The annual Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award ceremony was held in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes Dec. 4.
Cmdr. Richard N. Massie and Cmdr. Leif E. Mollo received the award which recognizes two commissioned officers in the grade of commander or below who contribute to the improvement of leadership in the Navy.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert was the guest speaker at the ceremony and presented the awards.
“It’s about people; people who are willing to lead and people who are willing to step forward and say ‘I want to write about somebody who is my peer who I think is extraordinary’,” said Greenert. “Taking time to do that in this busy world is remarkable in its own sense.”
Massie, commanding officer of the USS Maine (SSBN 741) Gold Crew was the Pacific Fleet winner. Massie was highly successful with the integration of women onto submarines.
“I was overwhelmed and truly proud of my crew. This was another success and another testament to the great things that that crew has done,” said Massie.
Mollo, commanding officer of SEAL Team 4, was the Fleet Forces Command winner.
Mollo led SEAL Team 8 as its mission changed from Afghanistan to Africa before being hand-selected to command SEAL Team 4.
“The recognition all should go to the warriors and support personnel that I served with at SEAL Team Eight and SEAL Team Four. They inspire me every day by their courage, their perseverance and their dedication,” said Mollo.
[mappress] Press Release, December 06, 2013; Image: US Navy