Women's History Month: Rear Admiral Margaret Klein, Commander Elizabeth Regoli, and Commander Kathleen Ellis
Navy leaders and pioneers
10 March 2016
"From the Revolutionary War to current conflicts, women have played a crucial role in the security of our nation and the success of the U.S. Navy. Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month by profiling women leaders and pioneers across the Navy."
Rear Admiral Margaret Klein is currently serving as Senior Advisor To The Secretary Of Defense For Military Professionalism.
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: As a young girl, I had a desire to fly. My dad was a private pilot and we lived near a Reserve Air Station. I jumped at the chance to attend USNA when it opened to women since I wanted to serve in the Active component and when I was in high school, the Services were all getting smaller and Reserve-only duty was a reality after NROTC.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I was most influenced in my early years by three CDRs. CDR Pete Koch was my boss at CNAL. He taught me how to be value-added on a staff. Then-CDR Tim Keating included me on his team of detailers and welcomed me into what was then the brotherhood of naval aviation. He helped pave the way for me to serve aboard the USS Kitty Hawk on my first at-sea assignment by putting in a good word for me when I had yet to serve at sea. Lastly, then-CDR John Keilty was a CO of mine during my Dept Head tour. He inspired me to grow as a Dept Head, he continued to inspire me during my CO tour and taught me patience. There are many more, but those three were first and I can't say I would have stayed Navy without their influence.
Q: Please tell us a story about someone, perhaps in your family or otherwise e, who has influenced you or challenged you to become more than you ever thought you might.
A: My Dad was an Army then a Navy Reservist. He bled blue and gold and I loved it. He loved what he did, he loved the people he worked with. His attitude, and love of flying, inspired me to want to serve. He sent me the newspaper article that said the Service Academies were opening to women. He challenged me to get in shape and apply. I was in college and enjoying myself, so it was no small feat to go back to being a freshman and essentially start college all over again!
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: My first afloat tour on the KHK Strike Group staff was amazing, I learned immensely, and I loved Japan. I also learned a lot when I worked as a Legislative Fellow for Senator Olympia Snowe. My first assignment as a Flag Officer was amazing as I learned to work with other Flags under the wisdom of VADM Denby Starling. He was a great boss!
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: When I think of leading, I think of setting the best example I can humanly set. I think of having a vision for where we need to go and for treating people as I want to be treated.
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Commander Elizabeth Regoli is currently serving as Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9.
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: As a Junior in high school, I took a recruiting trip to the United States Naval Academy. Growing up in California, I was not too familiar with the East Coast institution and all it embodied. However, I was instantaneously drawn to the camaraderie within the unique environment in which I suddenly found myself. To this day, it is that aspect of naval service that makes me love coming into work each morning!
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: Every single junior, peer and senior that I have had the honor of working with has had an impact on me in one way or another. Those individuals who took an interest in me and my career early on served as models for what it means to "pay it forward" as my career has progressed. I believe that there is something to be garnered from every person, officer and enlisted, that we have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis.
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: My parents have always been my biggest supporters throughout my life and career. They have been with me every step of the way, never missing any major milestone. From early on, they taught me that anything was possible if I put my mind to it. Despite the fact we didn't always have infinite resources during my childhood, my brother and I were never denied an opportunity to participate in all types of sports and other activities. I credit them for being the well-rounded adult I have grown up to be.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: Every one of my tours have been rewarding, but for different reasons. As a Primary Flight School Instructor Pilot in VT-27, there was nothing more gratifying than watching a student who had made himself sick on his first flight from his inability to hold the aircraft straight and level land from his first Solo flight smiling from ear to ear. While serving aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS as a Flag Lieutenant, I used to watch over the flight deck in awe of the controlled chaos going on below, feeling so proud to be a part of that team. As a P-3 Pilot conducting missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, there was nothing more rewarding than landing from a flight knowing that our presence in the air helped save lives on the ground that day. Working as the Naval Military Aide to the Vice President of the United States offered me so many more unique experiences than I could have ever dreamed of as a Naval Officer. As I stand by to assume the role of Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron NINE, I believe some of the best memories are yet to come.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Never forget where you came from, be humble, and most importantly always do the right thing even when no one else is looking.
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Q: How did you decide to join the Navy?
A: As a high school senior I found myself drawn to the U.S. Naval Academy because of the unique experience and opportunities that it provided. The ability to serve my country and the possibility of becoming a Naval Aviator ultimately drove my decision to attend USNA. I have loved my experiences and the people I have worked with while serving in the Navy.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you throughout your Navy career?
A: I have worked with and for many fantastic mentors and role models along the way. In my first operational squadron at HSL-44 I was lucky to work for two particularly superior officers who were serving as Department Heads in the squadron, RDML Jeff Hughes and CAPT Alvin Holsey, who taught me much and have served as mentors throughout my career.
Q: Can you share a story about someone, perhaps someone in your family or otherwise, who has influenced you or challenged you to become more than perhaps even you ever thought you might.
A: The individual who is most responsible for influencing my career is my sister, CAPT Margaret (Meg) Schult. My sister is a 1992 graduate of the Naval Academy, I would not have considered joining the Navy if not for her encouragement and positive experiences. Meg is also currently serving in the Navy as a member of the Information Dominance Corps.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why?
A: Ultimately it is the operational sea duty assignments that are the most professionally satisfying and memorable to me. Probably my favorite assignment to date was when I served as the aviation detachment Officer in Charge in USS VICKSBURG deploying with the IKE Strike Group where I led a detachment of 28 individuals with 2 SH-60B Seahawk helicopters in support of Operation Enduring Freedom tasking. The relationships developed while deployed executing the Nation's tasking, particularly when serving in such a close knit group as an aviation detachment, are meaningful and longstanding.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: I truly enjoy serving in the Navy and having the opportunity to lead and mentor the nation's finest. One of the strengths of this organization is the diversity of its members. There are very few organizations out there where you have the ability to work with personnel from such diverse backgrounds hailing from all over the country.