Women's History Month: Capt. Heidi Agle, Capt. Kristy McCallum, Cmdr. Amy McInnis, Lt. Cmdr. Emily Royse and Lt. Cmdr. Crystal Schaefer
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."
Capt. Heidi C. Agle, Commodore, Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: I enlisted for the GI Bill (Boot Camp in May 1983) as well as the technical education the Navy offered (Fire Control Technician Second Class upon entry to USNA).
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: Command Master Chief from Fire Control "A" School told me "you should do more with your life" and encouraged me to apply to USNA.
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.
Same as #2.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: CDRE of CPR11 -- what a great job!! Roughly 75% OPTEMPO as both DCDRE and CDRE, especially conducting real life Humanitarian Assistance during Operation Tomadachi in Japan stands out. Current job pretty awesome as well -- making a real difference in the Gulf of Guinea, priceless.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Ensuring my people are given every opportunity to excel, leading by example and always being open to new ideas.
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Capt. Kristy McCallum
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: I knew I wanted to serve in some capacity or another; this drive stemmed from the way I was raised and educated.
As my father and stepfather both enlisted during Vietnam and had successful Naval careers, the Navy was a natural choice. The benefits of the NROTC program made the choice that much easier.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: My division officer tour onboard USS ACADIA (AD 42) laid the foundation for my career.
My Chiefs, BTC Sadowski and MMC Sellars, taught me not just how to lead the Sailors in my division, but how to maintain and steam a propulsion plant. LTjgs Cobb, Cooper, and Jones, were my SWO mentors. They taught me how to drive a ship and run a watch. My Captain, Captain Liuzzi, set the bar high. He pushed us to exceed his and our own expectations. Every success I have had in my career, I can trace back to the fundamentals I learned onboard ACADIA.
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 father has been a tremendous influence in my life.
At an early age, he instilled in me a love for the outdoors and for art and photography. Through his woodworking, he taught me about the concept and importance of craftsmanship and the pride that should be evident in every endeavor. In recent years, as I struggled with work / life balance, my father helped keep me connected to my family and to my passions outside of the Navy.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: XO and then CO of Blue Crew or Crew 101 on USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) were my most memorable past assignments.
As a plankowner, the tour was a graduate education in shipbuilding as well as the Navy's man, train, and equip processes. However, it is the Sailors and all that we accomplished together that made the tour so memorable. When I think about the challenges we faced and all we overcame together, I am in awe of Blue Crew's perseverance, creativity, and professionalism. Bringing LCS to life truly unleashed and showcased the talents of the Sailors.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Being a leader in the Navy is a tremendous privilege and honor. I keep a quote from Fleet Admiral Nimitz at my desk to remind me of the covenant I have with the Sailors I command: "It is a great responsibility but I shall do my utmost to meet it."
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Cmdr. Amy McInnis
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: Honestly, I joined on a whim just to see what the Navy was all about. That was 23 years ago!
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: I've had several role models and mentors throughout my career, too many to name.
My first role model and mentor was my LPO on USS Ashland (LSD 48). She encouraged me to get my ESWS pin along with my rating qualifications. I watched her get selected for the LDO program, and that inspired me to apply for a commissioning program.
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'm a prior enlisted RM (now called IT).
I considered getting out of the Navy at the end of my initial enlistment, but my Division Officer on USS Ashland (LSD 48) encouraged me to apply for OCS and receive my commission. I would not be where I am today without that influence.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: My first Division Officer tour in PCU PORTER/USS PORTER (DDG 78) was my most memorable assignment. There is nothing that compares to pre-commissioning a warship, building something from the start. It is a lot of hard work but extremely rewarding. Also, being a Division Officer is the closest that an officer will ever be to the deck plates, interacting with Sailors on a daily basis.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: It means being present and available for sailors while meeting unit and Navy missions.
It not only means guiding Sailors to complete tasks, but also motivating them along the way to be their best selves. It is both a responsibility and a reward.
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Lt. Cmdr. Emily Royse
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: During my senior year of high school, I was introduced to the U.S Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
As part of the program, we went on ship tours and underway training cruises on board vessels in the local area. I found myself being drawn in by the camaraderie, pride, and sense of purpose each Sailor had, in what they represented, and what they contributed to this country. That influenced my decision to join, and it continues to influence my decision to stay Navy.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: Every enlisted Sailor and Officer who I have worked with, or worked for, has had a hand in shaping who I am today.
There are leadership lessons to be learned from across the ranks, and I try to take something away from every interaction.
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 mother was the single most influential person in my life.
She stressed the importance of being a strong and independent woman, and to be decisive in both thought and action. She emphasized that the only way to succeed in life was not through wishing something would happen, but to set goals and work toward achieving them.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: Every assignment brings back memories, and I can honestly say that I've enjoyed them all!
However, I think my tour as Combat Systems Officer on USS San Antonio (LPD 17) marked a turning point in the course of my career. For the first time in any assignment, I was given full latitude to run my department as I saw fit. From missteps to triumphs, the experience of leading more than 90 Sailors was both inspirational and humbling. The degree of trust I received from that chain of command really solidified my commitment to continue developing as a leader, and to apply for early command.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Always set a positive example.
Have the self-awareness to know that your decisions can affect the lives of Sailors, but don't be afraid to make the tough calls. Build and maintain trust so that missions are fulfilled through collaborative effort instead of force. Have the flexibility to adapt to those you are leading, and inspire them to see that opportunities to excel are within their reach.
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Lt. Cmdr. Crystal Schaefer
Q: Why did you decide to join/serve the Navy?
A: After I graduated high school I was looking for some direction in my life. I wanted to go to college, but I was unsure of what I wanted to do once I got my degree. I saw the Navy as an opportunity to serve my country while also gaining leadership experience and bringing direction to my life.
Q: Who have your role models or mentors been that have influenced you or helped to guide you?
A: For my senior project in college I wrote a research paper on Admiral Grace Hopper. I was very inspired and fascinated by her career and her contributions to the Navy and technology. I was encouraged to always challenge myself to achieve what I never thought I could.
- CAPT Benjamin Nicholson was my Commanding Officer when I served as Operations Officer in USS PINCKNEY. He helped guide me through that challenging tour and really shaped me into the Officer and Leader I am today. Every day I strive to be the leader he is.
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 come from a large family and all I want to do is make them proud. It is the biggest reason why I have been successful. They are extremely supportive and understanding.
- Everyone has those moments in their past which seemed inconsequential at the time but they stick with you throughout your life and provide inspiration when you need it the most. I remember one of these moments like it happened yesterday. When I was a Senior in college sitting in my Leadership and Ethics class one of the other midshipmen told me I would get "eaten alive" in the Navy. Instead of letting this comment defeat me I have used it to push myself to do more than I ever thought I would.
Q: Please tell us which past assignments are the most memorable to you and why.
A: I think I enjoyed my tour as an NROTC Instructor at the University of Minnesota the most, and I took advantage of the opportunity I had to influence the Navy's newest leaders. I saw it was my responsibility to ensure the midshipmen were fully prepared to take on the challenge of being a Naval Officer.
- It was my tour as the Operations Officer in USS PINCKNEY where I really developed into the Officer and leader I am today. It was my most memorable assignment for multiple reasons, to include completing my first deployment. I overcame many professional and personal challenges during this tour. I was told on numerous occasions prior to this tour that being a Department Head would be the most challenging yet the most rewarding tour you will have in the Navy and I believe this is true. I have had many exceptional sailors who worked for me throughout my career in the Navy. One of the most memorable thing from my tour on USS PINCKNEY was when five of my sailors were selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer. It still makes me feel so proud of those sailors who worked hard and were rewarded for their hard work.
Q: What does being a leader in the Navy mean to you?
A: Being a leader in the Navy is not just a job it is a way of life. We are continuously looked to for guidance, mentorship, and as role models. We must respect those who work for us, the Officers above us, and our peers in order to be respected as a leader.