I can’t find the news anywhere but I heard that she’s pretty awesome.  She’s a NIOD Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii Sailor.

Thanks to Jeff Bacon. http://broadside.navytimes.com

The Navy’s notion of a command triad is largely a myth.  The team of CO, XO and CMC (SEL) is important to the success of any Navy command.  There is no question that commands do significantly better when these three individuals operate as a team.  But is there really a ‘command’ triad? More than a small number of commands are operating without a cohesive team at the top.  Trying to run a command with a weak member of that group is devastating.  It’s as difficult as trying to balance something atop a tree legged stool.

More Jeff Bacon cartoons HERE.

Stand by!  A new blog celebrating the past, present, and future of Naval Cryptology is about to launch.  Check back here for more information.

Master Chief Petty Officer Ronald N. Schwartz passed away on 27 August 2007 following a fatal tractor accident near his home in Indiana. He had a distinguished career as a Cryptologic Maintenance Technician in the Naval Security Group. He served in USS BIDDLE, in The White House Communication Office, at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Education and Training, as an instructor at Naval Technical Training Center – Corry Station – Pensacola, Florida and as Command Master Chief for U.S. Naval Security Group Activity – Yokosuka, Japan.  One of the young men he influenced there (now CTRCM Cedric Rawlinson) took his place as the Command Master Chief twelve years later.

On the eighth  anniversary of his passing, I suspect he continues to smile upon us knowing that, Naval Network Warfare Command reversed their decision to disestablish the Cryptologic Technician Maintenance rating in the Navy. CTMs survive and NNWC does not.  He was foremost a career-long advocate for Sailors and, in particular, the Cryptologic Maintenance Technicians afloat and serving in the Fleet Electronic Support shops around the world. THE MESSAGE: Never doubt the value of our Cryptologic Technicians; for the most part, theirs is a unique contribution to the Navy’s warfighting ability. That capability must be preserved for the good of the nation.

40 years ago today I began my Navy adventure.  It has been awesome being a part of that.  I think this will be my last post on the blog.  I do reserve the right to change my mind.

“Mike,

Thanks for your continuing engagement on the vital issue of leadership — at the end of the day, what can be more important to our Navy and our nation?”

Admiral James Stavridis