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MCPON Wraps up Northwest Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100313-02
Release Date: 3/13/2010 6:28:00 PM

By Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- The 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy(MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West visited the Pacific Northwest March 8 to 12 to meet with Sailors from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Naval Station Everett and Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor.

"The Pacific Northwest Sailors are very crucial to our Navy's operational readiness," said West. "When you look up here and see all the platforms that are here and all of the Sailors that are stationed in the area and what they do on a daily basis, whether they are deployed or locally conducting operations, it's a very important part of our Navy here in this corner of the United States."

West conducted all-hands calls at NASWI and Naval Station Everett where he answered questions about uniforms, family readiness and stressed the importance of communication.

"He's very positive, and he definitely wanted to get the message out to all the Sailors about what's important, like warfare devices for all hands, for example," said Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 Command Master Chief (SW) Don Famellos. "His overall demeanor and the way he asks where the Sailors are from shows he cares about the Sailors; he's a good people person and seems to be able to find out what's important to each one."

During his five-day visit West also toured the Ohio-class submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), attended the Regional Ombudsman Assembly and met with Fleet and Family Support Center representatives where the ombudsman and exceptional family member (EFM) programs were key topics.

"There was some information that came out about trying to beef up the exceptional family member program," said Peter Harris, NAS Whidbey Island Fleet and Family Support Center work and family life supervisor. "He talked about possible changes to strengthen that program and the ability to get the information needed for the families to care for their EFM children or spouses when they move into a new area."

West said he enjoys visiting the Northwest region and commends the Sailors here for their hard work in supporting the Navy's mission.

"For the Sailors in the Pacific Northwest, I have a message for you. Keep working hard; you're doing a wonderful job up here. You're executing the mission, and you're forward-deployed. I love coming up here because I love the enthusiasm of the Pacific Northwest Sailors," said West.