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MCPON Visits Carl Vinson Sailors During RCOH

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070810-01
Release Date: 8/10/2007 10:22:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joel Carlson, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr., visited USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Sailors Aug. 9, to see firsthand the progress of the ship’s development during the aircraft carrier’s Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

“This is the first time a MCPON has visited our ship here,” said Master Chief Glenn Mallo, Carl Vinson’s command master chief. “It’s just awesome our Sailors have a chance to share their accomplishments with him.”

The tour that began at Huntington Hall’s facilities allowed MCPON to greet the Carl Vinson’s Indoctrination Team and a group of the ship’s new check-ins.

“We are thrilled to have a visit from the senior-enlisted leader of the entire Navy with us here today,” said Capt. Ted Carter, Carl Vinson commanding officer (CO). “We want to leave him with a vision of where our ship is going.”

After a brief conversation in the CO’s trailer, MCPON boarded the Floating Accommodation Facility where he addressed all hands in the reactor training area.

“This crew is unique,” Campa explained. “When a ship is experiencing a yard period, negative incidents usually occur much more than usual, but that is not the case of Carl Vinson, you guys have a great reputation.”

MCPON answered questions from Vinson Sailors, mostly regarding uniforms, individual augmentee (IA) duty and educational opportunities.

“My job has no relevance unless I connect with all of you,” said Campa. “The feedback and suggestions I receive from Sailors I meet dictates what changes need to be made on a Navy wide scale.”

Carl Vinson’s recent chief selectees, as well as a dozen recently returned IA Sailors, were personally greeted and briefed by Campa before he departed the ship.

“There’s no better feeling than coming back home and being greeted by such a prestigious character,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Matthew Stotts, an IA returnee who served at Camp Bucca, Iraq.

All IA Sailors received a MCPON coin, one of his trademarks.

“My impression of the ship and crew is very positive,” said Campa. “Everybody here is very upbeat, and has shown me that they are proud to be part of this crew, as well as part of the ship’s success. My visit today completely validates the positive reputation of the command. It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.