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SUBJ/LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY ALNAV//
RMKS/1. Since taking the oath to serve as Secretary of the Navy, one of my
three enduring priorities is empowering our people. We do this through a
culture of warfighting excellence built on leadership that exudes treating
others with dignity and respect. While serving as your Secretary these past
10 months, several issues have come across my desk for decision or review
that galvanized the significance of steadfast leadership and total
accountability in our Department of the Navy (DON). I fully endorse the
leadership principles and expectations shared in the Chief of Naval
Operations' "Charge of Command" and the "Command and Leadership" summary
outlined in the Commandant's Planning Guidance. There are a few tenets to
highlight.
Leaders in key roles - especially those in command - are selected based on
years of training, experience, qualifications, established requirements, and
a multitude of distinct factors. These leaders are the best and most fully
qualified. The special trust, confidence, and responsibility placed on the
leaders in command also brings a higher level of accountability. The Command
and Leadership section of General David H. Berger's Planning Guidance states
that "elite organizations do not accept mediocrity and they do not look the
other way when teammates come up short of expectations." When leaders'
actions or inactions result in the loss of life or capital resources or
simply lower our standards, the senior leadership of the DON has a
responsibility to determine the root cause and hold responsible persons
appropriately accountable. Leaders in command have the ultimate
responsibility for capital resources entrusted to us by Congress and the
American taxpayer.
I would encourage all leaders - especially those in command - to continually
assess your team's performance, to communicate early and often on material
readiness and resources shortfalls as well as impediments to improvement and
always ask for help when needed. Clear command and control (C2) is
paramount. I challenge each of you in positions of leadership to precisely
understand your C2 and what authorities and responsibilities you hold under
your charge. Admiral Michael M. Gilday's "Charge of Command" states that
although we have no tolerance on key issues such as Sexual Assault or
Harassment, we are not a zero-defect organization. I agree that not every
mistake should end one's career of service. Learning from mistakes is an
essential part of evolving into a better leader and ultimately a better
organization.
In closing, I am proud of each and every one of you who serves. While
leadership at times may be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding and will
shape us to be the very best version of ourselves. We must cherish the
special trust, confidence, and responsibility that comes with command and
should never take it for granted. The lives of our Sailors, Marines, and DON
civilians depend on it. Our Nation demands it.
2. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.//
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SUBJ/MESSAGE FROM THE 78TH SECRETARY OF THE NAVY//
RMKS/1. To our Sailors, Marines, civilian employees, and their families and
loved ones:
Today, together, we again embrace the most sacred duty defending our nation
and working to build a world more defined by peace than conflict.
I join you as someone who loves the Navy who spent 26 years in uniform and
another 17 striving to make sure you had the capabilities you needed to
fulfill your mission effectively and safely. Serving you as your 78th
Secretary of the Navy is a high honor. It also carries grave
responsibilities to which I will dedicate all my skill and devotion.
You should also know I have a bias for action.
Our Navy and our nation face critical challenges on multiple fronts.
Like Secretary Austin, I view our most pressing challenges as the four Cs -
China, Culture, Climate, and Covid, and we need the resources and
capabilities to address each now. China is determined to reduce our military
superiority. We will not let this happen. We will deter China's aggression,
protect our national security, and preserve the peace. Our determination,
our skill, and our courage will demonstrate our strength and conviction.
Culture comes down to one goal. Every Sailor and Marine of all races,
genders, religions, and ethnicities must treat one another with dignity and
respect. This is not just about doing the right thing. It is about ensuring
our Navy and Marine Corps will be the most talented, most combat ready, most
committed force possible.
Climate change exacerbates every challenge we face, from naval installations
to frequent deployments. It is also a global struggle for resources that
demands ingenuity and innovation. It demands solutions that mitigate climate
damage while ensuring our operational success and competitive edge.
Lastly, we must combat Covid. This means we must continue to vaccinate our
naval forces with expedience. If we are not vaccinated, we are neither
deployable nor combat ready. Immediately, the Navy and Marine Corps will
make every effort to vaccinate and care for our force and defeat the scourge
Covid has inflicted on our troops.
Both our nation's security and your success as Sailors and Marines require
your enthusiastic, unwavering commitment. We will succeed or fail
together. Accordingly, with a leadership ethos forged as a Destroyer
Captain, I will strive to be direct and transparent with you about what we
need to accomplish together.
Please know your safety and welfare will always be paramount to me, and I
will work tirelessly with you to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
To do this, we must possess the resources needed to expand our
capabilities. I will make that my top priority. I am committed to ensuring
you have the tools and training you need to succeed. Just as I am committed
to confronting our maintenance backlog, managing our operational
requirements, and building our Navy of the future.
When I began my Navy career over 40 years ago, as a midshipman at the U.S.
Naval Academy, I looked up to then Secretary of the Navy Edward
Hidalgo. Like me, he was an immigrant to this nation and, like me, his
experience taught him why the world needs a strong U.S. Navy. Most of all, I
understood that while I served our nation, he also served me.
The same is true today. I am your Secretary of the Navy focused on your and
our collective promise to our Constitution and nation.
We will succeed together. It has never been more important that we do.
Finally, a personal note. My wife Betty and I well understand the sacrifices
your loved ones make and how crucial they are to our success. We are both
honored to be back once again working shoulder-to-shoulder with you. We look
forward to getting out to the fleet and meeting you all soon.
Full Speed Ahead.
2. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.//
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