VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael D. Stevens held an all-hands call with sailors stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Jan. 24.
The purpose of the visit was to recognize warfighters overall and in particular their hard work related to accomplishments of the teams across the Navy.
During the visit, Greenert presented the Bronze Star Medal gold star with Valor to two Chief Special Warfare Operators assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 both stationed at JEBLCFS as well as re-enlisting five sailors.
After the re-enlistment and award presentations Greenert went on to recognize the families and civilians for their contribution and support.
"For the families and the civilians, you are our shipmates,” he said. “Families are the wings for us who get to serve and I thank you.”
Greenert also addressed the civilians and recent events that they faced and endured.
“It has been a rough year,” said Greenert. “We had a continuing resolution, sequestration and we shut down. We furloughed and it was awful but, you are a major part of the team and I want to thank you for that.”
Both CNO and MCPON went on to answer questions from the Sailors and civilians in the audience on a wide range of topics, from the budget to the length of future deployments.
“Nothing is done on a whim,” said Stevens. “It takes months and years often times before decisions are made. You will always be number one.”
Stevens expressed that his opportunity to attend boards for various defense agencies and associations allows him the ability to voice his opinion regarding issues that affect service members and their families concerning pay, compensation, and retirement.
"I want you to know an extraordinary amount of effort, thought and concern goes into these decisions and how they impact you and your families,” said Stevens.
Stevens closed the all-hands call expressing to the audience what he believes are the three keys necessary to building the foundation for success.
"Work hard, stay out of trouble, and be a good and decent person."
In addition to visiting JEBLCFS, CNO and MCPON conducted an all-hands call with sailors and civilians from U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet South, Naval Network Warfare Command, Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, Navy Information Operations Command Norfolk and USS Arlington (LPD 24).