Content Manager posted on January 01, 2006 10:09
January 2006 - Navy
by Casey Coane National Executive Director
Another year is upon us; and as i gaze into the crystal ball, the only thing that seems certain is that there will be surprises along the way. Our Navy Reservists continue to step up to the plate and respond in ways never before imagined. Now, through the middle of January, we are mobilizing 161 Navy Reservists to assist with the Navy assumption of the Horn of Africa operations. Thank God for them and for their families.
We begin the year on a sad note. One of your Association’s great benefactors, CDR Bill Mellish, has passed away. Please note our commemoration to Bill on page seven. We wish his wife, Captain Lucille Mellish, peace during this difficult time in her life.
The pace of change in our Navy Reserve is nothing short of astounding. And, lest we forget, the same can be said for “Big Navy.” At a recent retired flag officer conference, CNO Mullen spoke at some length about blue water, green water, and brown water naval activities and our need to balance the force across this spectrum of maritime combat power. The establishment of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command is a step down that road. On 29 & 30 November, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and the Reserve Forces Policy Board hosted a two-day seminar titled “The New Reserves: Strategic in Peace, Operational in War.” Coincidentally, one theme that surfaced was that the Navy is still too focused on blue water and major conflict in the open ocean. Another is that Guard and Reserve forces will continue to be called to serve forward for the foreseeable future.
In my view, the reserve role in this new war, as opposed to the Cold War, requires that DoD review the manner in which Reservists are compensated to include retirement and benefit packages. The DoD does not want to do this, your Association will continue to work with Congress to see that it happens.
Our rapidly changing seascape leaves me with two major concerns: The first is that, as we transition into the Active Component, we must ensure the preservation of viable career paths for our officers and enlisted alike. That must include senior leadership responsibilities and command. As I see it, that is a challenge for the Chief of Navy Reserve, and the Association will assist VADM Cotton wherever possible. Second, within any organization that is undergoing drastic change, there is a great potential for important personnel issues to be lost in the process. We must continue to improve the process which governs transition to and from a recall to active duty – more on this to follow.
Last month, President Quaglino and Executive Vice President Barron visited Headquarters. During that trip, President Q. and I had a productive meeting with the Honorable William Navas, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower & Reserve Affairs); Mr. Barney Barnum, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Reserve Affairs); and VADM Cotton. President Q. and I also visited VADM Norb Ryan, President of MOAA. These discussions are an important part of the Washington process, and I was glad that your President could attend.
This month is our annual tax issue, and LT Marc Soss has provided his usual outstanding insight. If you were a Katrina victim or if you were recalled to a combat zone this year, there are important words for you. See pages 18 & 19.
LT Michaels’ column on Navy Leadership – Part 2 continues his discussion of the seminar conducted by CAPT Abrashoff. What a great leadership example on page 25, CAPT Abrashoff shows all of us that we can be better.
As always, enjoy the read.