The next generation of leaders from each of the sea-oriented branches of the military are in Norfolk this week for a leadership conference emphasizing diversity.
The National Naval Officers Association and The Association of Naval Services Officers are holding a weeklong conference in Norfolk. It’s the first time the groups are meeting together for the first time since 2010.
The meeting comes at a time when Republican members of Congress have called Vice President Kamala Harris a DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) hire, and the House has threatened to end Pentagon programs that promote diversity in the ranks.
“Some would say that DEI stands for Definitely Earned It,” said (Ret.) Rear Admiral Cedric Pringle, president of the NNOA. “I think that the hijacking of that narrative is more of a distraction than anything. The work still needs to be done, and that's where we are.”
Among the speakers at the conference this week were Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. Last year, she became the first woman to be a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“I think that we're strongest and most effective as a force when we build strong, inclusive, connected teams,” said Franchetti on Wednesday. “That's how we deliver a war fighting advantage every day. And that's what leadership is all about: creating the most qualified, combat ready, team possible.”
Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, spoke Thursday. She is the first woman to lead a branch of the military, taking over in 2022.
“To succeed in the future challenges we must harness the experience and perspectives of every member of our workforce,” Fagan said. “Every member should feel valued and safe, heard and able to contribute to their greatest potential.”
Acknowledging the need to be open and transparent, she did not address the complaints from Congress that the service has not provided enough information about how the Coast Guard handled sexual assault claims at the Coast Guard Academy, from the time before Fagan took over as commandant.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith spoke Tuesday. Each of the leaders also spoke behind closed doors with the group of young officers. The emphasis is on allowing the younger leaders access to senior leaders within their services, to allow them build connections that will help them move up the ranks, said Marine Lt. Col. Jose Montalvan, president of ANSO.
“Personal professional development has no barriers,” he said. “So what we're trying to develop is the future leaders of America, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, or anything that you can imagine.”
The conference runs through Friday at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
