One obstacle to naval diversity is retention of talented minorities. It takes 15-20 years to grow senior naval leadership. When we consider diversity, its important to think about recruiting the right people but more importantly, we must consider how to keep individuals who are setting the example from leadership positions within the Navy. "We need more minority leaders to grow and develop into positions of leadership; for they serve as examples of members of our diverse culture that are succeeding in our profession.[1] The Navy focused on succession planning because it takes people who are willing to commit to stay, to continue to mentor people, to continue to lead, but more importantly to serve as the example of people succeeding in our profession.

There are several reasons why succession planning is important. First, the continued survival of the organization depends on having the right people in the right places at the right times. Secondly, due to economic restructuring in organizations, there are fewer people available to advance from within the organization. Additionally, succession planning is needed to encourage diversity and multiculturalism. Finally, succession forms the basis for communicating career paths, establishing development plans, and creating comprehensive human resources planning. [2]

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[1] Kennedy, Don (2002). Chief of Naval Operations Issues Challenge to Minority Officers. Former Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Vern Clark, issued a challenge to minority naval officers August 7, 2006 when he told them if they wanted to make a difference in improving diversity in the Navy they had to stay in the Navy. Norfolk, VA: The Flagship. Release Date: 8/13/2002. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=3095

[2] Rothwell, William J. (2005). Effective Succession Planning: Ensuring Leadership Continuity and Building Talent from Within (3rd Edition). Saranac Lake, NY: AMACOM.

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).