¡EL CAPITÁN! THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN NAVAL OFFICER
  • Home
  • The Book
  • SWO Command
  • Q & A
  • Another Link in the Chain

Another Link in the Chain

​The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation’s program “Another Link in the Chain” facilitates relationships between USNA classes that graduated 50 years apart. Its purpose is to foster bonds and links between the two classes beginning at the academy on Induction Day, the day the new 4th Class midshipmen are sworn in and form the new 4th Class of the Brigade—the Plebes. Accordingly, on Induction Day 2004, the USNA Class of 1958 welcomed the USNA Class of 2008 and initiated their relationship.
 
The linking and bonding of Naval Academy classes through generations of alumni enhances the academy’s midshipman indoctrination in the customs, traditions and history of the academy and its alumni. From Induction Day 2004 to Commissioning, ‘58 and ‘08 formed links and bonds that became part of the midshipmen’s Naval Academy experience. Throughout their four years in the Brigade, ‘08 was buoyed and encouraged in a variety of events hosted by ‘58 members who enjoyed working with ‘08 midshipmen in their development as Navy or Marine Corps officers.
 
In June 2011, I published my memoir ¡El Capitán! The Making of an American Naval Officer. In the epilogue, I wrote: “In a spirit of helpfulness, I wish to pass on what worked for me . . . (in my commands).”
 
Through LINC, I will provides ‘08 Surface Warfare Officers (SWO) my most valued lessons learned in my sea and shore command experience beginning with my command of U.S. NAVAL COMMUNICATIONS STATION BALBOA in the Panama Canal Zone. To resolve major readiness deficiencies that came to light when I assumed command, I created a command action plan using mission-based goals and objectives to manage the restoration Balboa’s readiness. This was my first attempt to use management guru Peter Drucker’s Management by Goals and Objectives (MBO) principles.
 
In my first sea command, USS FORT FISHER (LSD 40), I expanded my Balboa initiative by creating and employing an approach that I named A Surface Warship Commanding Officer (CO)’S Leadership And Management Technique Based On Mission-Oriented Goals and Objectives (LMGO). I then employed the technique in USS VANCOUVER (LPD 2) and AMPHIBIOUS SQUADRON THREE.
 
My intent is to make available to the SWOs this powerful warship command leadership and management technique. Like the traditional warship command mode, both approaches rely on strong command leadership and accountability in the chain of command.
 
To make LMGO available to the Class of 2008, I have created a blog and posted my LMGO concept therein. My hope is to create a dialogue with ‘08 SWOs in which they will articulate their personal views and ideas about surface warship command, leadership, and management.
 
I realize that you are more than an XO tour away from command qualification, but it is never too early to begin preparing for the challenge of commanding a surface warship.

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • The Book
  • SWO Command
  • Q & A
  • Another Link in the Chain