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New MCPON Visits USS Mason

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060803-14
Release Date: 8/3/2006 7:21:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Katrina Scampini, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) at Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 2, to meet with the crew and tour the ship.

Campa said he was very happy to have Mason be the first ship he stepped aboard after becoming MCPON and spent more than three hours aboard. He talked specifically to the chief petty officers and 1st class petty officers, and also set aside time to eat lunch with the rest of the crew.

“I need something to take back with me,” Campa said, encouraging the crew to ask questions and voice their opinions during his visit. Campa said he wanted to know the areas Sailors thought needed improvement.

Fire Controlman 2nd Class William Supples, a member of Mason’s combat systems department, said he felt it was very important for the MCPON to spend time with the ship’s enlisted members and listen to what they had to say.

“He wanted to know how we felt, and about our lives in general,” Supples said. “It was a good time.”

Electronics Technician 1st Class Matthew Brown, Mason’s combat systems department leading petty officer, said the Sailors aboard were given a unique opportunity to talk with the Navy’s senior enlisted leader.

“Every now and again, the younger Sailors need to witness the views of the people that make decisions and be able to ask them questions,” Brown said.

Brown said that with the right questions asked, a Sailor could learn more about the facts instead of relying on rumors.

“The most important thing he could tell them is where the Navy is going,” Brown said.

When talking with the ship’s first class petty officers, Campa said to judge themselves not on their appearance or performance, but on those they lead.

“I look at the first class community as leaders,” Campa said. “Look at the people you lead to measure your success.”

Campa also stressed the importance of a Sailor’s flexibility and high state of readiness.

“We all need to be prepared for the challenges of today, and the challenges of tomorrow.”

While in Norfolk, MCPON also visited the attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764) and the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).