Secregtary Winter Stays Obama

Navy Secretary Donald Winter has agreed to stay in his post after the inauguration of President-elect Obama, Winter said Monday, and is planning to remain until March 13, unless a replacement arrives before then.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked Winter, the secretaries of the Army and the Air Force, and a number of other top Defense Department officials to stay on with him into the Obama administration, Winter said, but he would not comment on reports about any other official staying or going.

Read more at MarineCorpsTimes.com

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Government and Social Media

by Scott Meis at Social Media Snippets

I’ve always been intrigued by how Government would adopt social media.

Having worked as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy, I’m privy to the heavy bureaucratic constraints that often make it seem darn near impossible to push projects along and meet deadlines. Our communications process and structure in the Navy was very defined.

Working for a mid-size communications firm, it’s incredible to compare the two scenarios in terms of how fast and fluid I can now make things happen. I have high hopes for how Obama will help shape and influence Government’s adoption of the social Web. He did an amazing job during his campaign and continues to find ways to churn up old school presidential communication models. I’m also realistic…after all, there’s just a few things going on in our nation and the world at the moment.

Potential

That being said, there are already impressive steps being taken by parts of Government to adopt social media and I’ll be very curious to look back at the end of Obama’s administration to see how things have evolved. Mark Drapeau did a brilliant post last week on Government 2.0 identifying social media’s potential role in transforming government communication processes. Mark introduces the interesting idea of I3 (indirect, intimate influence) as a model for Government to embrace individual supporters as brand ambassadors throughout the Web.

Progress

As for now, all signs point up. As David Meerman Scott notes in his post, the U.S. Air Force is actively embracing Twitter and has been earning a good deal of cred across the Web for creating this blog assessment flowchart. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Army seem a bit more reserved but are at least researching and figuring out the best way to take next steps to embrace the dynamic Web.

It also looks like there are a host of politicians hopping on Twitter, recognizing the value of connecting with their constituents in a more accessible format. I’m sure the degree to which these politicians or their staff tweeters are effectively utilizing the site varies across the board, but it’s progress.

What’s your take? Do you have suggestions to help government adopt and embrace the social Web?

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Former Marine Commandant Heads Admiral Nimitz Foundation

General Michael Hagee

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret) as its new Executive Director effective January 5, 2009. General Hagee served as the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2004 to 2007. He has served on the Foundation’s all-volunteer Board since 2007. In his new role, he will work closely with the other members of the Board, the Foundation Staff, the National Museum of the Pacific War Staff, and the Texas Historical Commission not only to maintain, but also to enhance the Museum’s position as a world-class history and research center in historic Fredericksburg

John Kerr, Chairman of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation commented: “We are delighted to have such a distinguished and experienced individual to follow Admiral Chuck Grojean as our new Executive Director. His knowledge of the Foundation and his passion for its mission will ensure a seamless leadership transition. Raised in Fredericksburg, he understands the role the Foundation and its Museum play as a part of this community and the Texas Hill Country.”

General Hagee said, “I am honored to follow Admiral Grojean and assume this important position at the Foundation. Admiral Grojean was an inspirational leader and visionary. I look forward to helping realize this vision by working with the Foundation’s Board, Museum employees and our many supporters. My wife, Silke, and I are excited about becoming a part of the Fredericksburg Community.”

A graduate of Fredericksburg High School, General Hagee retired from the US Marine Corps in January 2007. While a general officer, his command assignments included Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force. His staff assignments included serving as Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense; Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence; Deputy Director of Operations, U.S. European Command; and Director Strategic Plans and Policy, U.S. Pacific Command.

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, has supported the mission of the National Museum of the Pacific War since 1970. The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. Located on a six-acre site in Fredericksburg, Texas, the Museum includes the George H.W. Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, Japanese Garden of Peace, Pacific Combat Zone, and the Center for Pacific War Studies.

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NAVEUR’s 2009 goal is to continue building partnerships within Africa

By Lisa M. Novak, Stars and Stripes

NAPLES, Italy — The commander for Naval Forces Europe laid out his priorities for the coming year last week in an all-hands message to Navy commands in Europe.

Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander U.S. Naval Forces Africa, said he is focused on several key goals for 2009, centered around security in Europe and Africa, quality of life for the work force and families, and “capacity building” with partners in eastern Europe and Africa.

“Last year, we achieved what we set out to do in building maritime partnerships,” Fitzgerald said in an e-mail sent to European-based naval forces. “Africa Partnership Station was proof of our commitment to improve maritime safety and security.”

Read the entire article here.

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In 1999 (10 Years Ago) CNO Jay Johnson said

In 1999 (10 Years Ago)

— The chief of naval operations last week told Congress for the first time that he wants to cut the Navy’s Trident submarine fleet from 18 to 14.

Such a move probably would shrink the Trident group at Naval Submarine Base Bangor from eight vessels to seven. The other boats are based in Kings Bay, Ga.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Adm. Jay Johnson said he would rather use $500 million needed to keep the extra four subs operational for other Navy priorities.

His comments were seen in Washington as increasing the chance that Congress will repeal its standing ban against cutting U.S. strategic nuclear forces until Russia ratifies the START II arms treaty.

Remember When

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American Veterans with Brain Injuries (AVBI.org)

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The carrier George H.W. Bush is brought to life

Virginian Pilot Video of the USS George H.W. Bush commissioning ceremony. A must see.

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Find out why Right Side News is Applauding the U.S. Coast Guard

Right Side News Reports

Big applause to our United States Coast Guard and their continued diligence at keeping our country safe. Three good stories from this past week. Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard — Proud History. Powerful Future.

Read why here.

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