<p>Navytimes</p>
<p>Defense Secretary Robert Gates has nominated 42 Navy captains in the unrestricted and restricted lines for promotion to rear admiral. Their names and current assignments:</p>
<p>,,,,,,,</p>
<p> Matthew L. Klunder, commandant of midshipmen, Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.</p>
<p>END</p>
<p>He is one of the best. I really like the man and he has done a great job in the last year.</p>
<p>And star normally means…time to move on.</p>
<p>Selfishly, sadly so …:(</p>
<p>So soon they’ll name the 5th new Commandant in the last 5 years, and the 6th in the last 7?</p>
<p>Col Allen left in 03
Capt Liedig left in 05
Capt Grooms left in 06
Capt Klein left in 08
Capt Lunder leaves in 09
Next?</p>
<p>Seems like they used to serve as Dant at least 2 or maybe 3 years.</p>
<p>How can any of them leave an impression, good or bad, when recently each one serves such a short time?</p>
<p>:confused:</p>
<p>Well, SECDEF has only nominated them, which means now they need to be appointed/approved, which will take a little bit more time. By the time the new DANT is named and reports to Annapolis for turnover, it probably won’t be until the end of next semester. </p>
<p>CO tours are normally 18 months in the Fleet – so by having a DANT for about the same time, this would be considered “normal.” Plus, this will happen in the Fleet quite often – either you get a new CO/XO and things dramatically change OR you PCS to another command and that CO/XO is totally different. It is just another reason why you have to be adaptable in the military.</p>
<p>Purely long-distance speculation, wishful thinking, and loads can and will happen 'tween now and then, but would not be at all surprised to one day see Admiral Klunder return to USNA as the big dog, on the last stop of his tour …'Twould be fitting and USNA could do lots worse. </p>
<p>Just a little lint-picking from my navel reserve … 
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<p>He will leave one- if only on the Brigade and others lucky enough to meet him.
As for me, selfishly hoping the Navy drags its feet a bit and leaves him there for another year.</p>
<p>Can’t say anything about other DANTs, having only experienced this one. I do know that this one is a tremendous leader who, by his personal example on a daily basis, has demonstrated the best principles of “leading from the front,” or whatever alternate terminology you wish to use. O6’s don’t have to show up at morning PEP; this one not only was there, but he was down on the ground, doing pushups alongside a new Plebe who was obviouusly struggling. He didn’t have to attend the Damage Control training in Baltimore with the Plebes, either, but he did. When they were told to enter a compartment that was filling with sea water to find the leak, he joined right in with them as part of the team. The Mids I know would walk through walls for him. </p>
<p>Sure would be nice to keep him, but he deserves his first star. USNA would be lucky if he returned with 3 stars.</p>
<p>He has been everywhere.</p>
<p>He deserves his star for sure. But knowing him, I know he would welcome another year on the yard for his family if nothing else, and keeping his kids settled in the local schools. In an ideal world, it be a win-win for him to get his star AND stay a bit longer!</p>
<p>Klunder has been the 3rd dant at USNA during “our” journey. The 10’s have learned lessons on leadership from 1 good leader, one great leader, and one disaster. Would be nice to not have to go through #4, although adjust they will. </p>
<p>My hope is that soon to be RAdm Klunder gets to stay for another academic year- with his star! And yes, USNA would be lucky if he returns in the years ahead.</p>
<p>Hope he can stay for two more. Unfortunately that is most likely impossible. He has been great. I think they call it “Klunder Thunder” but I may be wrong.</p>
<p>Prominent, although not credited in the great video. Look up Captain Klunder, Youtube.</p>
<p>I Think: </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqaWdkdFb3Y[/url]”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqaWdkdFb3Y</a></p>