Stressing that he "never passes up an opportunity to chat with those you care about," Vice Adm. Bruce Grooms, deputy chief of staff for Capability Development at NATO Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation, addressed a Professional Military Education (PME) meeting, on March 10.

The Tidewater Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA), presented the event, which was attended by members of the sea services and retirees.

During his conversation at Breezy Point on Naval Station Norfolk, Grooms emphasized the importance of NNOA.

"NNOA is a wonderful opportunity for us - folks in uniform and retired - to share in a forum that can be helpful," said Grooms. "There's always someone in a room like this who's been there. More importantly, there's always someone in a room like this who actually cares. Caring is the first step in helping you over a hurdle."

Also Grooms encouraged attendees to meet and openly discuss when they think they may be facing a challenge, comparing seeking assistance to making a phone call.

"It's always better to make the 411 call - let me share some info - than make the 911 my life is on fire, emergency call," said Grooms. "I can fix any 411 situation; 911s are hard."

A native of Cleveland, Grooms graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he later became the school's first African American commandant of midshipmen.

In addition, Grooms, who completed nuclear power training, has served in nearly every capacity aboard a variety of submarines. He is one of the "Centennial Seven," the seven African American officers who have commanded a ship in the submarine service's first 100 years. Also Grooms was selected as the Vice Admiral Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award winner for 1999.

Grooms provided career guidance as well. He discussed the importance of really knowing the data on one's fitness report (FITREP) as one way to know where an individual stands at his or her command.

"The data on FITREPS should never come as a surprise," said Grooms, adding, "If you don't know where you stand, then you don't know where you want to be."

Grooms also reminded the attendees that the NNOA national conference will be held in July in San Diego, which often includes senior level leadership in attendance.

"Every year for the last several years, the chiefs of the sea services have attended the national conference because they care about it. But what's been missing is you folks," said Grooms. "I need as many of you to be there because what we try to do is have opportunities to talk about really important topics, and some of the senior leadership only get fleeting moments to talk to you about those important topics."

Tidewater NNOA meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The mission of NNOA is to actively support the Sea Services - Marines Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard - in the development of a diverse officer and civilian leadership corps through recruitment, retention, and career development.

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