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MCPON Testifies Before Congressional Subcommittee

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090204-03
Release Date: 2/4/2009 1:28:00 PM

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick West testified before Congress Feb. 4, in his first appearance before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies.

The committee oversees all military construction projects, quality of life and veterans affairs-related matters.

West appeared with the other senior enlisted leaders from the Marines, Army and Air Force in the two-hour hearing, discussing the tone of the force, family readiness and other major quality of life issues.

"On December twelfth, the day I took this job," said West, "I told our men and women that nothing would be more important to me than providing them avenues to succeed as Sailors and as Americans. I view this time with you as an unparalleled opportunity to speak on their behalf and uphold the promise I made to them."

West discussed some of the non-traditional taskings the Navy has grown accustomed to over the last several years, but made a point to remind the subcommittee members of the service's traditional maritime responsibilities.

"More than seventy-five thousand active duty and Reserve Sailors have taken the fight to the enemy as individual augmentees. Triple that number man our ships at sea operating on and below the oceans, in the air or boots on ground as we prosecute the global war on terror."

West referenced recent visits to Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and Navy medical centers when he discussed the obligation to Sailors wounded in battle. He said that the sacrifices they've made are recognized by the country they sacrificed so much to protect, and that the dedication to them and their families must never fade.

"As some of these Sailors return to their families they present us with a serious national responsibility. As a Navy, and through your leadership, we are continually improving the support and care we provide our wounded warriors. Our commitment to those heroes and their families will never waiver."

Other issues brought before the congressional subcommittee included the Navy's Homeport Ashore program, which takes Sailors off of ships and into bachelor quarters ashore. West said that of all the items on his radar right now, Homeport Ashore is one of the most important. He said that despite consistent progress, just under 10,000 Sailors still live on board ships and that number needs to decrease.

The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy usually testifies annually before Congress along with the senior enlisted leaders of the other services. This was his first appearance before the congressional committee.

Remarks and written testimony will be available at www.navy.mil/navydata/leadership/ldrDisplay.asp?m=497.

For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.