March 20, 2020: In the pandemic’s initial few weeks there was little information and less direction. As frontline leaders we adapted quickly to preserve unit health and readiness.
Being in command is the most challenging and rewarding tour of a military career. My last US Coast Guard tour was as both Commander, Sector Columbia River and Commanding Officer, Air Station Astoria. I was in command from June 2018 to August 2021 and it was during this tour that the Covid-19 pandemic struck. As we all know it changed our lives in the most fundamental of ways.
While many companies were able to adopt a remote work strategy, the Armed Forces were required to continue to provide in-person response services while moving non-mission critical activities to a remote environment. While we continued to operate in siloed teams, the unit could no longer meet all together, in person. I recognized I would need to find another way to connect with my over 500 unit members.
I would need to find a new way to communicate. Leading without meeting, establishing a connection and creating a common bond with each of the over 500 members, was my new challenge. How was I going to lead without being able to meet in person? I took to the written word to not only communicate professional updates but also to connect with members on a personal level.
These thoughts were on my mind when I wrote the following to my unit.
March 20, 2020: And So it Begins
I appreciate everyone’s flexibility this past week as we adapted our traditional work practices to this new normal. The situation remains very dynamic with changes almost daily. I appreciate this causes frustration, as you’ve heard me say I enjoy routine and stability. However, we must remain agile and adapt with our environment. A healthy workforce is vital to our Safe and Effective Mission Execution. We can do both but it will require our continual adaption to changing circumstances.
We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. The new A school policy was pushed out and we have no new policy for PCS, TDY, leave, or travel. If you have questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to engage your chain of command. In this time of uncertainty we must work harder to share information. Over the next week, the Chief’s Mess will be meeting with everyone individually to ask questions about how the virus has disrupted your lives in order to provide a Personnel Readiness Assessment for leadership. Please share with them how the new normal has impacted you and your families so we can further adapt our policy and practices to minimize the impacts. We are in this together.
Lastly, I hope everyone is able to take some time this weekend to enjoy the nice weather with their families. While social distancing won’t allow us to gather with our friends, we can still enjoy the gifts in our daily lives. If you feel alone, or find yourself wondering about a coworker, please reach out to each other. Now is the time for active friendship and leadership.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication in these uncertain times.
With admiration,
Sector Commander