Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead sings a memorandum of understanding with Capt. Joe DeLeon, president of the Naval Officers Mentorship Program (NOMA).

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Naval Officers Mentorship Program (NOMA) Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) on June 25.

Diversity is a top priority for Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, and he said the MOU formalizes the Navy's relationship with NOMA to develop, implement and improve strategies for mentoring a diverse, next generation of officers.

"I would like to thank the Asian American Government Executives Network for making it possible for us to come together in this MOU signing, and to be able to do it publicly because I think it is important that there be a statement and an affirmation that we in the United States Navy encourage and support active mentorship as an aspect of a successful career," Roughead said.

The strategic goal of NOMA is the effective mentoring of all naval officers across the spectrum of diversity, though the major focus is on the Asian Pacific Islander officer community. The association intends to help its members make the most informed career decisions, increase community outreach, drastically improve career retention, broaden the understanding of career opportunities and directly recruit the best qualified officers into the naval services.

More than 400 Sailors and civilians were there to commemorate the signing. CNO said he remains committed to diversity and stressed how important it is to the Navy of today and tomorrow.

"I thank you for coming together, for your interest in our diversity initiatives," Roughead said. "And most of all, your interest and your commitment in entering into strong and powerful mentoring arrangements, formal and informal, with young men and women who are on the path to greatness."