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Pacific Fleet Commander Addresses Global Maritime Senior Enlisted Symposium

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080923-09
Release Date: 9/23/2008 5:48:00 AM

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

HONOLULU (NNS) -- The commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet addressed senior enlisted leaders from around the world Sept. 22 at the Global Maritime Senior Enlisted Symposium, acknowledging that their presence is being felt on the deckplates of each of their services.

The three-day symposium, hosted by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) Charles "Skip" Bowen, is being attended by senior enlisted leaders from more than 40 nations from six continents.

Adm. Robert F. Willard addressed the group during a lunchtime seminar and emphasized the importance of a traditional brand of leadership.

He said that until recently he'd seen the U.S Navy's chief petty officers drift away from their roles as deckplate leaders.

"We departed from that for a time," said Willard. "And our senior leaders became more locked to the desk and spent less time on the deckplates. We saw this manifested in our enlisted force's attitude and conduct. We also saw it in the competency of our junior officers who relied on our chiefs to teach, not through e-mail, but alongside them."

The topic of deckplate leadership came up near the end of Willard's remarks during a question- and-answer period. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Argentine Navy, MCPON Pedro Bonansea, asked the Pacific Fleet commander what he felt should be the primary takeaway from the symposium.

Willard used the answer to express his hope that the senior enlisted leaders take advantage of this unique opportunity to exchange ideas on how to best develop men and women serving at sea.

"The techniques and processes that enable the hands-on leadership senior enlisted leaders are so famous for would be a valuable exchange among yourselves," said Willard. He added that he understands the delicate balance many try to strike between leveraging technology and traditional leadership techniques. "I'd imagine that if you polled every table you'd hear different ideas to strike that balance."

Willard, who has commanded the Pacific Fleet since May 2007, has visited nearly 30 Pacific Rim nations and has emphasized the importance of interoperability and coordination efforts in both military operations and humanitarian assistance. He said the keys to success across the region lie with the abilities of the enlisted force and those who lead them.

He referenced last year's symposium in New Zealand and said the momentum gained during the past 12 months is obvious by the numbers attending the seminar this week in Honolulu.

"I've never been in a room with as many senior enlisted leaders from so many countries. You number more than forty, and that's most impressive. For all of you who made the choice to attend, thank you and I hope it's worth the opportunity."

The senior enlisted symposium will conclude Sept. 24, following three days of small-group seminars and further presentations from the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead and the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen.

For more news from the U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cpf.