Admiral Zumwalt believed it was his job to “modernize and humanize the Navy,” yet he is especially remembered for his progressive personnel programs. To articulate his position on the changes he planned, Admiral Zumwalt implemented a series of naval messages given the moniker “Z-grams.” The first Z-gram was released the day he took office. A torrent of the missives followed (the first 92 of a total of 120 came out in his first year in office). They addressed personnel matters that Admiral Zumwalt described as “Mickey Mouse” issues that he believed were partially responsible for plummeting retention of a force attained through the draft. Reversing that trend was one of his top priorities. On November 10, 1970, he released Z-57. In it, he advised the fleet he intended to rid the Navy of demeaning or abrasive regulations, singling out one issue in particular: fashion. “I will not countenance the rights or privileges of any officers or enlisted men being abrogated in any way because they choose to grow sideburns or neatly trimmed beards or moustaches or because preferences in neat clothing styles are at variance with the taste of their seniors.”

But not all the Z-grams dealt with “Mickey Mouse” issues—some were the foundation of policies that remain in effect today. During Admiral Zumwalt’s term as CNO, the Navy, like the nation, experienced racial unrest. In Z-66 dated December 17, 1970, Admiral Zumwalt noted “there is significant discrimination in the Navy.” However, he didn’t shrink from it. “We do have problems, and it is my intention . . . to take prompt steps toward their solution.” He directed each command to appoint a special assistant for minority affairs with direct access to the commanding officer, and for commanders to ensure a minority group wife was included in the ombudsman program. He also directed the Naval Supply Systems Command to renew emphasis on meeting the special needs of minority groups in ships’ stores and other service organizations. He understood this was just the beginning and committed to further study and action. To emphasize his determination, he gave commanders until January 15, 1971—less than a month—to take action on the directives. He wrapped up the Z-gram saying, “There is no black Navy, no white Navy—just one Navy—the United States Navy.” Minority firsts in the Navy in the succeeding years can trace their roots to Z-gram 66.

Another Z-gram that has become a milestone for equality in the Navy is Z-116: Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women in the Navy. Like Z-66, Z-116 began the process of more fully integrating women into the Navy. Admiral Zumwalt not only believed the Navy could do better in the fair treatment of women, but he also saw women as “a vital personnel resource” in the early days of the all-volunteer force. Among other things, Z-116 opened ratings to enlisted women, established a pathway for women to be assigned to ships, and opened all staff corps and restricted line communities to women.

Elmo Russell Zumwalt Jr. was born in San Francisco, California. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1939, graduating in 1942, a year early, due to World War II. His early sea tours included service aboard four destroyers and USS Wisconsin. He commanded USS Tills, USS Arnold J. Isbell, USS Dewey, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla Seven, and Naval Forces, Vietnam. He served ashore in a number of important billets on the staffs of the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations. President Richard M. Nixon nominated him as CNO, and he took office on July 1, 1970, retiring on the same date in 1974. Admiral Zumwalt died January 2, 2000, at the age of 79. “At a time when morale and enthusiasm were at an all-time low, he had the vision to see a great future for the Navy,” said President William J. Clinton during a memorial service for Admiral Zumwalt. “The changes he brought about three decades ago will continue to shape the character and culture of our Navy for a long time in the 21st century.” – source – Naval History and Heritage