" 1 1 1 '
VOLUME VI, NUMBER 26
1 SECNAV AN N OljN C€S
CNO CHOICE
Secretary of the Navy, John B. CONN
ALLY has sent the following ALNAV to
the naval establishnent:
"I am deeply pleased and gratified
by the nomination today of VADM George
ANDERSON to be the next CNO, The dec
ision required of me to place a name
up for consideration by Secretary MC
NAMARA and the President was the most
difficult I have yet had to make as
Secretary of the Navy for two reasons;
1. The number of outstanding, indiv
idually distinguished Admirals who are
qualified for the job.
2. The extremely big pair of shoes
to be filled when Admiral BURKE retires.
My proposal of VADM ANDERSON to fill
those shoes was made following studies
started 5 months ago when I assumed my
office. I did not impose on myself
any restriction that the officer chosen
be from any particular field of sub
specialization. Surface ship officers
submariners and aviators were all cons
idered. The range of seniority was
very broad and attention to career pat
terns was decidedly subordinate to the
judgement of the potential of the off
icers under consideration. To all of
them, I express my appreciation for
(Continued next column)
26 JUNE 1961
their patience and understanding and my
confidence that they will form up s olii
ly behind Admiral Anderson as they have
for so many years given their loyalty
to Admiral Burke.
The process just completed has given
me considerable insight into the offic
ers of our Navy. I have been deeply
impressed by the competence and spirit
of the officers as well as their train*,
ing, loyalty and dedication. This in
itself is even more gratifying when one
realizes that the Flag Officers can be
no better than the officers and men of
the United States Navy whom they commad.
To these officers & men of the U.S.Nav^
of all ranks & rates, afloat & ashore
and especially those away from home
carrying out our ever-increasing res-,
ponsibilities throughout the world, I
express not only my personal confidence
in your motivation, education, & train
ing, but also the appreciation of the
Navy & the nation for the sacrifices you
are making while serving your country.”
-USN
Next week the SUN will present a brief
biographical sketch of the new Chief of
Naval Operations.
-USN
drive carefully