Seapower - August 2009

“Lastly, and most importantly, I accept this award on behalf of the U.S. Navy and the SEALs. Their capability, professionalism, patriotism and pride in their duties are truly inspiring. It was a great honor to sail on the Bainbridge and the Boxer, as I’m sure many of you in this room know. They are the true heroes in this story.”

Guest Speakers

Discussing fiscal 2010 budget priorities and the challenges ahead at the June 12 Sea Service Panel Luncheon were Rear Adm. Charles Michel, director of governmental and public affairs for the Coast Guard; Capt. Steve Vahsen, deputy chief of legislative affairs for the Navy; Col. Brian Murtha, the Marine Corps’ deputy legislative assistant to the commandant; and

Kevin Tokarski, the Maritime Administration’s associate administrator for national security.

Michel noted that among the Coast Guard’s top priorities are recapitalizing operating assets and sustaining infrastructure, accomplished under the umbrella of the ongoing $24 billion Deepwater modernization program.

“We learned some hard lessons with Deepwater. I think we’re much better for it. We’ve taken over oversight of the Deepwater program and we’re delivering assets.”

The Coast Guard also is focusing on enhancing maritime safety and security, modernizing its business practices and optimizing work force capacity.

Vahsen emphasized the importance of working with the Navy’s sea service partners, employing the “ Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.” Among the Navy’s budget priorities for 2010 are, “first and foremost, shipbuilding,” he said, and provided an overview of the ships currently under construction and planned for the next several years, as well as the challenge ahead addressing an anticipated strike fighter shortfall.

Murtha said the Corps’ main priority is the health and well-being of its personnel, noting in particular the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and the dramatic rise in suicides.

“We’re working with our Navy brethren and the medical profession” to address these issues, he said. “We’re going to take care of those people who take care of our national security.”

Murtha also discussed budget priorities, including the commandant’s No. 1 priority on the ground — the

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle — and the V- 22 Osprey, and the transition of Marines from Iraq to Afghanistan.

Tokarski said maritime issues factor heavily in U.S. policy, particularly in the areas of security, economic and national defense, the Marine Transportation System and training and support for maritime stakeholders. He noted the Maritime Administration maintains information on the current security situations in the world’s piracy hotspots, to help vessels be more self-aware and, therefore, secure.

Elsewhere, Coast Guard Capt. Karl Schultz, chief, Congressional and Governmental Affairs, spoke to the Coast Guard Affairs Committee;

Maj. Gen. Thomas A. Benes, the Marine Corps’ director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, spoke to the Marine Corps Affairs Committee; Navy Capt. Fer-nandez Ponds, former commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight, spoke to members of the Public Education Committee; and speaking to the Public Affairs Committee were Cmdr. Ronald A. LeBrec, chief of Coast Guard Public Affairs; Lt. Col. Peter Markakos, Marine Corps Public Affairs; and Cmdr. Todd A. Martin from ACI Navy Community Outreach, Navy Office of Information.

In other business, the board elected Branch president-elect at the main board session June 13. Branch is expected to succeed McGrath as national president during the National Convention in Corpus Christi, Texas, in October.

Amendments to the Navy League bylaws that were approved by the directors included the following:

■ All dues will be paid in full to National Headquarters, including dues from overseas councils.

■ The chairman of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps will serve as a member of the Navy League’s Steering Committee in an ex-officio capacity, provided that he/she is a member of the Navy League.

■ Failure by councils to comply with state regulatory laws may be cause for revocation of the council’s charter. ■ Councils demonstrating one or more causes for revocation of their charter on the last day of a calendar quarter will not be entitled to rebates for that quarter. Other approved amendments included provisions for merging and splitting councils.