Aaron Bresnahan posted on July 01, 2011 00:14
July 2011 - Navy
By Aaron Bresnahan
As the 2010/2011 academic year
draws to a close, thousands of high
school students around the country
are embarking on a journey to
become part of something bigger than themselves.
Whether they enlist in the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, they have
decided that self-sacrifice and a commitment
to national service is the greatest choice that
they can make for their lives.
Our Navy is a global force for good and
these new recruits will soon become the
backbone of our nation’s ability to serve the
greater good. We must ensure that each and
every one of them starts his/her journeys
correctly. As senior enlisted, as chiefs, or as
officers, we have to set the best examples of
professionalism and patriotism. Many of
these recruits’ earliest experiences with shipmates
or their first interactions with the
chain of command will often color their view
of naval life and what is means to serve.
There is a lot riding on how we nurture
and shepherd our new Sailors. The difference between
one making a lifelong commitment or just serving for
a few years can be riding on how these new recruits
are inducted into the fleet. We have to show that we
appreciate their efforts and support their families.
In the end, it is the people that really matter. People
are the Navy’s most important assets. Each year, we
hear about large procurement programs
and capital investments. However, we
need people to fly the planes, to operate
the ships, and to submerge the submarines.
They need to be reminded that their
sacrifices are worthwhile and directly
linked to our national security.
I am always encouraged at this time of
year when we announce and recognize the
efforts and achievements of our Sailors of
the Year. Some of their accomplishments
are quite remarkable and are often awe
inspiring. I also think that it is perfect
timing for our top performing Sailors to be
recognized at the very same time that the
next generation of recruits are coming
onboard. Our new recruits get to see the
very best examples of leadership and
professionalism demonstrated by their peers
and know that their dedication and strong
performance might also be highlighted in
the years to come.
In an era of fiscal uncertainty and belttightening,
let’s ensure that we do our parts always to set
the right examples, to act with integrity, and to continue
to be a beacon of hope for the world. Our Navy is a
global force for good, and our Sailors demonstrate daily
what is the very best that America has to offer. I am now
very pleased to see the next generation of Sailors stepping
up to the plate to become part of this great Navy, too.