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MCPON Visits Sasebo

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080408-26
Release Date: 4/8/2008 3:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Didier, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Sasebo

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr., visited the Sailors of Fleet Activities Sasebo April 7.

MCPON Campa kicked off his brief stay with an all hands call in the gymnasium of the Fleet Fitness Center. He answered questions from Sailors on topics including leadership responsibilities, education, the individual augmentee program, new uniforms and the Navy's direction in the future.

"I was really excited to hear what the MCPON had to say about the direction the Navy is headed," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Amy Nichols of USS Essex (LHD 2). "I learned a lot about what I can do to increase my education while at sea. The MCPON really seems to support Sailors getting an education while serving their country."

Campa also toured the forward-deployed amphibious ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) as part of a deckplate leadership tour of Sasebo.

"I've enjoyed the time I have had to talk to our Sailors and I spent this afternoon visiting the ships in port, and for me, I gain a lot out of it," said Campa. "I get a lot of good feedback from our Sailors and I get to see first-hand how policies that we put out as a Navy are affecting our fleet. I've also been very encouraged by the relationship between the operational forces and the base. It's an effective collaboration."

Campa also talked about a subject close to the hearts of his audience - the positive influence that Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) present to the region, its relevance and positive impact on the Navy's mission.

"The FDNF is very important to this region and being a former FDNF Sailor myself, I understand the significance and important role our forces play in this part of the world," Campa said. "We use our FDNF forces quite a bit and what I think the Sailors understand, is that their role here and a lot of the missions out here are real-world missions. I think our Sailors here take a healthy dose of satisfaction that they get to participate in the security of this entire region."

As he spoke to Sailors in Sasebo, MCPON Campa stressed the importance of the good relations between Japan and the U.S. Navy.

"I think our Sailors here in Japan do a very good job representing us as Sailors and as Americans," said Campa. "I think it is important that we maintain a strong relationship and I think overall, our Sailors view it that way also. I think we have a very good relationship with the host nation of Japan and I think as we learn about each other, we gain more respect for each other and from respect grows admiration and I see that on both sides."

The MCPON ended his tour of Sasebo by letting the Sailors know the import role they play, with the help of their families, in meeting the Navy's mission requirements in the Pacific region.

"I just want to say that my visit to Sasebo, Japan has really set a positive tone for me for the next coming week. I want to thank our Sailors for what they do here," Campa said. "I couldn't be prouder. It has been very encouraging and I just want to thank all of them and there families for what they do day in and day out to support our Navy and our mission."

For more news from Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo, visit www.navy.mil/local/cfas/.