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New FORCM Takes Charge at Naval Air Forces

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081123-03
Release Date: 11/23/2008 12:46:00 AM

By Chief Mass Communications Specialist (SW/AW) Steven James, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

San Diego (NNS) -- The naval aviation community welcomed a new senior enlisted leader during a Commander, Naval Air Forces, (CNAF) force master chief change of office ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island Nov. 21.

Force Master Chief (FORCM) Jim Delozier relieved Force Master Chief (FORCM) James Abeyta. The ceremony also marked the culmination of Abeyta's 30-year naval career.

It's not uncommon for Sailors, throughout their naval careers, to cross paths with former shipmates. This was indicative for Abeyta and Delozier. Both served together aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) in 2000. Abeyta was the command master chief (CMDCM), and Delozier was a senior chief petty officer.

"Delozier was my number-one senior chief aboard Constellation," said Abeyta. He went on to say this is how he knew the right person was selected to become the next force master chief.

Delozier arrives fresh off a successful three-year tour aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and considers the tour the pinnacle of his career to date.

"My personal highlight was establishing a single Sailor, E-4 and below, berthing arrangement off ship, in a BEQ on Naval Base Coronado," said Delozier. "I took a great deal of pride in helping make this happen because it benefited our hardest working force, and they certainly deserved it."

According to the Delozier, communication is an important element of so many things in everyday life, and it's something he plans to focus on as the new CNAF FORCM.

"I want to continue to build on the communication piece with our command master chiefs and enlisted force," said Delozier.

Both Abeyta and Delozier share a significant priority: The Sailor — the driving force of today's Navy; each has noted that helping Sailors have brought them the most satisfaction.

In Abeyta's tenure as force master chief, which began in August 2004, he oversaw numerous accomplishments.

"I was a key contributor to the Joint Task Force Predatory Lending program established by Commander, Naval Region Southwest," Abeyta said. The program was established to help Sailors avoid huge interest rates. "Many of these interest rates averaged between 300-400 percent. We were able to get them capped at 36 percent," Abeyta said. Taking care of his Sailors is always something Abeyta has prided himself on. "It's always been, and always will be, about the Sailor," said Abeyta.

Additionally, during Abeyta's tour, the Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year winner came from a Naval Air Force command for four consecutive years — a first since the inception of the Sailor of the Year program.

Abeyta offered some sound advice for his relief. "Be flexible, patient and develop an efficient daily, weekly and monthly routine," said Abeyta. Sounds easy, but as Abeyta was quick to point out, that's not always the case. "No matter how well you plan, there's always something that will materialize that disrupts the routine."

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.