CNIC Visits Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

06.12.2015

Courtesy Story

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Burghart

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Dixon Smith visited Yokosuka Sailors June 11 as part of his tour of Far East bases.

Smith, as CNIC, is responsible for worldwide shore installation support for the U.S. Navy under the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). CNIC's mission is to support the Fleet, Fighter, and Family, according to CNIC’s website at www.cnic.navy.mil.

During his visit to Yokosuka, Smith participated in meetings with Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka leadership, toured the base and had a chance to see the base from the water onboard the Valiant-class yard tugboat USS Puyallup (YT-806).

“I have the privilege as CNIC to go around and visit all of our installations,” said Smith during his tour.

While at Yokosuka, his discussions with leadership and the Sailors covered a host of issues from the eventual turnover of the housing complex in Negishi, the impending arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and other issues important to the population here in Yokosuka.

Smith also presented two awards to members of the Commander Navy Region Japan Fire Department for Department of Defense (DoD) fire prevention program of the year as well as DoD fire instructor of the year.

“One of the things I always look at is our fire stations and the professionalism of the force,” said Smith. “I don’t have to look at [your station], I already know the level of professionalism because of the recognition you’ve had today.”

Smith’s tour of Japan also included meetings with Japanese government officials, including the mayor of Yokosuka, governor of Okinawa and the Director General of the Bureau of Local Cooperation.

This marks Vice Adm. Smith’s first visit to Japan since becoming CNIC in October of 2014.

“You should be proud of yourselves, I know I’m proud of you”, said Smith.

CFAY provides support for ships and tenant commands in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 06.12.2015
• Date Posted: 06.12.2015 01:09
• Story ID: 166398
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP