Navy Officer Development School Graduation Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, July 5, 2019.
Transcript
[Man] Class 19040 left or right face.
[Commander Anderson] Ladies and gentlemen, please feel free to move to the front of the stage to take pictures of the formation, but please stay off the stage. (upbeat military band music) Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats, the ceremony will begin momentarily, and there are bleachers in the rear as well, if you are standing there are bleachers in the rear. Thank you. Again, there are bleachers in the rear, thank you. (men murmur off microphone)
[Man] I guess we’re running out of seats, but they could use the bleachers at the back and on the side.
[Commander Anderson] Thank you, the ceremony will begin momentarily.
[Man] Class 19040 take seats.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I’m Commander Kline Anderson, director for Officer Development School. On behalf of the commanding officer, Officer Training Command Newport, welcome to the graduation ceremony for Officer Development School class 19040 consisting of 180 officers. Guests are encouraged to take photographs at any time during the ceremony, except during the playing of the national anthem and the invocation. The order of advance for this morning ceremony is as follows. Momentarily, Captain Mark Nicholson United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Command Newport, and Rear Admiral Carol Lynch, Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs and Operations, the guests of honor for today’s ceremony will arrive. Guests will be asked to rise for the playing of the national anthem and the arrival of the official party. Both the commanding officer and the guest of honor will address the graduating class. Following the remarks, the commanding officer will then distribute the class awards. Following the award distribution, the graduates will symbolize the completion of their training by returning their company guide arms to their class chief petty officers. Finally the graduating class will reaffirm the oath of office and guests will be asked to rise for the playing of the service songs and the final dismissal. Again allow me to emphasize, you are encouraged to take photographs at any time during the ceremony except during the playing of the national anthem and the invocation.
[Man] Class 19040 Attention! And salute.
[Commander Anderson] Please rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the national anthem and invocation. (bell rings) Officer Training Command Newport arriving. (whistle blows) (bell rings) Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs arriving. (whistle blows) (upbeat military band music) Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. (“The Star-Spangled Banner”) (man shouts orders off microphone) Ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Sullivan will now offer the invocation.
Let us pray. Everlasting God make us aware of your presence, and allot to us to us our daily portion of your favor that we might celebrate the accomplishment of these graduates. Honor the labors of their instructors and recall the support of friends and family who join in these proceedings. It is no accident that this group has come to this moment, these accomplished professionals began preparations for service to the war fight long before they reached these grounds. We rejoice today they are coming together as Delta and Echo companies of ODS 19040. Formed and prepared for dispersion to the fleet. May they always recall fondly their formative moments on this island in summer. And may they ever seek to grow in dedication and concern for those they care for and instruct. Bless the instructors and staff may each be blessed for what they have selflessly given and encouraged by the continued success of these graduates. We thank you for those who will offer applause here today for those who join this celebration from afar and the many more who may not be present, but were instrumental in the course of events that led to our celebration. Watch over those who sacrifices have made possible this time for growth and training. Be with those who stand the watch even now that we might have the liberty to gather. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
[Commander Anderson] Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated.
[Man] Class 19040 take seats.
[Commander Anderson] Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Mark Nicholson, commanding officer, Officer Training Command Newport.
Admiral Lynch, Admiral Rodriguez, commanding officers, captains, distinguished guests, family, friends and shipmates of Officer Development School class 19040. Good morning.
[Class 19040] Good morning sir.
Welcome to Newport on this foggy morning. I’m sure our neighbors across the bay just heard that loud and energetic good morning from our class. I know they are excited to see them graduate today as we all are. I would like to first start off by formally thanking the members of Navy Band Northeast, thank you shipmates for being here this morning. Your patriotic music in this patriotic time of year inspires us all, and I truly thank you all for being here. So ladies and gentlemen, please join me in recognizing Navy Band Northeast. (audience applauds) It’s my sincere honor and privilege to be with all of you this morning as we recognize and celebrate the achievement of these 180 young men and women sitting in front of me. America’s very best and brightest, as they graduate and start their careers in the United States Navy. For the families I want to both thank you, not only for making a long trip to be here this morning, but for the performance of your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. Your love and support of helped produce the quality individuals seated here. Ones who not only chose vocations to help their fellow man, but who chose a path of service in the United States Navy. For class 19040, the profession of naval officers, much like the medical and law professions requires its members to take an oath. In just a few minutes your parents and loved ones along with the OTC staff and myself will bear witness as you raise your right hand and reaffirm a sacred oath to support and defend the constitution. This oath carries far more obligations than privileges. It carries the obligation to serve in the most trusted institution in America. According to Gallup polls that stretch back for more than a decade, the American people trust the military more than any other institution. A list that includes the Supreme Court, Congress, organized religion, police, public schools our medical system and our criminal justice system. It is up to you to maintain this trust. As George Washington once stated in an address to the officers of the Virginia regiment, “Remember that it is the actions “and not the commission that make the officer. “That here is more expected from him than the title. “As an officer you will be placed in a position “to lead and mentor what is truly one “of our most valuable national assets, “the enlisted men and women of our Navy.” The American people are trusting you, trusting you to care for and lead them in defending our constitution. I challenge you to maintain and build upon the American people’s trust through your actions as a naval officer. I’m very proud of the effort you’ve expended over the last several weeks, including your performance in yesterday’s 4th of July parade in Bristol. I hope that experience energized you and renewed your sense of patriotism. I challenge you to take that energy with you as you head out to the fleet and enter the war room of the worlds greatest navy. I have another honor and privilege this morning, that of introducing our guest speaker, Rear Admiral Carol Lynch. A native of Fall River, Massachusetts, Admiral Lynch received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Yale, and her juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. She entered active duty in 1986, and served in several legal assistance roles, including Navy Legal Support Service Office, right here in Newport, Rhode Island, and aboard USS Lexington. In 1993 she transitioned to the Navy Reserve and has served in a variety of positions, including two command tours. 2016, at Admiral Lynch assumed duties of her current assignment as a Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs and Operations. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to this mornings guest speaker, Rear Admiral Carol Lynch. (audience applauds)
Good morning class.
[Class 19040] Good morning Admiral.
Good morning family, friends, fellow officers, Admiral Rodriguez, distinguished guests. At first I want to start off by thanking the support staff here, the instructors, the leadership. The CEO, the XO, support staff. The way that we develop officers here could not happen without us having those folks behind us churning out as many will see in short five weeks leaders of our country. So please thank you very much staff for doing what you do. (audience applauds) I know there are many proud family members here and friends, and as the CEO said we couldn’t do it as officers, these young men and women couldn’t do what they do, or be prepared to go and do what they are about to do without the support of their family and friends. It is amazing to see what we do in five weeks. I know those of you that will be greeting your family members afterwards. When was the last time that you heard your son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife shout out such a good morning? We can do amazing things here. I wish I could have gotten my son out of the rack this morning, so he could be here to see what it’s like to be energized first thing in the morning. So I can’t think of a better place to be as I’m coming to the near end of my career, which started in these seats where these folks are today. That was over 33 years ago. My intention as a lawyer at the time was to come in and get some great experience in litigation and then to leave and go off and do other great things. As you can see, my plan changed. Some asked me sometimes what changed about it, and what changed about it Was something that was already in me I believe, and which is in each and every one of these these officers before you. Is that a belief in being part of something bigger than us, it’s a belief that we can do amazing things together in support of our nation. It’s a belief that we are the future, that we will make a world that is better than the world that we were brought up in. And that’s what kept me here. It became another family. Some may be able to tell by the accent, I grew up not too far from here in Fall River, Massachusetts. I was able to have the opportunity here to see this week while I was able to march in the Bristol Day parade and I want to thank the class for inviting me to do that. What we learn here as professionals, we’ve got doctors, lawyers, nurses, dentists. Medical Service Corps, cyber engineers. I know you’re already proud of those accomplishments as you should be, but the fact that we can take in five weeks and have them march smartly in a parade. And to see the turnout of our nation’s citizens. It was truly uplifting to me. I was pretty proud of myself too that I actually remember how to do my little shuffle step to get back into cadence with the class. So there are things that you will learn here that will stay with you forever. I joke with some that I remember still back in the day when I was here that I had a bed that I really couldn’t sleep in, because I had to keep it nice and tight, a rug I couldn’t walk on for fear of having some dust on it. A trashcan I couldn’t use. But that’s just the joke part, what I did learn is character and trust and teamwork here. It all began right here, and it’s because of the staff, it’s because of the students before you that have taken that sacrifice to go above and beyond what normal citizens do. Competition. There is no mistake that our enemies are in a competition with us and they want to do away with our way of life. This is the future, our national defense strategy is based on some simple concepts. That we will compete, that we will deter our enemies, and when all that fails if it fails, that we will win in any conflicts that we have. These young men and women before you are part of that national defense strategy. You are part of the Navy the nation needs. You have made the sacrifice you will continue to make those sacrifices. The answer to why are you here, you know that within your heart why you’re here, and I’m sure you’ve probably questioned yourself a few times throughout the last five weeks. But as you step forward into your next role, whether it be going out to the fleet to your first duty stations. Or back to your educational institutions to finish the degree and finish the training that we need to rely upon you, you know that you will be part of something that is bigger than you. You’ve learned the protocols and the traditions. You have learned that as members of the military, we have a higher responsibility to our citizens. We have to ensure that we have the best national defense. But we have to ensure that each day in and day out that we lead in an ethical manner. It is no longer doing something for yourself, it is doing something for the greater good. Ask yourself each day, how am I part of the national defense strategy? How am I helping to build the Navy the nation needs? How can I better the life of those around me? The enlisted personnel will be looking to you for those answers. They will be watching you, they will be relying upon you. The nation relies upon you. As you go forward each day ask yourself, not only do I have the right to do something, but is it the right thing to do in the situation? Constantly challenge yourself. As the greatest organization in the world, we rely on one another as teammates, and you’ve developed some of those relationships here. As I indicated, I came through here in January 1986. A few folks mentioned to me yesterday that they weren’t even born yet, so I guess it is time for me to go home. But I still have friends from my class, back then it was called OIS. I have friends that are gonna be coming to my retirement ceremony in the fall. Friends that I made here and teammates that I made here, the shipmates that I made here, and that you have made here. Rely on one another throughout your careers. We have a mix of stuff, like I said we have the doctors, the dentists, nurses, the Medical Service Corps, the cyber engineers. The lawyers, lawyers are people too folks, don’t forget that. And make sure that you work together as a team And you will have success day in and day out, you will have that same pride that I know you felt yesterday When you were marching through the streets of Bristol. I felt it, I didn’t feel the pain in my knees or my feet any longer, because the adrenaline of pride of seeing what we have done and what our nation thinks of us just did away with all that pain and all of those struggles. Continue to do what you have done here, which is challenge yourselves day in and day out, we need to challenge one another, we need to be innovative, we need to listen to one another’s ideas. The strength of what we have is in the diversity of our thoughts. Like the diversity of our backgrounds. And our ability to communicate with one another in a professional and sound manner for the greater good. To quote the Chief of Naval Operations, “I encourage everyone to look “at new ideas with an open mind. “The most junior teammate may have the best idea.” “We must be open to capturing “and implementing any of those ideas. “We must and we will win this great power competition.” Your conduct as I said will always be watched. This is not the end of your learning, I know some of you are going back to school. Continue to learn, continue to read. We are not a stagnant force, we are an ever evolving, growing, professional force. And most of all, while you’re doing that, have fun, share it with your families. None of us would be here without the support of our families. And there’s gonna be times in your career when your family is gonna need your support, because you’re gone so much. Learn to embrace that, learn to communicate with family, learn to rely on your teammates to get through the difficult times. Ensure that your family is supported. For the family members, welcome to the Navy family. It is an amazing family, just like it doesn’t have to be from blood. We will take care of your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters your husbands and wives and we will take care of you. I want to thank you for the honor of this week. As I said, being able to come back to where it all began for me is just an amazing experience, and I’m just so happy and proud that you let me be part of it. Again, this is not the end of your career, this is the beginning. And whether you stay for three or four years, or whether you stay for 33 years, you will still always be part of this greatest organization and what you learn in these five weeks will stay with you forever. You may be a 60 something year old marching with a group of twenty somethings and still able to keep cadence 30 years from now. Because what you learned here is now instilled in you and it is in your blood, you have been forged and will be forged by the sea. Be the toughest on ourselves, and be the toughest on our team around us. Lead with confidence, not arrogance. I congratulate each and every one of you for the accomplishments that you have had to date in your professional careers. And for your willingness and courage to stand up and to come to Newport and to raise your right hand and to be a commissioned officer of the United States Navy. It is a great accomplishment that you have achieved here today. I am very proud of you. I will take the memories from this week with me to my afterlife. Always remember it’s not gonna be easy, but I know that each and every one of you are here because you know how to get it done. Challenges, and you will face challenges, we all will, challenges equal opportunities to excel, and you will excel, thank you very much. (audience applauds)
[Commander Anderson] Thank you Admiral Lynch and Captain Nicholson. At the conclusion of each ODS class several students are recognized by their fellow classmates, as well as OTC and staff for outstanding achievement during the five-week course of instruction. Ensign Ciaran Chung and Ensign Kate Thornton, front and center. The Honors Student Award is presented to the officer who best illustrates an overall excellence in the areas of academics, physical fitness and military bearing. Consistently Setting the example for his or her peers throughout the many challenges faced at Officer Training Command Newport, the Honors Student Award goes to Ensign Ciaran Chung and Ensign Kate Thornton. (audience applauds) Ensign Corbett Hall and Ensign Kelly Morando, front and center. The Alfred Award is given to the officer who achieved the highest military grade, derived from personnel inspections, room inspections, and general military bearing. This award is named after the continental sloop of war, The Alfred. Commissioned in 1775, The Alfred served as a flagship of native Rhode islander Commodore Isaac Hopkins. Serving as a role model of Navy pride and professionalism, maintaining the highest military standards and providing inspiration to all, the Alfred Award goes to Ensign Corbett Hall, and Ensign Kelly Morando. (audience applauds) Ensign Mark Headinger and Ensign Joseph Lamont front and center. The Captain George Townsend Smith Leadership Award is presented to the officer who personifies the highest standards of personal example, good leadership practices and more responsibility. For this award officers were nominated by their peers and selected by the officer training command staff. The Captain George Townsend Smith Leadership Award goes to Ensign Mark Headinger and Ensign Joseph Lamont. (audience applauds) Ensign Samantha Gordon and Ensign Joseph Lamont front and center. The Edie Award, named for Lieutenant Thomas Edie United States Navy recognizes the highest achievement and academic and military performance. Lieutenant Thomas Edie, who emigrated from Scotland and settled in Rhode Island was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor for his courageous efforts as a diver during the salvage of submarines SS4 and SS51 off the coast of Massachusetts. He was a member of the Southeastern New England Chapter of the Retired Officers Association at the time of his death in 1974. In recognition of this accomplishment, in addition to a certificate of achievement, the Military Officers Association of America has generously provided a three year premium mode membership to the Edie Award winners, Ensign Samantha Gordon and Ensign Joseph Lamont. (audience applauds) For the past five weeks the company guide arm has been a symbol of spirit, dedication, teamwork and unit identity. To symbolize the fact that these officers seated before you have completed their training, they will now return the guide arm to their class chief petty officers. Senior Chief Aviation Ordinance Aviation Warfare, Surface Warfare, Information Warfare, Rudolph Liverpool, and Chief Hospital Corps, Fleet Marine Forces, Surface Warfare, Aviation Warfare Luis Valdez. (dramatic military band music) (mans shouts orders off microphone)
[Man] Forward march. (audience cheers and applauds)
[Commander Anderson] Lieutenant Benjamin Hatef will now deliver the reaffirmation of the oath of office. Would all military personnel in uniform please come to the position of attention.
[Man] Class 19040, attention. Class 19040, raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I, state your name.
[Class 19040] I, (all say names).
To solemnly reaffirm.
[Class 19040] Do solemnly reaffirm.
To support and defend the constitution of the United States.
[Class 19040] To support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
[Man] Against all enemies foreign and domestic.
[Class 19040] Against all enemies foreign and domestic.
[Man] That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.
[Class 19040] That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
[Man] And I take this obligation freely.
[Class 19040] And I take this obligation freely.
[Man] Without any mental hesitation.
[Class 19040] Without any mental hesitation.
[Man] Or purpose of evasion.
[Class 19040] Or purpose of evasion.
[Man] And I will well and faithfully.
[Class 19040] And I will well and faithfully.
[Man] Discharge the duties.
[Class 19040] Discharge the duties.
[Man] Of the office on which I am about to enter.
[Class 19040] Of the office on which I am about to enter.
[Man] So help me God.
[Class 19040] So help me God.
[Commander Anderson] Ladies and gentlemen the commanding officer of Officer Training Command Newport would like to present to you your newly reaffirmed naval officers. (audience cheers and applauds) Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the playing of the service songs and the final dismissal. (upbeat military band music) Officer Development School class 19040, upon graduation from Officer Development School you are ordered to detach and report to your duty stations where you will assume your duties and responsibilities by order of Mark Nicholson, Captain, United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Command Newport.
Aye aye sir.
[Commander Anderson] Class 19040, dismissed.
Thank you sir.
[Commander Anderson] On behalf of the commanding officer, Officer Training Command Newport, thank you for attending today’s graduation. All students are directed to move immediately to the front of the stage for the class pictures, followed by the awardees having their picture taken with the guest of honor and the commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, while this concludes the ceremony, we ask that you please remain by your seats until the pictures have been taken, thank you.
[Man] Alright, let’s move. (audience cheers and applauds) (people murmuring off microphone)
[Man] Award winner Award winner.
[Man] More beers. (people shouting off microphone) (crowd murmuring)