I have three critical issues to address. First, the Nation, Navy, and Naval Institute lost a hero, author, and friend on 1 December, when Captain Edward Latimer (Ned) Beach Jr. died. As you know, the Naval Institute's headquarters building on the Naval Academy grounds is named in honor of both Ned and his father. Ned will be buried in the shadow of Beach Hall. The January-February Naval History includes the last interview conducted with Ned and a tribute to this great sailor by Paul Stillwell in his Looking Back column. In addition, the cover features a still from Run Silent, Run Deep, the movie based on Ned's classic novel, which remains in print in our Classics of Naval Literature Series. In this Proceedings, see "His Work Will Live On," pages 86-87.
Second, as many of you observed, there are no aviators on the current ballot for the Board of Directors. Obviously, we need representation from all the Sea Services and warfare communities; I assure you that future ballots will provide a full range of candidates. Not listed on the ballot is serving Director Lieutenant Commander Henry J. (Jerry) Hendrix, a naval aviator. Jerry should have been listed on the ballot. In the future, all serving Board members, elected and ex-officio, will be listed.
Third, after months of hard work and critical reviews, the Board of Directors approved new and far-reaching Strategic and Business Plans for the Naval Institute. Our guiding force will continue to be our dedication to provide the independent forum for the Sea Services. Highlights of the Strategic Plan include:
A change to the mission statement is proposed to keep the Naval Institute relevant to developments in the U.S. armed services and to support efforts to expand our business base. You'll be hearing more about this sea change in the months to come. The proposed new mission of the U.S. Naval Institute is "to contribute to the nation's security by providing an open forum where ideas and issues important to the Sea Services in particular and the other military services in general can be advanced."
> Members are reaffirmed as the reason for the organization and key to its health. A fullscale ongoing membership drive is integral to this plan.
> We must create a unified brand identity with a focus on our mission statement. Business teams are being formed to coordinate marketing efforts for books, membership, periodicals, seminars, and future initiatives to enhance the attractiveness of membership.
> The Naval Institute Foundation is recognized as a fully integrated partner in all facets of the plan. Funds raised and transferred to operations from the Foundation are critical to the services and products provided by the Naval Institute. We will need your help to expand the Naval Institute's effectiveness and outreach.
You can access the plan directly at www.navalinstitute.org/membership/stratplan.htm. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact me and a copy will be mailed to you. We welcome your input to refine and strengthen this plan. Our two-year Business Plan calls for some changes and much hard work. You will see the results of these efforts every month as we strive to keep the Naval Institute intellectually and financially healthy.
Finally, West 2003, the 13th Exposition and Symposium cosponsored by AFCEA and the Naval Institute, will be held at the San Diego Convention Center, 14-16 January. (See ad, page 21.) I look forward to seeing you there!
Tom Marfiak
Publisher's Page
By Tom Marfiak