We Launched the Gordon England Chair of Professional Naval Literature
On 12 October, the Naval Institute announced the creation of the Gordon England Chair of Professional Naval Literature. The chair will direct the professional naval books program of the Naval Institute Press and further the organization’s strategic initiative to become the preeminent source of information for professional advancement in the naval services. The Gordon England Chair will be the Naval Institute’s first such named chair.
The new position not only will greatly strengthen the Institute’s tradition of publishing books essential to the education of the men and women who have made the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard three of the greatest forces in the world, but also will duly honor the rich legacy of Secretary England.
A well-respected defense industry executive noted for his vision and innovation, Gordon England was selected to serve as the 72nd Secretary of the Navy in 2001. Under his leadership, the Navy and Marine Corps became more effective fighting forces by improving deployment cycles and preparing for the more rapid deployment of ships and Marines in times of crisis. Gordon England later served as the first Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, before being recalled to serve again as Secretary of the Navy in 2003.
The Naval Institute Press was established in 1898 and has published hundreds of books on professional development that have become standards for generations of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel, including The Bluejackets Manual, The Coast Guardsman’s Manual, The Naval Shiphandler’s Guide, Dutton’s Nautical Navigation, The Handbook for Marine NCOs, The Watch Officers Guide, and The Naval Institute Guide to Naval Writing. In 2015, professional works occupied 17 of the top 30 slots in the Press’s list of best-selling books.
The Gordon England Chair of Professional Naval Literature will help oversee the revision of many of these classic professional books while developing new titles to address the evolving duties of the nation’s Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
As demand for the U.S. Sea Services to provide a vital U.S. presence in hotspots around the world and the requirements to defend the homeland increase, we still are benefiting from the ideas and policies implemented by Secretary England. This position will help ensure his name continues to inspire our personnel to be the best professionals they can be for generations to come.
I am delighted to report that Lieutenant Commander Tom Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired), longtime Press editor and author, will be the chair’s first incumbent. In 2015, he received the Commodore Dudley W. Knox Award for Naval History Lifetime Achievement from the Naval Historical Foundation. He is one of only 11 people to receive this recognition.
Student-Sponsored Membership Program Works on All Levels
We are proud to continue the Sponsored Student Membership Program by connecting prominent naval leaders with current midshipmen and cadets across the country. Now in its fifth year, this program has been transformative for both the midshipmen and the Institute. Midshipmen and cadets are getting insights into the naval profession early in their service, and the Naval Institute is connecting sooner with the future officers of the Sea Services.
Thanks to the members supporting this program, these future officers not only are aware of the Naval Institute, but also are making use of our open forum and resources such as our archives. We now have 143 years of Proceedings available and word-searchable online! In both the September and October issues of Proceedings, and again in this issue, midshipmen published. Student members are using our primary-source materials to assist in their course work and to keep abreast of the issues and topics concerning the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The program continues to grow, with more than 8,500 midshipmen and cadets joining our ranks.
We are always looking for dedicated leaders to join the effort! Tax-deductible gifts made in support of this program have facilitated sponsorship for 34 of the 63 NROTC units and 21 of 30 Naval Academy companies. We are working to match last year’s achievement to have all 8 of the Coast Guard Academy’s companies sponsored.
Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring a company or unit of future leaders.
Peter H. Daly, VADM, USN (Ret.)
Life Member and Member since 1978