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CNO, MCPON Visit NSA Bahrain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071026-05
Release Date: 10/26/2007 8:01:00 AM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited Bahrain Oct. 26 for the first time since Roughead assumed office as the 29th CNO.

Bahrain was the initial stop on Roughead's first trip outside of the U.S. as CNO.

Roughead was joined by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SW/FMF) Joe Campa Jr., who will accompany him for the remainder of his tour of the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Roughead spoke to Sailors during breakfast and answered questions about active-reserve troop integration, the importance of individual augmentee missions, mine warfare capability, the Navy's end strength, U.S. Africa Command, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the future of women serving on submarines. He stressed the value of the work done by those working on the "tip of the spear."

"What you are doing here is extraordinarily important," Roughead emphasized. "It's important to the people of this region and to the people back home. And not just for what you're doing today, but for what we're going to do in the future."

The CNO said the Navy of the future will be a much leaner, more effective force than ever before.

"The Navy of the future will have talented, competent and versatile Sailors who will be empowered to perform multiple tasks. We will be more agile, more capable and far more aware of what's going on in all parts of the world," Roughead said. "That's because of all of you—the young, very capable people who are going to realize that future. You're all doing great work, and everyone who watches you do what you do day in and day out appreciates it. I appreciate it."

The CNO told those assembled they were critical components of the maritime strategy he unveiled Oct. 17 in Newport, R.I.

"A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower," the first comprehensive maritime strategy signed by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, is a unified approach at explaining the comprehensive roles of the sea services in an era marked by increased globalization and change.

"Bahrain is an excellent example of sea services working together. From the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who work together to maintain regional security, to the highly effective cooperation we enjoy seeing among Coalition forces in 5th Fleet, our efforts cause our enemies to think twice before disrupting the stability we are working to maintain," Roughead said.

Roughead said he is confident that as the progress he is seeing continues, the Navy will continue to make more and more of a positive difference in the world.

"The Navy we serve in today is truly the best Navy in which I have ever served."