NECC Forces Surpass Navy Retention Goals
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS081219-01
Release Date: 12/19/2008 6:03:00 AM
By MCC(SW/AW) Katrin Albritton, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs
NORFOLK, VA (NNS) -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) has seen 58.2 percent of its first-term Sailors reenlist during fiscal year 2008, exceeding the Navy's goal of 48 percent.
As the type commander for expeditionary forces such as Riverines, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Maritime Expeditionary Security squadrons, NECC surpassed the Navy's statistics for retention.
For first-term Sailor, referred to as "Zone A" Sailors, RIVGRU retained an average of 91.55 percent of this group, EOD Groups 1 and 2 had an average Zone A retention rate of 66.37 percent and Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 retained 56.06 of their first-term Sailors.
Zones B and C, for Sailors at their six to 10 years and 10-14 year mark respectively, NECC retained a large percent of its members as well. Zone B saw a retention of 75.1 percent, compared with the Navy's goal of 58 percent, and 86.6 percent compared with the goal of 82 percent for Zone C Sailors.
NECC's Force Master Chief (FORCM) Farris Foresman, said the Sailors of NECC and the subordinate commands experience a side of the Navy most Sailors never see, and they are choosing to stay to see more.
"When Sailors are assigned to expeditionary commands under NECC they are exposed to communities who have traditionally worked in small teams and like the close-knit concept and feeling of accomplishment of a mission at the deck plate level," he said. "I also believe they feel they are closer to the point of the spear in the war on terrorism which drew a good many civilians into the service after Sept. 11."
The expeditionary units assigned to NECC have a unique opportunity to take a hands-on role in the war on terror. Foresman said he has had the opportunity to talk with Sailors throughout the NECC force and was impressed with their commitment to the mission.
"As I travel around to visit our forces, it amazes me how much Sailors attached to expeditionary commands enjoy what they are doing," he said.
Subordinate commands may have varying missions, but the response from the Sailors is similar regardless of their current occupation.
"Retention has been pretty good since I've been here," said Cmdr. Bob Poling, commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Two. "Most of my Sailors want to stay in the NECC world. They've done traditional, then they come here and they like doing something different; they like doing the faster pace, GWOT-oriented type job."
The sentiment is echoed across the Elizabeth River with Riverine Group 1. NC1(SW/AW) Henrietta Johnson, RIVGRU's command career counselor, said the numbers just don't lie.
"As you can see, the riverine force has far exceeded the Navy's retention goals," she said. "The reason for our outstanding retention rate is due to steadfast leadership; a leadership that knows that to strike a balance between mission and personnel, they must retain talented Sailors."
Johnson said her command has worked to be supportive and understanding for the Sailors' needs. "The Riverine Force is a family within the Navy, working together to accomplish a mission," she continued.
The "family" mentality is wide-spread among the Sailors of NECC. Foresman said he has repeatedly seen the courage and professionalism of Sailors conducting non-traditional Sailor missions.
"I am humbled by the focus and commitment I see in our Sailors day in and day out," Foresman said. "The Sailors assigned to NECC continue to answer the call of our service and nation around the globe every day. I thank them and there families for their service and sacrifices."
For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/necc.
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