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 Letter from Superintendent
August 2007 

Dear Alumni,

    I am honored and humbled to be serving as the 60th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. Since my change of command I have been using the CNO’s approach for taking on a new position of responsibility: listen, learn, and lead. I have spent the summer listening and learning, and now it is time for me to start leading. My Senior Leadership Team and I want to make sure our course is set to prepare the midshipmen to become the best junior officers in the Fleet; officers with competence, character, and compassion. As a lifetime member of the Alumni Association I value the feedback of those who have come before the current Brigade in service to our country. For this reason, my Senior Leadership Team and I would like to share our vision with you.

• A Nation at War. There is no doubt that September 11, 2001, changed the face of America forever. Our enemy is ruthless, and the Global War on Terror is going to last throughout the entire commissioned career of the midshipmen attending USNA today. We must ensure that every midshipman has heard the call to duty and is prepared to defend a nation at war.
• Developing Midshipmen. Every member of our Naval Academy team must be focused on developing midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of Sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve their country. Develop is an active verb requiring intrusive leadership from staff, faculty, and coaches. We must direct and facilitate the development of our midshipmen to accomplish the mission with a sense of urgency. We must ensure our Ensigns and Second Lieutenants are ready to lead starting on the first day of commissioned service.
• Face of the Navy. The Naval Academy is a showplace. Every year millions of Americans view the Brigade in Annapolis or on television and walk away believing they have just seen the best of the United States Navy. We must remember that our midshipmen represent Sailors and Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who are forward deployed in harm’s way. Our behavior as an institution must reflect a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

I appreciate your support in helping carry out the mission of the Naval Academy. I look forward to seeing you around the country and around the Yard.

Very Respectfully, 

J.L. FOWLER

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy
Superintendent