Command Philosophy
CWO4 Thomas W. Carroll
Embracing our ship's motto of "Always Hopeful" I will focus on seven principles so we always strive to be competent, confident, and safe:
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Passion - Our history has proven that passion brings about innovation. Have passion for all that you do in and out of the Coast Guard. Passion at work is having the professional fortitude to do what is right not only for you, but for your shipmates and our organization. Passion will see you through the mundane and instill vigilance in your day to day activities on board and at home.
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Empowerment - Empowering our shipmates creates growth within our organization. You have the ability to lead and make decisions. I will ensure you are trained to perform your duties, but I leave it to you and your training, charisma, and common sense to perform your day to day duties. I ask that you use prudent judgment and leadership to safely and effectively carry out the exceptions that come up from time to time through not only traditional, but creative
sound seamanship principles. Do the same for your subordinates. -
Accountability - No one is empowered without accountability. We are accountable to our seniors, subordinates and shipmates. You must also be accountable to yourself and never forget that we are all accountable to the American public.
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Competence - Learn everything you can about this cutter, our missions, and your shipmates. I expect a robust training program that ensures our shipmates increase competence by practicing their duties in any condition at any time.
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Confidence - Competence breeds confidence. All of us become more confident in our ability to do our mission as we increase our competence. In an emergency or unexpected situation I want all of us to be ready to perform any task that is required of us to keep our cutter and shipmates safe.
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Compassion - I expect compassionate leadership. Remember that your shipmates are all that you have while underway. We rely upon each other and we can only be expected to perform our best. To expect perfection is not realistic, but to strive for perfection in ourselves will push us to do our best. Also remember, we all make mistakes. It is up to us as leaders to help our shipmates understand and learn from them.
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Humility - Never forget where you came from. Be humble in what you demand of those around you.
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