Coast Guard Commandant addresses future officers

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

NEW LONDON, Conn. - Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, speaks at his annual Corps of Cadets Leadership Address at the Coast Guard Academy Jan. 6, 2010. During his speech, Papp spoke about the origins and significance of the Oath of Office to more than 1,100 people. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, speaks at his annual Corps of Cadets Leadership Address at the Coast Guard Academy. During his speech, Papp spoke about the origins and significance of the Oath of Office. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Earlier this week, cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy were given insight on what it means to be a military officer from none other than Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Papp’s speech to the service’s future leaders focused on the oath of office each cadet will take when four years of academy life ends and their careers begin in earnest as commissioned Coast Guard officers.

Papp told the Corps “your oath is sacred, your commission is timeless” while noting that the wording of his commission is virtually identical to the 1791 commission of Hopley Yeaton — the first Coast Guard Officer.

NEW LONDON, Conn. - Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, presents a Coast Guard Academy cadet with a challenge coin during his annual Corps of Cadets Leadership Address Jan. 6, 2010. During his speech, Papp spoke about the origins and significance of the Oath of Office to more than 1,100 people. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp, presents a Coast Guard Academy cadet with a challenge coin during his annual Corps of Cadets Leadership Address. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Cadet 1st Class Meghan Zehringer, chosen by academy leaders to represent the Corps of Cadets as regimental commander for the spring semester, was inspired by Papp’s message.

“With graduation approaching and my class about to take the oath to serve in the Coast Guard as junior officers, I found Admiral Papp’s address to be very eye opening and informative. I have never truly looked at the oath and the fact that he was able to analyze and explain each part of it increased not only my awareness of the importance of understanding the words that I pledge to live by but also that of the entire Corps of Cadets, the [Officer Candidate School] students, and all others present [at the speech].”

As the most junior members at the academy, 4th class cadets gained perspective on their chosen profession from the commandant’s words.

Coast Guard Adm. Papp met individually with several cadets following his leadership address at the academy. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi

Coast Guard Adm. Papp met with cadets following his leadership address. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi

“I was humbled by Admiral Papp’s presence and how someone of his ranking could take the time to talk to the corps. He even stayed after for anyone who wanted to personally talk with him. His speech on commitment to the oath really made me appreciate what I am doing and gave me something to look forward to after my time at the Academy.” – Cadet 4th Class Devin Fellman

“Admiral Papp’s speech provoked a sense of unpretentious kinship between his self and the corps, blending perfectly with his message that we are all shipmates. I believe that this sense of kinship has inspired the corps to a greater trust of and willingness to follow the Commandant of the Coast Guard.” – Cadet 4th Class Laura Carts

“I stayed behind after and talked a little bit with the admiral, and what was awesome was the fact that he was able to relate to what I was going through as a 4th class cadet. He asked me how the school year was going and some goals I was going to set for myself. He provided words of encouragement and support. Also, even though the admiral is in such a high position of power, he doesn’t let that change his attitude or how he acts. He honestly acts like he is one of our shipmates. In other words, he is very down to earth and an approachable guy.” – Cadet 4th Class John Ramirez

Admiral Papp addresses the Corps of Cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Admiral Papp addresses the Corps of Cadets at the United States Coast Guard Academy. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

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  • Jim Koshar, LT, USCG(Ret.)

    Thank you Admiral for taking time out of your busy schedule to address the Corps of Cadets at the Coast Guard Academy.

    As evidenced by the above posted comments in this article, these young men and women – our Service’s next leaders, were struck in the most positive manner and most appreciative of your presence and words.

    Good job Shipmate!

    V/R

    Jim Koshar
    LT, USCG(Ret.) and AIM volunteer!

  • E. Normis Johnson

    It was truly wonderful of ADM Papp to take the time to talk to the CGA and LDC. He seems to follow the long line of dedicated and forward thinking Commandants that served before him…mentoring starts at the deck plate level.

    I do see why Congress still asks the Coast Guard why they have not TRULY addressed the issue of diversity at the CGA. If one looks at the picture of the CGA it appears there are few Latino, African American, and Asian faces in the crowd. Despite the wonderful service the CG provides for America surely they can do better in this regard.

    v/r,

    E. Johnson

  • Zac Carter

    I wonder how the Officer Candidates present – and I have read that they were – felt about this speech? Seems that the only officers the Commandant was addressing were the Academy cadets. Last time I looked, all Coast Guard commissioned officers, be they from Officer Candidate School or direct commission, take the same oath. Talk about a caste system.

  • CDR Glynn Smith

    Zac,

    I was in the room when ADM Papp gave this address at the Coast Guard Academy on Jan. 6, and I believe the officer candidates were pretty excited. One of the first things ADM Papp did when he began was to step in front of the podium and recognize the current OCS class – which started that same morning – and called on a member of the class to be personally recognized. The OCS class was present alongside the corps of cadets to hear directly from ADM Papp about the honor and privilege of taking the oath of office. There were also many other officers in the room from various commissioning sources, as well as chief petty officers and civilian employees, and I believe the address was appreciated by all of them.

    v/r

    CDR Glynn Smith
    Commandant’s Communications Director

  • MCPO

    Time to get the Commandant down to some graduations at Cape May.

  • CDR Glynn Smith

    Master Chief,

    ADM Papp agrees and a visit to Training Center Cape May is a high priority on his list. Let me also note that VADM Brice-O’Hara mentored Recruit Class Delta 184 which graduated on Dec. 3.

    v/r

    CDR Glynn Smith
    Commandant’s Communications Director

  • ArgueraDume

    I mean this post is interesting to study. Keep it going pal