Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Below is the text of his message:
The nation and the Department of Defense are beginning to administer vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These vaccines, which are currently voluntary, are a proven effective measure to better protect you, our Navy and our nation from this insidious threat.
I ask that every member of our Navy team strongly consider receiving the vaccine not only for yourself, but for your shipmates, your family, and your fellow citizens. By maximizing vaccination among our force and maintaining our mitigation measures of physical distancing, mask-wearing, and handwashing, we will begin the return to normal. I will receive the vaccine shortly after it is made available to senior DoD leadership.
Initially, there will be a finite supply of COVID-19 vaccines, which will first be administered to DoD and civilian health care professionals and emergency responders those most at risk of exposure. Vaccinating this population will take time, likely into January. We will make the vaccine available more broadly through a tiered plan as production ramps up, prioritizing those executing our most critical missions. I ask for your patience until the vaccine is available for you, and your continued compliance with those health measures we currently have in place.
If you have questions about the vaccine, please ask your medical provider. Your health remains our number one priority and Navy leadership, all of us, remain committed to being transparent about the vaccine delivery and dissemination plan.
I continue to be extremely proud of our collective resilience and grit during this challenging time. But we must REMAIN vigilant, even after vaccinations occur.
Safe and healthy is the goal for 2021! Together, we will make this happen.
Nevermore proud to be your CNO.
Subject specific information for the media
Events or announcements of note for the media
Official Navy statements
Given by Navy leadership
HASC, SASC and Congressional testimony
Google Translation Disclaimer