Leadership Launched

By Lt. j.g. Caleigh Mason '22

“CLEAR THE WEATHERDECKS” was not a command I anticipated hearing on my first day in 5th Fleet. This command warns sailors to clear areas near our ship’s missile launchers due to an imminent launch, and it marked the beginning of a journey that would test me in ways I had not foreseen, serving as an introduction to the unpredictable and demanding life of a junior officer in the U.S. Navy’s surface warfare community. These early challenges, while unexpected, quickly underscored the value of the leadership and resilience I had cultivated during my time at Virginia Tech. The skills I gained through the Corps of Cadets not only prepared me to meet these challenges head-on but also equipped me to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where adaptability and decisive leadership were critical. 

I chose to serve on the USS Carney to gain valuable experience during deployment, knowing the ship would be active during my time onboard. I had around nine months to acclimate, build a routine with my division, and ease into my responsibilities before the challenges of deployment commenced. I hoped this deployment would allow me to work toward my Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) pin and other qualifications along the way. What I did not anticipate was being thrust into high-stakes situations so quickly, nor the invaluable lessons I would learn as a result. 

Often referred to as the tip of the spear, the surface Navy operates at the frontlines. However, I anticipated our deployment would involve routine activities: several transits through the Strait of Hormuz, monitoring operational areas while awaiting tasking orders, and working on my qualifications. Instead, less than 24 hours after transiting the Suez Canal, we found ourselves intercepting an attack from the Houthis targeting Israel. As the strike officer for the ship, my division was responsible for maintaining the Vertical Launch System (VLS) we depended heavily on to intercept those attacks. I also served as the engagement control officer during Tomahawk launches and worked directly with a team of skilled sailors to ensure precision throughout our strikes. 

During deployment, the engagements we faced became routine, and the crew approached each challenge with tenacity and resilience. One moment we would be at cleaning stations, sweeping inside just next to aft VLS; the next, we would be intercepting an inbound drone, only to return to our previous routine shortly thereafter. Although this was an abrupt change in operations, our return to menial tasks allowed sailors to stay locked in and feel as though there was some comfort in the regular parts of the rest of our day. I believe if we had stopped everything completely when we didn’t have to, it would have afforded more time to feel distressed even though the engagement was over. Our chain of command was instrumental in maintaining order and consistency, which was critical for our mental and operational stability during these unprecedented events. 

Joining USS Carney during a crucial certification period forced me to rapidly learn the intricacies of my responsibilities and lead a team in areas where I had little to no prior knowledge. This experience required adaptability and a willingness to trust the training I had received, both as an officer and as a leader. Reflecting on my time at Virginia Tech, I realize my years in the Corps of Cadets prepared me better than I initially understood. Serving as the first sergeant of Delta Company helped me develop essential leadership skills—skills I have relied upon to motivate my team during challenging times. As Delta’s executive officer, I learned how to train and guide. This helped me coach my strike team, adjusting team dynamics to maximize proficiency.  

One of the most formative experiences in my journey in the Corps was serving as the commanding officer of Bravo Company. This role, coupled with my experience as a residential advisor (RA), equipped me with a wide range of skills that have proven indispensable as a division officer. I learned to manage personnel issues, communicate with sailors facing mental health challenges, and instill pride and ownership within a team. I remember a distinct time where one of my sailors was struggling very deeply with his mental health. Although I had several instances with sailors experiencing periods of depression, this one concerned me the most. I was able to point him in the direction of the right resources and ensured he got the care that he needed. I talked to him at length and used the training I received as a residential advisor to get the depth I knew was necessary to get to a meaningful conversation and persuade him to get help. I also became adept at navigating Navy references and ensuring our division adhered to the highest standards. These lessons were essential in creating an environment where my sailors could excel, even in the face of adversity. 

As the strike officer, I was responsible for planning out aspects of the Tomahawk strikes while overseeing a team of eight people. I monitored the ship’s maneuvering through the officer of the deck, giving recommendations to the captain and the tactical action officer. As a 23-year-old, I never expected that I would be put in this position, but I knew that I was ready. Our team had prepared extensively, and we knew the significance of our role in the operations towards peace and stability. The skills I gained while in the Corps of Cadets prepared me more than I knew because of the opportunities to take charge and lead at every chance. I believe being able to learn in an environment where you can bounce back from mistakes, try new things, and get comfortable with discomfort is the best preparation to enter the military. I was able to look my sailors in the eyes and take away the weight and stress that deployment offered in numerous circumstances because we had built trust that came with intrusive leadership and courage. These are all skills that the Corps instilled in me and gave me the tools to further develop. 

Throughout deployment, I stood watch as the conning officer, during which I was responsible for the maneuvering of the ship. I will never forget the feeling last November of driving the ship through high traffic areas while ordering extreme speeds and rudder angles to get a good shot at drones inbound. Hearing other ships call out over the bridge-to-bridge radio for help and being there to provide it was a rush of adrenaline that will stay with me forever. Ensuring we had a clear field of fire and maintaining our ability to defend those around us was exhilarating. I also took the role of officer of the deck in which I was responsible for all ship’s activities during my watch. Both roles instilled even more confidence in me. I will also never forget my first ever Officer of the Deck watch, where I was just learning how to use my resources. I was standing the watch “under instruction,” meaning a qualified officer of the deck stood the watch with me to give guidance. We got a call at the beginning of our watch that Motor Vessel Marlin Luanda was on fire. We drove toward them for hours, and we could see the fire 35 miles away. This was the aftermath of them being attacked. Our whole ship woke up in the middle of the night to provide crucial firefighting equipment to the crew of the ship, while the qualified officer of the deck and I worked for over 6 hours throughout the night with ally ships and the crew to keep them safe. The fire was out the next afternoon. 

Deployment was a test of endurance—both physically and mentally. Sleep was a luxury few of us division officers could afford, especially as we balanced working toward qualifications, training our divisions, and standing watch with our daily responsibilities. Yet, despite the immense workload, it wasn’t impossible. Our ship remained cohesive, and our wardroom provided unwavering support for one another. Trust was paramount; we relied on each other completely because, at the end of the day, we never knew what new challenge lay ahead. We needed to trust that each team member would handle their responsibilities with the precision and professionalism our training had instilled in us. This trust was necessary to sleep at night and ensure we were refreshed and ready for the next watch. 

Amid the chaos, it was the small things that helped me persevere. Sending emails to friends and family, my faith, getting mail and letters, studying with peers, and soaking in the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises on the open sea provided me with the strength to push forward. The prospect of a port visit, even if we only had a few full days of liberty throughout the deployment, served as a beacon of hope. And, of course, I held onto the thought of reuniting with my loved ones (especially my fiancé, Liam Murphy) once the deployment concluded, envisioning the joy that awaited me back home. 

As a junior officer, I faced numerous challenges I never anticipated, but those challenges also empowered me. Making decisions under pressure and in high-intensity moments forced me to grow, both personally and professionally. I developed a confidence I never knew I possessed, and that newfound confidence has made me not only a better officer but also a stronger, more resilient woman.