1. As Commanding Officer of USS PELELIU (LHA-5), I want to share with you my objectives and philosophy behind them. These are areas where I want to focus our efforts as we strive for command excellence. I believe by focusing on PEOPLE, PROFESSIONALISM, PRIDE IN SHIP, and PREPARATION we will achieve our goal and become the benchmark of Combat Readiness. Specifically;
PEOPLE.I expect your tour on PELELIU to be both personally and professionally rewarding. The SAFETY of the ship, our crew and embarked Marines and Sailors is my number one priority. I intend to recognize people for their achievements. I expect everyone to work toward advancement and their next higher qualification. SWO, ESWS & EAWS qualifications are a measure of personal and command excellence. Additionally, I believe self-improvement - professionally, personally, physically and mentally to be critical to the success of our people and PELELIU.
PROFESSIONALISM.PELELIU will be known for it. Our ship's reputation is made through material condition, cleanliness, military appearance and clear communications. Our standards are high! From our radio communications, to our sound powered phone procedures, to our Quarterdeck watch standers, all visitors, yours or mine, military and civilian alike should be impressed with PELELIU's high standards of professionalism and appearance.
PRIDE IN SHIP.This is an essential element to excellence. We are one ship, one team, and one PELELIU family. I will work hard to ensure our policies promote teamwork and produce loyalty both up and down the chain of command. I challenge everyone to inspire teamwork and be quick to render a hand to your shipmates, as well as our embarked Marines and Naval Support Elements. You and they are all part of the PELELIU Team.
PREPARATION.This is directly correlated to performance. To think ahead, plan the next move in advance, and prepare today for tomorrow's evolutions is not just the sole responsibility of khaki leadership. Every petty officer is responsible for the training of his people to get the job done safely using correct procedures and materials. Each petty officer should be aware of future evolutions and communicate deficiencies and solutions up the chain of command. Preparation ensures quality training, and Safety is a bi-product of that training.
2. The above areas are certainly not all inclusive, but those I will place emphasis on. The end game of our profession on PELELIU is to support our Marines when they want, where they want, every time they want! Should the need arise; PELELIU will be tasked to engage the enemy in support of our national interest. Our country needs PELELIU highly trained, combat ready and prepared to fight and win. Everything we do will be with that goal in mind. I look forward to serving with you all!
W.E. RHOADES
CAPT USN |
