Check out ‘Diversity in the workforce’ holds true for Southwest Region, award proves it

“We don’t just talk about diversity,” Admiral Hervey said. “We embrace it.”

The Navy continues to attract, develop, mentor and retain a top diverse talent to remain a strong and relevant force and the award is a testament to these efforts.

While Coast Guard under Admiral Thad Allen’s leadership talks about diversity, Navy has embraced it.  Coast Guard has continued five years of declining minority applications at Coast Guard Academy, has only 3 African-American Captains, and dismal minority numbers as its testament to Coast Guards efforts.

I want you to take a look at: ‘Diversity in the workforce’ holds true for Southwest Region, award proves it

Press Release Pulled Back

Coast Guard Report inadvertently published a draft document on topics for consideration in a future press release.  Our mistake was quickly caught and both the post and comment that lead to its release have both been removed.  The post contained information in a pre-decisional document released by a potential member of a possible class.

CGR has been guaranteed exclusive rights to carry the press release when ready for public dissemination.

President Obama: Patience in Fort Hood Investigation

Commander, National Strike Force: United States Coast Guard – One of Only Three Black Captains in the U.S. Coast Guard

Captain Roderick E. Walker

Captain Walker assumed the duties of Commanding Officer, National Strike Force Coordination Center on June 15, 2007. The National Strike Force is an entity of the Coast Guard’s new Deployable Operations Group and it is responsible for oversight of the Coast Guard’s Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific Strike Teams.  CAPT Walker previously served as Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Sector San Diego, where he was responsible for overseeing all local Coast Guard field operations, maintaining port security and maritime domain awareness in the San Diego area, and continuing the strong positive relationships established with San Diego’s federal, state and local partners.

Previous tours of duty include Executive Officer, MSO Port Arthur Texas; Inland Waterways Coordinator, Marine Safety Division, Eighth District, New Orleans, LA; Executive Officer, MSO Louisville KY; Chief, Inspections Dept, MSO LA/LB, Long Beach CA; Chief of Planning, Maritime Defense Zone, Sector Six, Naval Base Charleston SC; Marine Inspector/ Chief, Marine Response Branch/ Marine Investigator, MSO Hampton Roads, Norfolk VA; Admissions Officer, US Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT; and Deck Watch Officer, CGC Red Cedar, Portsmouth VA.

CAPT Walker graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, TX in June 1976, the US Coast Guard Academy in January 1981 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences, and Golden Gate University in December 1988 with a Master of Science Degree in Human Resources Management.

CAPT Walker’s personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Transportation 9-11 Medal and the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation.

CAPT Walker and his wife Dolly have two children- Rod II,  a LTjg  stationed at Sector NOLA and Lauren, a college senior.

President Obama’s Remarks on Fort Hood – 6 November 2009

I want to begin by offering an update on the tragedy that took place yesterday at Fort Hood.

This morning I met with FBI Director Mueller and the relevant agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what caused one individual to turn his gun on fellow servicemen and women.  We don’t know all the answers yet and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts.

What we do know is that there are families, friends and an entire nation grieving right now for the valiant men and women who came under attack yesterday in one of the worst mass shootings ever to take place on an American military base.  So from now until Veterans Day I’ve ordered the flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be flown at half-staff.  This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country.  And it’s also recognition of the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our safety and uphold our values.  We honor their service, we stand in awe of their sacrifice, and we pray for the safety of those who fight and for the families of those who have fallen.  And as we continue to learn more about what happened at Fort Hood, this administration will continue to provide you updates in the coming days and weeks.

Barack Obama

CG-1705 Memorial

Congressmen try to head off Coast Guard appeal of oil spill law | SouthCoastToday.com

Congressmen try to head off Coast Guard appeal of oil spill law | SouthCoastToday.com

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Coast Guards Equal Opportunity Manual Still AWOL

Despite testimony twice this year that Coast Guards rewrite of the services outdated Equal Opportunity Manual would be complete by the end of the fiscal year, it was not.  Even with a fudge factor extending the deadline to 31 October 2009, Coast Guard missed that date too.  With the first week of November coming to a close, the manual has yet to be released.

Civil Rights has been a back burner issue for current Commandant Admiral Thad Allen.  During his first 3 years as commandant, Coast Guard:

• Suffered 3 noose incidents at the Coast Guard Academy,
• Saw yearly declining minority applications to the Coast Guard Academy,
• His Civil Rights Office staff watched the departure of over 15 full-time staff,
  • and saw two GS-15’s disciplined for displaying Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty,
• 3 Formal Civil Rights Complaints filled against Allen’s Director of Civil Rights,
• Release of the Booz Allen Hamilton report which confirmed complaints by employees and civil rights staff,
  • The Booz Allen Report of February 2009 mirrored that of KPMG in 2001,
  • The current Director had been on the job for 3 years when the Booz Allen report was released,
• Allen was personally notified that employees who reported the Office of Civil Rights was operating outside applicable Civil Rights Laws were facing reprisal and retaliation.  Allen did not order the acts or reprisal end.
  • In fact, some employees saw ramped acts of reprisal after notifying the Commandant of their concerns.

Civil Rights is far more than signing out policy statements, it requires action, attention to detail and willingness to do what’s right.  Anyone can jet around the country in the comfort of a Gulfstream G5, but getting to ground truth on the issues that plague your agency takes Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Hearing on Coast Guard Civil Rights

Testimony from the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Transportation Hearing on Coast Guard Civil Rights and Diversity: Hearing #2 held 19 June 2009

• Summary
• Chairman James Oberstar
• Chairman Elijah Cummings
• Vadm. Cliff Pearson
• Ms. Terri Dickerson
• Capt. Stephen Latta, USN Ret.
• Video of the Hearing

Joint Letter Requesting GAO Audit of Coast Guard Civil Rights programs:

• Congressional Request

Hearing #1 held 1 April 2009

• Chairman James L. Oberstar
• Elijah E. Cummings, Subcommittee Chair
• Ms. Terri Dickerson
• Radm Jody A. Breckenridge
• Video of the Hearing
• Booz Allen Report