• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NNOA Concludes National Leadership Conference

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080731-10
Release Date: 7/31/2008 4:18:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Tyler H. Jones, Fleet Public Affairs Center Norfolk

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) concluded its 36th annual Professional Development and Training Conference in Portsmouth, Va., during a celebratory banquet July 25 which featured Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter as the keynote speaker.

Winter's speech focused on diversity among the sea services, mirroring the conference's theme of "developing America's future leaders to enhance mission readiness and cultural awareness."

"America's strength has always resided in her diversity. As we journey into the 21st century and beyond, we must always remember where our strengths lie."

Recently, the Navy was recognized by Diversity/Careers in Engineering Information Technology Magazine as the Best Diversity Company for 2008. The Navy was selected from more than 600 companies and government agencies that employ technical professionals.

The Navy's support for minorities and women, attention to life-work balance and commitment to supplier diversity played a key role in its selection for the award.

Although diversity was a major focus for the NNOA conference, members also attended workshops on a variety of topics, including individual augmentee detailing and maintaining mission readiness.

The conference provided members with more than 21 hours of instruction and lectures by top leaders in the sea services and other U.S. government agencies and industries. Additionally, conference attendees received more than four hours of dedicated mentoring by military and civil leaders.

"The topics we talked about in the workshops were well-planned," said Lt. j.g. Derrick Johnson, a junior officer who attended the conference. "I think it's important for the community to get together and discuss the challenges facing the Navy today."

Throughout the three-day conference, participants attended professional service-specific luncheons during which the chief of their perspective services gave a keynote address.

Although the conference was geared toward active-duty and Reserve officers, a spouse's workshop took place to help provide valuable information and tools to benefit the entire military family.

Founded in Annapolis, Md., in 1972, NNOA supports the sea services in recruiting, retaining and developing the careers of minority officers. It also provides professional development and mentoring for its members.

The NNOA continues to establish and maintain a positive image of the sea services in minority communities and educational institutions.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Diversity Directorate, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/.