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Chief of Naval Personnel Visits USS San Jacinto

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161031-26
Release Date: 10/31/2016 2:27:00 PM

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert J. Baldock, Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert Burke, and Master Chief Petty Officer April Beldo visited guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) to discuss fleet feedback regarding recent changes to the enlisted rating modernization plan and the Sailor 2025 initiative, Oct. 30.

"We have all heard of the recent changes to our enlisted Sailors and the elimination of ratings from our Navy," Burke said during an all-hands call with junior enlisted personnel on the ship's flight deck, "but I want to express the Navy is not trying to strip you of the heritage and tradition of your respective communities. We are trying to help you expand your careers and gain even more training and proficiencies."

Burke and Beldo also met with San Jacinto's Chiefs Mess to discuss leadership and the new blended retirement system.

"The blended retirement system may not affect most of you in this room, but I am entrusting you to inform your junior Sailors on the benefits and when it is not best for the Sailor to sign up," Beldo said. "Once a Sailor makes the decision to participate in the program, you can't switch back."

The visit concluded with Burke visiting the wardroom to discuss possible future policy changes and a more family-friendly Navy plan.

"Serving your country in the military should not have a negative effect on Sailors and their families," Burke said. "That is why we are working on programs to improve stability and work-life balance, such as expanding hours at child development centers, maternity leave, and pursuing fertility treatment options."

San Jacinto, deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Ike CSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-10, aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), embarked squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, San Jacinto and USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87), and USS Nitze (DDG 94).