Change of Course

Command Transition to USS Santa Fe

David Marquet’s new assignment to command the USS Santa Fe was a significant and unexpected shift from his preparation for the USS Olympia. Due to its previous performance issues and poor crew retention, Santa Fe was perceived negatively among the fleet.

Leadership and Crew Challenges

  • Existing Problems: Santa Fe was known for its operational delays and had the worst retention rate in the submarine force. A notorious image of its inattentive crew had circulated, reflecting poorly on its leadership and operational standards.
  • Leadership Vacuum: The ship suffered from a leadership void, affecting its performance and crew morale. This situation presented a particular challenge for Marquet to address within six months before deployment.

Empowerment and Operational Readiness

  • Guidance from Commodore Mark Kenny: Marquet's mentor and superior, Commodore Kenny, set clear expectations for the Santa Fe to be combat-ready for deployment with minimal changes in personnel. This approach aimed to improve the ship by refining how the existing crew interacted and behaved rather than relying on staff changes.
  • Focus on Existing Resources and Behaviors: The primary focus was on making the best use of existing resources and altering crew interactions to enhance operational effectiveness.

Leadership Strategy Reflection

  • Autonomy in Leadership: Kenny encouraged Marquet to lead without micromanagement, providing him the autonomy to implement changes in leadership style aimed at improving crew performance and readiness.
  • Consideration of New Leadership Approach: Motivated by the trust and autonomy given by Kenny, Marquet contemplated a leadership transformation from the traditional top-down approach to one that empowered the crew, despite the potential risks to his career.

Reflective Questions

The chapter closes by posing reflective questions on personal risk in leadership, the challenge of relinquishing control while retaining responsibility, and strategies for altering team dynamics without changing resources. These questions encourage the reader to think about the balance between directive leadership and empowering subordinates.

Key Decisions and Challenges Ahead

Marquet's resolve to try a new leadership approach is set against the backdrop of operational demands and a demoralized crew, presenting a complex scenario of leadership under pressure and immediate need for turnaround.