Women's History Month: Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, Cmdr. Andria Slough, Lt. Cmdr. Erin Connor and Lt. j.g. Emily Lane
Navy leaders and pioneers
14 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 Adm. Lisa Franchetti Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: Two words: free college!
Serving in the Navy was never part of my "plan" as I headed to college in 1981 as a journalism major at Medill at Northwestern University. I wanted to be a journalist, specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. But that all changed during freshman orientation week when I stopped by the NROTC Unit's cookout and had a chance to meet some Midshipmen and salty LTs. Over hot dogs they talked about all the places they had visited AND the fact that the Navy would pay for your tuition and books.
At 17, that sounded pretty good to me. I signed up as a college program student and picked up a scholarship the following year. Over my four years in the Unit and on my summer cruises, I came to love the Navy/Marine Corps team, the people, the challenges it provided, the opportunities to travel, and the chance to make the world a better place. And 35 years after my chance exposure to the Navy, I'm still here, still enjoying the challenges, the travel, and doing my part to defend freedom and support our national interests around the world.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: My Dad, Larry Franchetti, was really my first role model.
He was an engineer by training but moved into management. As a kid I remember him taking me to work and watching how he walked around the plant, talked to people, asked about their families, and made sure they had what they needed to do their jobs. He was always focused on Safety and on quality. I like to think he taught me the importance of "wandering around" and taking care of our most valuable resource: people. Navy-wise, I have been fortunate to have many inspiring Navy role models and mentors along the way, too many to mention, and I most certainly would not be here without all of them.
The first set are from my first ship, they had the biggest effect in molding the Franchetti lump of clay that arrived on their quarterdeck back in 1987. The first two were department heads: then Lt. Bobbi Spillane and then Lt. Julia Roos. To me, they were on the leading edge of women serving at sea. They were smart, capable, tactically proficient leaders and I wanted to be like them.
Also, from the same ship were the chiefs in my first division, then MMC Satriano and MMC Salvatore. They taught me what I needed to know to be a successful division officer: to lead Sailors, manage maintenance, inspect spaces, stand watch, and also to eat great Italian food in Gaeta.
The second set are folks that have mentored and encouraged me along my way, people like Capt. (ret) John Peterson, Rear Adm. (ret) Deb Loewer, Rear Adm. (ret) Joe Horn, Vice Adm. (ret) Bruce Grooms, Vice Adm. (ret) Al Myers, Vice Adm. (ret) Phil Wisecup, and Vice Adm. (ret) Tom Copeman just to name a few.
The third set: peers and colleagues who have been with me on this journey for many years, a strong network and my invaluable sounding boards.
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: When I came on active duty after NROTC in 1985, only 17 women officers a year went to sea, and I was not one of them.
I reported to my first assignment at Navy Region Readiness Command Region 13 as a General Unrestricted Line Officer (GURL) and into a strictly administrative assignment, first in manpower then training. This was frustrating, as I joined the Navy to go to sea and see the world. I resolved to do my four years and move on. Enter Capt. Gary Bair, my first CO, our COS, Cmdr. Craig George, and a few more salty LTs. They made up their minds that I should be a divo on a ship and they were going to figure out a way to make that happen.
They had me sign up to attend a BT/MM 6YO course at the Hot Plant at Great Lakes, so I could earn my EOOW letter and "prove" how much I wanted to become a SWO. As a journalism major, this was a daunting task, but with their encouragement and firm belief that "I could do it," I met the challenge head-on. Long story short, their plan worked and they proudly sent me off to SWOS as a Lt. j. g. They made a tremendous difference in the course my life would take, a great reminder to all of us that as leaders we can have a huge impact on the people we come in contact with, and that we need to make the time, every day, to engage.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why?
A: I have loved every assignment in the Navy. To narrow it down, my first command at sea, USS Ross, is probably my most memorable tour.
There is nothing like command at sea, where you have the opportunity to build your team, plan and execute the missions assigned, and represent our country overseas. We were the only U.S. ship to participate in the 60th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration in Normandy, and we also spent many weeks in the not-so-enjoyable Southwest Monsoon off the Horn of Africa. Through it all the team was magnificent, thanks to great leaders in the wardroom, chiefs mess and on the deckplates.
A close second is my next at-Sea Command, DESRON 21, and serving as Mission Commander for Pacific Partnership 2010 aboard USNS Mercy. Another team building opportunity, but this time with medical personnel, Seabees, NGOs, partner navies, and embassy country teams. It was a tremendous experience to work at the other end of the mission spectrum, conducting humanitarian/civic assistance work in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea.
I know that my current tour as Carrier Strike Group 9 and our recent deployment around South America with USS George Washington, Carrier Air Wing Two and Destroyer Squadron 23 will rank right up at the top of the list too!
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: When I was in college I was a coxswain on our rowing team.
In the training phase the coxswain works out with the boat, helps build a cohesive, motivated team, loses weight, and gets mentally ready to race and win. When it's time for the race, the coxswain gets direction from the coach, studies the course and the competition, steers the boat effectively, sets the pace, makes sure the boat is rowing in unison, and motivates the boat to take some "power 10s" and win the race. To me being a leader in the Navy is a lot like being a coxswain.
Understanding the mission, translating it in a way that each member of the team can "connect their dot" to it, preparing/building/enabling the team to accomplish the mission, executing the mission, and assessing the result and learning from it, that's what leaders at all levels of the Navy do. Leaders are also responsible for creating the next generation of leaders, making the time to teach, share and mentor those coming behind us. Being a leader brings with it tremendous responsibility but also great satisfaction in a mission well done. It has been and continues to be an honor to be entrusted to lead my part of our Navy these past 31 years.
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Rear Adm. Mary Jackson Commander, Navy Region Southeast
Q: Why did you decide to join the Navy?
A: I was looking for something different than a traditional college experience, and I wanted to study oceanography.
I confess that I knew very little about the Navy and the Naval Academy, but my father was convinced I could not get in. At the time, I was much more focused on the adventure and a degree than I was on the Navy. I have been on a bow wave, along with a few other women, over the past 25 years as more and more opportunities have been open to women at sea and in our Navy. I never dreamed I would still be serving, but I continue to serve because I believe in our mission and I believe in the team of professionals I serve alongside.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you throughout your Navy career?
A: I try to learn from everyone I am around and absorb data points about their life that might apply to mine, professionally and personally. Those people that stand out are those that have helped me navigate the more challenging times. They took time to talk and brainstorm and listen. Often, the junior Sailors (and staff) were the incentive to work harder and be better at my job.
I remember a young Boatswain's Mate who told me my ensign salute was goofy, and my first chief who challenged me to ensure my Preventive Maintenance Boards were flawless. In light of women's history, many women comment that they have never worked for women before. During my first sea tour onboard USS Willamette, I served under two XO's who happened to be women. Those were the pioneers that started their careers in ships in the late 1970s. They were exceptional at their jobs, and they demonstrated, through action, that life as a Surface Warfare Officer was rewarding. They, as well as many others, influence me every day.
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: We never want to disappoint those people that mean the most to us.
My father passed away suddenly from cancer during my first sea tour. He never saw me in my element. It is hard to believe that he has been gone for 26 years, but I am motivated everyday by his belief in me. And, by extension, my family keeps me grounded and reinforces the notion that our service makes a difference. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing your own children proud.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why?
A: Every assignment has been memorable in its own way, but certainly commanding both USS McFaul and Naval Station Norfolk were the highlights.
It really is about being a part of a team, and nothing is better than being on the winning team. As daunting as the responsibility of command may seem, the rewards of seeing a team come together, focused on the mission, and making a difference are very humbling. I loved being at sea and being able to sit in the captain's chair on the bridge and watch the team sail and fight our capital ship at sea.
Serving as an installation commanding officer, I added a whole new skillset tied to infrastructure, energy, and managing large portfolios of people and resources across diverse programs supporting our warfighters and their families. I am very proud as a region commander of the deeply dedicated professionals, both military and civilian, who work tirelessly to support our fleet, fighter, and family.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Being a leader is about remembering what it is like to be a follower.
I always try to remember where I came from and to understand other people's backgrounds and what they bring to the team. We all come with strengths and weaknesses, and that is good. Realizing the human side of our profession, and building that into our collective strength is our center of gravity. A leader of a team, large or small, influences the direction, positively or negatively, of this center of gravity.
Some days are easier than others. But, the opportunity to serve means the opportunity to impact. I believe in people, and I believe in being humble. There is nothing more enriching than knowing the mission, working hard towards the objective, and seeing the smiles of pride on the faces of the professionals you are entrusted to lead. They make it happen.
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Cmdr. Andria Slough Commanding Officer USS Porter (DDG 78)
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: By early high school my dreams of an adventurous career meant that I needed to be part of an organization that was big enough and progressive enough to offer me a fast-paced lifestyle with upward mobility.
At my father's suggestion and mother's support, I applied to both the Air Force and Naval academies. After lengthy interviews with Congressman William Hughes's nominating committee and staff, I received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. The ensuing Candidate Visit Weekend absolutely convinced me the Navy was my opportunity to start a career. Since then, I have been drawn to the Navy by the extremely interesting work, the high quality of the people that I have worked for and with, and the wonderful places that I have been able to visit over 40 countries so far.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
My role models and mentors have been many and phenomenal. My grandfather was a retired Air Force colonel and he and my grandmother taught me how to read and swim before I entered kindergarten, which I started a year early.
My father and mother constantly pushed education, challenged me to take the tough courses, and paid for equipment and extra education from their limited, hard earned income any time I needed it. My sister, who is an excellent athlete, pushed me to become involved with girls/women's volleyball and basketball, and we had many wonderful sports experiences because we were only one year apart in school and were on the same teams.
At the U.S. Naval Academy, now retired Captain Mary Jo Sweeney gave me constant tips and help in getting through the rigors of Midshipman life, and her husband, retired, former-POW Captain Dave Hoffman was my Sailing Master during my summer training. He also gave me excellent advice about the responsibilities and merits of command. I took his direct advice for my choice of a first ship, which was the USS O'Brien (DD 975), out of Japan and had a wonderful first tour running all over the Far East. No one knows how to have more fun than a single, first year ensign overseas after they have cashed a paycheck! Underway, I have had many fine ship captains and chief petty officers that have mentored me and helped make my career a success.
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: I will always be mystified by the parallels and memory of my grandfather, who worked at NORAD in Colorado Springs in the 1960's at a high level defending the United States against the potential of a foreign attack.
He was a brilliant electronics expert who spent countless hours understanding communications, radar, and continental defense and was uncompromising in demanding top performance from those he worked with. After he retired, he and I spent innumerable hours together until he passed when I was eight years old. The amazing part to me today is that I am involved in virtually the same job, ballistic missile defense, but in a different service, he was U.S. Air Force, and the Navy is taking the effort to a whole new level. I wish that he could come back long enough for me to give him a tour of the USS Porter (DDG 78). What a conversation that would be! The parallels in our careers have been unanticipated and unintended, but I think it's pretty interesting.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: I joined the Navy for the adventure and I always sought the most interesting assignment that I thought I was qualified for; consequently, they were all dynamic and memorable.
Every time that I reach a new level and think that I have hit a "peak" I discover more adventure, more wonderful people to meet, and more knowledge heading my way on the horizon. My mom and dad, along with my sister and her husband, constantly encourage me to take these billets and provide that extra support through the most challenging times.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: First, a leader should always remember it is a privilege to lead the officers and crew of a ship, especially one as advanced as Porter. It is the leaders' job to create an environment in which the crew can bring their talents and diversity together to accomplish the assigned task as well as satisfy their desires and needs. Today's ships are way too complex for a single person to operate; the leader is responsible for building a cohesive environment in which every member must is fully integrated into the team.
Second, a leader must also instill a sense of heritage into the crew. They should be proud of the Porter family and namesakes, proud of their lineage as U.S. Navy Sailors, and proud of their shipmates.
Third, a leader must drive everything toward excellence in all aspects of shipboard life. It's dangerous out here, and settling for mediocrity won't bring us home from patrol every time.
Finally, a leader must demand excellence without arrogance. We must never forget how, just a few short months ago, we were the Sailors learning a new task or developing a new concept. Many of our partner nations are expanding into new skill sets, and it's our duty to help train them in a way that sets a fine example that they want to be part of.
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Lt. Cmdr. Erin Connor, Task Force 65
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: Service to others was a foundation of my childhood, and I was inspired by my grandfather's naval service during World War II and my father's air reserve service to join one of the country's services.
I learned of the Naval ROTC program while in high school, was accepted into the unit at Ohio State University, and have enjoyed my naval journey ever since.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I have been fortunate to serve under several outstanding commanding officers, executive officers, and department heads.
As the OI Division Officer on USS Hue City (CG 66), my Operations Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Dave Stoner, taught me the importance of attention to detail, asking the tough but necessary questions, and keeping a balance between work and home. Then, as the Operations Officer in USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) eight years later, my Commanding Officer, CDR Sam de Castro, showed me how everything is really a system of systems, that we are all connected and the actions of one shipmate will impact all others. Both of these role models greatly influenced my present leadership style.
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 husband has been by my side since my Naval journey began, and he challenges me every day to do my absolute best. I seek his thoughtful and frank advice when making important decisions, and his implicit trust and support drive me to reach beyond my comfort zone into areas I may not have otherwise explored.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: My most memorable assignment was as Operations Officer in USS The Sullivans (DDG 68).
As a first tour department head, I had made the conscious choice to continue to serve in the Navy, during that tour, I discovered all the definitions of the word. I was able to serve with an amazing group of Operations Department Sailors, chief petty officers, and division officers, many of whom I remain in touch with today.
My department head team broke the mold in an amazing way, serving together with a rare synergy and compassion that created a command climate where our Sailors could succeed. I enjoyed every moment, even the difficult ones, because I felt connected to the mission of the ship, to every evolution onboard, and with each sailor onboard.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: As a leader in the Navy, I find the most satisfaction from creating a sincere connection with other Sailors.
When my junior Sailors know that I truly care about their daily well-being and long-term career goals, they give me their best work and trust in return. I strive to set the best example for my Sailors to follow, and I also strive to learn from the diverse experiences and perspectives that these same Sailors bring with them.
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Lt. J. G. Emily Lane, Destroyer Squadron 60
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: I knew at a very young age that I wanted to serve.
My Grandfather flew B-24s during WWII and my mother was an Army nurse. I grew up listening to their stories about the service and knew that it was something I wanted to do one day.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I have had many mentors throughout my naval career.
I learned from outstanding LTs during my time in NROTC, who taught me many leadership lessons and prepared me for the challenges I would face in the fleet. During my first tour I had three of the finest Commanding Officers any officer could ask for. They all set a high professional standard, something that I strive to emulate, and they all took a personal interest in my success.
My second CO, Captain Chris Cigna was especially influential in my development as an officer. After he left our ship, the USS Laboon (DDG 58) he reached back and offered me a job at his new command, the new DESRON staff in Rota, Spain. He gave me an incredible opportunity to serve in FDNF-E and help stand up a new command. He truly exemplified what it meant to "take care of your people" and he motivated me to do the same.
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 biggest role model growing up was my grandfather.
He taught me the value of hard work and discipline. He always encouraged me to "go do well", and to accomplish all of my goals. He was one of the fairest and the toughest people I have ever known. I know he's still looking out for me, and I want to make him proud every day.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: I have had two assignments thus far in my career and I am about to start my third; both of my tours have been memorable and fulfilling for different reasons.
Onboard the USS Laboon (DDG 58) I had the privilege of leading sailors in both Weapons and Engineering Department. I had superiors who trusted me and assigned me difficult, challenging tasks. Shipboard life is memorable because of the great sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming challenges, completing tough assessments, and taking a ship to sea. It was an invaluable experience.
My tour at DESRON 60 has been very different, but just as fulfilling. I witnessed and contributed to the development of a new command. I am honored to have been able to contribute in my own small ways and help make this new command a success. I have been privileged to work within a terrific chain of command, and alongside a group of chief petty officers who offer incredible insight and training every day.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Over the past four years I have realized that the most effective way to lead is through example.
Officers build trust with their Sailors by first showing that they are trustworthy. When you demonstrate this, they will follow your lead. When you value Sailors and treat them with respect, they will take pride in their work and want to work harder for you.
Putting your trust in your Sailors is an investment. I have learned that looking out for your people and your shipmates can pay massive dividends. No one person takes a ship to sea by them self, you go to sea as a team. Success requires that everyone on the team work together and work with a high standard of excellence. Being a leader means setting the standards high, and holding yourself and others to them.