RMKS/1. Shipmates, nothing in my career could bring me more pride than to be
back with you as part of Our Navy-Marine Corps Team. In my first month as
Your Secretary, its been my honor to exchange elbow greetings with many of
you. Ive met with Marines in the field and Sailors at sea. Ive seen the
urgency of dedicated service each of you bring to your mission and the
strength you bring to Our Team. I am inspired by the work you do every day
to keep our country safe. And I am, most especially, proud of each one of
you as you exhibit Service Above Self! As you stand watch around the world,
I know your thoughts turn to events at home. From the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic to the continuing struggle for racial equality, our Nation is
confronting many complex challenges. Our naval force is unfortunately not
immune from these challenges, and we should not turn away from the hard
questions. During my recent visit to Naval Air Station Oceana, Our Shipmate
Aviation Machinists Mate Airman Josiah Crosby asked me about racial
disparities in the force. I applauded his courage and initiative in bringing
up this important topic to address something that has plagued our nation
since its birth. Thank you, Josiah! We need to talk about equality and
justice if we are going to create the One Team approach we strive to attain.
And we must act on those hard conversations, throughout the ranks and across
the force, right up to the desk of the Secretary of the Navy.
All of us serve in the wake of courageous African American Sailors and
Marines like Master Chief Petty Officer Carl M. Brashear, the Montfort Point
Marines, and Vice Admiral Samuel Gravely, Jr. They inspire us in our service
and our determination to expand opportunity and equality throughout our force
as they remind us that their actions in serving others was based on the right
"ism" - Patriotism! We must also however, bear the legacy of those who
stood in their way. Segregation and injustice didnt happen by accident. It
was a reflection of society. Thankfully, African American Sailors like John
Lawson, Medal of Honor recipient, proudly served in the Navy during the Civil
and Spanish American Wars. Many of his African American Shipmates made the
ultimate sacrifice during these same wars. Sadly even in the aftermath of
such courageous action, it took conscious decisions, many from the very
office I now hold, to deny them that same opportunity in the Navy and Marine
Corps during World Wars I and II. It also took conscious decisions and
behaviors at every level to begin to change that culture of oppression,
harassment and inequality. I am reminded of the first African-American Naval
Aviator, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, who was shot down in Korea and the actions of
his Caucasian squadron mate, Lieutenant Junior Grade Thomas J. Hudner, who
purposely crashed his plane next to Ensign Brown in an attempt to save his
life. So it takes conscious decisions like Lieutenant Junior Grade Hudners
to make it right. We must never forget that equal treatment, equal justice,
and equal opportunity require continuous, determined effort. Alongside
Admiral Michael M. Gilday and General David H. Berger, I am committed to
confronting inequities in our command environment and military justice
system. I am determined to ensure a command environment that encourages the
hard questions, and stands ready to work alongside you to find the right
answers. "United" is, and always will be, the most important word in "United
States Navy and Marine Corps." So talk to your Shipmates. Speak up to your
leadership. Listen to your subordinates and get this issue out in the light.
Work together to identify root causes and build lasting solutions. Learn
from one another and help us all unite and move forward as One Navy-Marine
Corps Team. Full Speed Ahead!
2. Released by the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Secretary of the
Navy.//
