Navy Officer Development School (ODS) graduation ceremony at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, August 9, 2019.
Transcript
(percussion marching music) (officer shouting orders)
[Announcer] 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. (marching band performing patriotic music) Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats as the ceremony will begin momentarily. (officer shouting orders) Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am Commander Klenia Anderson, Director for Officer Development School. On behalf of the commanding officer, Officer Training in Command, Newport, welcome to the graduation ceremony for Officer Development School, class 19050, consisting of 192 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 events for this morning’s ceremony is as follows, momentarily, Captain Mark Nicholson, United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Command, Newport, and Rear Admiral, Paul Perrigen, Commander, Navy Medicine West, Chief of the Navy Medical Corps, the guest of honor for today’s ceremony will arrive. Guests will be asked to rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the playing of the National Anthem and the Invocation. Both the commanding officer and the guest of honor will address the graduating class. Following their remarks, the class will then distribute the awards. Following the award presentation, the graduates will symbolize the completion of their training by returning their company godon to their class chief petty officers. Finally, the graduating class will reaffirm the oath of office. Guests will then 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. (officer shouting orders) Please rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the National Anthem and Invocation. (bell ringing) Officer Training in Command, Newport, arriving. (bell ringing) Commander, Navy Medicine, West, Chief of the Navy Medical Corp, arriving. (band performing patriotic music) Ladies and gentlemen, our National Anthem. (band performing the National Anthem) (officer shouting orders) Ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Sutton will now offer the Invocation.
Let us pray. Everlasting God, make us aware of your presence and allot 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 fighter long before they reached these grounds. We rejoice, today, their coming together as Sierra and Tango Companies of ODS 19050 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 these 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 offer applause here today, for those who join the 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 whose 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. These many things we pray in your Holy name, amen.
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. (officer shouting orders) Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Mark Nicholson, Commanding Officer, Officer Training Command, Newport.
Admiral Perrigen, commanding officers, captains, distinguished guests, family, friends, and shipmates of Officer Development School, class 19050, good morning.
[Graduates] Good morning, sir.
It’s my sincere honor to be with all of you this morning in this humid Newport air as we recognize and celebrate the achievement of these 192 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 wanna thank you not only for making the 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 have 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 19050, 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, 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, it is the actions and not the commission “that make the officer.” And that there is more expected from him or her 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 each of 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. It’s my pleasure and honor to welcome you all as Naval Officers into the wardroom of the world’s greatest Navy. I have another honor and privilege this morning, that of introducing our guest speaker, Rear Admiral, Paul Perrigen. His full bio is in your programs, but I’ll hit the highlights. He’s a native of Memphis, Tennessee and holds a medical degree from Vanderbilt University, completed medical residence training for emergency medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Operationally has served as officer in charge of Fleet Surgical Team, Five, task force surgeon with USS Billow, Bellow wood Amphibious Ready Group and Expeditionary Strike Group Surgeon for the USS Pililaau Strike Group. He’s led at all levels including Deputy Commander of Navy Medical Center, San Diego, Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, Force Surgeon in Naval Service Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet and most recently, as Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Liaison to the Defense Health Agency. Currently Admiral Perrigen serves as Commander Navy Medicine West and Chief of the Navy Medical Corp. Last, but not least, he is also the father of one of our graduates this morning, Ensign Aiden Perrigen. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in giving a warm welcome to this morning’s guest speaker, Rear Admiral, Paul Perrigen. (audience applauding)
Well good morning, everyone.
[Graduates] Good morning, Admiral Paul.
Maybe I’ll sit down now. That was pretty good. So let me add my welcome as well to all of those who have traveled here to witness and to support these graduates and yes, to take some memorable shots during the next photo frenzy that comes for the end of the program. To the mothers and fathers, step-mothers and step-fathers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, aunts, uncles, cousins, coaches, mentors, welcome, thank you and congratulations for the role that you have had and continue to have in the development of these young officers you see before you. Those of you who were able to join us at the reception yesterday at the deck in Newport will know what I mean when I say I’m tempted to just defer to the remarkable and inspiring words of the division officers, Adivos and the M.C., the growth, focus, maturity and energy that they showed, truly moved me. And Commander Anderson was impressively on point with his closing comments on the role of ODS, the reason we are here in uniform and the achievements of class 19050 as junior officers. I’m afraid I cannot say it any better. But allow me to provide a few thoughts as we formally commemorate completion of this milestone today. First I wanna give a bravo zulu, Navy signalman language for good job, to the instructors, company commanders, all the other enlisted officer and civilian support staff who come together with such skill, experience, patience and drive to bring these young men and women into the fold of officer-ship in your United States Navy. Officer Training Command, Newport and in particular for this group, Officer Development School, teaches these students irreplaceable career lessons, indeed, irreplaceable life lessons during these five weeks. Shipmates, we are in your debt. ODS or OIS, as it was called when I came through in the summer of 1984, after my first year of medical school, brings together an interesting mix of our Navy’s newest Naval Officers. ODS 19050 includes engineers, cyber specialists, nurses, scientists, administrators, clinical specialists, dentists and doctors, just as my class did in 1984, except, perhaps the cyber specialist. I don’t even think cyber existed back then and if it did, we didn’t know it or perhaps they didn’t think we could be trusted with knowing about it. To 19050, I would say this, for some of you, because of prior enlisted service, already wearing rows of ribbons on your chest that exceed my own, this is a step in the progression of a thoughtfully planned, long and full career, seeking increasing responsibility in uniform. For others, you may come from a family or community of military service and you were drawn toward commissioning by the example of those around whom you grew up. It was a natural step for you. For still others, ODS is a way-point in what you expect, let’s be honest, to be a relatively brief, contractual obligation, in exchange for tuition and living expenses during your professional school. That’s what I thought. Yet, whichever group you belong to, or more likely, for some, we’ll see plan in between. You’ve all trained here in Newport, side by side for the last five weeks and surly you have learned from each other and you will serve side by side again. You may not know it at the moment or with whom it will be, but you will serve side by side for countless watches, duty days and nights and even deployments as you each grow in your professional competency and craft as well as in your ability to follow and ultimately to give orders. As I hope you’ve learned during ODS, such orders given not to exert your superiority over those under your charge, but given to accomplish a common and meaningful mission, a mission that places self last. You are now part of the Navy the nation needs. That Navy is bigger, better, networked, more talented, more agile and more ready as our CNO would tell us. You are part of making that happen. You have a role and we need to get after it. The United States needs a military that will win when deterrence and denial are not enough. As the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Richardson says, “In our world, with reemergence of peer nation competitors, “should we end up in armed conflict, “second place is meaningless.” Our military must therefore, exceed our adversaries in lethality. Now that term, lethality, may be a little unsettling for a group of professionals, especially when the summer ODS classes are largely composed of medical professionals, 188 of the 192 that you see before you today, who aspire to heal and to cure, but I tell you this, for the staff corp of professionals in this hall, the military goal of lethality, directed at our nation’s foes, translates to our mission of maximizing survivability and success for our own forces and those of our allies. Whether enforced health protection through research and prevention, whether in optimizing human performance or in the restorative care that we provide for illness and injury, the role of Navy medicine is in generating readiness in the war fighter as well as readiness in ourselves as the medical force to deploy with them to any climb or place, to be there when it matters. And for the restricted line officers and others from non-medical communities, whether an intelligence and information dominance in technology design and engineering, in nuclear power instruction or in other war fighter supporting professions such as law, religious ministry or logistics, you must no less see yourselves in the demand for promoting the survivability and dominance of our sailors, Marines and joint fore fighters. I’ve used the word professional a couple of times. You are all professionals or aspiring professionals in your field. Let’s think for a moment what characterizes a professional, as distinct from a craftsman, tradesman or laborer. Professionals are highly trained in a specific field of study, of course, but that’s just the path toward becoming a professional. It doesn’t make you one. Professionalism means a commitment to standards to advancement of subject knowledge, to self-management as a community, to recruiting and developing those who come after, to life-long learning and to serving the greater society with one’s unique abilities and intellect. Professionalism entails an ethic and ethos uniquely embodied in your particular area of knowledge and practice, but with common theme. And now, as the commanding officer said, most of you still consider yourselves a professional defined by the field of study and expertise you have chosen to pursue, but we expect you to be professionals, not only in that sense, but with graduation today, you are also propelled forward in the profession of arms as a Naval Officer, which demands no less of those same traits of professionalism. As I said earlier, I was here in King Hall, Nave Hall, the trainers and the parade grounds myself, 35 years ago and more than just cyber security has changed since then. Our world has changed dramatically since that time when of course, few, if any of you graduates were even born. Not merely has our world changed, but the various professions you’ve joined have changed as well. Knowledge and common access to it has exploded. Global connectedness such as we have now was hardly imaginable in the past. Technology has enabled such great good, but can also be a tool for distraction, destruction and dehumanization in the wrong hands. The movement and migration of people globally has both enriched and yet challenged humanity’s sense of self, community and nation and of what is right. This means it’s a complex world in which you will serve, making a solid sense of values and ethics imperative. Use your experience here at ODS to build upon and strengthen your values, your ethics, your integrity, your trueness. Actively reflect on this time and let the physical, mental and spiritual strength grow beyond the gates, just as your shipmates stated yesterday to you at the reception. Now a couple of final pieces of advice as I close, as professionals, your early credibility comes from the practice of your chosen field and after all, that’s what the Navy has hired you for. So learn your field diligently with dedication and discipline. You will build upon that in your career, but be sure now that the foundation is solid and sure. Yet know that the relationships and respect also emerge not just from your professional credentials that you hang on the wall, the collar device that you wear or the work that you do, but also from how you go about that work. This includes not only the quality and reliability of your work, but also how you treat others. While there’s a clear hierarchy of authority and accountability in the rank structure of the military, in keeping with unity of command, good order and discipline and clarity of purpose, human dignity and care for those who are your peers and subordinates is essential to good leadership and to mission accomplishment. Just a few weeks ago, I had the great privilege of serving as a reviewing officer at the graduation ceremony for Recruit Training Command where enlisted sailors, generally 18 or 19 years old, are similarly brought in to the Navy. These young men and women are amazing and inspiring and so eager to learn, grow as young men and women to perform and contribute in the fleet. They and the thousands of enlisted who have passed through Great Lakes before them will be your doer’s, your helpers, your chargers, but they are so much more. Our enlisted personnel are the heart and soul of the Navy and the Marine Corp. They will respect your rank, designated on your uniform, but they will serve the officer, person and leader that they observe. So honor the rank at which you emerge from ODS today, a rank which already puts you in the upper 15 or so percent of all military members. Yet know that the rank you wear now or will wear when you finish school and report for active duty, is largely granted based on your educational attainment and professional cast, well deserved in getting through intellect hard work and sacrifice to be sure, but recognize also that for most of you, your life experience to date and your deckplatte forging do not match that of those whom you will outrank and whom you will lead. Be therefore, humble. Seek to learn from your juniors and put their needs first. If you’re open, you’re likely to learn as much or more from them than from your seniors, at least about what’s really going on in your work center, your division, your department or your unit. Embrace the diversity of your shipmates, diversity that is manifest not just in outwardly visible ways, or demographic categories, but perhaps even more importantly, in the background, upbringing, socio-economic underpinnings, connectedness, outlook and yes, even political views of your shipmates. That diversity strengthens rather than weakens us, but you must listen and observe in order to appreciate it. Continue your active study and pursuit of the four core attributes the CNO has put forward, which I have no doubt, infused your brief time here at ODS. Integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness, develop these in yourselves and demand them of others. They are required in our nation’s defenders. You, ODS, class 19050, are now woven into the fabric of our nation and our Navy’s history. Remain worthy of that and thank you for choosing to serve. And one more thing, don’t forget to ask the chief. Often, every day, every way. Congratulations to ODS 19050, welcome aboard shipmates and welcome to the wardroom. Thank you. (audience applauding)
[Announcer] Thank you Rear Admiral Perrington, 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 five weeks of instruction. Lieutenant Joseph Boone and Ensign Nathan Navoshavik, front and center. The Honor Student Award is presented to the officer who best demonstrates 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, the Honor Student Award goes to Lieutenant Joseph Boone and Ensign Nathan Navoshavik. (audience applauding) Ensign Victoria Barrea and Lieutenant J.D. Maria Monchio, 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. The award is named after the continental sloop of war, D. Alfred, commissioned in 1775, D. Alfred served as a flagship of native Rhode Island, Commodore Essic Hopkins. Serving as a role model of Navy pride and professionalism, maintained the highest military standards and providing inspiration to all, the Alfred Award goes to Ensign Victoria Barrea and Lieutenant J.D. Maria Monchio. (audience applauding) Ensign Ryan Bergamini and Lieutenant Ryan Twaddle, 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 moral responsibility. For this award, officers were nominated by their peers and selected by the Officer Training Command, Newport staff. The Captain George Townsend Smith Leadership Award goes to Ensign Ryan Bergamini and Lieutenant Ryan Twaddle. (audience applauding) Lieutenant J.G. Coral Johnson and Ensign Catherine Smith, front and center. The Edie Award, named for Lieutenant Thomas Edie, United States Navy, recognizes the highest achievement in 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 is a member of the Southeast and New England chapter of the Retired Officers Association at the time of this death in 1974. In recognition of this accomplishment, in addition to a certificate of achievement, the Military Officers Association of America have generously provided a three year premium mobile membership to the Edie Award winners, Lieutenant J.G. Coral Johnson and Ensign Catherine Smith. (audience applauding) For the past five weeks, the company godon 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 return the godon to their class chief petty officers. Senior Chief, Aviation Ordainsman, Service Warfare, Air Warfare, Information Warfare, Rudolph Liverpool and Chief Hospital Corpsman, Police Marine Force Warfare, Surface Warfare, Air Warfare, Aaron Paul. (band performing patriotic music) Lieutenant Commander, Aaron Cagly will now deliver the reaffirmation of the Oath of Office. Would all military personnel in uniform, please come to the position of attention. (officer shouting orders)
[Cagly] Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I, state your name.
[Graduates] I, (stating names).
[Cagly] Do solemnly reaffirm,
[Graduates] Do solemnly reaffirm,
[Cagly] That I will support and defend,
[Graduates] That I will support and defend,
[Cagly] The Constitution of the United States.
[Graduates] The Constitution of the United States.
[Cagly] Against all enemies,
[Graduates] Against all enemies,
[Cagly] Foreign and domestic,
[Graduates] Foreign and domestic,
[Cagly] That I will bear true faith,
[Graduates] That I will bear true faith,
[Cagly] And allegiance to the same,
[Graduates] And allegiance to the same.
[Cagly] That I take this obligation freely,
[Graduates] That I take this obligation freely,
[Cagly] Without any mental reservations,
[Graduates] Without any mental reservations,
[Cagly] Or purpose of evasion,
[Graduates] Or purpose of evasion,
[Cagly] And I will well and faithfully,
[Graduates] And I will well and faithfully,
[Cagly] Discharge the duties of the office,
[Graduates] Discharge the duties of the office,
[Cagly] Upon which I am about to enter.
[Graduates] Upon which I am about to enter.
[Cagly] So help me God.
[Graduates] So help me God. (officer shouting orders)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the commanding officer of Officer Training Command, Newport would like to present to you your newly reaffirmed Naval Officers. (audience applauding) Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the playing of the service songs and the final dismissal. (band performing patriotic music) Officer Development School, Class 19050, 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.
[Graduate] Aye, aye, sir.
[Announcer] Class 19050, dismissed.
[Graduates] Aye aye, sir.
[Announcer] On behalf of the commanding officer, Officer Training Command, Newport, thank you for attending today’s graduation ceremony. All students are directed to move immediately to the front of the stage for the class pictures followed by the awardees having their pictures taken with the guest of honor and the commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, while this concludes the ceremony, we ask that you remain at your seats until the pictures have been taken, thank you.