The Navy's 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations visited the University of California, Berkeley to meet with the University's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, April 2.

Adm. Michelle Howard's visit included a luncheon with midshipmen, a meet and greet with university leadership at the Office of the Chancellor, and a discussion with midshipmen and cadets from the Navy, Army, and Air Force ROTC Units.

Howard first enjoyed lunch with 12 midshipmen at the Berkeley Women's Faculty Club, the only standalone women's faculty club in the nation. She spoke with them on topics related to naval tradition, the future of the fleet, and the challenges she has faced during her career.

"Admiral Howard spoke to us about the timeless traditions of the Naval Service going all the way back to Lord Nelson," said Midshipman 2nd Class Ryan Tweed. "She inspired a powerful sense of pride in me as well as a great sense of ambition and responsibility to live up to the legacies of some of the finest naval leaders in history."

Howard answered questions from the 12 midshipmen during her conversation with them. Midshipman 3rd Class Madison Farricker asked Howard what motivated her to achieve so many 'firsts' in her career.

"It's not about trying to be the first," said Howard. "It's about taking advantage of every opportunity and being the best at every job you take, regardless of how many people have done it before you."

"What stuck with me most was when Admiral Howard talked about being the best Naval officer you can possibly be," said Midshipman 3rd Class Cecilia Cajandig. "Do not set your limits to your potential capabilities; simply have an open mind, perform the best you can, and who knows what you will be able to accomplish."

Following the luncheon, Howard briefly toured the Berkeley Campus before meeting with university leadership at the Office of the Chancellor. She spoke with Bob Jacobsen, dean of Undergraduate Studies, and Claude Steele, executive vice chancellor and provost.

Dean Jacobsen commented, "We were happy to host Admiral Howard's visit to our campus. We're proud of our midshipmen and our historical connection with Admiral Nimitz, who created our Navy ROTC Unit as one of the Navy's first six units."

Following the tour, Howard addressed the midshipmen and cadets of the Naval, Army, and Air Force ROTC Units at the Howard Room in the UC Berkeley Faculty Club. She spoke about cyber warfare and the importance of leadership recognizing the consistently evolving nature of warfare.

Howard drew a parallel to cyber warfare and the forward-thinking of leaders such as Fleet Admiral Nimitz in identifying the importance of aviation to the future of warfare.

"Leaders have to be ready to embrace change," said Howard. "We have to lead all of our people in every domain. Cyber is going to change the way we operate."

For more about UC Berkeley NROTC, visit http://nrotc.berkeley.edu/
For more information about the NROTC program, visit http://www.nrotc.navy.mil/.


For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.