Royal Hawaiian Naval Academy 1997 The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was invited by the Senior Class and the Academy to address the student Body and guest. The Admiral knew that he was nearing the end of his military career and he wanted to share his thoughts with the cadets, their parents and other Naval Officers. He started off by thanking the Academy and the Senior class for inviting him and then he started his remarks.
" As I stand here before you I recall being a member of another class awaiting the speaker who would impart his wisdom. Like many others I thought that we knew a lot more and were wiser than those that came before us. I was however, surprised when the Speaker came before us. The Speaker was my Grandfather. He had served as a police officer, Asst Commissioner of Police, Director of the Royal Hawaiian Intelligence Agency and finally as Prime Minister. His first remark was to remind us of our duty
to not only the Navy but to the Nation. He said your choices will not always be easy but by remaining true to the nation you will feel a reward more than if you got all of the riches in the world.
I graduated and started out as a line officer serving on a destroyer. But I had inherited the same knack for seeing things that others tried to hide so I was assigned to the Royal Hawaiian Intelligence Agency.. I had been promoted and went to work for Colonel Wilcox who soon became General Wilcox. As you might recall his father also served as Prime Minister. I served in the agency rising to become deputy head and latter the Director when General Willcox returned to the air force.
Eventually I let the powers that be that I also had yearned to return to the fleet and I did. I commanded the Western Naval District and forces. I saw action. Then I had the Great Honor to be picked as Chief of Naval Operations. I thought that I had reached my goal and would retire as soon as my term was over. But it seemed that my nation had a need for me to asume an even higher position. I was selected to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I had an even bigger responsibility.
I was given a chance to make sure that everyone who wears the uniform is well trained and prepared. It is a duty that I hold dear. I have tried to ensure that you will be the best trained and equipped to face the challenges that may come.
However eventually like all old sailors and soldiers it is time for me to pass the Baton. And like them I will never die but I will fade away. May God Bless and keep you all and this nation form Harm. God Bless Hawaii>"
Thunderous applause.
" As I stand here before you I recall being a member of another class awaiting the speaker who would impart his wisdom. Like many others I thought that we knew a lot more and were wiser than those that came before us. I was however, surprised when the Speaker came before us. The Speaker was my Grandfather. He had served as a police officer, Asst Commissioner of Police, Director of the Royal Hawaiian Intelligence Agency and finally as Prime Minister. His first remark was to remind us of our duty
to not only the Navy but to the Nation. He said your choices will not always be easy but by remaining true to the nation you will feel a reward more than if you got all of the riches in the world.
I graduated and started out as a line officer serving on a destroyer. But I had inherited the same knack for seeing things that others tried to hide so I was assigned to the Royal Hawaiian Intelligence Agency.. I had been promoted and went to work for Colonel Wilcox who soon became General Wilcox. As you might recall his father also served as Prime Minister. I served in the agency rising to become deputy head and latter the Director when General Willcox returned to the air force.
Eventually I let the powers that be that I also had yearned to return to the fleet and I did. I commanded the Western Naval District and forces. I saw action. Then I had the Great Honor to be picked as Chief of Naval Operations. I thought that I had reached my goal and would retire as soon as my term was over. But it seemed that my nation had a need for me to asume an even higher position. I was selected to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I had an even bigger responsibility.
I was given a chance to make sure that everyone who wears the uniform is well trained and prepared. It is a duty that I hold dear. I have tried to ensure that you will be the best trained and equipped to face the challenges that may come.
However eventually like all old sailors and soldiers it is time for me to pass the Baton. And like them I will never die but I will fade away. May God Bless and keep you all and this nation form Harm. God Bless Hawaii>"
Thunderous applause.