I had the opportunity and pleasure to host the Friends of the Navy reception onboard Naval Station Everett last week.  It was great to get together with the Marine Corps Security Force Company’s Ceremonial Drill Platoon, the Navy Band, other Sailors, and especially community, business, and civic leaders.  The Sailors at that reception last week were front line Navy ambassadors.

Today’s column is every bit about that very subject: being a Navy ambassador. Although there is a distinct focus on active duty Sailors, this is an important issue for every member living in the Pacific Northwest region. Whether you’re a Sailor, family member, or civil service employee, you are a Navy ambassador every minute of every day.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen released an outstanding message this week that speaks to this very topic.  His message is broad and speaks globally, but his point applies locally and to seemingly innocuous actions:  your conduct matters and folks outside our organization look to you to set the example.

Personal conduct serves as the foundation upon which the Navy is built.  It says more about who we are and what we stand for than any one of our ships or planes.  Wherever we go, whatever we do, we represent the ideals, the qualities, and the people of the nation we serve.  We are their ambassadors, if not in name, then certainly in deed.

By and large our actions accord us well.  Around the world, we demonstrate daily the depth of our commitment to peace and security.  I am proud of your accomplishments and encourage your continued support.

Unfortunately, the hard-earned trust engendered by positive acts—and the readiness they help ensure—suffers each and every time someone misbehaves or fails to observe basic safety guidelines.  A rash decision behind the wheel, a fist fight in a bar, or even a rude remark at a social gathering can undo years of friendship and diplomacy.

Too often fueled by the abuse of alcohol, such conduct also destroys careers, shatters reputations, hurts families, erodes unit readiness, and insults the very Flag we have sworn to protect.  It breaks faith with the taxpayers and gives hope to the enemies of freedom we fight in this long war.  At its worst, it can cost lives.

Behavior alters lives—some permanently.  Most accidents and incidents are preventable; all are unacceptable.  Within each of us lies the capacity to know the difference between right and wrong.  Follow that instinct, and you cannot fail.

We serve at a critical time in our nation’s history.  The stakes are high, and our enemies are real and determined.  I am proud of the way the great majority of Sailors are stepping up to the challenge.  But we cannot sustain our high level of performance or our combat readiness with lapses of good judgment and safety.

We have a duty—a serious duty—to look after one another, to think safety first, and to set a good example.  The American people ask nothing more and I expect nothing less.

Adm. Mullen’s message is right on the mark.  All of us are held to a higher standard—and rightfully so.  Keep that in mind as you drive and go about your daily business.  Thank you again for your service and support.