CNO visits NAS Key West post Hurricane Irma

Photo By Trice Denny | 170921-N-QE668-015 KET WEST, Florida (September 21, 2017) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson shakes hands with Key West Mayor Craig Cates as Naval Air Station Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker looks on middle at NAS Key West’s Boca Chica Field during a tour and all hands call Sept. 21, 2017. The visit was to commend first responders for their quick and orderly relief efforts in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma’s passing. NAS Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy Photo by Trice Denny/Released)  

KEY WEST, FL, UNITED STATES

09.21.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Babin 

Naval Air Station Key West

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano visited Naval Air Station Key West for a tour and all hands call at NAS Key West’s Boca Chica Field Sept. 21, 2017.
The visit was to commend first responders for their quick and orderly relief efforts in the Florida Keys after Hurricane Irma’s passing.
“I wanted to give everyone here a big Bravo Zulu for all of your efforts,” said Richardson. “I was recently in Jacksonville talking to Navy Region Southeast, and they said if it had not been for the first responders the progress made thus far could not have happened.”
Hurricane Irma impacted the Florida Keys Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. as a Category 4 storm devastating some areas. NAS Key West essential personnel, including NAS Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Bobby Baker, stayed behind to provide communications with Navy Region Southeast as well as to help assess and provide relief for damages after the hurricane.
“This is a big part of who we are in the Navy, we are not only warfighters, but we are also humanitarians,” Richardson added.
NAS Key West annexes will open to all authorized personnel and dependents on Friday, Sept. 22 at 8 a.m. NAS Key West personnel are directed to return to work at a time coordinated with Supervisors. Tenant Commands must coordinate their own returns.
An Emergency Family Assistance Center will be at the Sigsbee FFSC to provide housing, insurance, counseling and financial support to all military and civilian personnel.
“The key part of the Navy is our families,” said Richardson. “I can’t wait for them to get back tomorrow so that it can fell more like home again for you all.”

• Date Taken: 09.21.2017
• Date Posted: 09.22.2017 11:28
• Story ID: 249253
• Location: KEY WEST, FL, US