-year career of a gentleman who displayed a lifelong commitment supporting the professional development and leadership of the men and women in the Department of the Navy; a legacy that is still in existence today. Recipient recognized at the US Navy Breakfast.
OVERALL OUTSTANDING CHAPTER AWARD
Presented to one chapter in each category that has demonstrated the ability to lead the NNOA as a whole in the sponsoring and execution of programs that project the essence, spirit and purpose of the organization.
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Gives recognition to one chapter publishing an exceptional newsletter as an effective means of promoting NNOA and of communicating with chapter members.
OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AWARD 2019 NNOA SYMPOSIUM
Presented annually to those chapters which showed the greatest membership sustainment and growth during the period of 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019.
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER WEBSITE
Gives recognition to one chapter maintaining an exceptional website as an effective means of promoting NNOA and of communicating with chapter members. 65
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PROGRAM
Recognizes one chapter with the most outstanding single program.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP RECRUITING AWARD Presented annually to the NNOA member recruiting the most members and/or doing the most to improve the growth of NNOA during the period 1 June through 31 May. Selection of this award winner is substantiated by sponsorship of actual members recruited.
HBCU NROTC HONOR GRADUATES’ AWARDS
One NROTC Honor Graduate from each Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is presented each year with an award to recognize their outstanding academic achievement. The individual HBCU NROTC Unit Commanding Officer determines the selection criteria. The awards are presented by members of NNOA at the respective HBCU Honor Graduate graduation ceremony when possible. Following is the list of HBCU’s who participate in this award program. •Hampton Roads NROTC Program (Norfolk State/Hampton University/Old Dominion University) •NROTC Atlanta Region (Clark Atlanta University/Morehouse College/Spellman) •Houston Consortium NROTC Program (Prairie View A & M University & Rice University) •Florida A & M University NROTC program (includes Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College affiliates) •Southern University and A&M College NROTC program •Tulane University NROTC program associated with Xavier/Dillard/Loyola/New Orleans Universities •Savannah State University NROTC Program (includes Armstrong Atlantic State University)
To all of our sponsors, volunteers, speakers and attendees:
Thank you for attending the 2019 NNOA Symposium We look forward to seeing you in 2020 at the Renaissance PortsmouthNorfolk Waterfront Hotel - Portsmouth VA -
“The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.” 66
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In Memoriam – Sep 2018 - Aug 2019
A bird may fly away, but we still remember
Retired Rear Admiral Mack C. Gaston, USN 1940 - 2018
Retired Rear Admiral William E. Powell, Jr., USN 1936 - 2019
Retired Captain Sandi Pollard, USN 1945 - 2019
Retired Captain C.A. Pete Tzomes, USN 1944 - 2019
its song. Celebrating a life that touched so many and echoes still. ~Marjolein Bastin
Retired Commander Al Bernard, USCG 2019
Lieutenant Junior Grade Asante McCalla, USN 1994 - 2018
Farewell Shipmates 68