(Excerpts from confidential personnel files re performance evaluation)
Narrative
On 18 March 1984, BP SCRNTN John J. O’Connor was posted as ABP NY with the linked command of CNEWA.
After consultation with fellow trustees of CNEWA in November 1984, the new CINC CNEWA immediately ordered a study and analysis of CNEWA’s organization and command structure, which was completed in 1985.
Following, CINC CNEWA ordered the CO CNEWA to implement the findings of the organizational study. This resulted in a reshuffling of command responsibilities and the recruitment and reassignment of senior officers.
CINC CNEWA made an initial personal tour of duty, visiting bases and operations first in Ethiopia and then in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.
In 1987 CINC CNEWA instructed the new CO CNEWA to expand procurement and supply services, ordered the redistribution of ordinance, and encouraged the reorganization of bases, stations, and facilities.
In spite of personal risk CINC CNEWA made repeated visits to the LTO and to forces and operations under the command of Beirut base.
The interventions of CINC CNEWA in the I/PTO contributed to reformulation of policy regarding Israel and Palestine.
CINC CNEWA is frequently consulted by heads of state and government from operational areas.
He is a key member of the college of joint chiefs and advisor to the Commander in Chief.
Assessment
CINC CNEWA is an extraordinarily gifted flag officer. He has an unusual command of international policy issues and is a keen judge of human nature.
In addition to outstanding leadership abilities, CINC CNEWA exercises command decisively and formulates and articulates policy and strategy with exceptional clarity and persuasion.
CINC CNEWA confidently delegates authority to subordinates and responsibility for administrative detail. He maintains a high level of morale among subordinate staff.
CINC CNEWA has incredible dedication to the highest ideals of the service.
Recommendations
As CINC CNEWA concludes sixteen years of active duty in his present assignment, his extraordinary leadership and contributions to the advancement of CNEWA demand special recognition.
Since he is eligible for retirement and can not advance further in rank, CINC CNEWA should be recognized with the highest possible honors.
(Published in
Catholic Near East, 26:2, March 2000)