DESRON Commander Speaks to Singaporean Students About Leadership, Opportunities

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee, Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, spoke about leadership and opportunities to a class of students from National University of Singapore School of Public Policy, Feb. 17, during a port visit to Singapore by USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Capt. Carol A. Hottenrott, the senior-most female among the nearly 7,000 men and women of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), spoke about her experiences as a woman in the military and the impact women can have in the world. She also gave the students advice and discussed how to build a successful career without letting gender differences limit one's opportunities.

"It's an honor to give these women an example of possibilities," said Hottenrott. "Opportunities for women are plentiful, and it is wonderful to see how the world is changing and becoming more open-minded."

Many students and faculty attended the session, including Dr. Suzaina Kair, the university's senior lecturer.

"The lecture was so inspiring for me and my students," said Kadir. "Women succeeding in the military and civilian world is still new in Singapore, so hearing what Captain Hottenrott had to say showed us what is necessary for us to succeed. But most importantly, this experience opened doors and showed us that it is possible."

After the lecture, the students were given a tour of the ship's hangar bay, flight deck, bridge and mess decks.

"It was wonderful to see the ship and speak with Capt. Hottenrott," said Kadir. "This was overall, a great experience."

Abraham Lincoln CSG is in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. The ships of the strike group currently reach all corners of 7th Fleet, from USS Shoup in Australia to USS Halsey underway near Hong Kong, and

USS Cape St. George

visiting Phuket, Thailand.

Abraham CSG consists of flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser

USS Cape St. George

(CG 71), and the embarked DESRON 9. Ships assigned to DESRON 9 include the Everett-based destroyers Momsen (DDG 92) and Shoup (DDG 86), as well as USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).