Burning Bridges

CDR. Kron, Ms. Fairport, LCDR. Kaz, LT. Five, CDR. Kuhn, ENS. O'Mara, Ms. Denver and Mona at Cougar's, 02/02/2017.

This is an open letter to all in Third Fleet, but may apply actually to all in U.S.N.S.L. and it is about who we are as people, as individuals, as friends, as officers or enlisted, as fellow Navy service men and women.

You all should know by now how I take my role in this United States Navy in Second Life and how important it is to me to show respect for the real life institution we mirror and honor those who serve in it. I take it to heart and do my best to uphold standards that reflect that respect and keep with the huge responsibility that is to portray the United States Navy.

Having said that, we are all human on the other side of the screen, and we all have different ideas and points of view and feelings. But just as when you join something bigger than you in real life, here as well you place the good of the group before your own and you try and try again to make things work, no matter how hard they seem or how hopeless they may look. You just owe it to everyone in the group to do so. Because we all also, in time, become closer, and many times friends.

As in real life, there is a line between professionalism and friendship that can not be ignored, that must be observed and that should never be crossed. The closer we get to someone in the service the thinner that line becomes and the higher the expectations about keeping our actions professional while preserving the friendship. Such is the nature of the job. And we all know it. Or should.

There are times when we look after each other and times we need to let each other walk their path, because we are in the end U.S.N.S.L. service members and there are consequences to our actions when dealing with matters that should be private. Some we need to address head on, those referring to relations between service members, as it is our duty to do so. Some we need to let go, those of a more private nature, concerning relations between service members and others in the civilian world. Some are easy to deal with, when the ties connecting the parties involved are not equal in strength. Some are harder to manage, when family is involved. In the end, it all comes to common sense and the sense of dignity we each have, in various degrees. But to a senior officer in command, be it of a squadron, a platoon, a ship, an aircraft or a station, the level of sensibility and patience expected are as high as the position they fill. The higher the position, the higher the responsibility.

At some point, however, there is the need to let go. After all is said and done, after all chances were given and all venues explored, sometimes you need to let someone else take your place and find ways to work around a problem and reach a solution. That is part of the process and it allows us to leave no woman or man behind without doing all we can to work things out. It is who we are. It is what we do.

In the end, it is up to each of us, as individuals, to allow this process to take place and give our best to make it work. Some achieve this goal. Some do not. Some choose to take some time away and wisely consider options and reflect on things past, while others... Well. Others choose to burn the bridges we try to build for us all. When that happens, it is always with a heavy heart we watch the flames going up, in spite of all our efforts. It happens. It is not the end of the world.

Rest assured your CO's are trained and taught to help you in your careers and provide you with the guidance and the skills that will allow you to be a better naval officer or enlisted and a better person as well. But know also that your CO is not your papa and not your mama. We are all big boys and big girls. We do not expect from one another to become men and women in the Navy, but indeed are expected to become better men and women. Wen we arrive, we are expected to be grown ups on day one. Remember that.

To all Third Fleet personnel, their families and friends, my best regards.
We are United States Navy in Second Life. And should always be damn proud of it.
Hooyah!

CDR. Asra Kron
NASMCO