MANAMA, Bahrain - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain Sept. 16 - 17 to meet with Sailors currently deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
During his visit, the MCPON conducted all-hands calls while aboard NSA Bahrain, while visiting Sailors in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Djibouti and aboard USS Ronald Reagan.
West said it's his job to get out and see Sailors and commented on the many duties today's Sailors are tasked with and how well they carry out each one.
"Our Sailors are doing an absolutely fantastic job meeting any mission that is put before them. NAVCENT is a great command with a great mission, and I'm proud of what the NAVCENT AOR Sailors are doing every day," said West.
"In this area of operations, Sailors are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, facing challenges throughout the region, serving as individual augmentees, and forward deployed on ships," said West.
West, who was also the special guest for the NAVCENT/U.S. 5th Fleet AOR Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony the day prior, wished the 47 newly pinned U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers good luck, relayed his pride in serving with them, and thanked them for their significant contributions to today's Navy.
This is MCPON's second visit to the NAVCENT/U.S. 5th Fleet since becoming the Navy's 12th MCPON.