Leading by example and with conviction Leadership

Leadership by example

Unrivaled training programs. Empowering growth opportunities. Real-world, real-time experience. Whether leading a unit, an air wing or the Pacific Fleet, those in America’s Navy lead with purpose and conviction and put their leadership skills to good use. Guided by their dedication to the same set of core values: Honor. Courage. Commitment.

One Fleet, united

Currently, there are over 332,000 men and women serving on Active Duty in America’s Navy. They are supported by the over 125,000 uniformed personnel who make up the Navy Reserve. And whether serving full-time or part-time, whether fulfilling responsibilities as an Enlisted Sailor or Officer, whether working as a Navy Physician or a Navy SEAL, each member of America’s Navy represents a promise realized. The promise of what one person can accomplish. What one force can do for a nation. What one nation can mean to the world.

Profiles of leadership

Meet some of the men and women who have answered the call to serve and who lead the mission of America’s Navy forward today.

Secretary of Navy – Ray Mabus: On May 19, 2009, Ray Mabus became the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy. His mission: to lead America’s Navy and Marine Corps, oversee an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and supervise nearly 900,000 people. 

He conducts all the affairs of the Department of the Navy – from recruiting to supplying, training to mobilizing. He also oversees the construction and repair of Naval ships and facilities, and he develops policies and programs in accordance with national security policies and objectives. 

Prior to his current post, Secretary Mabus served in a variety of top posts in government and the private sector, including serving as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Clinton Administration in 1994 and being elected Governor of Mississippi In 1988 (he was named one of Fortune Magazine’s top ten education governors).

Under Secretary of Navy – The Honorable Robert O. Work: Robert O. Work was confirmed on May 19, 2009. He is the principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and acts with full authority of the Secretary in the day-to-day management of the Department of the Navy. During his 27-year career, Mr. Work has commanded an artillery battery and artillery battalion, was the base commander at Camp Fuji, Japan, and has served as military assistant and senior aide to the Honorable Richard J. Danzig, 71st Secretary of the Navy. 

He has also held posts as senior fellow for maritime affairs and vice president for strategic studies Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), where he focused on defense strategy and programs, revolutions in war, Department of Defense transformation, and maritime affairs.

Chief of Naval Operations – Admiral Gary Roughead: Admiral Roughead became the 29th Chief of Naval Operations on September 29, 2007. A 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Roughead is one of only two Officers to have commanded the Fleets in both the Pacific and Atlantic, commanding the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Joint Task Force 519, as well as U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where he was responsible for ensuring Navy forces were trained, ready, equipped and prepared to operate around the world. He has earned numerous awards, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations – Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert: Admiral Greenert was appointed to this post on August 13, 2009. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975, completing studies in nuclear power. 

He served as Commander of USS Honolulu (SSN 718), Submarine Squadron 11, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, U.S. 7th Fleet and U.S. Fleet Forces Command. 

He was also chosen deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources (N8); deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; chief of staff, U.S. 7th Fleet and head, Navy Programming Branch and director, Operations Division Navy Comptroller. He has also earned numerous awards, including five Distinguished Service Medals, a Defense Superior Service Medal and four Legion of Merit awards. In 1992 he was awarded the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership.

Master Chief Petty Officer: MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West: Appointed Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy on December 12, 2008, Master Chief Rick D. West entered the U.S. Navy in 1981, straight out of high school. He received recruit training and quartermaster training at Orlando, Fla., then Enlisted Submarine School at Groton, Conn. After just three duty assignments, he became Commander Naval Activities United Kingdom. Later, as chief of the boat on board the San Diego-based fast attack submarine, USS Portsmouth (SSN 707), West’s crew earned two Battle Efficiency “E” awards. While assigned to USS Preble (DDG 88), West deployed to the Persian Gulf and was selected to serve as Pacific Fleet fleet master chief. His many awards include two Legion of Merit awards, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals.