COMMAND
Executive Officer
LCDR Josh Kitenko
Portrait
COMMAND PHILOSOPHY
USCGC HARRIET LANE (WMEC 903)
Character
Our core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty are the foundation of our service, guiding our actions
whether on or off duty, in or out of uniform. These values are essential to mission success and unit cohesion.
Uphold Core Values: Represent yourself, your family, the unit, the service, and our nation with pride and
integrity in all situations. Accountability strengthens our team. Own your mistakes and give honest, tactful
feedback to your shipmates. If you see someone wavering, have the courage to act. You will have my support.
Lead by Example: Leadership is about action, not necessarily position. The way you carry yourself day-to-day
matters. Your behaviors inspire others, set the tone fix the crew, and directly impact mission success. Do the right
thing because it's the right thing to do!
Our Cutter
Harriet Lane is more than a ship. She reflects our professionalism, pride, and commitment to excellence. A clean,
well-maintained cutter boosts morale, ensures safety, and enhances our mission effectiveness.
Culture of Ownership: Take pride in our cutter's appearance, functionality, and materiel condition. Ownership
goes beyond maintaining the physical aspects of the cutter. Ownership includes responsibility, mentorship, and
accountability. Seek creative solutions and adapt to emerging challenges. Take the initiative; don't walk past
what's broken or out of place without addressing it. Good ideas often start at the lowest level; l empower you to
implement solutions to problems you identify, bringing them up the chain for review if they impact established
policy or require resources beyond your immediate control. By embracing this mindset, we ensure the success of
our cutter and the growth of our crew.
People
Our shipmates are our greatest asset. Regardless of our individual backgrounds, we have freely chosen to serve,
and sea duty will challenge us. Our service forges camaraderie, lifelong friendships, and amazing stories. Not
every task will be fun or exciting, but we can make the best of it together.
Commitment to Transparency: Open, clear, and honest communication is critical to morale, safety, and mission
success. Leaders must share expectations, listen actively, and ensure everyone understands their role.
Transparency fosters trust, mutual respect, and ensures everyone is accountable to the mission and each other.
Invest in Growth: Seek, provide, and encourage opportunities for training, education, and leadership
development. Professional and personal growth builds confidence, strengthens resilience, and prepares us to lead
in challenging situations. Be brilliant at the basics -- drills, rating skills, etc!
Prioritize Collective Well-being: Operational readiness begins with a resilient and supported crew. As leaders, we
must be mindful of the work-life balance of our people and ensure that the demands of sea duty are met with
understanding and support. When challenges arise, wc must foster an environment where seeking guidance or
assistance is encouraged and normalized. By prioritizing the well-being of our people, we strengthen the bonds of
trust and camaraderie that are vital to our success.
Leadership is solving problems. Leadership is inspiration, adaptability, and patience. Leadership is an art.
Justin M. Matejka, CDR John-Kalani R. Miyajima, EMC
Commanding Officer Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL)