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 Jonathan W. Greenert: Admiral Greenert became the 30th Chief of Naval Operations on September 23, 2011. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975, completing studies in nuclear power. His career as a submariner includes service aboard various submarines culminating in command of USS Honolulu (SSN 718). Admiral Greenert's Fleet Command assignments include service as Commander of: 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; Head, Navy Programming Branch and Director, Operations Division Navy Comptroller; and most recently, served as 36th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Greenert has earned numerous awards during his career, including six 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.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations – Admiral Mark Ferguson: Admiral Ferguson was appointed to this post on August 22, 2011. He is a 1978 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and he completed nuclear power training prior to entering the Fleet as a Surface Warfare Officer. He served on board USS South Carolina (CGN 37), USS Fife (DD 991) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He commanded the USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Destroyer Squadron 18. He also served as Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Mons, Belgium; Assistant Commander, Navy Personnel Command; Chief of Legislative Affairs; and Chief of Naval Personnel. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and various unit and campaign medals.

Master Chief Petty Officer – MCPON (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens: On September 28, 2012, Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Mike Stevens will officially be appointed Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. FLTCM Stevens entered the Navy in May 1983 and attended Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” School in Millington, Tenn. His first assignment was with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 in Rota, Spain. In 2002, Stevens was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer and his tours include U.S. 2nd Fleet, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 and Naval Air Station Pensacola. He became the U.S. Second Fleet Command Master Chief in January 2009 and was then named as the Fleet Forces Command Fleet Master Chief in August 2010. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.