Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

4 Apr 24

As Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT), I am committed to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remains a top priority which allows us to effectively achieve our military mission.
 
We all benefit from the talents, experience, and insights of service members and civilian employees from every community.  I fully support and expect all levels of USPACFLT leadership to embrace the goals and objectives of the Navy’s Culture of Excellence 2.0 efforts in DEI, which are centered on leadership commitment, outreach, recruitment, retention, professional development, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
 
Diversity belongs to us all and not a particular demographic.  Diversity is when we embrace new ideas, shared life experiences, value families, promote positive behavior and support the team.  Diversity is the promotion of this policy through career development and retention initiatives as well as by building coalitions with affinity and community groups.
 
Equity assures our Sailors that the Navy’s process is systematically fair, just and impartial in the treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities.
 
Inclusion is about valuing and integrating each individual’s perspectives, ideas, and contributions into organization functions and decisions.  We must deliberately engage the diverse resources, skills, capabilities and talents of each individual that make up our total force.   I charge USPACFLT Leaders with creating a culture where everyone is comfortable to provide their thoughts and opinions without fear of retribution.
 
Organizations are reminded that special observances are conducted to recognize the continuous achievements of all Americans and to increase awareness, mutual respect and understanding. They are designed to promote harmony among all military members, their families and the DoD civilian workforce.
 
The Navy’s success in combat is dependent on the strength of our Navy Team, and every Team is built on two things: the performance of its People and the performance of its Leaders. In addition, everyone who is part of the Navy Team deserves the opportunity to serve on a Team that is based on trust and respect, where Connectedness and Inclusion are high.
 
Together, we must establish an environment where all our Sailors and civilians feel valued, respected, open to share their ideas, and most of all, included as a welcome voice at the table. 
                                                                           

S.T. KOEHLER