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MCPON Visits Kennedy Sailors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060813-01
Release Date: 8/13/2006 10:18:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Scott Christopher, USS John F. Kennedy Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. visited USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Aug. 11 to meet with Sailors stationed aboard the Jacksonville, Fla.-based aircraft carrier.

Since assuming the role as the Navy's senior enlisted leader July 10, Campa has been visiting Sailors across the country to share his vision for the fleet.

Campa began his visit in Jacksonville by serving as the reviewing chief petty officer at a pass-in-review ceremony of Mayport-area selected chief petty officers. He also took time to sign and pass on words of wisdom in each of their charge books.

Once aboard Kennedy, Campa spoke separately with chief petty officers, first class petty officers and junior Sailors about current issues affecting the Navy. He also fielded questions from the various levels of the enlisted ranks.

In his address to the chief’s mess, Campa explained his philosophy on the chief petty officer’s role in today’s Navy.

“You can’t effectively lead if you’re going to meetings all the time,” said Campa, who is the Navy's 11th MCPON. “I expect you to lead from the deckplates.”

He also spoke on a wide range of current topics of interest, including the status of Task Force Uniform, the Navy’s initiative to update enlisted Sailors' uniforms, and how individual augmentation billets in the global war on terrorism are being handled.

“We are striving to give Sailors more notification about an assignment to Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Campa. “We’re doing a better job than a year ago, but we’re not quite where we should be. Our Sailors on the ground supporting our sister services are making a huge difference in the war, and we want to do everything we can to give them as much planning time as possible for themselves and their families.”

While answering questions from first class petty officers, Campa emphasized the importance of front line leadership in the E-6 ranks.

“If I’m going to make any headway in this organization, I’m going to need your help – that’s why I’m talking to you,” he said. “After all, you’re all chiefs-in-training. I expect you all to set the example for our junior Sailors.”

Campa also shared his personal goal of striving to unlock the full potential of the Navy work force – a strategy he admitted he borrowed from the Navy’s first MCPON.

He concluded his Kennedy visit by talking to junior Sailors, who packed into one of the carrier’s hangar bays.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for me to be here today,” said Campa. “I personally view what you’re doing here as very important.”

Although he had no news regarding Kennedy’s ultimate fate, Campa addressed the crew's questions regarding Kennedy’s possible decommissioning.

“The Chief of Naval Operations and I want you to know we are all working to get some answers [regarding Kennedy’s future],” said Campa. “That decision is being left in the hands of our civilian policy makers.”

The visit to Kennedy marked Campa’s first stop on a visit to Navy facilities in the Jacksonville area.