Women's History Month: Supply Corps Officer
Navy leaders and pioneers
21 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 Deborah Haven is currently serving as Commander, Defense Contract Management Agency international.
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: The Navy Reserve offered me an opportunity to serve our country in the uniformed services on a part-time basis while my children were young. When I went back into civilian federal service I found that my Navy career and civilian career as a military logistician were complimentary and allowed me to be more effective in both environments. As an undergraduate business student at the University of Maryland, I thoroughly enjoyed the transportation management course, now referred to as logistics or supply chain management. Logistics is the key element in supporting the Navy's ability to keep the sea lanes open and project power wherever and whenever it is required. There is no better organization to engage in the profession of logistician than the United States Navy.
Q: Who have your role models of mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I have served with many, many military professionals and for the most part, they provided guidance and encouragement in every aspect of my professional life. So many leaders pushed me or set me up to excel, challenging me beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. Rear Admirals Patricia Wolf and Sharon Redpath and of course my current boss, General Wendy Masiello were particularly helpful to me both as mentors and as role models.
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 dad, a WW II Air Force pilot and career reservist always encouraged me to participate fully in whatever I had the opportunity to try, whether sports, academics, part time jobs or other outside activities. Dad always had lots of minor (and some major) construction projects going on and all of us kids were required to participate fully in the manual labor necessary to complete the job. My sister and I were expected to work alongside my two brothers and believe me, no distinction was made because of our gender (mixing cement, roofing or changing car oil). My husband was a Naval Officer when we were married. He retired after nearly 30 years of service officer and enlisted, and he was always (and is) very supportive. The Navy has always been a family affair with us as my daughter, son-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and aunt have all been sailors.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: I have had the opportunity to command sailors on several occasions and those command tours will always be the most memorable. Deployments to Kuwait, Panama, Poland, and Gitmo were certainly stressful but rewarding in many ways. And my experience as a Navy wife with my husband during a two year tour in Morocco was certainly memorable for many reasons, not least of which was the birth of our second daughter.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Being a Naval officer is an opportunity to serve in the world's most powerful naval force while helping to shape that force for the future. Leading American sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines as well as civilian federal leaders in the Department of Defense is the greatest job in the world and a privilege I am most honored to perform.
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Rear Admiral Valerie Huegel is currently serving as Director, Us Central Command Deployment And Distribution Operations Center.
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: As a young woman, I was exposed to Navy culture and traditions and was drawn to it. I wanted to serve my country and be part of something bigger than myself. There really was no single reason I chose to be a part of our Navy. I wanted to serve an organization at the forefront of our national defense while building a meaningful career. I am proud to be a Sailor and I am humbled to serve with the professional men and women of the today's Navy.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I have been blessed with many mentors and role models throughout my life. My parents were my first role models and I thank them every day in prayer for the guidance, wisdom, and teachings they instilled in me. For if it were not for the foundation they laid for me as a young child -- the confidence they gave to me, the daily encouragement, the discipline and the belief in God - I would not be who I am today. There were others as I was growing up who were also role models for me. My first grade teacher served as a mentor to me, although, at the time, I didn't even know what the word meant. She instilled in me the love of lifelong learning. My high school field hockey coach gave me the chance as a freshman to play on the varsity hockey team, which taught me the importance of teamwork and humility (seniors aren't always nice to freshman but you have to stay on par with them to earn their respect). My 12th grade English teacher taught me that everyone didn't have to look the same, think the same, act the same, talk the same, or have the same beliefs - that there is both a necessity and a beauty in diversity. There were also officers and enlisted Sailors who taught me valuable lessons throughout my career. These individuals guided me, were brutally honest, challenged me and gave me the tools and the confidence to be the very best that I could be.
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.
My father was the biggest influence in my life and always challenged me to be the best that I could be. He always told me that there wasn't anything I couldn't do and he set high expectations for me to achieve. He gave me the tools to succeed and let me "fly on my own" - but he was always there to catch me if I stumbled and encouraged me to continue trying. He taught me right from wrong; encouraged me to always do the right thing; instilled in me a sense of pride and confidence; taught me the value of education and setting goals in life; and told me it was okay to fail as long as I learned and grew from the experience. The lessons he taught me have stayed with me throughout my life and career. I thank him for his patience, wisdom, integrity, encouragement and for his love.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: Each of my assignments have contributed to my growth and knowledge. The two most memorable assignments were when I mobilized in 2008 to become the Director of Logistics for U.S. Africa Command's Combined Joint Task-Force Horn of Africa, Djibouti, Africa; and again in 2015 where I presently serve as the Director, U.S. Central Command's Deployment and Distribution Center in Kuwait.
Both director roles gave me the great opportunity to lead, serve with, and learn from a diverse group of Sailors, soldiers, airman and Marines. Together, we provide to the warfighters, and our coalition partners, the critical logistic support they need to win the fight. These positions afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with others, build teams of diverse individuals, work with joint and coalition partners, set sustainment priorities, meet challenges head on and solve them, and meet with senior foreign military personnel to work toward common goals. It has been rewarding and humbling to be a partner in the development of emerging transportation networks throughout the Middle East, be responsible for the buildup and sustainment for the partnership capacity sites for the inaugural East African Standby Force Field Exercise in Djibouti and represent the United States in celebrations such as the 25thth Anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait. What an honor it is to serve our Navy and our country.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: A Navy leader inspires, communicates, motivates, is a role model, listens, builds trust and consensus and empowers others. Leaders must also understand that the ultimate decision, and its outcome, rest with them. As leaders, we must share our mission and vision, setting expectations and share the Commander's intent with every level of our organization. We must also maintain our integrity, be willing to follow as well as lead, build a team, treat everyone with respect and dignity, and reward and praise our team members.
Leaders must stay current on national and worldwide events, continue to grow professionally, understand the Department of Defense's strategic guidance, and ensure that we provide our Sailors and civilians with the training and necessary tools and equipment to "Be Ready."