On 7 September 1956 I was invited to attend an official reception in San Francisco. En route to the reception I mentioned to my driver, Master Sergeant George E. Cozard, USMC, an old friend of many years, that this date-7 September—had a special meaning for me. It marked the anniversary of my entrance to the United States Naval Academy and the Navy 55 years earlier. After a moment's thought, Cozard asked, "Admiral, do you intend to make a career of the Navy?" To which I replied in a hearty affirmative. You may be sure I sincerely meant just that. I still do.
Some of you may be less certain as to the wisdom of your selection of the Navy as a career.
Much has transpired in recent years to cause the junior officer to review his prospects in the naval profession. First of all there is the natural revulsion of the public to talk of war and preparation for future wars so soon after the end of World War II.
The destruction in that war of the naval forces of our enemies and the fact that our most likely enemies of the future have but small surface navies suggests the idea that we do not need a Navy of the kind that was so effective in World War II.
Furthermore, technological advances in the missile field have tended to down-grade the importance of navies. There are many who can see no need for a great surface Navy in the future.
The large influx of officers into the regular Navy shortly after the end of World War II created a large hump which threatened to delay the promotion of young officers. Recent legislation will correct this unsatisfactory condition—but only at the expense of forced retirement of numerous experienced and war-tried officers. These various unfavorable aspects of life in the naval service make it not at all surprising that young officers should question the wisdom of their choice of a career. Their doubt may be heightened by the reported financial successes attained in civil life by friends and shipmates who retired or resigned to try the "outside."
Now let us consider some of the favorable aspects of a naval career.
There will always be a U. S. Navy—and this contrary to the prophets of gloom and the proponents of substitute means of defending our National interests. We will always use the surface of the seas to carry the bulk of our trade, and those sea lanes will be guarded and insured by our Navy.
The Navy of the future may bear small resemblance to our present day ships but we can be sure of finding naval aviation in some form, aircraft carriers, submarines and numerous small, fast ships for escort duties and anti-submarine warfare. These are all battle tested types that are least vulnerable to destruction by atomic and hydrogen bombs—if such weapons of mass destruction are used in a future war.
World conditions are such that the Navy deserves—and must have—the finest, most dedicated officer corps to fulfill its mission in the defense of our nation. Membership in this corps is highly honorable, soul satisfying, and sufficiently remunerative to reward active young men who have a love of country and a willingness to accept their responsibilities to their nation. I have found this so.
Have faith in the wisdom of your choice of a career in the Navy.
With best wishes to all of you for a long and successful career in the Navy, I am,
Sincerely,
C. W. NIMITZ
Fleet Admiral, USN
