“It’s bad enough having one individual ask that question,” Haney said. “But what hurt the most was that tribe he was with said nothing to the contrary of that kind of thing.”
Haney, 65, went on to become one of the first Black four-star admirals in Navy history, serving as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the U.S. Strategic Command, where he oversaw nuclear weapons before retiring in 2017.
Elizabeth City State University alumnus, Coast Guard Capt. Warren Judge, has been honored with the 2021 Black Engineer of the Year Stars and Stripes Award (BEYA). The BEYA celebrates achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
“I am truly humbled and honored by this award. Being a public servant, this award is for the teams and team members, mentors and mentees who have supported me throughout the years,” said Capt. Judge. “I am truly blessed.”
The Stars and Stripes award is one of the most prestigious and competitive honors in science, engineering, and technology management. Less than 15 individuals have been honored as Stars and Stripes award winners, according to the Coast Guard’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber and Intelligence Service Center commanding officer, Capt. Rusty Dash.
Message to NNOA President & Members:
My father’s words to me at my OCS graduation were simple, yet impactful – “before honor comes humility”. They remain stenciled in my heart to this day, and have guided every aspect of my progress in the Coast Guard. My journey has only been possible because of the sacrifice of those who came before me, and those who framed the path of this road which so many others now travel. Distinguished service members also made time to provide counsel and to extend a needed hand as I sought to advance. Minus that help, my journey would not have started, and for it, I am eternally grateful. It is the highest honor and obligation to return that courtesy, as I hope my shared thoughts and lessons add some value to the journey of other leaders.
Leadership Philosophy
My philosophy, which I refer to as the Iron Trinity (or The 3-P), centers on the principles of People, Pride, & Professionalism. It reflects the character & resolve expected of each member of the TEAM and my commitment to their success.
Words of Wisdom
You know you are “in the fight” and making progress when you have at least 3 humbling moments per week. In my 28 years of Enlisted & Commissioned service, I have routinely hit or surpassed the “3” mark on any given Monday morning before 0900. Stay in the fight, persevere and share the wisdom. I offer the following:
The task force designated to find improvements in how the Navy thinks about diversity rolled out more than 50 recommendations on how to make the service fairer and more inclusive in a report released on Wednesday.
The final report from Task Force One Navy lays out specific, granular changes to how the service recruits and retains sailors as well as develops tools for professional development that open opportunities for women and minorities – particularly in the officer ranks, service officials said on Wednesday.
1.Thinking is your metric: critical thought is implied from a field grade officer.
2.Discipline your language: precise, concise, and articulate, formulated thought; up and down the chain of command
3.Play chess, not checkers: maneuver vs. attrition; thinking multiple terrain features ahead – shaping, each piece plays an important and shifting role; application of strategy applied against your mission; the institution is king and must be protected.
4.Know the talking points: the institution’s, your unit’s, and the intent behind them.
5.Understand the speed of decisions: understand the process of decision-makers and adjust; understand decision space for your commander.
6.Don’t be a one-trick pony: break out of your comfort zone; demonstrate Humility.
7.Identify the “Say-Do” gap. the major is the thermostat vice the thermometer – climate control; ensure intent is clear and inspect to follow up.
8.Learn to artfully advise: what does the boss not know about this problem? Speak to risk to force and risk to mission, resources, and culture; you must have an opinion – you are not neutral.
9.Don’t use yourself as an example: it makes it seem like it is about you – appearance of self-centeredness or close-mindedness. Be open to others’ beliefs and your opinion being changed.
10.What got you here won’t get you there: figure out what got you here and figure out what you need to adjust to get you on to the next opportunity.
11.Do not reward selfishness: examples of rewards include opportunistic billets, deployments, and evaluations.
Content drawn from Majors Lunch, Spring 2019
Colonel Everly
Commanding Officer, TBS
2019