Chief of Naval Operations Visits Iwo Jima ESG
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS081222-17
Release Date: 12/22/2008 4:06:00 PM
From Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West visited ships from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to meet deployed Sailors and Marines Dec. 19.
The visit included stops to most of the ships that comprise the Iwo Jima ESG, including amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50).
"I'm here today to visit with our Sailors and Marines, and to talk about the types of things they are doing and about the issues that are important to them," said Roughead. "Then I take back that information to Washington, and it allows me to make better decisions and formulate better policies."
The CNO met Sailors and Marines during All Hands calls on each ship, and explained to them his vision for the Navy and what he expects of them. He then took time to answer some of their questions.
"It's not every day that the CNO visits your ship," said Carter Hall's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jeffrey Sinclair. "The crew's excitement for this visit has been building over the last few weeks. Every day we read about the Navy's policies and initiatives. This visit gives the Sailors the chance to meet the man who is responsible for leading their Navy."
West also took time to introduce himself as the recently promoted MCPON, and to thank the Sailors and Marines for putting forth such diligent and efficient work.
"When I stand in front of you I know our Navy and our Marine Corps are sound," West said. "I look in your eyes and I see that you're ready to roll and that motivates me. I've only been in this seat for three days and I thought it was important to get myself out here and see all of you; you're all working hard and I appreciate that every day."
The CNO and MCPON also directly addressed questions from Sailors regarding a wide variety of topics.
"It's a good opportunity to meet Adm. Roughead," said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) Stephen Biggie, assigned to San Antonio. "They are really busy traveling, but how often do you get to see them in person and get to ask them questions? It makes a big difference for the crew's morale for those two to come out to the ship and take time out from their schedule."
Roughead also took the time to reward a few of San Antonio's Sailors with their Enlisted Surface Warfare pins.
"It was a distinct honor to have my warfare pin awarded to me by the CNO," said Yeoman 2nd Class (SW) Lucien Gauthier. "I never would have imagined this happening to me in the two years of my being in the Navy."
Roughead said it was great to meet with young Sailors and Marines deployed to 5th Fleet.
"Being on the ships today was inspirational and my high point was to talk with the Sailors and Marines," said Roughead. "The ships look great and have wonderful young men and woman who serve far, far from home so they can be part of a force for peace, stability and prosperity."
The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations (MSO). MSO helps develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.
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