Pacific Air Forces Commander Visits US Naval War College

Commander, Pacific Air Forces, visited the U.S. Naval War College Dec. 15, to address students and faculty on leadership and joint cooperation.

During his visit, Gen. Gary L. North shared his views of leadership developed over two decades in the U.S. Air Force.

Lectures such as this underscore the core responsibilities of the Navy’s mission outlined in the chief of naval operations’ Sailing Directions to assure joint operational access and sustain cooperative relationships.

“My challenge to you is to ask yourself every day how you can make a difference and how you can contribute more,” said North, who is responsible for Air Force activities supporting 45,000 personnel serving in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Korea and Japan.

Whether serving in a joint or a service command, North said there are three things that are key for a leader to succeed: understand the purpose for which the organization exists, be the expert in the workplace and be a team player.

“In the military we have Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who know their mission, but might not know everyone else’s,” said North. “It is easy for thinking to stovepipe and for leaders to only see what’s in their lane, but we all need to understand ‘jointness.’ You’ve got to know your own service, and know the other services better. That’s what’s great about being here in a joint, educational environment.”

There are currently 54 Air Force officers enrolled in NWC’s ten-month tour of academic and strategic study as part of their professional military development.

“The Naval War College provides an outstanding opportunity for Air Force officers to prepare for the next level of leadership by broadening their understanding of strategy, policy and war, of national security affairs, and of joint-military operations,” said Col. Phil Haun, NWC senior Air Force advisor, and one of 13 Air Force faculty and staff members. “Our officers leave here with not only a Masters of Art in national security and strategic studies, but more importantly having formed lasting professional and personal relationships across services and around the globe.”

The U.S. Naval War College is accredited by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff to award JPME Phase I credit for the intermediate program and Phase II credit for the senior program.

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Naval Today Staff , December 19, 2011; Image: navalwarcollegemuseum