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Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Nimitz Strike Group

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130731-21
7/31/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), and Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E), visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) July 29.

During the visit Adm. Mark Ferguson and FLTCM April Beldo toured the ship and met with Sailors and Marines assigned to Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 to pass along key messages for the crew.

'Our business is operating forward,' said Ferguson. 'By operating forward we deter aggression, reassure our allies and provide stabilizing presence around the globe.'

Ferguson added that the quality of Sailors in the Navy is better than ever.

'We have the finest personnel in our history,' Ferguson said. '[We have] the highest quality, the smartest, most physically fit, healthiest force. The teamwork and proficiency that you display enhances the combat power of our Navy.'

Ferguson assured the crew was that it is a priority for the Navy to provide forward-deployed units the best support available.

'Your ability to accomplish the mission matters to us,' said Ferguson. 'Know that your leadership is doing everything we can to keep our forces ready and able to respond when called upon.'

Ferguson concluded by discussing the problems of sexual assault and suicide within the Navy and Marine Corps.

'It's incumbent upon us to take care of each other when we're forward deployed, but also when we're at home,' said Ferguson. 'Taking care of one another, acting responsibly and creating a safe, professional work environment is a mission that each of us has to take on board and execute.'

Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.