YP Squadron Standing Orders
Professionalism—I expect that the members of YPRON will conduct themselves in an utmost
professional manner. We are future officers and we should act as such. This includes but is not limited
to:
A) Respect: Members of YPRON will at all times act in a respectful manner towards their
superiors and subordinates. While on watch, they will utilize standard phraseology, and
avoid informal forms of address.
B) Navigation Brief: Every briefer should begin by greeting the senior officer(s) present, by
name, in order of seniority, followed by the craftmaster and then the Midshipmen. The
brief should be prepared and rehearsed in advance and should cover all pertinent
information but be succinct. Everything must add value to the brief or it should be
removed. In addition, individuals should brief information pertinent to their assigned watch
station and/or billet only.
C) Shifting of Colors: Our craft should set the standard for the rest of the fleet. We are the only
entity which utilizes the 703 class YP – and as such we are highly visible. The crew does not
always have the manpower to shift colors quickly and expeditiously, but it is my expectation
that the Commanding Officer will assign personnel not on watch to smartly shift colors once
underway/moored.
Engagement—There is no excuse for not being engaged 100% of the time—all of the time when
underway. Do not sit around! Just because you are not on watch, this does not mean you cannot be
training.
A) Teach or learn: I expect that everyone is either learning or teaching. If you do not do either
during an underway, then that underway was a waste for you. This is not limited to
upperclassmen teaching underclass – anybody can learn from anybody else. Sometimes,
you learn best by teaching!
B) Be Proactive: If you are standing on the bridge wing and have nothing to do—ask questions!
Seek out the craftmaster, an enlisted crew member, or another Midshipman and learn! To
the extent that it does not detract from safe operation, I expect the senior watch standers
to be instructing and mentoring those around them.
C) Attend the Classroom Sessions: I recognize that this is an ECA—and sometimes events come
up which preclude participation on certain days. However, as much as possible strive to
attend all YPRON meetings to include the classroom sessions! This is where valuable
knowledge and training happens.
Improvement—Always seek to do better—never become satisfied. Vince Lombardi said “ we will chase
perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the
way, we shall catch excellence.”
A) Improve your watch team: Our watch teams may be proficient, but they can always get
better. Strive for better communication, better accuracy, faster navigation reports, anything
and everything can always improve.
B) Improve yourself: You should seek to qualify as Navigator, Officer of the Deck, and
ultimately as Craftmaster. Once you qualify as Craftmaster, you should seek to qualify on
the 703. You can always gain more knowledge, experience, and skill – and strive for the
highest qualification of which you are capable of.
Audacity— Dream big. Don’t be afraid to take risks or try something new. Recognize that we are in a
training environment and the qualified officers and craftmasters will keep you safe. Try a watch you
have not stood before; offer to plot because you know that you are not good at it. You’ll never know
unless you ask: If you have an idea for a training event or movement order, then speak up! If you want
to perform a particular watch-station, or try something that has not been done before—then ask!
Fun -- Have Fun! YPRON is supposed to be fun—if we don’t enjoy it then it serves little purpose to us as
Midshipmen.