MCPON Talks Leadership, Change During Rota Visit

Photo By Brian Dietrick | NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 24, 2015) – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens speaks with Utilitiesman 3rd Class Jason Noel, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, during an all-hands call with service members assigned to Command Naval Activities Spain. Stevens visited Naval Station Rota March 23 and 24 as part of a visit to Navy bases in the Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Dietrick/Released)  

ROTA, SPAIN

03.24.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Dietrick 

Naval Station Rota, Spain

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens visited service members aboard U.S. Naval Station Rota March 24 as part of a visit to Navy bases throughout Europe.

Stevens began his Naval career in Rota 32 years ago and was happy to return to his first command and connect with service members around base.

“Every time I come back here, I feel like I’m coming home,” said Stevens. “It’s great to be back here and see the caliber of Sailors that we have here. I feel like it’s a homecoming for me every time I come to Rota. I look around and get a little nostalgic.”

Stevens toured various departments and met with service members, including having lunch at the base galley before hosting a question and answer session. He answered questions about leadership, the Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 program, as well as the talent and aptitude of today’s new Sailors.

“Today, we have the best Sailors serving in the United States Navy than we’ve ever had in the 239-year history,” said Stevens. “The quality and caliber of young people that walk through the gates of the Navy and raise their right hand and swear an oath to the Constitution is unprecedented.”

Stevens held three separate all-hands calls tailored for different groups of Sailors. He spoke about good leadership, positive changes in the Navy, and highlighted the progression of the CPO 365 program over the last few years.

“In 2012 to 2013, when we really rolled out in full force, I looked at it as planting a seed in fertile soil. Our chief’s mess is the soil and our seed is the idea, and you are the crops that grow. There are always opportunities to improve the soil and to find another seed. So what we see today will only get better.”

Another recurring theme in Steven’s all-hands call was the importance of embracing change in the Navy.

“Things change, progress happens and we move forward,” said Stevens. “The fact of the matter is without change you can’t get better, you can only stay the same. So you have to understand what you want to change, how to implement the change and have a good gut-sense of what the outcome is going to be.”

Before finishing his all-hands calls, he shared his foundation for success and encouraged Sailors to take full advantage of it.

“Number one: Work hard every single day, even if you don’t want to do it or if it’s hard. No matter what you do or are asked to do, it is up to you to do it with passion and energy. Number two: Stay out of trouble. You don’t want to jeopardize everything you’ve worked for by doing something that you shouldn’t do. Number three and most important in my opinion: Be a good and decent person. If we treat one another with dignity and respect, most of whatever ails us simply fades away.”

For more information on the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy visit http://www.navy.mil/local/mcpon.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2015
• Date Posted: 04.21.2015 04:51
• Story ID: 160665
• Location: ROTA, ES