Juan Garcia as Possible Secretary of the Navy

Nothing against Chet Edwards.... (3.00 / 1)

But he didn't turn down becoming VA Secretary, he withdrew from consideration.

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by: TeamTexas @ Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 18:18:32 PM UTC

YEAH! (0.00 / 0)

this would be awesome.  If a remember correctly we had a couple presidents who began washington careers as Sec. of the Navy

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by: not humble enough @ Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 19:05:41 PM UTC

Juan Garcia's appointment to Sec'y of the Navy would be great (0.00 / 0)

for the Navy, but he would be sorely missed in Corpus Christi.

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by: StopCornyn @ Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 21:32:18 PM UTC

I hope it's true (0.00 / 0)

For Juan's and Denises' sake I hope he gets this opportunity to serve the Obama administration. It is a blow for the Coastal Bend, but we had our chance. If you've ever wondered why South Texas is mired in the past, just look at what we've done. We turned out a first rate, emerging leader and traded him in for a relic that will whore himself out to the monied interests any time he get the chance. Well, we have to sleep in that bed.
Best of luck to the Garcia family if it happens.

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by: kemerick814 @ Tue Dec 09, 2008 at 22:13:05 PM UTC

Best of luck to Juan (0.00 / 0)

I hope he gets it.

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by: sonia @ Wed Dec 10, 2008 at 01:18:08 AM UTC

Juan Garcia (1.00 / 2)

I'm sorry folks, but Juan is NOT qualified for S.O.N.  As a 20 veteran and aviator, I can tell you that his experience is limited.  If Obama really wants to improve the Navy, he needs to select someone who is very well versed in the different operations of the Navy.  Juan has never commanded a battle group.  He has never been a wing commander.  The Secretary of the Navy really should have experience or knowledge in maritime interdiction, surface warfare, air warfare, mine warfare, special ops, personnel issues, and other aspects that I know he doesn't.  The S.O.N. should know what issues the Navy is facing 20 years down the road so that plans can be made now.  If he is selected, it is only because he and Obama were room-mates back in college.  It has nothing to do with experience.  Just political back scratching.

CS

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by: CommonSense @ Mon Dec 22, 2008 at 00:56:46 AM UTC

NOT qualified? (0.00 / 0)

As usual, someone THINKS that because they're a veteran they KNOW what QUALIFIED means...Sir, although I respect your service, I'm sure during your time, you saw many qualified people overlooked for command opportunities and promotion.  As the civilian head of the Navy, I believe an understanding of CSG ops, command structure, flight deck personnel and having her into the wind on time as a qualified Officer of the Deck underway gives him an insight the current SecNav doesn't possess. As a veteran, you know that as a key watchstander onboard the carrier, he was present at briefs that included current maritime interdiction operations and the ongoing air warfare picture.  He is knowlegable about the defense of the CSG as well as the carrier as a qualified OOD. I have served with him, gone to church with him and stood silently with him as we laid a shipmate to rest.  His beautiful wife stood ashore, raising the family while Juan was deployed, serving in one of our Navy's most important roles, Navy Spouse. She too understands the sacrifices our brave young men and women make every day in support of the GWOT. Juan Garcia is QUALIFIED.  If the President-elect wants someone who is passionate about the very people that make up our great Navy, making smart acqusitions that continue to make our Navy a powerful sea service, then Juan would be an outstanding choice.  I offer these comments not as "blogger" but as a still serving 30 year combat vet.  For the good of our Navy, I hope Juan is given the President-elect's strongest consideration.

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by: jddusn @ Sun Dec 28, 2008 at 22:17:45 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Some good points but.... (0.00 / 0)

I have also met him and his family.  My wife and his have worked together on a few charitable projects.  However, being a nice guy, going to church, and standing watch as an OOD doesn't provide one with enough rounded knowledge of the Navy and her missions to be SON.  Although you have brought up some good points, it doesn't change my opinion.  Fortunately, I feel that Juan isn't going to get the job.  Can't say who is, but Juan had short stint in the Texas Legislature but failed to produce anything substantial for his constituents in South Texas.  Minimal experience in politics, and some experience in the Navy doesn't make him qualified in my opinion.

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by: CommonSense @ Thu Jan 01, 2009 at 18:01:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

EXPERIENCE IS OVER RATED IN THE GOVERNMENT (0.00 / 0)

I am not always sure what experience means, because I have worked for a number of high-ranking officials with what should be considered the right experience for the job.  Any you know some of them were not that good and in a number of cases they were fired. I am keeping this a little general so as not to offend the many military leaders, who all had the right stuff, who failed in their assignment. Just to many to count.  What I want in a SON is someone with the DESIRE and values to do the job right and not because they had the right job. Honestly it does not take a BG commander to oversee the VA. It takes someone with the desire to do the job. Our government is filled with folks that just want to be in a high position with no real desire to do the job. My vote is lets get someone who wants it. To date I have worked directly for 2 Admirals who have been fired and 1 general, you know they all had the right stuff. Not knocking those they get into the key assignments that give them the experience to lead, but not sure it is required for SON.

Thanks

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by: KNOWITALL @ Tue Dec 23, 2008 at 00:50:48 AM UTC

This is a stupid argument . . . (1.00 / 1)

Just like BOR was wrong about Noriega getting VA, Garcia isn't getting SecNav. Give it up.

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by: Triangulation of Death @ Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 01:07:47 AM UTC