MCPON Campa outlines his vision for the fleet

All Hands, Sept, 2006 by Joe R. Campa

I am extremely honored to be given the opportunity to serve our nation as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. Throughout the coming months I look forward to getting out and learning the issues that are posing the greatest challenges and working with our leadership to find reasonable solutions. My commitment and focus is to continue to find ways to unlock the potential of the enlisted force and for all Sailors to achieve the full measure of their capabilities--not just to make our Navy better, but also so we can be better citizens of this great land of ours.

If there is one thing I've learned throughout my career, and a theme I would like you all to recognize, is that capitalizing on opportunity is not always easy. It takes hard work, commitment, and sacrifice to take advantage of some of the professional growth and educational opportunities that are offered--especially if you are on sea duty. Finding the time and the means to participate in off-duty education is sometimes the biggest challenge of all, but it is extremely important.

Our Navy demands agile, critical thinkers who are willing to lead. I expect you to find an appropriate balance between experience and education, as the two create a powerful combination. Creating a culture of creativity and innovation within our Navy will allow us to continue to be a dominant force well into the future. Creativity and innovation will allow us to present imaginative solutions to any number of problems. Although these solutions may not result in new ideas that always work, if you accept the challenge to think creatively and are willing to learn by trial and gain experience through occasional failure--you will grow as a leader and acquire problem-solving skills that will serve you well beyond your years in the Navy.

An additional expectation for you is to ensure the opportunities available in our Navy are realized for all. Remember that your very diversity of regional, ethnic, cultural, and religious heritage is itself, a powerful statement to those who strive to undermine the ideals you have pledged to defend. The fact that you will be judged by the success of those around you is a part of our Navy's heritage that will continue; because this is the way I expect any team to be judged. In any division that is thriving, achieving its potential, and providing a real benefit to a command and to our mission, you will find successful leadership.

It is through strong leadership in everything we do that we will achieve success in the future. With your leadership role also comes the need to understand what it means to be an outstanding mentor. Filling a mentorship role has exceptional rewards. Nothing is more satisfying to a leader and mentor than seeing the success of those around us, just as we all know how powerful the influences are of those leaders and mentors who were there for us at critical points in our career.

Finally, to our Sailors around the world--especially those serving in harm's way--thank you for your service to our nation. When I think of the level of commitment you have to each other and the sacrifices you make every day, I am inspired beyond words and determined to ensure you have the support and resources you need to fulfill our mission.

Speaking with Sailors is a monthly column initiated by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy as a way of reaching out to the men and women of the fleet, whether they are stationed just down the road or halfway around the world.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa