49th Annual NNOA Symposium

LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING

W W W. N N O A . O R G

“OPERATIONALIZING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUSTAINING READINESS”

As we kickoff another symposium in the virtual space, we ask that you adhere to these guidelines:

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Rename yourself to show Rank, Name, Service.

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Mute your mics upon entry and keep them muted until you are asked to engage with a speaker.

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Be on camera and in dress code same as a face-to-face symposium.

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Turn off your camera if there is a lot of movement or distractions happening in your office.

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Use chat to send questions or comments to speakers, unless directed otherwise.

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Do not use profanity or inflammatory language in chats or during Q&A sessions.

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Violations will result in removal from the Zoom session by the IT Administrators.

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A true hero is not someone who thinks about doing what is right, but one that simply does what is right without thinking! ~Kevin Heath Welcome Shipmates and Friends to the 49th Annual NNOA Leadership, Professional Development and Training Symposium.

Our theme for this year is “Operationalizing Diversity & Inclusion: An Imperative for Sustaining Readiness”. The members of NNOA have been leading the charge across all the Sea Services - Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, MARAD, NOAA, USPHS - by leading in both policy and action. It has become ever more clear that to keep our military as prepared for the complexities of the geo-strategic and war-fighting environment, America needs contributions from across our nation. These contributions can best be lived out through a more equitable and inclusive system for all men and women in uniform. For nearly 50 years, this has been the focus of the NNOA. Continued progress requires relentless dedication to improving ourselves through education, training, mentorship, coaching, advocacy, and inspiration. Our annual symposiums have delivered this and more over the decades, and this year is no exception. You will hear and have a chance to engage with senior leaders across the Sea Services. There will be opportunity to share and collaborate with each other. And, you will take away ideas, concepts, lessons and thoughts that will aide you in your endeavors.

Sinclair M. Harris RADM, U.S. Navy (Ret.) President

To all first-time attendees, a special welcome to our symposium. I pray you will be as blessed as I have been over the years by the network that NNOA has helped me establish.

To our Junior Officers and Senior Officers, I thank you for taking time to meet with us and I look forward to your ideas for how to make NNOA more responsive to your needs. We have done a lot to improve our organization, but we can always do better.

To our Veterans and Retirees, I thank you for continuing to lead and engage. You represent the stability that is so critical to our organization and the wisdom that comes with having passed through a career of service.

A special thanks goes out to our NNOA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.

You all have been incredibly generous in your devotion of time, talent and skill in leading our NNOA to new heights. I am greatly honored to serve beside you.

Finally, I ask you to take time to fill out the Symposium Survey. You will receive an email with the link to complete this short but important questionnaire. This is vitally important to continuous improvement of this annual event. And, it is even more vital as we quickly approach our 50th Anniversary in July 2022.

Thank you for attending.

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Chief of Naval Operations

Admiral Michael Gilday Adm. Mike Gilday is the son of a Navy Sailor. A surface warfare officer, he is a native of Lowell, Massachusetts and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School and the National War College.

At sea, he deployed with USS Chandler (DDG 996), USS Princeton (CG 59), and USS Gettysburg (CG 64). He commanded destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) and subsequently, commanded Destroyer Squadron 7, serving as sea combat commander for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.

As a flag officer, he served as commander Carrier Strike Group 8 embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and as commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S 10th Fleet.

His staff assignments include the Bureau of Naval Personnel; staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, and staff of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Joint assignments include executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and naval aide to the President.

As a flag officer, he served in joint positions as director of operations for NATO’s Joint Force Command Lisbon; as chief of staff for Naval

Striking and Support Forces NATO; director of operations, J3, for U.S. Cyber Command; and as director of operations, J3, for the Joint Staff. He recently served as director, Joint Staff.

He has served on teams that have been recognized with numerous awards and is the recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Gilday began serving as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations August 22, 2019.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life. The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success. I am counting on you to take in all lines and get us where we need to go – and to do so at a flank bell.” https://www.facebook.com/USNavyCNO/

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Commandant of the Coast Guard

Admiral Karl Schultz Admiral Karl L. Schultz assumed the duties as the 26th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on June 1, 2018. As Commandant, he oversees all global Coast Guard operations and 41,000 active-duty, 6,200 reserve, and 8,500 civilian personnel, as well as the support of 25,000 Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers.

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 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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Commandant of the Marine Corps

General David H. Berger

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.

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.

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.

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All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Symposium Kick-Off and Joint Flag Panel – 6:00 PM

DOWNLOAD FULL SCHEDULE

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MONDAY – AUGUST 16, 2021 TUESDAY – AUGUST 17, 2021

Navy Day • Historical Perspectives with RADM Cox – 10:00 AM • Navy Speakers - 11:00 – 3:15 PM • Navy Awards Presentation – 11:50 AM • Transition Assistance Team Discussion (Corporate Employment) – 3:30 PM

WEDNESDAY – AUGUST 18, 2021

Marine Corps Day • Marine Corps Speakers – 11:00 – 3:00 PM • Awards Presentation – 11:50 AM • Transition Assistance Team Discussion (Entrepreneurship) – 3:15 PM • SES Panel – 6:00 PM FOLLOW US

THURSDAY – AUGUST 19, 2021

Coast Guard Day • Coast Guard Speakers – 10:45 – 3:00 PM • Transition Assistance Team Discussion (VA Benefits) – 3:00 PM • Awards Presentation – 4:05 PM

FRIDAY – AUGUST 20, 2021

Understanding Human Capital – Joint Sessions • Chief of Navy Chaplains – 10:00 AM • Space Force Talent Management – 11:00 AM • Navy Detailer Breakout Sessions – 12:30 PM

SATURDAY – AUGUST 21, 2021 NNOA All Hands Business Meeting - 11:00 – 2:00 PM (Members Only)

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Senior leaders throughout the Sea Services participate each year to inspire, teach and provide professional

guidance to all who attend with the focus on Junior Officer development. Knowledge gained through their leadership lessons assist Sea Service Officers with navigating their careers as they serve.

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Visionary Speaker, Consultant, and Thought Leader

Dr. Derek Greenfield

Dr. Derek Greenfield is a visionary speaker, consultant, and thought leader dedicated to inclusive excellence and positive change. With his dynamic and interactive approach, creative ideas, track record of success, and sense of humor, Dr. Greenfield has become a highly requested presenter across the globe. His powerful keynotes and workshops on issues such as diversity and inclusion, motivation, team building, student development, Gen Z pedagogy, leadership, and hip-hop culture have been featured at a wide range of conferences, companies, and colleges. Dr. Greenfield’s extensive client list includes McDonald’s Corporation, NCAA, International Conference on Cultural Diversity, Hilton Hotels, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, National Black Student Leadership Development Conference, Altria Group, National Dropout Prevention Conference, Progress Energy, and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks. With his breadth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Greenfield has been a consultant for hundreds of organizations and appeared on dozens of media outlets from Hot 97 Radio to ESPN to nfl.com.

Most recently, Dr. Greenfield served as Vice President for Student Engagement and Campus Life/Chief Diversity Officer at Kentucky State University, where his transformational work led to national acclaim for the dramatic growth

experienced in student involvement and retention.

Under his leadership in a previous position in the chief diversity officer role at Alcorn State University, the university became the only HBCU and only school in Mississippi to receive the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award twice from Insight Into Diversity magazine and was named the “leader” among HBCUs for diversity in a Huffington Post feature article.

As a testament to his true commitment to student achievement, Dr. Greenfield has been included five times on the list of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, received honors as faculty of the year in previous positions at Saint Augustine’s University and Shaw University, and was recognized as faculty member of the year by the Student Government Association during his first year at Alcorn State. His course "Hip-Hop and American Society" has been spotlighted twice in Source magazine as representing the first college course in the nation exclusively devoted to exploring hip-hop culture. In addition to publishing a lengthy list of academic articles, Dr. Greenfield is the author of the widely praised motivational book The Answer is in Your Hands and co-editor of the academic book Exploring Issues of Diversity Within HBCUs. Before beginning his full-time career in academia, Dr. Greenfield spent seven years as an award-winning youth worker in inner-city Chicago.

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Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Admiral William Lescher

Adm. Bill Lescher is a native of Highland Park, Illinois. He holds systems and aeronautical engineering degrees from the Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School, respectively, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Business School.

Lescher commanded the Vipers of Helicopter AntiSubmarine Light (HSL) Squadron-48, the Airwolves of HSL-40 and the Atlantic Fleet Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing. Between command of the Vipers and Airwolves, he was the executive officer of Mine Countermeasures Command and Control Ship USS Inchon (MCS 12).

As a flag officer, he commanded Expeditionary Strike Group 5 and Task Forces 51/59 in Bahrain, leading multiple Amphibious Ready Groups, Marine Expeditionary Units and the afloat forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) in execution of contingency response and counter-terrorism missions spanning the Middle East/Central Command region.

Lescher’s initial operational tours were with the Lamplighters and Swampfoxes of HSL-36 and 44, deploying primarily to the Middle East region aboard USS O’Bannon (DD 987), USS Clark (FFG 11), USS Capodanno (FF 1093) and USS Elrod (FFG 55).

Ashore, his assignments included leading the SH60B Seahawk developmental test team as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center, where he launched the first guided missiles from a Navy helicopter. His staff assignments include resource, acquisition and strategy assignments on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff. As a flag officer, he served as the Joint Staff deputy director for resources and acquisition, deputy assistant Secretary of the Navy for budget, and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for integration of capabilities and resources.

Lescher graduated with distinction from fixed wing, rotary wing and Naval Test Pilot School training. He has been recognized as the Association of Naval Aviation’s HSL Pilot of the Year, the Naval Helicopter Association’s Regional Pilot of the Year and the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year. The units in which he has served have earned the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbons and Theodore Ellyson award.

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Vice Commandant

Admiral Linda L. Fagan

Admiral Linda L. Fagan assumed the duties as the 32nd Vice Commandant on June 18th , 2021.

As the Vice Service Chief and Chief Operating Officer, Admiral Fagan executes the Commandant’s Strategic Intent, manages internal organizational governance and serves as the Component Acquisition Executive.

She reports to Coast Guard Headquarters from a tour as the Commander, Pacific Area, and Commander, Coast Guard Defense Force West.

Prior flag assignments include Deputy Commandant for Operations, Policy, and Capability; Commander, First Coast Guard District; and a joint assignment as Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters, United States Northern Command.

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.

Operational tours include Commander, Sector New York, more than 15 years as a Marine Inspector, and sea duty in USCGC POLAR STAR, a 399ft heavy polar icebreaker. Staff assignments include Executive Assistant to the Commandant and Vice Commandant, and Division Chief of the Foreign and Offshore Compliance Office.

Possessing extensive interagency as well as inter governmental experience, Admiral Fagan has worked with both the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization on flag state and port state issues.

This work includes the development of the International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS), and the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention.

Admiral Fagan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Marine Affairs degree from the University of Washington, and a Master in National Resource Strategy degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. She has earned numerous personal and team awards during her36 years of Coast Guard service. Admiral Fagan is the longest serving active duty Marine Safety Officer, which has earned her the distinction of being the Coast Guard’s first-ever Gold Ancient Trident.

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Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Alaleh Jenkins

Ms. Alaleh Jenkins is performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) Financial Management and Comptroller (FM&C). In this capacity, she directly oversees the management of the Department of the Navy’s (DON) annual budget and supporting processes, while providing independent analysis to her constituent clients. She also spearheads the DON Financial Management Transformation (FMT) as an enterprise-wide initiative that has direct impacts to and requires actions by all commands within the DON, to include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and other Department of Defense Agencies.

Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Jenkins served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (PDASN) for FM&C. In this role, she worked closely with the ASN (FM&C), Deputy Assistant Secretaries of the Navy (DASN), and senior leadership throughout the Navy, providing recommendations on the efficient and effective allocations of assets, consistent with the national security priorities of the President and the Secretary of Defense.

Ms. Jenkins also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (DASN), Financial Management Operations (FMO), where she was responsible for the DON accounting and financial management matters; her primary responsibility was developing and implementing Department-wide accounting and finance policies and procedures, which supported Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives in these areas.

Ms. Jenkins served as Director, DON Office of the Chief Management Officer. She served as the principal executive to the Under Secretary of the Navy (UNSECNAV) on all matters related to business transformation of the DON with a specific focus on advancing the Department’s progress toward auditability.

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Deputy Commandant for Operations U.S. Coast Guard

Vice Admiral Scott Buschman

Vice Admiral Scott A. Buschman assumed the duties of the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations in June 2020. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development of operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities. This oversight of Coast Guard missions, programs, and services includes: intelligence; international affairs; cyber; the maritime transportation system; commercial regulations and inspections; search and rescue; maritime security; law enforcement; defense operations; environmental response; contingency planning; and the operational capabilities of cutter, boat, aviation, shore, and deployable specialized forces.

Prior flag officer assignments include Atlantic Area Commander, headquartered in Portsmouth, VA, where he served as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. He also served as the Deputy Commander of Atlantic Area and the Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami, Florida, where he was responsible for all Coast Guard operations in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean Basin including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and

Commander Force Readiness Command. His first flag assignment was the Commander of Coast Guard Force Readiness Command.

As a Cutterman, Vice Admiral Buschman served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC SHERMAN, Navigation Officer in Charge aboard USCGC ESCANABA, Boston, MA and Commanding Officer aboard USCGC VASHON. His other operational assignments include Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West and Commander, Coast Guard Sector Key West. Previous staff assignments include: Coast Guard’s Deputy Assistant Commandant for Capability, Coast Guard Seventh District’s Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commandant for Operations, Program Reviewer at Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Programs, Liaison Officer to the U.S. Department of State, Chief of Congressional Hearings Section, and Deputy Chief of the Office of Budget and Programs.

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Deputy Commandant for Mission Support U.S. Coast Guard

Vice Admiral Paul F. Thomas Vice Admiral Paul F. Thomas assumed duties as the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS) in June 2021. As Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, Vice Admiral Thomas 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.

VADM Thomas most recently served as served as the DCMS Deputy for Personnel Readiness (DPR), where he was responsible for integrating human resources, force readiness, and Coast Guard Academy activities through oversight of emerging policy and technology, planning and budget, and program coordination. VADM Thomas takes from this experience the ability to deliver mission-ready forces by investing in an effective talent management system through initiatives such as modern ready learning, robust HR analytics and improving access to health care and other support services.

New Orleans, LA, and Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy at Coast Guard Headquarters.

Field assignments include serving as Operations Officer, USCGC BLACKHAW, San Francisco, CA; Commanding Officer, USCGC CAPE ROMAIN, San Francisco, CA; Marine Inspector, Marine Safety Office, San Francisco Bay, CA; Supervisor, Marine Safety Detachment, Port Canaveral, FL; and Chief of Inspections, Marine Safety Office, Jacksonville, FL. He also served as Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Unit, Galveston, TX, and as Commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, FL. Staff tours include service as Staff Engineer, Marine Safety Center, Washington, DC; Military Assistant to the Director of Net Assessment, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC; Executive Assistant, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, Washington, DC; Director of Inspections and Compliance, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, Washington, DC; and Chief of Staff, Fifth Coast Guard District, Portsmouth, VA.

Vice Admiral Thomas’ previous Flag assignments were Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District,

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Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education, N1, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations/Chief of Naval Personnel

Vice Admiral John Nowell Jr. 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 Squadron60/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 (J38); 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.

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Naval Inspector General

Vice Admiral John Fuller Vice Adm. John Fuller is the son of a retired Army colonel. He received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1987. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Post Graduate School and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff at the Naval War College. He is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow.

Fuller’s sea duty tours include USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), USS Kauffman (FFG 59); Atlantic Fleet Propulsion Examining Board; Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet; USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54); commanding officer, USS Mason (DDG 87); commander, Task Group-Iraqi Maritime and deputy commander and commander, Destroyer Squadron 22. Ashore, his tours include the U.S. Naval Academy, OPNAV and the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Staff.

director for Force Protection (DDFP) which included being director of the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO), Force Protection Division, Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JRO-CBRND), and chairman of the Protection Functional Capabilities Board.

Fuller assumed duties as the 42nd Naval Inspector General in June 2021. Awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit awards.

His flag assignments include commander, Navy Region Hawaii/commander, Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific; commander, Carrier Strike Group 1; director of Strategy, Policy & Plans (J5), North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Joint Staff, J8, deputy

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Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration

Lieutenant General Eric M. Smith Lieutenant General Smith is from Plano, Texas and entered the Marine Corps in 1987 through the NROTC program at Texas A&M University.

After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer's Course, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines; participating in Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm.

Following a tour as an Officer Selection Officer, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School and then reported to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines for duty as Commanding Officer of Weapons and Echo Companies. During this tour he participated in Operation Assured Response in Monrovia, Liberia.

of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Subsequent assignments were as a student at the Marine Corps War College, Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Director of the Fires and Maneuver Integration Division at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.

After a tour as a Marine Officer Instructor at Texas A&M University, he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff Course. His next assignment was as the Naval Section Chief at the U.S. Military Group in Caracas, Venezuela from 2001-2003.

In June of 2012 he reported for duty as the Director of Capability Development Directorate, and in May of 2013 he was assigned as the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

From 2003 until 2006, he served in the 1st Marine Division as the Division Current Operations Officer; Executive Officer of Regimental Combat Team 1; Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines; and Assistant Chief of Staff G3. During this period he completed two deployments to Iraq in support

From 2009 until 2012 he served in the 2nd Marine Division as the Assistant Chief of Staff G3 and Commanding Officer of 8th Marine Regiment; completing a one-year deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

From July through November of 2015 he commanded Marine Corps Forces Southern Command in Miami, Florida, and was then transferred to the Pentagon to serve as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense.

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Commandant, Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University

Major General William H. Seely III Major General William H. Seely III was born in Saigon, Vietnam. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from American University and was commissioned through NROTC George Washington University (1989). He holds Master’s Degrees from Oklahoma State University, National Intelligence University, and the Naval War College (With Distinction).

Additionally, he is a graduate of the Joint Force Land Component Commanders Course and the Senior Joint Information Operations Applications Course. Major General Seely’s command leadership assignments include: Comm Platoon Commander, H&S Company, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, (1990-92), Company Commander, India Company, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, Kunia Hawaii (2000-02), Battalion Commander, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division (2006-08), Commander, Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, Training Command (2011-13) and Commander, Task Force-Iraq (TFIraq), CJTF-Operation Inherent Resolve (201920).

His staff assignments include: S-2, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, (1992-93); S-2A and S2, Marine Air Group-36, (1993-95); S-2, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Belleau Wood, Mogadishu, Somalia (1994-95); S-2A/S-2,

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 1996-00; Deputy G-2 and G2 Operations Officer, Marine Forces Central (FWD) Command (2002-03); Regional Terrorism OIC, J2 Counter-Terrorism Branch, (2004-05) and Deputy Director for Intelligence, Joint Intelligence Center, US Central Command (2005-06), Director, Intelligence Integration Division, Combat Development and Integration, MCCDC (2010-11), A/COS for Intelligence (G-2), Marine Corps Forces Command (2013-14), Chief of Staff, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace (2015), and Intelligence Director (J-2), Combined Joint Forces Land Component Commander-Iraq (CJFLCC-I) (201516). As a General Officer, he served as the Marine Corps Director of Intelligence (2016-17), Marine Corps Director of Communication (2017-19) and Commander, Task Force-Iraq (TF-Iraq), CJTFOperation Inherent Resolve (2019-20).

Major General Seely’s operational deployments include UNITED SHIELD Mogadishu, Somalia, USS Belleau Wood (1994-95), SOUTHERN WATCH / INTRINSIC ACTION / DESERT THUNDER Kuwait (1996-98) USS Essex/USS Tarawa, SAFE DEPARTURE Eritrea NEO (1998) USS Tarawa, STABILISE East Timor HAO (1999) USS Peleliu, ENDURING FREEDOM Bahrain/Kuwait (2002-03), IRAQI FREEDOM Iraq (2005, 06-07, 08) and INHERENT RESOLVE Iraq (2015-16, 19-20).

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Director, J-2, United States Central Command

Major General Dimitri Henry

Brigadier General Henry enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981 and attained the rank of SSgt. After completion of the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training (BOOST) he was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1988 and was commissioned a 2ndLt. From May 1990-May 1993, 2ndLt Henry served at 2d Radio Bn and deployed with 8th Marines (DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM), 26th MEU SOC (PROVIDE PROMISE), and was OIC of the II MEF Communications Center. In June 1993, 1stLt Henry attended Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering.

In 1995, Captain Henry was subsequently assigned to the Navy Information Warfare Activity at the National Security Agency. In December 1997 he reported to 15th MEU SOC serving as S2A and then S2. After two MEU SOC deployments Major Henry reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College in August 2000.

From 2001-2004, Major Henry served as the Commanding Officer, Co H, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion, San Antonio, TX. After command, Major Henry reported to I MEF G2 where he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom

as the Deputy G2 and Intelligence Planner from August 2004- August 2006.

From August 2006-September 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Henry commanded 1st Radio Bn and executed two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After command, he reported to the Naval War College (NWC) Newport, RI. After NWC he was assigned to Intelligence Department, HQMC, promoted to Colonel and took command of Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) Quantico, VA in 2010.

From 2012-2015, Col Henry served at United States Central Command, Tampa, FL, as the J2 Operations Division Chief. From 2015-2016, Col Henry served as the Executive Officer to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

After DIA, Col Henry served as the Chief of Staff, Intelligence Department, HQMC from 2016-2017.

Brigadier General Henry was promoted to his current rank on 20 July 2017.

Brigadier General Henry's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

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Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

Major General Brian W. Cavanaugh

Major General Cavanaugh is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his commission in the Marine Corps in 1990 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1992.

From 1993-1997, Major General Cavanaugh was assigned duties with HMH-462 in Tustin, California.

He served in the Maintenance Department and later as the Logistics Officer, Intelligence Officer and the Operations Officer. During his time in the squadron, Major General Cavanaugh completed two tours to Okinawa, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) and served twice with the 31st MEU (SOC) conducting shipboard operations in South Korea and other areas throughout the Pacific.

From 1998-2001, Major General Cavanaugh was assigned to HMH-362 in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii where he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and as the Director for Safety and Standardization. After his tour with the Ugly Angels, Major General Cavanaugh was assigned to HMX-1 in Quantico, Virginia, where he served as the Quality Assurance Officer and as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer for the Greenside Maintenance Department.

After completing his tour at HMX-1 in 2004, Major General Cavanaugh was selected as the Aide-de-

Camp to the 27th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Major General Cavanaugh served as the Aide-de-Camp for both Admiral Vern Clark and then as Aide- de-Camp for the 28th CNO, Admiral Mike Mullen.

In 2006, Major General Cavanaugh assumed command of the Ugly Angels and deployed the squadron to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, his squadron was recognized as the Squadron of the Year and three Marines under his command were recognized as the Marine Corps Aviator of the Year, Crew Chief of the Year and Ordnance man of the Year.

From 2013-2015, Major General Cavanaugh served as the MAG-36 Commander stationed in Okinawa, Japan. As the 3d MEB ACE, MAG-36 deployed in direct support of Operation Damayan, typhoon relief in the Philippines. In 2015, elements from the MAG deployed in direct support of Operation Sahayogi Haat, earthquake relief in Nepal. Under his command, MAG-36 conducted a myriad of bilateral exercises throughout the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations.

Major General Cavanaugh assumed responsibilities as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific in 2016.

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24

Assistant Commandant for Intelligence (CG-2) U.S. Coast Guard

Rear Admiral Andrew M. Sugimoto RDML Andy Sugimoto currently serves as the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Intelligence. As the Coast Guard’s Chief of Intelligence, he leads the efforts of over 1,100 intelligence professionals who conduct the service’s intelligence programs, to include collection activities, analysis and production, geospatial intelligence, counterintelligence, cryptology and critical IT and security functions.

Prior to his arrival to Coast Guard headquarters, RDML Sugimoto served as the Chief of Staff of the Eighth Coast Guard District. Overseeing U.S. Coast Guard operations spanning 26 states including the Gulf coastline from Florida to Mexico and the adjacent offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, including the Outer Continental Shelf, as well as the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee River systems.

His afloat assignments include: Commanding Officer of USCGC STRATTON homeported in Alameda, CA. STRATTON conducted operations in support of OP ARCTIC SHIELD north of Alaska and counter narcotics patrols in the Eastern Pacific. Other afloat assignments included serving as Commanding Officer, CGC ACUSHNET, Ketchikan, AK; and CGC TYBEE, San Diego, CA. RDML Sugimoto served as Executive Officer on

CGC CHASE, San Diego, CA, CGC MONOMOY, Woods Hole, MA as well as Deck Watch Officer on CGC SHERMAN, Alameda, CA. He has served more than 12 years at sea and is a proud Cutterman.

Additional Staff and ashore assignments include: Chief of the Response Division at the First Coast Guard District, conducting operations from the Canadian border to Northern New Jersey including security and defense of New York City and Boston harbors. Chief, Incident Management Branch of the Ninth Coast Guard District, which spans the five Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence Seaway and parts of the surrounding states, including 1,500 miles of international border. He was responsible for safely prosecuting Search and Rescue cases and responding to all operational incidents which occur within the area of responsibility. He was also assigned as Staff Judge Advocate for the Ninth Coast Guard District, Cleveland OH; practiced Operational Law, Military Justice and Legal Assistance for the Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific, Alameda, CA and stood watch as Command Duty Officer for the Eleventh Coast Guard District in Long Beach CA and the PACAREA Command Center in Alameda CA.

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25

Ninth District Commander U.S. Coast Guard

Rear Admiral Michael J. Johnston Rear Admiral Johnston assumed duty as the Ninth District Commander in May 2021. He is the senior Coast Guard Commander for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway, an area that encompasses eight states, a 1,500 mile international border, and a workforce of over 6,000 Coast Guard active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary men and women.

Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering.

After serving two consecutive tours afloat, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology to complete a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. He then served as a project manager and senior communications network engineer for the Vessel Traffic Systems and the Differential Global Positioning System.

Rear Admiral Johnston previously served as the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Acquisition and Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO).

As CAO he directed efforts across all Coast Guard acquisition programs, acquisition support, personnel, finance, contracting, and research and development activities to execute the service’s acquisition portfolio.

He was selected to serve as Aide to the Commandant of the Coast Guard from 2000-2002.

During this tumultuous timeframe, his work helped restore the Nation to normalcy following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He also helped to transition the Coast Guard into the newly formed Department of Homeland Security.

Prior to reporting as CAO, he served as Program Executive Officer and Director of Acquisition Programs, where his duties included management oversight of all Coast Guard acquisition programs and projects for modernization and recapitalization of surface, air, command and control, and logistics assets in support of the Coast Guard’s multiple maritime missions.

Rear Admiral Johnston graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1990 with a

Rear Admiral Johnston went back to operations as the Deputy Commander for Group St. Petersburg, Florida, coordinating operations with partner agencies and restructuring the unit into a Sector Command. Following this assignment, he reported as Commanding Officer of the Electronics Systems Support Unit in New Orleans, Louisiana; just two months before Hurricane Katrina. He coordinated response, recovery, and repair efforts for all command and control systems across the Gulf Coast from Mexico to Florida.

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26

Assistant Commandant for Resources & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), U.S. Coast Guard

Rear Admiral Mark J. Fedor Rear Admiral Fedor currently serves as the Assistant Commandant for Resources (CG-8) and the Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

In this capacity, he is responsible for all budgetary, financial and resource management activities relating to the programs and operations of the Coast Guard. As a component of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is comprised of a nearly 60,000 member active duty, reserve and civil servant workforce with an annual budget of $12 billion.

Prior to this assignment, RDML Fedor served as the Executive Assistant to Admiral Karl L. Schultz, the 26th Commandant of the Coast Guard. In that role, he was responsible for the strategic direction, planning, and daily activities of the Commandant’s staff. A career cutterman, he has nearly 12 years of sea-time to include three commands.

Before reporting to Washington D.C., RDML Fedor was the Commanding Officer of the National Security Cutter JAMES (WMSL 754) in Charleston, S.C. During his command, JAMES earned the Hopley Yeaton award for operational excellence as well as the United States Interdiction Coordinator award for counter-narcotics operations in the Eastern Pacific. His previous operational assignments include being Commanding Officer of the cutter MOHAWK, Executive Officer on the

cutter LEGARE, Commanding Officer of the patrol boat MONOMOY, Operations Officer onboard the cutter DURABLE, and First Lieutenant onboard the cutter DAUNTLESS.

His staff tours include being the Chief of Response for the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami, FL where he was responsible for all Coast Guard law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime incident management along the southeastern seaboard and throughout the Caribbean. His previous staff assignments include being the Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2004 federal budget coordinator, a Congressional Fellow to the House of Representatives’ Government Reform Subcommittee for Drug Policy and the Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, as well as Special Assistant and Speechwriter to the 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard.

He graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Government. He earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 2001 and a Master’s Degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College in 2011.

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U.S. Coast Guard Retired

Rear Admiral Erroll Brown

Rear Admiral Brown, the first African-American promoted to flag rank in the U.S. Coast Guard, graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1972.

He majored in Marine Engineering and has a masters degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, with a second masters in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was awarded a Masters of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1986 and graduated the Naval War College with a masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 1994. He also completed Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Governmental Programs for Senior Executives in National and International Security.

Rear Admiral Brown served as Damage Control Assistant and Assistant Engineer Officer aboard the Coast Guard Icebreaker Burton Island and was the patrol boat maintenance type-desk manager for the 11th Coast Guard District's naval engineering branch. He served as the Engineer Officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis, an instructor with the Marine Engineering Department at the Coast Guard Academy, and the executive officer aboard USCGC Rush. He was also the Program Reviewer in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Programs Division; the Military Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation; the Chief of the

Budget Division, Office of the Chief of Staff; and the supervisor for two inspection officers in the Small Boat Branch while at Coast Guard Headquarters.

He also served as Commanding Officer, USCG Integrated Support Command, Portsmouth, Virginia, and the Commander for Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia. He commanded the Thirteenth Coast Guard District from 2000 to 2002. He then served as the Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics, the Coast Guard's senior engineer, until his retirement in 2005.

Registered as a Professional Engineer in Virginia, he co-authored a University of Michigan text with Professor Harry Benford entitled "Ship Replacement and Prediction of Economic Life". He presented the text before the 25th Annual Collogium of Shipbuilders at the University of Hamburg in Germany. He is also a long-standing active member with the American Society of Naval Engineers, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the American Society of Engineering Educators and has held offices at various levels with these organizations. He currently serves as the program evaluator for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

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28

Deputy for Personnel Readiness U.S. Coast Guard

Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan assumed the duties as the Deputy Commandant for Mission Support organization’s Deputy for Personnel Readiness (DCMS-DPR) at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC in June 2021. In this capacity, she is responsible for optimizing the contributions of Human Resources, force readiness training, and the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in providing a mission ready workforce. She also chairs the Academy’s Board of Trustees and is the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Headquarters.

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.

Staff at the Force Readiness Command, Sector Commander in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Deputy Sector Commander in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

During her recent tenure as Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, RADM Nunan presided over the most far reaching Diversity and Inclusion initiatives in the Service’s history, as well as the enormous policy overhaul necessary to face the COVID-19 crisis.

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.

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 commanded the Coast Guard’s Ninth District, which encompasses the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaways Region and has been Chief of

29

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard

MCPOCG Jason M. Vanderhaden Master Chief Jason M. Vanderhaden assumed the duties of the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard on May 17, 2018. Master Chief Vanderhaden is the senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard and the principal advisor to the Commandant on all enlisted personnel matters.

MCPOCG Vanderhaden is a native of Tallahassee, FL. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in May of 1988.

Master Chief Vanderhaden’s previous assignments include Command Master Chief, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support; Command Master Chief, Pacific Area; Command Master Chief, 13th Coast Guard District; Command Master Chief, Base Honolulu; Chief Petty Officer Academy, USCGC Reliance, Station Ponce de Leon Inlet, USCGC Active, Air Station Humboldt Bay, USCGC Cheyenne, Air Station Clearwater, LORAN Station Iwo Jima, SS “A” School, Station Jones Beach and Station Short Beach.

MCPOCG Vanderhaden is a graduate of Class 114 of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy; the Harvard Kennedy School, Leadership in Homeland Security Course; the National Defense University Keystone Joint Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course and other servicerelated schools. Master Chief Vanderhaden holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College.

MCPOCG Vanderhaden is married to the former Amy Mathers and they have two adult children who currently serve in the U.S. Coast Guard.

MCPOCG Vanderhaden’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and other personal and service awards. He has earned a permanent Cutterman insignia, Boat Forces Operations insignia, and a Command Master Chief (Gold Badge) insignia.

30

Director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacifi c Fleet

Rear Admiral Dion D. English Rear Adm. Dion English is a native of Monroeville, Alabama and Slidell, Louisiana. English entered the Navy’s Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training program in 1987. In 1993, he graduated from Louisiana State University and was subsequently commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at Southern University. He earned master’s degrees in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College, and attended the Executive Program in Strategy and Organization at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

His afloat assignments include disbursing and sales officer, USS Scott (DDG 995); cargo and stock control officer, USNS San Diego (T-AFS 6); supply officer, USS Barry (DDG 52); and commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One. His shore assignments include ship force support officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia; executive assistant to the Commander, Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio; deputy logistics operations officer, Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS), Fort Monroe,

Virginia; logistics readiness officer, Logistics Current Operations Division, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director, Supply Corps Detailing, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4412); commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command(NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella; and deputy director, supply and distribution, J44, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.

English is designated as a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer and as a Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer. He is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is a Joint Qualified Officer.

While under his command, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella earned recognition in partnership with the team that received the prestigious Admiral Stan Arthur Award for 2018 Logistics Team of the Year.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.

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Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel

Rear Admiral Alvin Holsey

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 in1988, 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.

At sea, he deployed with 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) flying both the SH-2F Sea sprite and SH-60BSeahawk helicopters. He commanded Helicopter AntiSubmarine Squadron Light Three Seven (HSL-37) and the Navy’s first hybrid electric propulsion warship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

As a flag officer, he served as commander Carrier Strike Group One embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson,(CVN 70), and as the inaugural commander of the International Maritime Security Construct / Coalition Task Force Sentinel rapidly setting up an expeditionary headquarters to ensure freedom of navigation, international law, free flow of commerce and stability of maritime commons throughout the Middle East.

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, executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. As a flag officer, he served as deputy director for Operations, National Military Command Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Holsey became deputy Chief of Naval Personnel / Commander, Navy Personnel Command on 08 January 2021. He most recently served as director, Task Force One Navy, analyzing and evaluating issues in society and the military that detract from Navy readiness.

His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four 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.

His staff assignments have included, flag aide to

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32

Chaplain of the Marine Corps/Deputy Chief of Chaplains/Deputy Director of Religious Ministries, N097B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Rear Admiral Gregory Todd Rear Adm. Gregory N. Todd, is a native of Seattle, Washington. He is a 1984 graduate of Concordia College in Portland, Oregon, and earned a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Missouri. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC. Todd was commissioned in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1986 and served in the Marine Corps Reserve while he pastored congregations in Illinois. In 1994, he superseded to active duty and served as base chaplain Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and then reported to USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), deploying to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific for counter-narcotics operations. In his first U.S. Coast Guard tour, he was assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York. While there, he was the first Navy chaplain to respond at “Ground Zero” following the attacks on the World Trade Center and hosted the Coast Guard Chaplain Emergency Response Team to provide ministry to emergency workers and civilians.

Todd reported next to 2D Force Service Support Group (FSSG), Camp Lejeune, NC, and deployed with Forward Battalion, 2D FSSG to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as chaplain with22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

and deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, establishing the religious program at Forward Operating Base Ripley in Oruzgan Province.

He reported to his next assignment as officer-incharge of Marine Corps Chaplain and Religious Program Specialist Expeditionary Skills Training, Camp Johnson, before being detailed as command chaplain on USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).

Following his sea tour, Todd assumed duties as command chaplain for the 2DMarine Logistics Group and then was detailed as force chaplain, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Most recently, Todd was selected as the 10th Chaplain of the Coast Guard where he supervised religious ministry support for the more than 88,000 Coast Guard personnel and developed the Coast Guard Auxiliary Clergy Support Program, linking volunteer religious ministry professionals with Navy chaplains in support of Coast Guard members and their families.

Todd assumed his current duties as the 20th Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Navy Chaplains in June 2018.

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Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island; and Commanding General, Eastern Recruiting Region

Brigadier General Julie L. Nethercot Brigadier General Nethercot joined Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region after serving as the Director of the Commander’s Action Group for NORAD and USNORTHCOM. She was commissioned in May of 1993 following her graduation from Midland University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Natural Science. From 1994-1997, she served with Marine Wing Communications Squadron-28, Cherry Point, North Carolina as a Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer/Operations Officer and then as the Bravo Company Commander.

From 1997-2000, she served at The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia. While at TBS, she was a Staff Platoon Commander for three companies and then became the Mike Company Commander. In May 2001, she served as a Platoon Commander at Officer Candidates School for Charlie Company, 1st Platoon.

In August of 2001, she became the Company Commander for Alpha Company, 8th Communication Battalion. She then became the Battalion Operations Officer and deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) I. Upon return from OIF 1, she deployed to Marine Corps Central Command-Djibouti Africa in support of Operation

Enduring Freedom (OEF).

From June 2004-June 2007, she served as the Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Frederick, Maryland recruiting personnel from Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.

From August 2008- May 2009, she served as the Regional Plans Officer for Navy Central Command (Bahrain) and went onto become the Chief of Plans, G-5 for I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, California.

From May 2009-June 2011, she served as Commanding Officer for 9th Communication Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California. The battalion deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan from January 2010 through February 2011 in support of OEF. From June of 2012-June 2014, she served as the Current Operations Chief, and then the Cyberspace Division Chief for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-6.

From June 2014 to June 2015, she served as the Executive Officer for the Ground Combat Element Integrated Task Force, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

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34

DON DE&I Lead

Dr. Charles “Chuck” Barber

Dr. Charles Barber assumed the duties as the Department of the Navy’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead in April 2021. In this role, he is responsible for the integration and implementation of strategic DE&I initiatives into Department of Navy culture, policies, programs and core functions. Prior to his appointment as a principal in the DON Secretariat, Dr. Barber was a primary author on the Navy’s Task Force One report that led to the Operational Navy’s DE&I Implementation Strategy.

culture intelligence framework while integrating transformational leadership principles throughout the DLA enterprise. As Director of Business Transformation and the Human Capital Advisor for the Department of Defense Vetting Directorate, he was a key contributor to the U.S. Government’s background/security clearance investigation process improvement efforts. He also previously served as the Chief Human Capital Officer for the District of Columbia Courts.

Dr. Barber is a nationally recognized expert who has led diversity efforts, development of culture intelligence capabilities, strategic planning, organizational leadership, critical data analysis and business transformation initiatives that have provided world class Human Resource and Transformational Leadership support to a broad range of customers, service members and their families. With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Inclusion & Diversity, Business Transformation and Cultural Intelligence, Dr. Barber has been a staunch advocate for transformation and process improvement. He spearheaded development of the Army's Soldier Record Brief (SRB) while supporting the Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army (IPPS-A) during one of the largest Army HR Transformation efforts in the modern era. While serving as the Culture Champion at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), he led the development of a

Dr. Barber holds a doctorate degree in Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University, and other advanced degrees in Organizational Leadership and Business Management from Columbia Southern University and Excelsior College. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a previous guest lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executive Fellows Program for Political Science and Government.

Dr. Barber is a U.S. Army veteran with deployments to Kosovo and Iraq in support of critical contingency operations during peacetime and war. A native of Bald Knob, Arkansas, he also starred as a sprinter on the Ouachita Baptist University Track Team and later continued to compete as a member of the All Army Track team with a personal best of 9.98 seconds in the 100M and a 1996 Olympic Trial qualification.

35

Director, Surface Warfare

Karen M. Davis

Ms. Karen M. Davis currently serves as the Director for Surface Warfare within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management Office. Selected to this position in April 2021, Ms. Davis is charged with leadership of mission portfolio management, policy, investments in ground interdiction and maritime interdiction capabilities, and evaluation of essential mission areas across system-of-systems to execute mission threads.

Ms. Davis’ immediate past position was Executive Director, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Fort Bragg, NC where she led resourcing, support and business integration matters for JSOC’s assigned, attached, and augmented forces conducting special operations in protection of the Homeland and U.S. interest abroad. She previously served as Executive Director, Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants providing executive oversite of multi-billion dollar programs for development, acquisition and sustainment of Littoral Combat Ships, Future Frigates, International Small Combatants, mine warfare and unmanned maritime systems. Before this position, she served as the Executive Director for Surface Warfare at Naval Sea Systems Command responsible for a $15B portfolio for fleet support of surface ships, inactive

ships, foreign military sales and ship transfer programs. Ms. Davis’ initial SES assignment was as Director, Integrated Combat Systems, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems leading engineering of integrated combat solutions for Navy surface combatants, amphibious ships and aircraft carriers.

Prior to selection to the Senior Executive Service (SES), Ms. Davis’ career progression includes numerous engineering and program management leadership positions starting as an AEGIS Weapon System Engineer at Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (PHD NSWC) within Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), where she led Combat System Ship Qualification Trials and at-sea test events. She completed a one-year detail with the AEGIS Test Team, Bath, Maine, leading warfare system integration and testing in the first AEGIS Destroyer. Ms. Davis also served as lead engineer for Topside Signature Control/Passive Countermeasure Systems and after a year of managing these efforts, she was promoted to lead the PHD NSWC branch responsible for Ship Self Defense Systems In-Service Engineering. Ms. Davis then transitioned NAVSEA, Washington Navy Yard, DC via the Commander’s Development Program (CDP).

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36

Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership, U.S. Coast Guard

Ms. Michelle R. Godfrey

Ms. Michelle Godfrey assumed the duties of as the Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity and Leadership in October 2017. She is responsible for the overall direction, management, planning, coordination, and administration of the Coast Guard's Service-wide civilian human resources program. She also advises Coast Guard senior leadership on a wide range of sensitive and vital issues extending to matters and policies involving management of civilian personnel, diversity management for the entire Coast Guard workforce, leadership training opportunities for every segment of the Coast Guard workforce, and workforce analysis and planning for all Service components.

Before coming to CG-12, Ms. Godfrey served at NASA Headquarters as the Director, Human Resources Management Division. She was responsible for planning, leading, and evaluating integrated human resources activities and services, workforce planning, and strategic needs analyses for NASA Headquarters. Prior to her appointment to the Senior Executive Service, she served at Coast Guard Headquarters as the Chief, Office of Civilian Human Resources. In this capacity, she was responsible for a civilian HR program that provided recruitment, accession, compensation, separation, and retirement services for all Coast Guard civilian personnel, as well as, the development and management of all civilian

human resource policies and programs.

Ms. Godfrey held several other key HR positions at Coast Guard Headquarters. She served as Chief of HR Operations; Chief, Workforce Management Division; Chief of the Headquarters HR Service Center, and Command Staff Advisor. Prior to joining the Coast Guard, Ms. Godfrey served as an HR Specialist with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture.

Ms. Godfrey earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from George Mason University. She has received many honors and awards including two Commandant Superior Achievement Awards (Bronze Medal).

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37

Deputy Assistant Commandant for Engineering & Logistics (CG-4D), U.S. Coast Guard

Mr. Albert Curry

Mr. Albert Curry, Jr. is currently serving as the Coast Guard’s Deputy Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics (CG-4D). In this position, he is responsible for overseeing all naval, civil, aeronautical, and industrial engineering, logistics, and environmental and energy management programs for the Coast Guard's $22 billion capital plant which includes 23,000 facilities, 250 ships, 1,800 boats, and 200 aircraft. His responsibility also include the execution of an annual budget of $1 billion and leading over 5,000 personnel at Coast Guard Headquarters and the three Coast Guard Logistics Centers: the Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina; the Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center (SILC) in Norfolk, Virginia; and, the Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) in Baltimore, Maryland.

In his previous assignment as the Deputy Program Manager for U.S. Coast Guard Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Major Acquisitions Programs, he had total programmatic oversight for the following projects: Rescue 21, Nationwide Automated Information System (NAIS), Interagency Operational Command (IOC) Centers, Coast Guard Logistics Information Management System (CG-LIMS), and C4ISR. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Curry served as the Deputy Project

Manager for the Rescue 21 Project.

Prior to joining the Coast Guard, Mr. Curry served in the U.S. Navy. His active duty at sea assignments include: Electrical/Auxiliary Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant aboard the USS CONOLLY (DD979); Engineering Officer aboard the USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY (LST-1197); Material Officer for Amphibious Squadron EIGHT; Executive Officer aboard the USS NICHOLSON (DD-982); and Commanding Officer of the USS PENSACOLA (LSD38).

His Navy ashore assignments included: Assistant Program Manager for the Global Positioning Systems Program Office for ships and submarines; Deputy Program Manager for the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Mission Planning System Program; Technical Director and Major Program Manager for the Cruiser Conversion Program; Chief of Staff for Program Executive Officer Aircraft Carriers; Warfare Systems Engineer for Amphibious/Auxiliary/US Coast Guard ships in Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems; Deputy for Naval Sea Systems Command’s Task Force Total Force; and Director, Naval Sea Systems Command Total Force Development Office.

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38

Director, Office of Small Business Programs Department of the Navy

Jimmy D. Smith

Mr. Jimmy D. Smith assumed the responsibilities of the Director for Small Business Program in June of 2019. He serves as the chief advisor to the Secretary on all small business matters. Mr. Smith has been charged with overseeing small business acquisition policy; strengthening government and private sector partnerships; and fostering opportunities to leverage small businesses as strategic advantage for the benefit of our warfighters.

In March 2017, Mr. Smith served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs & Logistics Management. He served as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition on matters related to the Navy’s Expeditionary Force, delivering upon urgent warfighter needs, and overseeing acquisition logistics policy.

In 2013, Mr. Smith served as the Director for Integrated Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security within the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. In this capacity, he was charged with the safekeeping of nearly 70% of this Nation’s nuclear arsenal. He executed the Director of Strategic Systems Programs technical authority by providing nuclear safety and security policies and direction to more than 4,500 government and industry personnel. He also oversaw the U.S. Navy’s nuclear weapon inspection and nuclear personnel readiness program. During his

tenure, Mr. Smith delivered the U.S. Navy’s first and only underground nuclear weapon production and storage facility and awarded the first life cycle support contract for the nuclear weapon safety and security program.

Prior to the above mentioned assignment, starting in 2010, Mr. Smith served as the Director for the Above Water Sensors Directorate within the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems.

There he led efforts focused on planning, developing, acquiring, testing, and sustaining cost effective warfare systems for U.S. Navy surface ships and submarines. Those systems include: the AEGIS combat system; a full-spectrum of shipboard sensors including sonar, radar, and electronic warfare systems; missiles; guns; ammunition; and countermeasures. In addition, Mr. Smith served as the Chief Technology Officer and oversaw the transition of new naval capabilities and technologies into more than 150 Programs of Record. In a collateral capacity, he served as the lead for the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Student Engagement and Outreach Program. Those efforts focused on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for grade school students and furthering academic pursuits of college students through scholarships and student employment opportunities.

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YOU SERVED FAITHFULLY

NNOA

NOW LET US SERVE YOU!

Transition Assistance Team Celebrates the 49th Annual NNOA Symposium 2021

TEAM MEMBERS

WEBINARS

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE TEAM

RESOURCES

JOBS

SYMPOSIUM SESSIONS

TUESDAY - 17 AUG 3:30 – 4:30 PM Website/Team Introduction Transition to Corporate Employment Lessons Learned

WEDNESDAY - 18 AUG 3:15 – 4:15 PM Website/Team Introduction Transition to Entrepreneurship Lessons Learned

FEATURED WEBINAR SPEAKERS

THURSDAY - 19 AUG 3:00 – 4:00 PM Website/Team Introduction VA Benefits Introduction 40

For more information, visit: nnoa.org/transition/

ON COURSE, IN THE CHANNEL, TOWARDS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL NAVAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO BE HELD AT THE HOME OF BIRTH ---- ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

BY ROOSEVELT “RICK” WRIGHT, JR., Ph.D., CAPT., USNR (RET) NNOA HISTORIAN

Our on-going mission for the Past Five Decades has been providing Leadership for the continuous development of “Diversity and Inclusion,” of all shipmates within the ranks of the Sea Services. This monumental challenge has been performed by the “capable navigational skills,” of our Presidents. Their skills of duty, service, and honor, allowed them to stay on mission target, transiting through various waterways/airways, filled with demanding and challenging “sea and air state conditions” while conducting the mission of The National Naval Officers Association.

Our Annual Symposium celebrating 50 years will kick off on July 25-28, 2021. For this event, we will name and salute all the Presidents of NNOA and present a historical perspective from NNOA’s humble beginnings in the early 1970’s. These Sea Service Legends played a significant role in establishing a solid foundation for the continuance of NNOA. We will tell our 50 Year history using “A Five Tier Historical Sphere,” organization framework which will place emphasis on the accomplishments and achievements of our NNOA Presidents.”

A Five Tier Historical Sphere HISTORICAL SPHERE ONE – 1972 – 1982 PRESIDENTS Captain Emerson Emory, USN, 1972 – 1974 Captain Byron Wiley, USN, 1974 – 1975 Captain Richard Williams, USN, 1975 – 1977 Captain Donald Griffin, USN, 1977 – 1980 Commander John D. Fauntleroy, USN, 1980 – 1982 HISTORICAL SPHERE TWO – 1982 – 1992 PRESIDENTS Captain James Gilchrist, USN, 1982 – 1983 Captain Eddie Benford, USN, 1983 – 1984 Captain Gordon E. Fisher, USN, 1984 – 1986 Captain Harold R. Wise, Jr., USN, 1986 – 198 7 Captain Buddie Penn, USN, 1987 – 1991 Captain J. Roger Bailey, USN, 1991 – 1993 HISTORICAL SPHERE THREE – 1992 – 2002 PRESIDENTS Captain Lee T. Womack, Sr., USN, 1993 – 1995 Captain Percy O. Norwood, Jr., USCG, 1995 – 1996 Captain J. L. Ulmer, Sr., USN, 1997 – 1997 Commander Manson K. Brown, USCG, 1998 – 1998 Captain Charles B. Williams, Sr., 1998 – 2002

HISTORICAL SPHERE FOUR – 2002 – 2012 PRESIDENTS Colonel John Boggs, USMC, 2002 – 2004 RADM Manson K. Brown, USCG, 2004 – 2006 Captain Bernard Jackson, USN, 2006 – 2010 Captain Anthony P. Barnes, USN, 2010 – 2012

HISTORICAL SPHERE FIVE – 2012 – 2022 PRESIDENTS Colonel Robert Clements, USMC, 2012 – 2014 Commander Will Watson, USCG, 2014 – 2016 Commander Denise McCallaCreary, USN, 2016 – 2018 RADM Sinclair Harris, USN, 2018 – WE NEED YOUR HELP To accomplish our mission, we need each NNOA member past and present, each friend of NNOA past and present to do a deep dive in your archives for materials such as books, publications, photographs, audio recordings, video productions, and artifacts, that we will use to tell each President’s NNOA Story.

In addition, we will need a NNOA Historical Media Production Team, with members who are proficient in the use of Digital Media Systems. It is our intention to tell the “NNOA Story,” in various media formats at this 50th Celebration. Special featured guests will be RADM Samuel Cox, USN (ret), Director, Naval History and Heritage Command and Dr. Helen G. Edmonds, Dean Emeritus, Graduate School, and Professor of History at North Carolina Central University. We need All Hands on Deck, as we prepare for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Annapolis. Mark your calendar now and join us. Send your submissions to: Captain Rick Wright, roosevelt.r1943@gmail.com.

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IN THE COMMUNITIES | MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For more, visit: NNOA Chapters

Quantico

Tidewater

San Diego

San Francisco Bay Area

Jacksonville Annapolis Aloha

DC NNOA Over $60,000 in scholarships awarded to 37 students

Quantico

Monterey

Okinawa

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Camp Lejeune/Cherry Point

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VICE

SERVICE

PRESIDENTS

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REGIONAL

AFFILIATES

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OFFICER

ADVISORY

PANEL

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SENIOR

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https://nnoa.org/advisory-panels/

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JUNIOR

OFFICER

ADVISORY

PANEL WWW.NNOA.ORG FOLLOW US

https://nnoa.org/advisory-panels/

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NNOA officers who have successfully navigated their way to the highest level of senior leadership.

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LEADERSHIP ADVICE AND WORDS OF WISDOM https://nnoa.org/year-of-the-captains-and-colonels/ 49

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A weekly discussion about the news, views, and perspectives from individuals around the National Naval Officers Association, as well as a look into the Sea Services. Hosted by CAPT Roosevelt “Rick” Wright Jr Ph.D., USN (Ret), NNOA Historian.

EPISODES FEATURING: 1. RADM Sinclair Harris, USN (Ret.) 2. CAPT Jerome Davis, USN (Ret) 3. CDR Ernie Taylor, USN (Ret) 4. CAPT Esan Simon, MD, PHS/USCG 5. CAPT Simonia R. Blassingame, USN (Ret) 6. CDR Denise McCallaCreary, USN (Ret) 7. CAPT Milton Troy III, USN 8. CAPT Mary McAdams, Ed.D., USN (Ret) 9. LT James Barksdale, USN 10. MAJ Cory Holiday, USMC 11. LT Twyla Arbuckle, USN 12. LCDR Juanita Hopkins, USN 13. CDR Juanique Wallace Ph.D., USN 14. LT Jai Gilchrist, USN 15. VADM Manson Brown, USCG (Ret)

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PERSPECTIVES FROM SEA SERVICE PROFESSIONALS https://nnoa.org/nnoa-podcast/ 50

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NNOA

NJROTC HBCU FOLLOW US

2021 NNOA Award Winners will be announced during the Symposium.

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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 2020 to 31 May 2021. 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.

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.

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.

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. DORIE MILLER 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.

CAPTAIN EDWARD R. WILLIAMS SERVICE AWARD 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.

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.

OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AWARD Presented annually to those chapters which showed the greatest membership sustainment and growth during the period of 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2021.

VICE ADMIRAL MANSON BROWN OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT AWARD 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. 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 PROGRAM Recognizes one chapter with the most outstanding single program.

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 52 Armstrong Atlantic State University)

Clark Atlanta University Florida A&M University Hampton University Howard University Morehouse College Norfolk State University Savannah State University Prairie View A&M University Southern A&M Spelman College Tennessee State University Tuskegee University

WWW.NNOA.ORG

NNOA recognized students from 17 HBCU NROTC Units this year. All MIDN received a plaque and a congratulatory letter.

Ensign La'Deijah Brisbon MIDN 1/C Zachary Allen MIDN 1/C Shaylah Bullock MIDN 1/C Cecori Squires Ensign Samuel Crook MIDN Treyvon Darby MIDN 1/C Nicholas Valdez MIDN 1/C Junnel Layug MIDN 1/C Tahj Clements Ensign Ashley Middlebrooks SSgt Brandon Proctor MIDN 1/C Heaven Holbrook

Spring 2021 Commissioning Ceremony

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This award honors VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. USN, the first African American to achieve flag rank in the U.S. Navy and to command a U.S. Numbered Fleet.

Several exceptional students received this award.

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1947 – 2021

1945 – 2021

Captain Percy Owens Norwood, Jr., USCG (Ret.) Past NNOA President: 1995-1996

Captain Lee T. Womack, Sr., USN (Ret.) Past NNOA President 1993-1995

CDR Merle J. Smith, USCG (Ret.)

1951 – 2021

1962 – 2021

CDR William Pickrum, USCG (Ret.)

Dr. Willie Patrick Blair, Past President of San Diego NNOA Chapter

LT Arlene MaGee, USN (Retired)

NNOA REMEMBERS https://nnoa.org/in-memoriam/

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1948 – 2021

WWW.NNOA.ORG

1946 – 2021

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To all of our sponsors, volunteers, speakers and attendees: Thank you for attending the 2021 NNOA Virtual Symposium. We value your support and dedication to making our symposium a success.

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Special thanks to Career Communications Group for providing the digital experience for the NNOA Symposium on the STEM City USA platform.

We look forward to seeing you at the 50th Anniversary NNOA Symposium in Annapolis, Maryland – July 25-28, 2022.

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As a historian, I am proposing that the 50 Year History of NNOA be told from the point of view of the accomplishments of our Presidents. Our mission will be to search our archives for such materials as books, publications, photographs, audio recordings, video productions, and artifacts that will be used to tell the President's NNOA Story.

This effort will require an NNOA Historical Media Production Team, with members who are ardent in using Digital Media Systems. During our 50th Anniversary Celebration, the NNOA story will be told in various media formats. A significant component of this effort will be the design of the program for the "Gala Dinner," where an "Exemplary Audio/Video Documentary" will be shown, telling in informative detail, the "50 Year History Story of NNOA Presidents."

Our historical session with RADM Samuel Cox, USN(ret), Director, Naval History and Heritage Command, will serve as the “Official Kickoff” for The 50th Year Celebration of NNOA. As Facilitator, I will ask RADM Cox his thoughts on how our membership should organize the efforts required in telling our historical story.

Dr. Helen G. Edmonds, Dean Emeritus, Graduate School, Professor of History at North Carolina Central University for over 40 years, and a "brilliant historian." She was the first African-American Female Doctoral Graduate of The Ohio State University. As Dr. Edmonds would say, "The documentation of our history is the greatest thing we can do in life."

As we commence our efforts to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, our historical teams' goal is to organize and complete this mission. We have tremendous talent within our ranks, and I would like to shout out the exemplary historical abilities of Capt. Jerome Davis, SC, USN, Secretary, DC Chapter of NNOA. His knowledge of African-American Military History is astonishing!

This past year, Roosevelt Rubin Wright III was the Executive Director/Producer of "This Is NNOA Podcast with Capt. Rick Wright, USN." It was a joy to interview many NNOA Members about their military careers and accomplishments. I want to highlight the Podcast that featured VADM Manson Brown, USCG (ret), a two-term past president of NNOA, and the highest-ranking NNOA President in the History of our organization.

Thank you, VADM Brown, USCG, for your outstanding contributions and leadership of the National Naval Officers Association!

Now it’s all hands on deck as we prepare for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Annapolis!

Roosevelt “Rick” Wright, Jr., Ph.D., Capt., USNR(ret) NNOA Historian

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Celebrating 1972

2022

YEARS SUPPORTING RECRUITMENT, RETENTION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SEA SERVICES

SAVE THE DATE July 25 – 28, 2022

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

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