Episode 122 | ”Forged by Fission” (Feat. Cdr. Desmond Walker)

2024-09-15

Commander Desmond Walker (USS Stout) checked into the pod for a conversation that we’d been waiting to have. In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, they touch on the importance of mental health awareness, going into a very stressful holiday season. They also discuss the disconnect between some Navy policies and their implementation at the command level. Commander Walker discusses his personal experience of joining the Navy and whether his upbringing in Mississippi had an impact on his outlook as an African American Sailor. Damo asks him about any experiences with racism in Mississippi. He discusses his enlisted life, including his deployments and the challenges of being separated from his wife. Cdr. Walker also talks about his transition to becoming an officer and the importance of mentorship and teamwork. He highlights his various assignments and leadership roles, emphasizing the need for empathy and open communication within the command structure. CDR Walker details his leadership philosophy. Damo opens up a discussion on the “us versus them” mentality and the importance of seeing leaders as part of the team. What are the biggest differences between an XO tour and a CO tour? They also touch on the importance of using social media to celebrate and engage with sailors, as well as the different standards of accountability for khaki and junior enlisted personnel. Damo highlights his appreciation for the growth of the podcast’s audience. Are Khaki and junior enlisted Sailors held to different standards when it comes to corrective actions for disciplinary issues? The pod has a convo about the need for leaders to make timely decisions, have difficult conversations, and take appropriate action to maintain discipline and uphold standards. CDR Walker details what a “loss of confidence” means for a Commanding Officer. They also touch on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Navy and the challenges faced by African-American officers. Cdr. Walker reflects on a mentor who inspired him in his early as an enlisted Sailor. Cdr. Walker honors the hard work of his crew on the USS Stout. He emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and mentorship in creating a positive and inclusive culture. As a CO, how does he prepare his crew and family for deployment? Cdr. Walker reflects on the mentors and leaders who have influenced his career, from his early days in the Navy to his current command. He highlights the importance of investing in others and the impact that strong leadership can have on personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the need for leaders to see and appreciate the individuality of their team members and to assess their performance based on a known metric. Cdr. Walker concludes by sharing his motivation to continue serving in the Navy and the responsibility he feels to be an example and representation for others. Remember to follow the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube.

To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please contact us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com.

Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast

Cdr. Walker’s Book Recommendations:

The Right to Lead (John C. Maxwell) - https://lifeandleadership.com/book-summaries/maxwell-the-right-to-lead/

Black Officer, White Navy (Reuben Keith Green) - https://www.kentuckypress.com/9781985900295/black-officer-white-navy/

It Worked For Me (Colin Powell) - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/it-worked-for-me-colin-powell?variant=32129897431074

Suicide Prevention Month Resources:

The following resources are available 24/7 for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support:

- National Suicide Hotline:

Dial 988

- Veterans/Military Crisis Line:

Dial 988 (press 1) or Text 838255