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Admiral
Doran addresses Naval ROTC Unit
By Irene Burgo
Admiral Walter F. Doran, ’67, commander of the U.S.
Pacific Fleet, visited the campus on Sept. 23 and addressed the men and
women of the Naval and Marine ROTC Unit. The former Villanova history major
is responsible for world’s largest combined fleet command, which encompasses
102 million square miles and includes key areas of Asia such as Taiwan,
China and Korea.
In his talk at 3 p.m. in the Gallen Lecture Hall,
the Admiral
 told
the midshipmen they will serve in “the highest quality Navy that the nation
has yet seen.” He explained that the Navy’s current technical capabilities
are first-rate and the caliber of its enlisted men and women are the most
outstanding because the force is made up of dedicated individuals who have
made the choice to serve their nation. “This is a Navy that has been built
up over my active life in the force, and I have seen it change,” said
Admiral Doran. “Today’s Navy is a highly professional force. We are working
hard to shape the force to become the very best Navy the nation can afford.”
Doran commended the midshipmen for choosing to serve
the nation, saying that they would be challenged in every way. He also
offered encouragement and assurance, insisting that in choosing the Navy and
Villanova, they were poised for success because they had already made two
very important decisions correctly. “This place [Villanova] and the Navy
have been very important for most of my active life,” he said. “You have
done the right thing. Thanks to your parents for bringing you to this point
in your life.” Stressing the importance of authority, he noted, “When you
are commissioned, much will be expected of you. Those under your command
will look up to you for direction and leadership, and they will expect you
to lead them well. There is a difference between leaders and
management—managers. I hope that you learn to lead.” He continued, citing
the qualities that leaders display and mentioning the names and
accomplishments of his colleagues in military service who have graduated
from the University.
Doran asked the midshipmen to indicate by raising
their hands which field of work interested them—whether
 they
would serve as naval aviators, submarine officers, in the area of nuclear
power, the nurse/medical community, special ops, or other areas.” No matter
what you choose to do, you can be confident that you are getting the best
preparation for your future life in military service because this is one of
the top-notch ROTC programs,” he said. “And you can be assured that you are
getting the greatest education here at Villanova, where you will learn to be
leaders. Once you are commissioned, you will be challenged from that point
on and things will change from there. You will lead some of the brightest
men and women in the finest Navy you have seen, and you will lead from the
first day you step on board.”
Offering
his support, he admitted that today’s graduates are entering “a pretty
uncertain, changing world full of many different challenges,” citing
volatile areas such as China and Korea, in addition to the Middle East.
Nevertheless, he said that “the men and women serving in the Navy today are
well educated, motivated and enthusiastic,” and their high level of
competence makes it worthwhile. “When you get out there, you will be working
with those wonderful men and women in the force and no matter where you go,
you can be sure that you will be working for many who are Villanova
graduates.” |
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