The Naval Institute’s members voted by an 88% margin to modify the organization’s mission to read:
Its objectives shall be to provide an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write in order to advance professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense.
This change recognizes that the nation’s defense and security require the best thinking of all military professionals and concerned citizens, regardless of service affiliation, warfare specialty, or political persuasion. The bedrock of the Naval Institute remains its commitment to its unique open forum in which all issues can and will be discussed.
The Naval Institute is led by its 11-member Board of Directors, 8 of whom also constitute the Editorial Board. The members of the Naval Institute elect 8 directors; the other 3 are the Chief Executive Officer/Publisher, Tom Wilkerson, and 2 ex-officio directors selected by the Board to ensure balanced representation. This year’s election results provided such a broad distribution of experience and backgrounds among the candidates that all regular director positions were able to be filled by the vote of the members. These directors in alphabetical order are:
- RAdm. C. J. Beers, USN (Ret.)
- RAdm. W. D. Crowder, USN
- Cdr. H. J. Hendrix II, USN
- CMDCM D. L. Hinson, USN
- Col. (Sel.) J. A. Koenig, USMC
- VAdm. A. H. Konetzni, Jr., USN
- LCdr. K. M. McLaughlin, USN
- Capt. G. D. Roncolato, USN
- RAdm. P. M. Stillman, USCG
- RAdm. H. F. White, USNR
As prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws, the two most senior members serve as the Board of Directors’ chairman and vice chairman. Therefore, Vice Admiral Konetzni remains the Naval Institute’s chairman and Rear Admiral White returns as vice chairman. In addition, Rear Admiral Stillman again will serve as the Editorial Board’s chairman.
At its Annual Meeting, the Naval Institute recognizes many of its members and authors for distinguished service and outstanding contributions. This year, 177 members achieved Golden Life status—50 consecutive years of membership in the Naval Institute. These members no longer will be required to pay dues and they will be listed in the May Naval Review issue of Proceedings. Other awards go to:
- Naval Institute Press Author of the Year — Capt. Andrew C. A. Jampoler, USN (Ret.) Adak: The Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586
- Proceedings Authors of the Year — Capt. Stuart J. Cvrk, USNR, and Capt. Richard E. Robey, USNR “It Is Time to Transform the Naval Reserve”
- Naval History Author of the Year — James P. Delgado “Shooting Down the Kamikaze Myth”
- Business Associate of the Year — U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Beverley R. Robinson Collection
- Special Award of Merit — Capt. E. T. Wooldridge, USN (Ret.)
As these initiatives attest, the Naval Institute exists to serve those who dare to read, think, speak, and write on issues of importance to national defense.