Ethics and the Naval Warrior

A close encounter between two ships on the ocean is a humbling experience. The Commanding Officer (CO), and the Officer of the Deck (OOD), learn when to take charge and when to trust each other. Communication and just the right amount of confidence, ensures success and safety.

When perfect isn't always best. Balancing perfection and time management in a high pressure situation. Tommy Martinez, USNA Class of 1978 was a U.S. Marine Fire Direction Officer, plotting fires for his artillery battery. He and his team had to move at night, set up, and do geometry, all within range of an Iraqi counter battery fire. He talks about what he would do differently one night during Desert Storm.

Innovation, is it just for Silicon valley start-ups? Mr. Ray Kwong, discusses the intersection of risk tolerance, innovation, and the military. Mr. Kwong is a Naval Academy graduate, served as an E-warfare officer and retired as a Commander. He is Chairman of the Board for Triton Services and is President and CEO of EPIC Optics.

Making an assumption about another's life transition led to an uncomfortable parting when Dr. Clementine Fujimura was an academic Department Chair at the U. S. Naval Academy. Dr. Fujimura discusses a situation she would have handled quite differently regarding a colleague. She also talks about how to be a more effective leader with any age group.

What's the difference, Black Lives Matter or All Lives Matter? Captain Timika Lindsay, USNA Chief Diversity Officer and USNA grad, clarifies the difference.  CAPT Lindsay holds an MS in Information Technology Management.

Can I be an Ethical person and be Honorable at the same time? What is the interplay of both words? We ask is there Honor among thieves? Dr. Herbert is a retired Navy SEAL and holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and Political Theory.

Why is it so hard to ground a pilot? What is the ultimate responsibility of a leader? What does it mean to "embrace your mistakes"? RADM Lawrence Chambers is the 2nd African American USNA graduate, and the first to make Flag Rank. Among many accomplishments, he was the commanding officer of the USS Midway during Operation Frequent Wind.

LtGen John Wissler, USMC ret. reflects on what training and support he would have provided to the Marines and Sailors of the provisional Mortuary Affairs unit following the Second Battle of Fallujah. LtGen Wissler is a 1978 graduate of the Naval Academy. Among many roles in his more than 30 years in the USMC, he was the Commanding General, FMF Atlantic.

Can a person crack under the pressures that life brings? What are the physics of Brittle Fracture and how does it relate to personal character and integrity? How can you prepare for the stresses of a naval career? Captain TR Buchanan is the 88th Commandant of Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy. A nuclear trained engineer, CAPT Buchanan has commanded the USS ALBANY and was Commodore of Submarine Squadron TWENTY.

What makes Rugby unique? Is it the songs, the beer? How did Rugby sportsmanship become such an important part of the play, and what does Rugby teach you about resilience? Major Ryan Curry, USMC (ret.) served as a Marine for 24 years, starting in Parris Island and progressing to become a test pilot. He has over 10 years of playing experience in Rugby.