Accelerating America's Adantage at Sea provides a brief, strategic overview of the Navy; its missions, equipment and personnel, and disposition around the world. America has always been a maritime nation. The seas are the lifeblood of our economy, national security, and our way of life. American sea power, combined with the dedication of our allies and partners has guaranteed freedom of navigation, maintained peace, and fostered a rules-based order grounded in fairness for all. As global challengers rise to threaten U.S. interests, America must maintain maritime dominance. Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world. Since our Nation’s founding, the U.S. Navy has stood watch to protect America’s economic vitality, sustain our influence, support our allies and partners, deter conflict, and when called upon, win in combat. America remains a global leader with global interests. Households and businesses throughout the United States benefit from the steady flow of resources and goods across the oceans. Our modern economy depends on access to the internet, which rides on undersea fiber-optic cables. As we look to the future, our economic and national security will continue to rely upon unrestricted seaborne trade, unimpeded access to markets, and a free and open rules-based order.

 

 

A native of Randolph, New Jersey, Rear Adm. Brad Rosen is a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science (with Honors). He also received a Masters in Public Administration in 2005 from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. After designation as a Naval Flight Officer, Rosen reported to the War Eagles of Patrol Squadron (VP) 16. Other early operational assignments include a tour on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer as well as a Department Head tour with the Pelicans of VP-45. Ashore, Rosen has served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor at VP-30, the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community. He also served as a Strategic Planner and Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans, and Strategy as well the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director, Air Warfare. Following his operational command tour, he reported to U.S. Pacific Command as the Chief of the Joint Reconnaissance Center and Deputy Director of the Current Operations Division. He was then selected for the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program and was assigned to Cisco Systems in San Jose, California. Upon completion of his fellowship, he served as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. Rosen also served as the Chief of Staff for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and Navy Installations Command.

 

Rosen commanded Naval Station Norfolk, the largest base in the United States Navy. While in command, the Naval Station Norfolk Team earned the Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. He also commanded VP-16, a P-3C squadron based in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, as well as several other personal, unit, and campaign awards.

 

Rosen assumed command of Navy Region Southwest in May 2022.

The meeting was initially started at 12:01 PM when PRESIDENT JACOBS rang the bell and invited anyone who had not entered the buffet lunch to please get their lunch.  The food was good, but the line was a single access instead of the double access so the line was significantly bogged down.  The meal was a variety of Mexican Cuisine.

 

The meeting began after a video rendition of the song “Imagine” at 12:17 PM.  Past-President JENNIFER HOFFMAN led us in Pledge and Song.

 

MITCH PISIK gave us the inspirational moment and had the following observations about our Rotary Group:  distinct purpose, always well-developed plan, focused—know who we are, impressive leaders, we exist in a constant state of improvement, no one goes alone, and we work harder not smarter.

 

Sargent at Arms, KHRIS DODGE did a wonderful job of introducing our guests—which was rather lengthy.

 

NINA TRASOFF introduced our guest speaker, Laura Conover, Pima County Attorney.  Laura gave us a two-year review of her office and priorities.  One of the big initiatives was their office getting involved in NARCAN distribution for the county.  She showed a video and showed how every minute matters to an overdose to narcotics.  When she took over the office, she said she had over 200 years of prosecutorial experience in house.  Last year’s focus was overhauling the criminal division.  This year’s focus is to overhaul the civil litigation division.  An observation that her office has made is that trying children as adults is a failure.  The conventional wisdom was that the conviction rate was higher—not so.  But the other aspect was the children placed in prison with adults come out as hardened adults with very bad outcomes.

 

The Make Way for Books donation was “Career as a Lawyer”.

 

TIM PUNTENNEY’s birthday was February 2^nd.  Happy Birthday TIM!

 

CHAR HARRIS gave a wonderful engaging PAUL HARRIS presentation to WAYNE WOOD and DON RIEGGER.

 

Sargent at Arms KHRIS DODGE did the raffle which I believe has 17 cards left in the deck and is over $2000.00 at last report.  The small pot was won but the large pot carries into next week.

 

Announcements:

The meeting was adjourned at a leisurely and late time of 1:22PM. 

I was joined on this crisp, breezy February morning by Michael Guymon, Gary Olsen and Tamara Wilson for a fairly challenging trek heading out La Milagrosa Canyon.  The hike covered 6.5 miles and just over 1,400 vertical feet where we encountered beautiful views and some challenging trails.  Highly recommended hike for again in the future!

 

Please note the below link provides insight on the different trails in the Canyon.  Total hike is just over 10 miles.  Anticipated hike time is anticipated at 5-5.5 hours with breaks.  

 

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7019648/phoneline-trail 

 

 

I shared with those in attendance on the 13^th that this next year I want us to share “Miles of Memories” together. I referenced the memories we have created together over the years and the impact we have had in so many others lives as well as our own.

 

The children and the parents receiving the grass ball field in San Carlos transformed from a dirt lot. The recipients and their families that obtained their mobility by receiving a wheelchair in Nogales. The memories of our member that participated along with the memories of working together on various local workday projects. Our hiking, golf, home hospitality fellowships and the list goes on.

 

I ask for you to help me on “our journey” over this next year by sponsoring me in the “Miles of Memories.” My goal is to walk a minimum of 35 miles a week, 1,825 for the year and honestly want to surpass 2000+. I would like for you to consider donating by the mile and we will share the outcome at the first meeting of each month on my progress.

 

Donations can go to the Foundation toward a Paul Harris, the President’s Discretionary Fund, or others of your choosing. I want us to have fun on our journey over this next year and to INSPIRE each other and our benefactors through the world of Rotary.

 

Thank you for your support in making our 102^nd year one where we create memories together.

 

YIR

Bruce

To view videos on the RCOT YouTube channel go to our Home Page of the Club website and click on the YouTube link on the right hand side of the page.  Or, go to YouTube and type in Rotary Club Of Tucson.  You will be able to click on the video you wish to watch once they are posted.  Here is the link to do this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rotary+club+of+tucson