Shipmates,
We had a good day number two at the SLEC. The Innovation Expo opened this morning and the Flag and SES corps were there.
We started the event by recognizing the career achievements and incredible support to the Coast Guard by Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf. Mayor Oberndorf is legend in Virginia politics. She was elected to public office in 1976. She became the Mayor in 1988 and served five consecutive terms until 2008 when she lost the recent election. She is the longest serving mayor in Virginia Beach history. In 2007 Virginia Beach was recognized as one of the top ten technically advanced cities in the United States. We were pleased to recognize the mayor with the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award. We also note that Mayor Oberndorf is the spouse of Roger Orberndorf (CAPT, USCGR ret).
The Keynote Speaker was retired Navy Captain Mike Abrashoff, author of "ITS YOUR SHIP." Mike provided insight as to how we can empower those around us to innovate and create excellence as he did on the USS BENFOLD. Mike is an articulate advocate for the power of cooperation, collaboration, and communication in organizations to improve performance. He energized everyone.
Following the Innovation Expo opening we returned to our SELC sessions and discussed the Presidential transition and changes in the Congress resulting from the election. The day ended with reports from VADM Papp and VADM Pekoske on field operational issues. Included were maintenance issues on our high and medium endurance cutters, our response to the recent hurricanes, multinational operations in the Pacific, the loss of CG Helo 6505, and the recent surge operations it the Arctic.
At the same time our senior leaders were participating in Innovation Expo activities including a panel on Coast Guard Modernization.
A very productive and valuable conference thus far.
ADM A
