Shipmates,
On our way back from our overseas trip we stopped in Houston, TX to participate in the National Naval Officers Association ( http://www.nnoa.org/) Annual Professional Development and Training Conference.
I delivered remarks at Wednesday's Luncheon and afterward met with Coast Guard attendees. Pam took part in a spouse's panel.
I provided an update to the remarks I made last year regarding our diversity initiatives and discussed our forthcoming Diversity Strategic Plan. There were a number of flag officers and senior executives in attendance, as well as many Commanding Officers. I want to thank those who participated in the various panels and sessions with senior leaders.
We were able to significantly increase funding to allow greater participation this year and that was reflected in record attendance (one of our goals from last year). As I remarked at the CG All Hands, the dialogue was one of the most open and frank discussions we have had. We received valuable feedback on our minority recruiting efforts and the retention of midgrade officers and enlisted personnel. I appreciate the participation of all those who attended. Thanks also to CAPT Bernard Jackson (USN, ret) for his continuing support as the current National President of NNOA, CDR Wil Watson our Coast Guard Representative on the Board of Directors, and RADM Manson Brown, the Immediate Past National President .
ADM A
