Task Force One Navy Established to Combat Discrimination in the Navy

30 June 2020

The Navy stood up a special task force June 30, to address the issues of racism, sexism and other destructive biases and their impact on naval readiness.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy stood up a special task force June 30, to address the issues of racism, sexism and other destructive biases and their impact on naval readiness.

“Task Force (TF) One Navy” will be led by Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey who will report his findings to the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Gilday via the Navy’s Chief of Personnel, Vice Adm. John B. Nowell, Jr.

“As a Navy – uniform and civilian, active and reserve - we cannot tolerate discrimination or racism of any kind. We must work to identify and eliminate individual and systemic racism within our force,” said Gilday. “That is why we are standing up Task Force One Navy, which will work to identify and remove racial barriers and improve inclusion within our Navy.”

Rear Adm. Holsey will be supported by Fleet Commanders and leadership from a number of organizations such as the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Chief of Chaplains, Surgeon General of the Navy, Chief of Legislative Affairs, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith and many others.

The task force will seek to promptly address the full spectrum of systemic racism, advocate for the needs of underserved communities, work to dismantle barriers and equalize professional development frameworks and opportunities within the Navy.

“We are at a critical inflection point for our Nation and our Navy and I want to ensure that we are fully responding to this moment as we work to facilitate enduring change,” said Nowell. “We must use the momentum created by these events as a catalyst for positive change. We need to have a deeper inclusion and diversity conversation in our Navy and amongst our own teams.”

TF One Navy will focus their efforts in recommending reforms in several key areas. These areas include:

Recruiting / Barriers to Service entry
Pre-accession Mentorship frameworks / Scholarship opportunities
Diversity of talent by community / Talent management
Training / Education along the service member career continuum
Detailing / Milestone job opportunities
Fitness reporting / Evaluation systems
Promotion / Advancement processes
Military justice analysis of racial disparity
Health care and health disparities

TF One Navy leadership and membership will represent the diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives within our Navy and will include membership reflecting the diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, age, and ranks from across the Navy.

“We must demand of each other that we treat everyone with dignity and respect. If you won’t do that, then our Navy is not the best place for you,” said Gilday. “We are one team, and we are one Navy.”

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200623-N-OW019-0098 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 23, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) steams in formation with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during dual carrier operations with the Nimitz and Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Groups (CSG). Dual carrier operations unify the tactical power of two individual CSGs, providing fleet commanders with an unmatched, unified credible combat force capable of operating indefinitely. The CSGs are on scheduled deployments to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Logan C. Kellums/Released)

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