SECNAV

SECNAV, CNO, and CMC Holiday Safety Message

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R 141935Z DEC 22 MID200080592748U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
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SUBJ/2022 SECNAV, CNO, AND CMC HOLIDAY SAFETY MESSAGE// 
 
RMKS/1.  As 2022 comes to a close, we extend our greetings to our dedicated 
Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and their families valiantly serving around the 
globe.  Additionally, we thank our current deployed members at sea and in 
harm's way.  Your service, whether at home or abroad, allows all American 
families to enjoy the holiday season safely and securely. 
 
2.  Our world class Naval forces are hard-charging, proactive, critical-
thinking people.  Sometimes, in our drive for mission accomplishment, we get 
wrapped up in the mission and forget to take a step back, relax, and 
strengthen our relationships with our families, friends, and support 
networks.  The holiday season provides the opportunity to do just that.  We 
encourage everyone to unplug as you are able and make a point to spend time 
with your loved ones.  Not only will it make you feel good now, but it will 
also build that social pillar of resiliency that is so important when times 
are tough. 
 
3.  We collectively work very hard all year to reduce the risk of mishaps in 
order to focus on the safety and well-being of our personnel.  Unfortunately, 
we often see an increase in off-duty mishaps, to include motor vehicle 
accidents, due to increased travel and activity during this time of year.  To 
combat this, we count on each of you to continue exercising sound judgement 
and prioritize safety during the holidays.  That means wear your seatbelt, 
pay close attention to weather conditions, apply proper risk management, and 
use your training and common sense to do the right thing.  Applying these 
tools and best practices will contribute to a successful and happy holiday 
season. 
 
4.  While this season is one of joy for many of us, for others, the holidays 
are fraught with hardship and emotion.  Look around you and watch for those 
who might need a friend or a place to belong during the season.  There are 
many people who require help during the holidays, and everyone can make a 
difference in their own unique way.  We encourage you to stay connected with 
your friends and family this holiday season, and remind you to watch out for 
those who may struggle during this time of year. 
 
5.  Please, take time to relax this holiday season, recharge your batteries, 
build your resiliency, and be ever vigilant for the well-being of fellow 
Sailors, Marines, and Civilians.  We look forward to another successful year 
in 2023! 
 
6.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, Admiral 
Michael M. Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, and General David H. Berger, 
Commandant of the Marine Corps.// 
 
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Leadership and Accountability ALNAV

Posted on Updated on

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R 022013Z JUN 22 MID200001775961U 
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
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INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC 
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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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