CNO Addresses Naval Submarine League Symposium 2001 |
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CNO Addresses Naval Submarine League Symposium, By Chief
Journalist Walter T. Ham IV, CNO Public Affairs EXCERPT) WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Since the U.S. Navy purchased its first submarine in 1900, a legacy of leadership has given the "silent service" the last word in the 20th Century, according to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark. "The clarity of vision and the quality of your leadership -- Under these two things, your community has surely prospered," the CNO recently told the Naval Submarine League during his address at their annual symposium. "It is very clear that the demand for your product is high." Clark thanked the Naval Submarine League for recognizing many current submariners with awards. The symposium awardees were: Cmdr. Barry Bruner, Cmdr. John Elnitsky II, Lt. Cmdr. Paul Whitescarver, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Gabehart, Lt. Cmdr. Teryl Chauncey, Master Chief Missile Technician (SS) Jeffery Hudson, Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Gregory Fischer, Chief Machinist's Mate (SS) Norman Ford, Electronics Technician 1st Class SS) Marvin Keen and Dr. John Sirmalis. "I think it's wonderful that this organization is making it part of what they are about not only to recognize and say thank you, but also to spotlight individuals who are truly excelling in your profession and in your community," said Clark. The CNO personally singled out Bruner, former commanding officer of USS Florida (SSBN 728) (Gold). Clark praised Bruner for leading his crew to the "best retention of any unit in the United States Navy." Manpower is the CNO's number one priority, followed by current readiness, future readiness, quality of service and alignment. From America's first submariners to the "Father of the nuclear Navy" Adm. Hyman Rickover to the awardees in the audience (among which sat Rickover's wife), the CNO said the submarine community's success can be traced back through its leaders. "The thing that is so rich about our institution is that we are the products of years and years of people, who decided that they were going to invest in us and in one another," the CNO added. "Be thankful for the heritage that was created for you and be about setting the heritage for those of you who are going to follow." In 2000, the U.S. Navy submarine community celebrated 100 years of success. The CNO said the Naval Submarine League's "Second Hundred Years" theme was fitting for the challenges the Navy and the submarine community will face in the next century. "I love the optimism of it," the CNO noted. "It says that you know you've been successful and you intend to continue to be successful." |