From the Desk of ADM Samuel J. Locklear III ’77, USN (Ret.), Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees:
Today I was made aware of statements posted to a public forum attributed to an alumni volunteer of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Board of Trustees representing the Jacksonville, FL, chapter. These attributed statements do not represent the mission and values of the Alumni Association, the Naval Academy or the U.S. Navy.
As volunteer leaders in our communities, we must be inspirations and examples for all citizens. As Chairman of our Alumni Association, I have accepted the resignation of this alumnus effective today, and asked the Jacksonville, FL, chapter to take appropriate action to appoint a new Chapter Trustee.
The Naval Academy Alumni Association represents more than 65,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We support the Naval Academy mission. As alumni, we seek to uphold the Naval Academy core leadership values of honor, courage and commitment. As an alumni organization, we seek to be an inspiration for all young people who want to become future Navy and Marine Corps officers. We will continue to honor that inspirational role. We are all in this together. We must face the challenges of today and all future challenges of tomorrow…together.
The words spoken by the Jacksonville Trustee were painful words and shocking to hear they come from a fellow alumni and volunteer leader within our ranks. I encourage you all to look into it fully to better understand what has happened, but know that our Chapter is aligned with the these statements made by Admiral Locklear.
Additional information on the incident with details:
About the Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees (BoT) is a representative board of 25 Alumni from USNA classes, geographic regions and chapters that are responsible for the governance of the USNA Alumni Association. The BoT meet throughout the year, with members meeting in 11 various committees, to discuss and vote on pertinent issues.