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Secretary Mabus Tours Nimitz, Praises Critical Work of Sailors in the Pacific

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090828-11
Release Date: 8/28/2009 11:37:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) visited Tokyo and Yokosuka Aug. 26-27 to meet with Sailors, U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) leadership, and senior Japanese and American government officials.

Ray Mabus, SECNAV toured the flight deck, engineering and other spaces aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) before conducting an all hands call with Sailors stationed in ships and shore stations throughout Yokosuka. He explained to the Sailors why these visits are so important to him.

"I'm trying to see as many ships as I possibly can because I get to talk to Sailors that way," Mabus said. "I get to understand what they do. I get to understand what the ship does."

The secretary stressed that the work that is being done in Yokosuka, aboard forward deployed ships and by Sailors and Marines all over the Pacific, is critical to the security of the United States and partner nations.

"I think it's important for the people doing the work to know that leadership understands the work being done is hard, it's hot, it's sometimes dangerous. They should also know that they are appreciated, and that their work is not only valuable, but it's noticed and recognized," Mabus said.

Additionally while in Tokyo and Yokosuka, SECNAV met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Motoji Yabunaka, Japanese Vice Minister of Defense Mr. Kimito Nakae, and City of Yokouska Mayor Yuto Yoshida, as well as JMSDF leadership.

This is the secretary's first trip to Japan since taking office in May 2009. Prior to this visit, he stopped in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan to meet with military leadership, Sailors, Marines and senior government officials, as well as familiarize himself with Department of the Navy assets. Korea will be his last stop on his two-week tour of the Pacific.

For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/secnav.