DANT Nominated for 1st Star

[xchefmike]

Staff report
Posted : Thursday Jun 11, 2009 15:44:38 EDT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has nominated 42 Navy captains in the unrestricted and restricted lines for promotion to rear admiral. Their names and current assignments:



• Matthew L. Klunder, commandant of midshipmen, Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.

 

[BlessedX4]

Bravo Zulu!!

 

[Capt MJ]

Well-deserved! He's one of the finest Commandants I've seen in recent years. A strong leader, an accomplished warrior and someone who "gets" what it takes to inspire and lead midshipmen along the path from plebe to shiny new ensign or 2nd lieutenant. Too bad that will means orders soon... they usually swap Dants at the winter holiday period or right after Commissioning and before I-Day, to minimize impact.

 

[BlessedX4]

really??? That soon? I was sure hoping he'd be around for at least the next year...

 

[Capt MJ]

As I and many others on here are fond of saying, "depends on the needs of the Navy (or applicable service)." The Dant has done what he needs to do, career-wise, at USNA in a high-profile, flag-maker billet, as well as re-calibrated the Brigade in concert with the Supe. For his career progression, he now needs to go to a 1-star job. 2009 is his selection year. His promotion year will be 2010.

At this stage in a senior officer's career, 2 years is about right at any one assignment.

I would speculate RDML (Sel) Klunder is considered a front-runner, and they will send him to a job that will move him onward on the star track. About half of the 1-stars selected will be sent home in 2 years without making their 2nd star.

I'm betting June 2010 for orders to a 1-star billet. Would be nice to enjoy his leadership for another year. Keeps the Brigade stable and focused under consistent leadership.