Memorials to Naval Intelligence Legends Dedicated

Frank Notz and Jack Graf Honored in Moving NMITC Ceremony

Memorials to each officer were dedicated, in addition to the rededication of a newly renovated NMITC Hall of Excellence.

Presiding on the ceremony was NMITC CO CAPT Elizabeth Train with her counterpart, Marine CO Colonel Francis X. Cubillo. Traveling from the Pentagon was DNI VADM Jack Dorsett to make the keynote address.

In addition to the assembled students were former DIA Directors VADM’s Jake Jacoby and Tom Wilson, who were accompanied by their lovely wives Cecilia and Ann. Also present were RDML’s Sam Cox and Norm Hayes (a former NMITC CO), representing the rising generation of Naval Intelligence leadership.

Special guests included the families of CAPT Notz and CDR Graf.

CAPT Train began the ceremony by welcoming the distinguished gathering to the schoolhouse that is creating the intelligence force that will serve the nation at sea and onshore around the world for decades to come.

She observed that Captain Notz, a former NMITC CO, was a mentor to generations of Naval Intelligence professionals.  His writings on the craft of intelligence and analysis left a lasting impression on countless junior officers. With that legacy, it is altogether fitting that today’s NMITC commemorate its former commander by naming a junior officer library in his honor.

If CAPT Notz bequeathed a legacy of intellectual rigor and integrity to the intelligence community, CDR Jack Graf is his counterpart in the practice of the craft of intelligence under fire. His indomitable courage will stand as an inspiration to all who come after him.

CAPT Train introduced the families of both officers.

Commander Jack Graf’s wife and sister have joined him in death. His family was represented by his niece Mrs. Judy Connors, her husband, CDR Bob Connors, USN-Ret, and their son Patrick.

In addition to Admiral Hayes, several former First Families of NMITC were present, including retired CAPTs John Liles and wife Dierdre, John Allison and wife Betsy, former COMONI Jim Everett, and Col. Richard Wenzell and wife Penny. The Colonel served as CAPT Notz’ Executive officer.

History was very much alive throughout the ceremony. In addition to the specific honors accorded to CAPT Notz and CDR Graf, CAPT Train noted that the rededicated Hall of Excellence is a tribute to the history of the oldest organization in the United States intelligence Community. The Hall is composed of the  main passageway from the NMITC Quarterdeck to the auditorium. Displayed proudly on the walls are the historic tokens that remind students, Staff and visitors each day of the relevance of Naval Intelligence throughout decades of changing warfare. 

Additionally, command and individual awards recognizing organizational and individual excellence in executing the vital mission of delivering Naval Intelligence Capability to Fleet, Joint and National customers.

The Hall will have a direct impact on the 823 Navy and Marine Students currently onboard NMITC- and to the thousands who will train there in the future.

Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Intelligence School, Colonel Frank Cubillo summed up the unique and comprehensive nature of the training accorded to the Navy-Marine Corps team. With the Baum Hall facility for state-of-the-practice Counterintelligence/HUMINT training, every facet of a constantly changing mission is addressed to support forces afloat and in the field.

Baum Hall is named in memory of Gunnery Sergeant Ronald Eric Baum, USMC, who was killed in action in Anbar Province, Iraq, in May of 2004.

Director of Naval Intelligence VADM David “Jack” Dorsett summarized the reasons for the personal memorials in his remarks. Recognizing the distinguished flag officers in the crowd, he spoke directly to the relatives of CAPT Notz and CDR Graf, calling them a “tangible link to Frank and Jack…and an essential element of this ceremony.”

Admiral Dorsett put it this way in his tribute:

“CAPT Frank Notz served a full career in the Navy.  He was the consummate intelligence professional, who inspired a generation of Officers & Sailors.  CDR Jack Graf was a true naval hero, and legendary practitioner of leadership in combat.

In addition to honoring these two great intelligence officers, it’s also my intent to acknowledge that many of the students currently attending NMITC will soon be in harm’s way…either serving afloat on our aircraft carriers or amphibious ships, or ashore in our expeditionary commands, Marine combat units and Naval Special Warfare detachments.

Like CAPT Notz and CDR Graf, today’s Naval Intelligence professionals will face challenges in war and during peace.

It’s the purpose of this institution to provide our future leaders knowledge and skills.  Those skills will permit them to rise to the occasion like Frank and Jack did during their exemplary careers.

Whether you are serving afloat, like the Naval Intelligence leaders who, today, are serving:

in the USS Eisenhower Strike Group  (Arabian Gulf)

in the USS Stennis Strike Group, (South China Sea)

in the USS Boxer ARG, (off the Horn of Africa)

Or on USS Nashville, (in Gabon).

Or, like the Naval Intelligence professionals currently serving Ashore in: Balad, Baghdad, Basra, Bagram, Kabul, Kandahar and Djibouti. We can all learn from, and be inspired by, the leadership and heroism of CAPT Notz and CDR Graf.

Now…let me specifically turn our attention to the two men we’re here to honor:

CAPT Frank Notz

Belinda Notz and CAPT Train Cut the Ribbon as CAPT Eric Olsen looks on

CAPT Frank Notz had a traditional career as a Naval Intelligence officer in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Afloat, he served in the carriers SHANGRI-LA and FORESTALL. His afloat staff tours included CRUDESFLOT-10 and Battle Force SIXTH Fleet. Ashore, he continued direct support to the Fleet: He was Operations Officer at NAVOPINTCEN, assigned to the SECNAV Staff and Deputy Director for Intelligence at European Command. He had two command tours, as  CO FOSIF WESTPAC and as the fourth Commanding Officer of the NMITC.

That said, it is not the pedigree of his assignments that made Frank Notz special. It was his character!

Frank was well known as a mentor, educator, analyst, author and the consummate intelligence professional. He freely gave of his time and knowledge to the next generation…my generation…and for that, we are humbled and grateful.

As CO of NMITC, Frank raised the bar of excellence for the students who attended the school. He provided a steady hand by focusing on the basics. Attention to fundamental Intelligence Tradecraft, and disciplined analysis were his hallmarks. Yet, Frank also was a visionary and introduced specialized skill training when it was needed.

Perhaps his greatest legacy at NMITC was the fact that Frank fully embraced the Navy-Marine Corps team. He helped establish the Navy-Marine Corps intelligence training partnership that remains strong & steady today. Frank also had a profound impact on Naval Intelligence following his thirty years of active duty.

Once retired from the Navy, he continued to mentor, provide friendship & advice. He was recognized for his analytic acumen and leadership when an annual award was named after him “The Captain Frank P. Notz Award for Leadership.” 

Quite an honor not only for Frank…but all of those who have received the award annually since 1997.

In summing up Frank’s contributions, let me share a quotation from President John Quincy Adams.  I think it characterizes Frank Notz rather well:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Frank Notz…was that kind of leader.

Now, let me honor …  CDR Jack Graf

I can think of no better tribute for Jack Graf than to share a quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This quote fairly accurately reflects Jack Graf:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge.”

Jack Graf was a true legend in Naval Intelligence. From Seaman Recruit to Commander, his inspirational story is one of honor, courage and commitment. I think we can best honor Jack by simply discussing his attributes:

He was a man of honor and courage in the face of unimaginable hardship. 

His determination to never abandon resistance character, integrity and steadfast resolve while imprisoned, set the gold standard for all who wear the uniform.

Not only was Jack Graf a courageous naval officer and superb intelligence professional, but when assigned to combat, he did not shrink from life and death responsibilities.

As we’re all aware, during his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Jack was shot down during a photo-reconnaissance mission; captured by the Viet Cong; imprisoned; tortured; and killed while attempting to escape.

VADM Earl F. “Rex” Rectanus was the 48th DNI. He has been tireless in his efforts to ensure the sacrifice and courage of the men who served with distinction in Vietnam are remembered. He described Jack Graf this way:

“There has never been a naval intelligence professional who has demonstrated the concepts of courage, dedication and sacrifice more than has Jack Graf.”

We know which ground Jack Graf stood upon: He stood on the high ground of leadership and honor.

So…let me now take the lessons we’ve learned from CAPT Notz and CDR Graf, and apply them to those currently serving.  The lessons are clear…they are of: Character, Integrity, and Dedication to Duty

For those preparing to deploy, you’ll be given tremendous opportunities.

Opportunities to lead; show your initiative; and demonstrate the skills you’ve learned at NMITC.

When those opportunities present themselves, embrace all that is honorable.  Strive to excel.  And above all, Lead!

And remember the words of Thomas Carlyle: “The history of the world is but the biography of great men.”

Men and Women of NMITC…the biographies of Frank Notz & Jack Graf represent a chapter in the history of our Navy, and our honorable profession.

It’s now time for you to write the next Chapters of our history…through your lives, well lived, and duty served honorably.

In closing, I’d like to once again thank CAPT Train and COL Cubillo for allowing me to participate in this fitting tribute to two sterling examples of Naval Intelligence.

Liz, your decision to rededicate NMITC as an institution with a clear mission to train and enable our future leaders, is on the mark.

To the family members, friends and colleagues of Frank Notz and Jack Graf, I’m grateful for your presence…you bond us to two great men … legends in our profession.

And…finally…to the men and women of NMITC:

The Torch has been passed … It’s time for you to step forward and carry the flame.”

After Admiral Dorsett’s remarks, and the cutting of the ribbons dedicating both memorials, a reception was held at the all-hands Shifting Sands Club overlooking the Dam Neck beach, and the sparkling blue water of the Atlantic ocean.

VADM Jake Jacoby stopped to pay his respects at the Graf memorial near the Quarterdeck. On a coat rack to the right of the memorial is Jack’s Navy Flight Jacket, emblazoned with the “Winter Over” patch from Operation Deep Freeze, USS Saratoga and CARGRU 3.

As he was turning to leave, he heard a NMITC Ensign say to another: “It looks like he just hung up his coat and he will be right back.”

The Hall of Excellence has some empty space on the wall. CAPT Train noted that “some of the history panels are still in production….but the original plan does have a lot of empty space.  This is because we have the future ahead of us that the students at NMITC will write.”

Editor’s note: Photo credits for this story are courtesy of the “2009 Jimmy Olsen Award” nominee, NIP Chairman Jake Jacoby.