Rear Admiral Babette "Bette" Bolivar
Navy leaders
18 May 2016
Join us as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors, past and present, and their important contributions to the defense of our nation.
Rear Admiral Babette "Bette" Bolivar, Commander, Joint Region Marianas
My Dad, who is my inspiration and my hero, is a retired chief petty officer...Seeing my Father's love of country, dedication, and service to our nation has definitely influenced the career decisions I've made and continue to make.
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: I come from a long line of military service. My grandfather served in the Army; my two brothers served in the Navy; and my Dad, who is my inspiration and my hero, is a retired chief petty officer. I recall one evening, many years ago, my brother and father were discussing the U.S. Naval Academy. I had always wanted to enlist like my Dad but I was so intrigued, I filled out an application, graduated from Annapolis and haven't looked back since. I knew this was what I wanted to do and could not be more proud to serve alongside my fellow Sailors.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: My family-most especially my parents-are the driving force that has brought me to where I am. They have been my biggest supporters from the moment I attended the Academy to today. 'Course, my siblings are also the best cheerleading squad. I would not be here if it wasn't for the love and support of my family. Throughout my Naval career, I have been Blessed with the opportunity to work with the greatest mentors, leaders, and friends one could ask for. From each of them, I gained new knowledge and experiences that continue to make me a better leader, mentor and shipmate.
Q: Please tell us a story about someone, perhaps in your family or otherwise who has influenced you or challenged you to become more than you ever thought you might.
A: Seeing my Father's love of country, dedication, and service to our Nation has definitely influenced the career decisions I've made and continue to make. The person I am is because of the lessons my parents taught me and the values they've instilled in me and my siblings from a very young age.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: Serving as Commander, Navy Region Northwest was a great and memorable experience. It was my first command serving as a Rear Admiral and it allotted me the opportunity to gain new experiences, meet new people, and prepare myself for current and future assignments. Also, my time in Afghanistan (as part of Task Force Paladin) was the most rewarding tour of my career - being able to apply all the training I've had to actually defend our Country during Operation Enduring Freedom was both rewarding and memorable.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Being a leader means defining new goals, setting new standards, and putting them to work not only for yourself, but also most especially for your people. It means always treating people right, remaining honest and loyal, and working as a team. This is my command philosophy and has proven to work well for me and my shipmates throughout my career. As a leader, you realize that it's never truly about you, but the people and the community you serve.