"...the man who really counts in the world is the doer, not the mere critic-the man who actually does the work, even if roughly and imperfectly, not the man who only talks or writes about how it ought to be done." (Theodore Roosevelt, 1891, from the Theodore Roosevelt Association)

I left the same opening quote for this week’s blog as I used last week since the new Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Vice Admiral David Dunaway, is following the same line of thinking as his predecessors – we need to be “doers.”

Vice Admiral Dunaway set out his Top 3 focus areas to all NAVAIR flag officers and senior executives immediately after the change of command last week.  These focus areas build on the progress we’ve made during the last several years, and are fine tuned for the current global environment and budgetary realities. 

Specifically:

1. Increase speed to the fleet through program of record planning and execution and rapid response to urgent warfighter needs;
2. Consistently deliver integrated and interoperable (I&I) warfighting capabilities (platforms, sensors and weapons operating seamlessly in a systems of systems environment) that produce an immediate and sustainable increase in warfighting effectiveness; and
3. Improve “capital A” Affordability. Stop operating and sustainment cost growth by reducing costs for fielded systems and implementing life-cycle cost reduction initiatives as part of new systems development.

Vice Admiral Dunaway expects leadership at all levels, our diverse and well-trained workforce and smart investment in science & technology and infrastructure, to enable our success in these areas.  He recognizes we always base our work on the core values NAVAIR holds – safety first, from the shop floor to the flight line; personal and organizational ethics and integrity; keeping our promises; accountability; speed, agility and flexibility; innovation; strong relationships built on transparent, respectful and robust communication; and a culture of learning.

Last week’s blog garnered a few good replies.  I’ll ensure any comments to this post are forwarded immediately to AIR-00, so feel free to tell us what you think, and where you think we need to go and we’ll make sure he hears it as well.

I’ll conclude with Vice Admiral Dunaway’s comment: “Our challenges are great, but our potential is even greater.  Our Navy and Marine Corps deserve the best support we can give them, and I am confident we will deliver.”

I agree.

– RM