Cheeseman has demonstrated a track record of being an active DEI advocate

In 2023, he authored a 6-page publication in which one of the stated goals was to improve Navy Culture 

• “we will create an Integrated Culture Framework (ICF) and supporting Playbook that simplifies, streamlines, and aligns existing terms, programs, and policies, providing leaders with an executable plan to develop great people, leaders and teams.  The ICF will align GRGB; Culture of Excellence (COE); Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)”.
• “To maintain our advantage at sea and win in long-term strategic competition, MyNavy HR continues to implement, evaluate, and improve our personnel programs and policies to help attract, develop, manage and retain the most talented and diverse workforce possible.”

• Cheeseman published another 5-Page publication in 2024:
  • He announced new recruiting policy changes that included…Reducing the recruitment standards on AFQT exams, allowing a score between 10-30 (previous minimum to join the navy was 35).
  • “We will measure and assess culture through existing tools, such as the Command Climate Assessment (CCA) and the Health of the Force (HoF) Survey, and with new tools, such as the Virtual Commanding Officer’s Suggestion Box.  The CCA provides a snapshot of harmful behaviors through use of both the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) and focus groups conducted post-survey by Command Resilience Team (CRT) members.  The DEOCS collects information on risk and protective factors including sexual and racial harassment and discrimination, workplace hostility, diversity and inclusion, and other aspects of organizational climate.”
  • Highlighted the need to develop a “diverse workforce.”
  • Reduced standards for enlistment—waived single parent policy—allowing up to 2 dependents under 18 (how will they deploy?)
• From his 2022 bio: “As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Officer for the Navy, he leads the development of initiatives to integrate and implement strategic DE&I initiatives into Department of Navy’s culture, policies, programs and core functions.”
• Under Cheeseman, recruits who arrive at boot camp “with detectable amounts of marijuana in their system” are no longer sent home. In response to these changes and the criticism they have received, Cheeseman contended, “My argument for accepting [the risks] is that we have capacity of boot camp.”
• Recruitment was extremely low under Cheeseman’s leadership with a shortage of 22,000 at-sea sailors in Jan. 2024. In 2023 they fell short by 20% of their already lowered goal.

Photo Source: U.S. Navy