Commentaries

Mindset Matters Most
October 18, 2016 — “Words matter, actions matter more and mindset matters most,” defines my command philosophy for the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA). As leaders the words we choose are crucial to communicating the right message. Furthermore, we must model and practice what we preach because our actions will certainly communicate an even... MORE

Crossing the Digital Street - everyday steps to online safety
October 12, 2016 — In today’s ever expanding cyber world, internet safety is increasingly important. With safety always being the number one concern in the real world, we should treat the cyber world accordingly. Using smart tips will go a long way toward protecting you on the internet:· Personal InformationThe internet provides numerous opportunities for... MORE

My professionalism top 10 list
October 12, 2016 — As members of the military profession of arms, we have the responsibility and obligation to conduct ourselves accordingly. Below is my list of the top 10 behaviors to ensure professionalism in the workplace: 1) Respect other people and yourself: Conduct yourself respectfully and in a manner that you would be proud for someone outside of the... MORE

Authority, accountability impact organizational standards
October 4, 2016 — As an organization, the military reflects every aspect of society. Collectively we are Sailors, Soldiers, Guardsmen and Airmen from all walks of life. Our societal cross section and diversity are what makes us the World Class organization we are. The fact that we mimic societal norms was made crystal clear to me recently during a conversation... MORE

Series: Definition of Navy Chief Part III
September 14, 2016 — Looking back at the heritage of Navy Chief Petty Officers, their service, sacrifice and leadership: in peace, war and in times of national crisis, I recognize I have an enormous obligation to serve anyone with the title of “Sailor.” As a Chief, I must strive for excellence. Being a Chief means you are the leader, all day, every day, on duty and... MORE

A few of this year's Chief Petty Officer Selects from Joint Base Charleston pose for a picture following a physical training session together. The CPO selects conduct PT and other events leading up to the Chief Pinning Ceremony, in order to build camaraderie and esprit-de-corps. This year's Chief Pinning Ceremony is scheduled for 16 Sept, 2016.

Victory on the battlefield giving the gift of life
August 30, 2016 — Every morning we all begin the day by assessing our daily battlefield. For some, it is as simple as evaluating the upcoming tasks for the day. For others, their assessment requires progress towards completion of their college degree, movement forward on a pending promotion or the birth of a child. But there are others whose battlefield is the... MORE

Chief Master Sgt. Chad Ballance, superintendent of the 628th Medical Group, and Amber Ballance pose together outside of the Joint Base Charleston headquarters building August 9, 2016, in Charleston S.C. They are the only known Department of Defense couple who have donated bone marrow and blood stem cells to unrelated matches. Bone marrow and blood stem cell transplantation are used to treat patients with diseases affecting the blood or immune systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kevin West)

WHO WE ARE: THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
August 26, 2016 — On August 4, 2016 the United States Coast Guard celebrated its 226th birthday. The annual "Coast Guard Day" recognizes our proud history as the nation's oldest, continuous sea going service but it's more than just a day on the calendar. It's an acknowledgement of who we are as a military service. For as much as we evolve to meet modern threats,... MORE

"Chief Season" at NPTU Charleston
August 23, 2016 — This year marks the 124th birthday of the Navy Chief Petty Officer. Navy chiefs, recognized by the fouled anchor insignia, are considered the "backbone" of the Navy and hold the rank E-7. A CPO is a combination of technical expert and leader who teaches junior sailors their rating or trade while mentoring newly commissioned junior officers in the... MORE

Opening thoughts from new NSA commander
August 16, 2016 — During the month of July, in a span of less than seven days, I was relieved as Commanding Officer, Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Charleston and assumed the duties as Joint Base Deputy Commander/Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Charleston. In my 40 months in command of NPTU, I was part of a supported command on the joint base. ... MORE

SPAWAR supports community and nation
August 16, 2016 — As commanding officer of SPAWAR Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic, I take great pride in the many amazing things our team is doing around the world to support the warfighter.At this particular point in history -- when cybersecurity has been elevated to a top national priority -- our work is more important than ever. The products we deliver to... MORE