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MCPON Testifies Before Subcommittee On Military Personnel

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090722-14
Release Date: 7/22/2009 1:14:00 PM

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

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) testified July 22 before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel and was asked about the current status of programs affecting military families.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West appeared with senior enlisted leaders from the Marine Corps, Army and Air Force in the two-hour hearing. He told the committee that he has found during his career that operational readiness is often directly affected by family readiness.

"Our family members, those men, women and children who support our Sailors, are both brave and strong. They are resilient and resourceful, and without a doubt, they are every bit as dedicated and patriotic as those of us that wear the cloth of this great nation. They, more than anyone, fully understand, that when their loved ones cross the brow of a Navy ship or deploy with one of our many units or squadrons, they become mom and dad, auto mechanic, handyman and financial manager."

West emphasized his belief that the Navy is doing well in support of families but that communication from within the Navy needs to improve. He said specific focus needs to be on family members who depart fleet concentration areas when their Sailors deploy, distancing themselves from the traditional means of Navy support.

West said he considers it his responsibility, along with other policy makers in the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill, to ensure Navy families are well taken care of.

"It is a function of leadership to ensure our families are given the kind of quality of service they deserve. In doing so, our Sailors have peace of mind and the ability to focus on their jobs knowing their families are safe and secure."

West discussed Navy initiatives regarding on-base child care and the strength of Fleet and Family Support Centers. When referring to the FFSCs, West said that they promote self-reliance, but that doesn't mean the staff is not standing at the ready to assist.

Prior to answering questions from the subcommittee, each senior enlisted leader provided a short opening statement. West concluded his by restating his admiration for the Navy family.

"Our families have learned to live with the anxiety of war and the stress of the military lifestyle. We understand and accept it. But that doesn't mean leadership shouldn't continue to do whatever we can to lessen that stress, for I firmly believe that how we support the families of those we send in harm's way defines us a nation."

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