CNO, MCPON swing by FLEACT Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

10.15.2015

Courtesy Story

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Burghart

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens visited Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) October 15 as part of a round-the-world tour.

The occasion marked Richardson’s first visit to Yokosuka since becoming CNO Sept. 18.

During his CFAY visit, Richardson met with the Commanding Officer of Fleet Activities Yokosuka (FLEACT), Commander Navy Region Japan (CNFJ), and numerous Japan Self Defense Force officials. He also held all hands calls onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and at CFAY’s Fleet Theatre, followed by having lunch with Sailors at the base galley.

“As your new Chief of Naval Operations, I will always have your interests in mind,” said Richardson. “I cannot describe how much respect I’ve got for the fact that you (Sailors) have chosen to become part of our Navy.”

During the all hands call Richardson and Stevens discussed the importance of the forward-deployed naval forces, the use of new technology to assist Sailors, the current unrest in the South China Sea, the complicated operations in Syria and ended by answering questions from the Yokosuka Sailors and its tenant commands. The pair also answered question submitted through email and social media during the all hands call.

“The future for Sailors in the Pacific is extremely bright,” said Richardson. “It’s the focus of our rebalance. Fifty percent of the economic power in the world is here in the Pacific.”

After the all hands call both Richardson and Stevens took time to speak to Sailors before heading to the base galley for lunch.

The importance of having the CNO and MCPON visit wasn’t lost on the FLEACT Sailors its tenant commands, as the theater was standing room only.

“It’s wonderful that they are getting the opinions of the people in the fleet, from the deck plates” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Ellis Miller, from Jacksonville, N.C.

After their stop in Japan, the CNO and MCPON will visit Sailors around the world with stops in South Korea, and Bahrain. Before the CNO left, he shared some final thoughts about what he feels separates them (Sailors) from the other services.

“I’ve had a chance to work at a lot of joint commands that are made up of personnel from different forces. Every time I talk to a commander who has Sailors, they are like gems at that command because they get things done,” said Richardson. “It’s been a privilege to be here in Yokosuka with all of you.”

FLEACT Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, 83 tenant commands, and 24,000 military and civilian personnel.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2015
• Date Posted: 10.15.2015 02:35
• Story ID: 178963
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP