CNO, MCPON visit USS Ronald Reagan prior to departing CFAY

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Burke | 151015-N-OI810-066 Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, addresses Sailors during an all-hands call in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke/Released)  

USS RONALD REGAN, YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

10.15.2015

Courtesy Story

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Burke, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – The CNO and MCPON visited Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) at Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, Oct. 15.

CNO Adm. John Richardson held an all-hands call with MCPON Mike Stevens to address Sailors as Ronald Reagan made preparations to depart for her first patrol as the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

“Today is a historic day for Ronald Reagan, Japan and the alliance,” said Richardson. “The fact that you’re getting underway today is one of the headlines of the rebalance in the Pacific. You should take an amazing amount of pride in that. You should be writing home to tell your family and friends and loved ones that you are the centerpiece of that rebalance. I hope you get a sense of that - certainly today as you get back out to sea from your forward-deployed port here in Yokosuka, Japan.”

Richardson took the opportunity to introduce himself to the crew, communicate his vision and convey his mission to talk to and connect with as many Sailors he can as he assumes his new role as CNO.

“I’m always amazed as I talk to our Sailors, Navy civilians and families on how amazingly talented and dedicated you are,” said Richardson. “It strikes me that out of all the choices you had, you all chose to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Something special. Something noble. You chose to raise your right hands and take that oath to support and defend our constitution, and our nation and that means a tremendous amount to me. That sense of service and selflessness, more than anything else, binds us together, and through that dedication and oath we have so much more in common than anything that separates us.”

Following their initial remarks CNO and MCPON opened the floor to questions from the crew which included topics like Navy manning, fitness standards, retirement programs and the ongoing restructure in Okinawa, Japan.

“We have a firm alliance with Japan and we are going to stand by that alliance and the requirements of our treaty to the letter,” said Richardson. “We need to be present here and critical to that presence is our presence in Okinawa. It is absolutely critical for us to meet our obligations for the defense of Japan and the stability in the region.”

CNO said he is looking forward to seeing Ronald Reagan’s progress as the U.S. Navy’s carrier in the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF).

“It’s inspirational to stand in front of you and just think about what’s going to be in your future. To think about the opportunities you are going to have and the contribution you all are going to make to our national security and to the security in the Pacific region,” said Richardson. “I hope you all feel that in your guts because it’s absolutely true. When the president of the United States talks about what it means to enhance security in the Pacific, he talks about USS Ronald Reagan’s forward deployment to Yokosuka, and how much that means and that comes down to you. Good luck getting underway today. Go out there. Be safe. Be effective. I look forward to following you very closely.”

MCPON Stevens also had a few words of advice and encouragement in closing.

“It’s not lost on us – the sacrifice you and your families make every single day,” said Stevens. “I’d like to share with you three things I call the foundation of success, because I want all of you to be successful. Remember to work hard every single day, stay out of trouble and be a good and decent person and you’ll be well on your way to success. And if no one told you this morning, the CNO and I care very deeply about you and your families and as a matter of fact, that’s right, we love ya. So you guys take care of yourselves and be safe out there.”

Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2015
• Date Posted: 10.15.2015 01:01
• Story ID: 178952
• Location: USS RONALD REGAN, YOKOSUKA, JP