The Navy is a more diverse than it has been in the past but Navy leaders have not rested on their laurels. The goal of the Navy's new Diversity initiative is about drawing the best talent from all aspects of American culture. This diversity initiative provides a strategic framework that is broken down into four areas; recruiting who the Navy brings in; training and development how the Navy instills values; organizational alignment how the Navy continues the momentum of cultural change; and communications how the Navy informs sailors of where we're headed. The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Mullen, address during the Total Force Diversity Day made it clear that the importance of diversity at every level in the Navy is a strategic imperative and reminded the attendees diversity starts with the leadership. (CNO, June 2006).

The objective is to unify the entire Navy and deepen the cultural change in our institution so that our processes, communication and actions align with our institutional beliefs, values and priorities. To bring about positive change our behavior must also reflect our organizational values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Leadership must drive this alignment of values and behavior. (CNO, August 2005).

References

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) (June 29, 2006). Diversity a Strategic Imperative. Naval Air Systems Command Total Force Diversity Day. Patuxent River, MD. Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs www.news.navy.mil/local/cno/

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) (August 12, 2005). Diversity is a Leadership Issue. 33rd annual National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) Conference. New Orleans LA. Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs www.news.navy.mil/local/cno/

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).