Rear Adm. Phillip Greene steps down
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"Call me crazy but I think the BIG PROBLEM is Ray LaHood."
Point well taken. Thus those below him (Matsuda etal) are following his lead. Perhaps his intentions all along have been less than honest and honorable. He does not strike me as a man of his word..."Making KP the jewel in the crown" or some such rhetoric. By removing the most qualified of Superintendents in many years does not seem to be aligned with this sentiment.
Maybe Washington just needs a good housecleaning all around.
Point well taken. Thus those below him (Matsuda etal) are following his lead. Perhaps his intentions all along have been less than honest and honorable. He does not strike me as a man of his word..."Making KP the jewel in the crown" or some such rhetoric. By removing the most qualified of Superintendents in many years does not seem to be aligned with this sentiment.
Maybe Washington just needs a good housecleaning all around.
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Truly a sad day for KP. I wish to hell that Washington would get its act together. I'm disgusted.
To address a few of the questions brought up earlier in this thread from the perspective of a midshipman...
No, this was not a rumor for any length of time. In fact, we were all pretty mystified when we were informed that there would be a "mandatory all-hands meeting" this morning. Ideas ranged from the sudden closure of the Academy to uncouth conduct on the LIRR. But it is fair to say that we were all blindsided by ADM Greene's "resignation". Nobody had any clue about this one, which with a rumor mill like KPs is saying something.
As far as ADM Greene not having much day to day involvement with the regiment/midshipmen: this is particularly false. It is really difficult for me to think of a single day that he was not out and about the campus, at sports games and practices, sailing the TP52, or hanging out with the crews of the other Power Squadron vessels, mine in particular on several occasions. He was extremely involved with us, very approachable, and his presence will be missed.
Needless to say, I think the general consensus around here is that we all feel pretty pissed off and rather cheated. Here we finally get one of our own, who has a genuine interest in and knowledge of what we do and how to make our Academy better, and he gets ousted due to some political pissing-match, plunging us back into the general disarray that was just starting to get sorted out. I mean, come ON, what do we have to do to get AND KEEP a decent leader who knows what's going on around here? At what point does someone look at this from the perspective of, how's this gonna affect the Midshipmen? I apologize if this seems a little bit rant-like and selfish, but here's hoping we can all value different perspectives on this issue.
No, this was not a rumor for any length of time. In fact, we were all pretty mystified when we were informed that there would be a "mandatory all-hands meeting" this morning. Ideas ranged from the sudden closure of the Academy to uncouth conduct on the LIRR. But it is fair to say that we were all blindsided by ADM Greene's "resignation". Nobody had any clue about this one, which with a rumor mill like KPs is saying something.
As far as ADM Greene not having much day to day involvement with the regiment/midshipmen: this is particularly false. It is really difficult for me to think of a single day that he was not out and about the campus, at sports games and practices, sailing the TP52, or hanging out with the crews of the other Power Squadron vessels, mine in particular on several occasions. He was extremely involved with us, very approachable, and his presence will be missed.
Needless to say, I think the general consensus around here is that we all feel pretty pissed off and rather cheated. Here we finally get one of our own, who has a genuine interest in and knowledge of what we do and how to make our Academy better, and he gets ousted due to some political pissing-match, plunging us back into the general disarray that was just starting to get sorted out. I mean, come ON, what do we have to do to get AND KEEP a decent leader who knows what's going on around here? At what point does someone look at this from the perspective of, how's this gonna affect the Midshipmen? I apologize if this seems a little bit rant-like and selfish, but here's hoping we can all value different perspectives on this issue.
2TimeKPDad
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What Kind of "Micro-managing"?
This is one parent curious about the kind of "micro-managing" that led to Adm. Greene's dismissal. I can think of two kinds of micro-managing: 1) The kind of overbearing intrusiveness of a superior (Maritime Administrator ? La Hood? White House ?) who has never followed, and therefore does not know how properly to lead. This is bad enough.
But I wonder if there was another kind of agenda-driven "micro-managing" at work here. Was there an effort on the part of the D.C. crowd to force Adm. Greene to make over Kings Point to be more politically correct? This would seem to fit the phenomena over the last year. For example, was Adm. Greene forced (by the D.C. obsession to increase female enrollment) to retain a handful of flagrantly cheating midshipman for the sole reason that they were female? Is the dramatic limitation on authorized Indoc PT yet another D.C. - inspired rule to limit female attrition? The recent bizarre announcement that there will be no further night watches can only be explained by a desire to soften the program. Finally, was the last straw Adm. Greene's resistance to pressure from D.C. to have Kings Point recruit homosexual applicants in compliance with the current D.C. Administration's gay-friendly goals? I wonder.
These are some questions I have. I fear I know the answer and that we've lost a good man.
This is one parent curious about the kind of "micro-managing" that led to Adm. Greene's dismissal. I can think of two kinds of micro-managing: 1) The kind of overbearing intrusiveness of a superior (Maritime Administrator ? La Hood? White House ?) who has never followed, and therefore does not know how properly to lead. This is bad enough.
But I wonder if there was another kind of agenda-driven "micro-managing" at work here. Was there an effort on the part of the D.C. crowd to force Adm. Greene to make over Kings Point to be more politically correct? This would seem to fit the phenomena over the last year. For example, was Adm. Greene forced (by the D.C. obsession to increase female enrollment) to retain a handful of flagrantly cheating midshipman for the sole reason that they were female? Is the dramatic limitation on authorized Indoc PT yet another D.C. - inspired rule to limit female attrition? The recent bizarre announcement that there will be no further night watches can only be explained by a desire to soften the program. Finally, was the last straw Adm. Greene's resistance to pressure from D.C. to have Kings Point recruit homosexual applicants in compliance with the current D.C. Administration's gay-friendly goals? I wonder.
These are some questions I have. I fear I know the answer and that we've lost a good man.
beyond
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Doubt it.
Again, doubt it, during indoc this was chalked up to whiny parents.
I wish! However, there has been no official announcement ending night watches. If there were I think it would be coming from the academic department, who are tired (no pun intended) of mids falling asleep in class.
Just my .00002
Alum response
Trust us we're out here and following developments (first time I have ever posted---now feel compelled)----have been for years----last 10-15 have been VERY DISAPPOINTING---but this one leaves us dumfounded and stunned.
We would hope that all of us keep in mind how very disappointing this is for the Super and his wife-----a year of their lives certainly not wasted by any means from our point of view but invested with woefully inadequate return for them other than grief from their point of view. Sad----very sad.
We fear for the institution's future----it has been mismanaged for so long. It exists to train leaders----but folks in DC calling shots clearly do not know how to lead----one need only look at 10-15 years of neglect and decline, bad decisons, and inaction for proof. Now they have hurt a man who's career has been entirely about leadership----we can only hope they have very good reasons for doing so but based on DC's past performance doubt it.
It's heartbreaking for us Alums to have to watch a place we love and owe so much in such a very sad state.
Trust us we're out here and following developments (first time I have ever posted---now feel compelled)----have been for years----last 10-15 have been VERY DISAPPOINTING---but this one leaves us dumfounded and stunned.
We would hope that all of us keep in mind how very disappointing this is for the Super and his wife-----a year of their lives certainly not wasted by any means from our point of view but invested with woefully inadequate return for them other than grief from their point of view. Sad----very sad.
We fear for the institution's future----it has been mismanaged for so long. It exists to train leaders----but folks in DC calling shots clearly do not know how to lead----one need only look at 10-15 years of neglect and decline, bad decisons, and inaction for proof. Now they have hurt a man who's career has been entirely about leadership----we can only hope they have very good reasons for doing so but based on DC's past performance doubt it.
It's heartbreaking for us Alums to have to watch a place we love and owe so much in such a very sad state.
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Admiral Greene was the right man for the job. Unless something significant and hidden is revealed, he should not have been treated in this way. The USMMA should not have been treated in this way. That, my friends, is just one man's opinion
I personally appreciate this post and all post(s) by alum. You have my respect and admiration. It has been quite a roller coaster ride for a "new" parent like myself that did not have any experience with KP before my son's application, acceptance and attending. His journey has been filled with some great positive experiences, but, I must add that there has been way too many obvious and clear, poor leadership decisions and actions. Actions that not only affected him personally, but the institution at large. Way too many.
Parent's being vocal have been chastised and labeled negatively,and usually scolded for "The place has been doing this for a long time and knows what they are doing.....have faith and let your child be an adult" ..... Well, this unsettling turn of events now has even the alum being vocal. I am grateful and thankful for their voice, knowledge and wisdom. I pray they can make a difference and lead us all in being a part of a solution. There is an "All Hands" teleconference for Alum today. May this be the beginning of something great.
Lynpar
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Reading the last post has made me realize the awful heartbreak this must be for the Greenes. Also minor disagreements with staff, higher ups, alumni, uninformed bystanders ( ah hem) would seem nomal. Was some one handing out just enough rope for one the get snared in or was there a final straw? I just don't understand howsomething big enough occured to make a immediate drastc change. Obviously this has been simmering. As a parent I do feel sad at the loss and worry about the morale. I also feel bad for jumping to the wrong conclusion originally. Once I Heard this was not MrGreenes idea I began to fear for the academy. I also don't beleive this is a systemicWashington problem. That seems as irrational of a leap as my first assumptions. I Fear Greene has crossed paths beofre with some who were making this decission. I beleive more will be revealed in time and whoever s pulling the stringsdoes not have the best interests o the Academy n mind.
Forgive my hasty phone typing fr I am a work but feel compelled to spout off. And f I was Mrs Greene I would really be pissed. I imagine Great Neck is a fine place to find yourself.
Forgive my hasty phone typing fr I am a work but feel compelled to spout off. And f I was Mrs Greene I would really be pissed. I imagine Great Neck is a fine place to find yourself.
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Here is a link that sheds some light......
http://gcaptain.com/merchant-marine-academy-superintendent-towel?32424
http://gcaptain.com/merchant-marine-academy-superintendent-towel?32424
Sad days for the entire KP family. I trust more information and how this might be addressed will be forthcoming.
Thanks to Adm Greene for doing the best you could to help Kings Point. Sometimes one just has to shake ones head in disbelief of all the "stuff" that goes on in DC these days. This is a BIG mistake.
All the best, Adm Greene, and thank you for all you have done for Kings Point.
Thanks to Adm Greene for doing the best you could to help Kings Point. Sometimes one just has to shake ones head in disbelief of all the "stuff" that goes on in DC these days. This is a BIG mistake.
All the best, Adm Greene, and thank you for all you have done for Kings Point.
Chief engineer
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Agenda
I think the real issue is the future of USMMA. Does the current economic crisis we face bring into question the cost to the government of producing 200+ new officers a year.
I believe we all think the answer is yes. But I believe DC is looking at that and seeing the demand for officers being met by other sources.
My fear is the Admirals reassignment is the precursor to a move to sunset the academy.
This may or may not be true but it certainly must be something being considered.
I think the real issue is the future of USMMA. Does the current economic crisis we face bring into question the cost to the government of producing 200+ new officers a year.
I believe we all think the answer is yes. But I believe DC is looking at that and seeing the demand for officers being met by other sources.
My fear is the Admirals reassignment is the precursor to a move to sunset the academy.
This may or may not be true but it certainly must be something being considered.
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