OPNAVINST 3590.23J
N131
11 May 2020
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3590.23J
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: THE VICE ADMIRAL JAMES BOND STOCKDALE LEADERSHIP AWARD
1. Purpose. To provide policy and procedures for administering the annual Vice Admiral James
Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 3590.23H.
3. Background. During his 36 years of distinguished service to the Navy, Vice Admiral James
Bond Stockdale was a magnificent leader, renowned teacher, writer, and highly decorated
warrior. He possessed rare and unique abilities to inspire those he commanded and those he
served. His inspirational leadership style is distilled in his teaching and writing, and formed
important cornerstones in naval leadership today. It is appropriate to recognize the single-
minded loyalty and selfless dedication to those in command whose influence reflects the
enduring example set by Vice Admiral Stockdale.
4. Description of Award
a. The name of the award is "The Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award."
b. The basic design of the award is a bronze plaque in three-dimensional relief of the
likeness of Vice Admiral Stockdale. The plaque is mounted on a wooden frame suitable for desk
or bulkhead display.
c. Each plaque awarded will indicate the recipient's name, unit, and the date awarded.
d. Additional items may be presented to the winners, including books authored by Vice
Admiral Stockdale (“Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot” and “In Love and War”), as
permitted by the resources of the award fund.
e. Two awards will be made annually and presented to selected officers assigned
administratively to the U.S. Fleet Forces Command (Atlantic) and Pacific Fleet or within their
respective geographic areas of responsibility for special warfare and explosive ordnance disposal
operations personnel.
5. Eligibility for Award. Active Component unrestricted line officers on continuous active duty
in the rank of commander or below and serving in command of a single ship, submarine, aviation
squadron, assault craft unit, beachmaster unit, mine countermeasures division, maritime
