Stockdale presents Carter with Navy's top leadership award!

by JO1 Brigette Barnes
CNO Public Affairs Office
Published by the Oceana Jet Observer

WASHINGTON (NWS) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. Johnson and retired Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale presented the Navy's top leadership award to Cmdr. Ted Carter (LANTFLT Winner) and Cmdr. Bruce E. Grooms (PACFLT Winner) in a ceremony at the Pentagon Oct. 25.

"Once a year, we get a chance to recognize two of the finest leaders in the Navy," the CNO said. "I'm particularly pleased because leadership has become ever more important to us."

Stockdale, whom the CNO called "a consummate leader," presented the awards to both recipients after noting some of their career highlights.

Stockdale said that Carter, this year's Atlantic Fleet Winner, has had the most carrier landings of any naval flight officer in the Navy.

As commander of Fighter Squadron 14, Carter used his own combat experiences to successfully guide his squadron ­ 30 percent of whom were deploying for the first time ­ during air strikes in Kosovo and over Iraq.

"Ted Carter looks like he has the steam to run forever," said Stockdale. "I'm proud to welcome him to the Stockdale club.

Carter credited the crew of his squadron, headquartered at NAS Oceana, for his achievement.

"I wish that all of my squadron could be here today," said Carter. "This is the greatest achievement of my life to have this level of recognition ­ just to be nominated. I never expected to win."

Johnson explained why the Navy is committed to recognizing and supporting its commanding officers.

"If we really empower the leadership and let the whole system support them, it will increase the fidelity of leadership throughout the Navy."

The Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award is presented annually to two commissioned officers on active duty below the grade of captain who are in command of a ship, submarine or aviation squadron at the time of nomination.

Candidates are nominated by peers who themselves must be eligible for the award.

The 1999 winners were chosen from among seven finalists in a review process which included screening at the fleet commanders level and final selection by a board of senior officers in Washington. Each fleet commander can nominate up to five finalists.