Gen. David H. Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, had Ryan Evans over for a discussion on the service he leads. As rising great powers and transformative technologies reshape warfare, presenting marines with new challenges, how should the Marine Corps adapt? From talent management to force transformation, listen to their wide-ranging conversation about what the service needs to become in order to remain a top-tier fighting force.
The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) and the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) have renewed their agreement to work together to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce dedicated to the science and service of our nation.
Through a Memorandum of Cooperation signed on Dec. 1 by NOAA Corps Rear Adm. Nancy Hann, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, and NNOA President Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, U.S. Navy (Ret), the two organizations will collaborate with the goals of:
“We are proud to stand beside and join forces with NNOA to ensure that our respective organizations are places where all feel valued, respected, and can thrive,” said Rear Adm. Hann. “Only then can we achieve meaningful and sustainable success.”
NNOA is an organization composed of active duty, reserve and retired officers, midshipmen and cadets, and interested civilians. NNOA is comprised of members of all ranks and ethnic groups and supports the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse Officer Corps that is representative of the best our nation has to offer.
NNOA is committed to leading, and mentoring officers, enlisted members, and civilian employees of the sea services, as well as our country’s youth, to enable them to achieve their highest goals. NNOA is also committed to being a change agent in all areas of the sea services and related military organizations; identifying diversity problem areas and bringing them to the attention of all cognizant authorities.
The NOAA Corps is a uniformed service of the United States tasked with providing officers technically competent to assume positions of leadership and command in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of Commerce programs and in the Armed Forces during times of war or national emergency.
To meet human resources needs, the NOAA Corps requires a highly qualified diverse workforce that is committed to NOAA’s mission. In turn, the NOAA Corps is committed to providing its workforce with training and professional development, a nurturing workplace free of discrimination or harassment, and an environment in which all can reach their full potential through a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Just wanted to share a wonderful note I received from Victor Glover. He said it was okay to share it and I thought it a heartwarming message for the holidays.
“It seems like I was just on the International Space Station sending a Christmas note to all of you. As much as I enjoyed that experience and trying to share it with you, I am very happy to be home for the holidays this year. I hope this season finds you surrounded by love and light-heartedness. However, I know this time of year is harder for some. I pray for peace and stillness for all of us, and especially those that are struggling. Above all, I want thank you and let you know how much I appreciate you. Your love and friendship are lifelong gifts!
I just finished reading Michael Collins’ book, Carrying the Fire. In the book he quotes T.S. Eliot’s poem, Little Gidding, (one of several) about perspective. I had to go read the whole poem, but his quote is still my favorite part. Enjoy and be well….
“With the drawing of this Love and the voice of this Calling
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
To Explore, Together!
Victor Glover
The Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG) is asking you to assist us in supporting under-represented cadets and students enrolled at SUNY Maritime College.
The OBMG’s goal is to provide opportunities for young professionals to succeed in the maritime industry through Recruitment and Scholarships, as well as Mentoring and Networking, before and after graduation.
The opportunity to share my lessons is an honor. To have lessons to share is a humbling. When I started this journey twenty-four years ago, I had no idea I would still be on it. My journey as an officer is filled with challenges, rewards, doubts, growth, lessons and experiences. All of them contribute to where and who I am.
God has been unwavering in his grace and mercy over my life…my career. Growing as a leader, having more responsibility and more expectations (Luke 12:48); faith had to be my cornerstone. Leaders are constantly observed by those around them including aspiring individuals. Each decision, each act, each word says something about you as a person and a leader. The more you believe and grow in your faith, the more your patience and understanding grows. Surround yourself with positive affirmation, keep your moral compass stabilized, and exercise your beliefs to maintain balance.
Always do your best. The Navy is a tough environment. There are times you have to work 5X harder to achieve the same results as your peers. Enjoying what you do, will make you want more, do more and achieve more. New assignment, new environment, learn fast, stay focused and confident. Continuously look for the opportunity to learn and improve. . .as a person, as a Sailor, as a leader.
Be confident in yourself. Recognize your ability, knowledge and experiences brought you where you are. There is not a requirement to fit in or be the same, however teamwork is key. Consistently communicate and continue to gain education.
We are all different, our minds, outlooks, and talents . . . these differences build strong teams, leaders, and accomplishments.
Be a mentor, be an example. The road was paved but every day there are new trails being blazed. People learn and observe from everyone one around them. These experiences enable them to paint the picture of their future. . .their goals. People often seek out someone with something in common; career paths, life experiences, personality, etc. Be a positive influence. Share your experiences and knowledge. At some point, your representation is no longer about you but those that you encounter and see an opportunity for themselves.
Explore every opportunity.
This speaks for itself.
In all those lessons, this quote by Maya Angelou sums it up my outlook the best, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
Captain Thomas is the Chief of Staff at Office of Special Projects in Washington, DC. She is from Riviera Beach, Florida and a graduate of the University of West Florida in Pensacola earning a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. She was commissioned in November 1997 through the Officer Candidate School Program. She earned a Masters of Business Administration from Troy University in 2008 and a Masters of Art in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Newport, RI in 2013.
Her shore duty assignments include serving as Executive Officer, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk, VA; Electrical Devices and Nuclear Reactor Programs Division Chief, DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, OH; Deputy Chief of Logistics Support and Services; US Southern Command in Miami, FL; Afloat Configuration and Force Stock Control Officer, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, Norfolk, VA; Support and Facilities Department Head, Naval Telecommunications Station, Puerto Rico; and Naval Acquisition and Contracting Officer Intern, Defense Contract Management Agency Atlanta, GA.
Her operational tours include Supply Officer, USS BATAAN (LHD 5); Supply Officer, USS MITSCHER (DDG-57); and Disbursing Officer and Material Stores Officer, USS NASSAU (LHA-4). She also served as an individual augmentee with Multi National Forces Iraq Contracting Officer in Mosul and Tikrit, Iraq.
Personal decorations include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal (one bronze oak leaf), Meritorious Service Medal (one gold star), Joint Service Commendation Medal (one gold star), Navy and Marine Commendation Medal (one gold star), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals (two gold stars), and various service awards. She is qualified Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer and Naval Aviation Supply Corps Officer, also a member of the Navy Acquisition Professional community and a Joint Qualified Officer.
Dear Shipmates, Family, and Friends of NNOA,
Season’s Greetings! I wish you good health, great happiness, and much prosperity through the season and into 2022. As I reflect on the many successes of 2021 for our association, I feel nothing but pride for all that we have accomplished, and I have tremendous expectations for the year to come.
This year has been phenomenal for the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) both as an organization and our members. Our membership has grown over the last three years. Our chapters are expanding, with new ones starting across our Sea Services and established ones thriving. Our members are being promoted, recognized, and taking positions of greater responsibility and importance. Our finances are excellent and will get even better as we establish the NNOA Foundation. Active and reserve members are working with Sea Services recruiting personnel to identify eligible candidates for Officer and NROTC programs. Our Career Development program provides mentors and open forums with senior leadership via Zoom to help officers navigate career challenges and milestones. Our veterans support recruiting efforts and have established an outstanding Transition Assistance Team program. Our reputation with leadership across the Sea Services is strong and getting stronger as the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Public Health Service, and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have all drawn on NNOA for support in growing a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and resilient Officer Corps. Many organizations and entities that support American Sea Power have asked NNOA to collaborate and work with them, increasing our association’s relevance and impact. I could list so much more of what NNOA has done in 2021, but I share these few to give you a sense of our outstanding accomplishments for the year.
As we begin 2022, there are even greater expectations for NNOA. We will celebrate our Golden Anniversary from July 25-29 as NNOA turns 50 years young! Our celebration will be at the place where it all began in Annapolis, Maryland, with an impressive line-up of speakers. More details will come in January. NNOA is deepening its relationship with our civilian Shipmates as Ms. Karen Davis, a Senior Executive Service (SES) in our Navy, has joined our leadership as a Liaison Advisor. Our Career Development Committee will continue to take full advantage of our virtual platform featuring more awesome speakers and mentoring opportunities. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are being planned for several new NNOA chapters, undoubtedly enhancing our mission effectiveness.
In closing, as your President, I ask that each of you to do the following:
Again, I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!