Sight Line: The Commander's View
special emphasis teams and in our I-Level work. Many of our work groups know excellence; we must study their practices, seize them and share them. If it sounds like there’s a lot of work ahead in 2021, there is. The results will be more than worth it—both in the priorities of developing our people, as well as delivering in our mission. Given Captain Wolfson takes command next month, in closing I would like to thank you all for your contribution to the America’s Shipyard team. It has been a wonderful experience working with all of you, and I’m truly humbled and immensely proud of what you have achieved during our short time together. I have every confidence that this team has the leadership, capability and knowhow to accomplish the many challenges you face and you will be supported by Captain Wolfson’s deep care and commitment for each of you. She is truly the right leader at the right time for NNSY. Have a great holiday, and I look forward to recognizing all of your achievements in 2021!
RDML Howard Markle Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 109th Commander
Without a skilled and motivated workforce, we would not successfully meet NAVSEA’s Mission Priority #1, Delivering Combat Power through the on-time delivery of combat-ready ships, submarines, and systems to the fleet. That’s why NAVSEA’s Mission Priority #3 is Building a Team to Compete and Win. You know better than most how indemand our aircraft carriers and submarines are. You also understand the critical role our Naval Shipyards play in delivering combat power to the Fleet. You, the workforce, form the heart of this capability, and our ability to maintain your unique technical competencies is crucial to everything NAVSEA does. Your technical edge and skilled artisanship create a true advantage and the potential to Expand that Advantage lands squarely on this Mission Priority. Ultimately, Building a Team to Compete and Win begins with an organizational culture that ensures a level playing field for all NAVSEA employees, one built on a foundation of trust, respect and fairness. By ensuring everyone has equal access to training, professional growth, and advancement opportunities, not only do we build a stronger, more cohesive workforce, we also create a solid professional culture that will attract the next generation of bright young Americans to follow in your footsteps. To guide our efforts, we’re focusing on some key areas: • Building and sustaining technical and leadership competence in all functional areas and at all levels • Developing, instilling, and sustaining
a constructive culture and workplace environment that maximizes mission success and employee fulfillment • Building a learning organization through collaboration and teamwork across the NAVSEA Enterprise • Ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for advancement, mentoring, training, and all areas of professional development • Ensuring succession planning and talent management that utilizes workforce analytics to anticipate future workforce requirements • Implement effective retention strategies to affirm an attractive workplace culture. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility wrote a great article about their Deputy Apprentice Program Manager, Mr. Mtume Salaam. Mtume started his Navy journey after being laid off as a truck driver. Following enrollment and graduation from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center Apprentice Program’s first class in 2014, he’s earned consistent promotions: work leader, supervisor, pipefitter instructor, and now, Deputy Director. Read his story here: https://www.navsea.navy. mil/Media/News/Article/2366522/plankowner-graduate-selected-as-new-deputydirector-for-southwest-regional-app/. Mtume’s success story is one of many careers in progress across the NAVSEA enterprise that reflect our culture, our service, and this Mission Priority, Building a Team to Compete and Win, in action. My goal is to ensure everyone—from our senior stewards to our newest shipmates including the 776 men and women who’ve graduated from Naval Shipyard Apprentice Programs this year — has the potential and the encouragement to excel within NAVSEA’s shipyards. KEEP CHARGING! V/r, VADM William Galinis
DECEMBER 2020 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
