Diversity Remains a Top Priority for CNO

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) — Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Naval Officers Mentorship Program (NOMA) Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) on June 25.

Diversity is a top priority for Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, and he said the MOU formalizes the Navy’s relationship with NOMA to develop, implement and improve strategies for mentoring a diverse, next generation of officers.

“I would like to thank the Asian American Government Executives Network for making it possible for us to come together in this MOU signing, and to be able to do it publicly because I think it is important that there be a statement and an affirmation that we in the United States Navy encourage and support active mentorship as an aspect of a successful career,” Roughead said.

The strategic goal of NOMA is the effective mentoring of all naval officers across the spectrum of diversity, though the major focus is on the Asian Pacific Islander officer community. The association intends to help its members make the most informed career decisions, increase community outreach, drastically improve career retention, broaden the understanding of career opportunities and directly recruit the best qualified officers into the naval services.

More than 400 Sailors and civilians were there to commemorate the signing. CNO said he remains committed to diversity and stressed how important it is to the Navy of today and tomorrow.

“I thank you for coming together, for your interest in our diversity initiatives,” Roughead said. “And most of all, your interest and your commitment in entering into strong and powerful mentoring arrangements, formal and informal, with young men and women who are on the path to greatness.”

MCPON Message to the Fleet

By Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Independence Day message to the fleet June 29.

“Shipmates and Navy Families,

As we celebrate this great nation’s birthday I’d like you to take a moment and consider your role in preserving the ideals the United States was founded upon.

No matter the platform on which you serve, the community to which you belong or the rating that identifies your skill set, you are all patriots in defense of liberty and protectors of our independence.

Not a day goes by that I’m not thankful for the honor to serve among you. It really hits home, though, during holidays like these when we are reminded of what this country stands for. Independence Day is a time to celebrate the freedoms we hold dear and to honor those who have protected them for 233 years.

For your part in that, I say thank you.

I also ask that while you celebrate our nation’s birthday you keep in mind those who are deployed protecting what we are celebrating. Additionally I ask you keep another item at the forefront and that is safety. Use common sense on our nation’s freeways and take every possible precaution (including watching out for others) whether you’re driving, riding a motorcycle, on the water or staying at home with fireworks and barbecue.

I expect safety to be a primary discussion point now and every day leading up to the holiday weekend. Awareness and caution should be the watchwords of every Sailor and Navy family member.

Enjoy your holiday, shipmates. No matter where you are, on or below the world’s seas and oceans, in the air or boots on ground, I hope you get to spend at least a few moments celebrating the 4th of July. Stay safe and continue to take care of one another.

Thanks for what you do in defense of this incredible country of ours.

Stay focused; stay alert and stay safe,

HOOYAH!”