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MCPON West Visits Naples, Begins European Trip

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101021-18
10/21/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Marc Rockwell-Pate, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) traveled to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, for the first time in his career Oct. 20 to interact with service members and tour installation facilities.

During his three-day visit in Naples from Oct. 20-22, MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West plans to hold an all-hands call and meet Sailors face-to-face.

West's visit to Naples signifies the start of a 10-day trip to installations throughout the European theater.

Having only been in country for 30 minutes, West started his NSA Naples visit by making a stop at a luncheon to surprise and congratulate more than 40 Sailors who were being recognized as Sailor of the Quarter winners from various area commands.

"I was shocked to see him there," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Jose Castillo. "I knew he just got off the plane because he was still in civilian clothes. That showed me that he really cares about the Sailors and speaks volume to the type of person he is."

West joined Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Africa Fleet Master Chief (FLTCM) (SW/AW/NAC) Brad LeVault for his morning radio show, "Master Chief in the Morning," at the local American Forces Network station Oct. 21. During his time on the air, West talked about key Navy issues and talked about the purpose of his trip to Naples.

"I came here to see what Sailors are up to," said West. "I want to see the facilities here in Naples and visit with Sailors so I can hear their concerns and take them back to the CNO (chief of naval operations)."

Later that same morning, West hosted an all-hands call for more than 250 area service members, civilians and local nationals at the base theater. West spoke about various topics such as alcohol related incidents and sexual assault, as well as the impact of social media and perform to serve (PTS).

"The Navy is manned with some great Sailors right now," said West. "We have great retention and continue to enlist the brightest our country has to offer. On top of that, so many of our Sailors are embracing PTS and are willingly changing their rates and continuing to serve in the Navy. That's the goal of PTS, to keep the best and the brightest in the Navy, and if necessary, put them in areas where we are currently undermanned."

West will depart Naples Oct. 23, traveling to NSA Souda Bay, Greece; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily; and Supreme Headquarters Allies Powers Europe in Casteau, Belgium, during the course of seven days before returning to Washington, D.C.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.