March 2011 Navy
By LCDR Steven Rogers
Recently, there has been some negative publicity about the conduct of certain Navy personnel. This publicity has emboldened some people to join the league of those who make a living out of criticizing our government and the Navy. I am now taking this opportunity to answer some of these critics.
In October of 1775, the Continental Congress voted to construct two sailing vessels, armed with ten carriage guns, swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty. Their mission was to cruise three months to intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. It was from this legislation that a vision and a dream for the United States Navy were born.
Officers and enlisted members of today’s Navy, (active, reserve, and retired) have kept this vision and dream alive by maintaining a culture of time-tested values which include characteristics such as duty, honor, courage, character, commitment, responsibility, and accountability.
Also, since that day in 1775, Navy leadership has continued to maintain high standards of conduct and performance because of the hard work, dedication and commitment of every man and women who wears the uniform of the U.S. Navy.
I remind our critics that, as we sail ahead in this 21st Century, our Sailors are embarking on a journey which is promoting that shared vision created by our forefathers; and they are emphasizing that we are part of the solution to all of the problems we as a nation are facing with regard to worldwide threats by demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice our very lives if necessary for the cause of freedom.
I remind our critics that our top Navy leadership, from the CNO down, have tapped into the heart, soul, and spirit of every Sailor by leading them to a “culture of ownership” that enables them to use their talents and skills toward unleashing their imaginations and dreams about a better, sharper, and more effective naval force. Our leadership knows that working for someone who owns a company is quite different from working as one of those “owners.” Every Sailor has become an “owner” of the greatest Navy on earth because our leadership provides the best tools, equipment, and greatest opportunities to America’s best and brightest.
I remind our critics that Navy leadership has encouraged the rank and file to take every opportunity to fulfill one duty and obligation all of us are willing to perform without question. That is, to protect in word and deed our proud and honorable history and heritage.
Furthermore, I have no problem reminding our critics that despite our problems as a nation, it is the United States Navy that continues to deliver food and medicine to the shores of the less fortunate; that it is the United States Navy that represents an “Empire of Trust” and not an “Empire of Conquerors;” that the United States Navy is still in the business of freeing people who are enslaved by dictators; that the United States Navy still transports American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen to faraway places where their blood stains foreign soil for the cause of freedom and justice; and that to this very day, the United States Navy continues to limit the use of its military might and pledges that if we must use it, that we will rebuild what we have destroyed.
Today’s Navy leadership emphasizes the power of ideas and individual creativity. And every Officer and Sailor knows that the best years for our Navy are just over the horizon despite what the critics say.
So, to the critics of America and the United States Navy, you may not embrace the vision created by our forefathers; but know this, for every one of you, there are thousands of us who will keep the dream alive and share this vision for our Navy with millions of people throughout the world, with no apologies!
And to you, the American Sailor, keep in mind that by sharing this vision and working to keep the dream alive, you will be able to say to the next generation of Americans that, in your time, you did your part to help preserve this great Republic so that, in their time, they could enjoy the American dream, compliments of the United States Navy.